By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
December 10, 2004
No matter how many television series are available in syndication, there are some shows you just want to have on DVD to watch any time you please. Some (“Nip/Tuck”) are new. Others, like “The Simpsons,” have been around a while. And then there are faves that have bid farewell (“Friends”).
I’ve compiled a list of television shows that are DVD must-haves, whether for yourself or for that perfect holiday gift.
Alias — The Complete Third Season (Buena Vista Home Video, $69.99): Before the series moves to its new night on Wednesdays next month, catch up on your favorite spy grrrl. All the Rambaldi ramblings were a little too Da Vinci Code for my taste, but the hinky relationship between Sydney, Vaughn and his wife Lauren is pure perfection. The bloopers are OK, but the animated short “Tribunal” is a must-see that gives a peek at what Syd was up to during the two years she can’t remember.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer — The Complete Seventh Season (Twentieth Century Fox Home Video, $59.98): The series finale was anticlimactic, but this final season is well worth owning. “Buffy” was as much about female empowerment as it was what everyday people can do in extraordinary situations. Watch it in its purest form, sans actor/director commentary, which adds nothing.
Smallville — The Complete Third Season (Warner Home Video, $59.99): If you can splurge, get this in conjunction with the second season (also $59.99). The first season did a wonderful job in setting up what Clark Kent was like as a teen. But it’s the last two seasons that help flesh out his flaws. Look for the hilarious Easter egg with Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luther).
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — The Fifth Year (Umvd, $49.99): Until there’s a designated “Law & Order” channel that runs 24/7, I’ll keep collecting this show on DVD. I’m still waiting for seasons two, three and four to make it into our collections, though. Fans of “Law & Order” will recognize the new assistant district attorney, portrayed by Diane Neal, once played a defendant on the series.
Friends — The Complete Eighth Season (Warner Home Video, $44.98): “Friends” has had its plot ups and downs, but this eighth season is stellar. Monica and Chandler are now married. Rachel’s pregnant, and she’s hesitant to tell anyone Ross is the father. And Brad Pitt makes a guest appearance as a a former high school classmate who co-founded the “We Hate Rachel” club.
Star Trek The Original Series: The Complete Third Season (Paramount Home Video, $129.98): You don’t have to be a Trekkie to enjoy the camp humor in this eight-disc set. William Shatner’s wooden acting is a scream as he commandeers his crew through missions in the 23rd century. You almost expect him to say, “We don’t need no stinkin’ Klingons” at one point. It never happens.
Nip/Tuck: The Complete First Season (Warner Home Video, $59.98): All the reality shows dealing with plastic surgery can’t hold a candle to this clever and sometimes gross series. The five-disc set offers an extended version of the pilot that fleshes out the characters and their motives. I could’ve done without the so-so music video included in the package, but the gag reel is hilarious (and also kinda gross).
Sex and The City: Season Six, Part 1 (HBO Home Video, $49.99): Part 2 (the series finale) won’t be in stores until Dec. 28, but you may relive Part 1 now. Highlights include Carried being dumped by a guy who leaves her a Post-It note, and her frustration with a friend (Tatum O’Neal) who won’t replace her expensive shoes after they’re stolen at the pal’s party. The worst thing about this set (especially for those of us who never saw this show on HBO) is it leaves viewers wanting more. Dec. 28 can’t come fast enough for some of us.
The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season (Twentieth Century Fox, $49.98): This set won’t be in store until Dec. 21, but it’s worth the wait simply for “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet,” which parodies the Beatles. George Harrison makes a cameo. And can anyone guess who Barney’s Japanese artist girlfriend is patterned after? Hmmm. If you need to send a gift out before then, try the fourth season collection (also $49.98), which features Bart and Lisa’s beloved Krusty getting his show canceled.
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Epic Series (Universal Home Video, $54.95): There is no denying the cheese elements of this series, but it’s still a guilty pleasure. Ask any woman of a certain age and she’ll remember having a crush on either Richard Hatch or Dirk Benedict. A very young Rick Springfield has a guest starring role in one episode as Hatch’s baby brother who, um, literally blows up.
