This set contains every episode from the original British version of The Office, the Ricky Gervais series that has since been retooled for numerous countries around the world.
The original UK "Office" holds up well, and the 10th anniversary set is a real bargain at $10. New extras help put the show into "historical" perspective. It's always fun to hear more from Gervais, so these bits really are a bonus. Same picture quality as before, so you may not want to upgrade if the 12 episodes and Christmas special are what interest you.
Director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) directs this critically acclaimed period medical drama about Dr. John Thackery (Clive Owen), opium addict and gifted surgeon in resident at New York's notorious Knickerbocker Hospital, and his bloody exploits with his assistant Dr. Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland). This complete collection of the first season's episodes include "Method and Madness," "Mr. Paris Shoes," "The Busy Flea," "Where's the Dignity," and more.
It's hard to keep up with all the quality TV shows at our disposal, but I recommend "The Knick" for anyone interested in gripping, sometimes disturbing drama. Clive Owen is perfect in the leading role, one that far surpasses any big screen part he's had in quite a while. The Blu-ray is worth an upgrade; I'm passing along the DVD version to a friend.
The British series Mr. Selfridge stars Jeremy Piven as the title character, an ambitious, high-energy businessman who creates a hugely successful department store in early 20th century London.
I took a chance on "Mr. Selfridge" when I spotted the season one box set in a $10 bin at Best Buy. The story is very addictive and the acting quite strong throughout, but it's the scenic and costume designs that really grab your attention. I'll definitely add the subsequent seasons to my wish list.
The first season of this police procedural drama follows the men and women of the Chicago Police Department, led by Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), who was first introduced in Season 1 of sister series "Chicago Fire." Serving with him are: Det. Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda); patrol officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins); Det. Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush); Det. Sheldon Jin (Archie Kao); Det. Alvin Olinksy (Elias Koteas); Det. Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer); and patrol officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati). As the team go after a Colombian drug cartel that's linked to a series of brutal slayings, rookie officer Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) joins the team fresh from the police academy. The season includes a crossover episode with "Chicago Fire."
The characters in "Chicago P.D." aren't as appealing as those in "Chicago Fire," but the focus on crime over sudsy side stories makes it a nice change of pace. The first season is good, but the content improves considerably in year two.
"Downton Abbey" ends its run in fine style that sure to please its most loyal fans. Production values are top-notch and even the DVD version looks classy. I'll upgrade to Blu-ray once the price comes down a bit.
Pierce Brosnan (Remington Steele) stars as suave super-spy James Bond in this four-film collection including GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.
The Pierce Brosnan Bonds were never my favorites, but they do look and sound impressively better in this bargain-priced Blu-ray set. All the extras from the earlier 2-DVD releases are included, so at less than $4 a movie, you really can't go wrong if you don't own the quartet in hi-def.
This release captures all 23 episodes from the first season of the hit DC Comics adaptation following the fast-paced adventures of The Flash, the speedy alter ego of Central City crime scene investigator Barry Allen. The first season traces the origin story of the world's fastest man, who gains his powers after an advanced particle accelerator malfunctions and blankets the city in a mysterious form of radiation. Barry is blessed with superhuman speed thanks to his exposure to the radiation, but he isn't the only one with newfound powers. Although "The Flash" dedicates himself to fighting crime, many of Barry's fellow "metahumans" are on the other side of the law and determined to use their powers to terrorize the citizens of Central City. Keeping the city safe is a big job, but Barry also makes time to investigate his mother's murder, a crime which happened 14 years earlier and resulted in the wrongful conviction of his father.
I still don't enjoy this show as much as "Gotham" or "Arrow," but it's a lot more involving when watched on Blu-ray. I tried it on DVD and never got into it, but the second time around proved the charm. The lead guy is a bit goofy, but I suppose that fits the character's profile.
This release features the complete third season of the CW superhero series Arrow following billionaire Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), a vigilante archer, dedicated to ending the corruption and crime that plagues the streets of Starling City.
After the season two letdown, "Arrow" bounces back with a strong outing. Nice balance of action and melodrama and plenty of visual splendor make it especially nice on Blu-ray. Extras could be better, but the show itself more than satisfies.
Here's another short-lived TV series that was perhaps a bit too polished and subtle for its own good. Much better than attempts to revive the franchise on the big screen, it holds its own visually and aurally on this bargain bin Blu-ray (just $9.99 when I bought it). You really can't go wrong with this purchase.
"Gotham" is a slow-burning, engrossing backstory to the Batman story that begins with Bruce Wayne as a child. The focus is on 35-year old James Gordon, nicely played by Ben McKenzie. Among his nemeses are mobsters and newly-hatched villains like the Penguin and a very young Cat Woman. The visuals are gorgeous and the writing is literate if not exactly brilliant. Well cast from top to bottom & very entertaining.