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The touchstone TV series for baby boomers--and TV watchers of the '80s--thirtysomething shows its deep intelligence afresh in this splendid boxed set, featuring every episode of the first season (which debuted in 1987) and so much more.In cultural terms, it's hard to overstate the impact of thirtysomething, which focused on an ensemble of friends, some married, some single, some successful, some struggling--dealing with the aftermath of the '60s ethos, what it meant to balance family and career, and how to reinvent marriage (or to even consider marriage) in the wake of the women's movement. No small task. But thirtysomething was, and is, up to the challenge. First, even above its stellar cast, is the smart, savvy writing that so distinguished the series when it was on the air. Creators Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz wrote many of thirtysomething's episodes, including the pilot, which laid out the complex relationships and feelings of the cast members.
And what a cast! Hope and Michael (the dreamily gorgeous Mel Harris and effortlessly handsome Ken Olin) look the perfect couple, and in many ways are, but doubts, temptations, resentments, and other, very real, feelings creep into even their relationship. Nancy and Elliott (Patricia Wettig and Timothy Busfield), meanwhile, are on the brink of breaking up. The singles include dreamer Gary (Peter Horton), ambitious career gal Ellyn (dusky-voiced Polly Draper), and whacky photographer Melissa (Melanie Mayron). The comings and goings of these well-conceived characters would have made for a plenty-compelling series, but Zwick and Herskovitz upped the ante by having them talk about their innermost feelings--yes, even the guys. And that's what makes thirtysomething ring so true--even more than 20 years after its debut.
The boxed set is a treasure trove, including a handsome booklet with a great essay by Zwick and Herskovitz, looking back at the phenomenon they created when they were just 34 themselves. Each episode, and its trivia and awards, are also lovingly detailed. And for completists, the original music accompanies every episode. Onscreen commentaries by Busfield, Harris, Mayron, Zwick, Herskovitz, and writers Joseph Dougherty, Richard Kramer, and others are sprinkled throughout the episodes. There are features on the making of the series; of an inspiring conversation between Kerskovitz and Zwick, taking the viewer instantly back to the days of yuppies, acid-washed jeans, Esprit, "juggling" moms; on the couples and singles in the series; on the writers (who include Paul Haggis, who would go on to write, direct, and win an Oscar for Best Picture for Crash); on the directors; and last but definitely not least, on the cultural impact of thirtysomething. Which, judging from a fresh viewing of the first season, isn't over by a long shot, bucko. --A.T. Hurley
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thirtysomething,
This review is from: Thirtysomething S1 (DVD)
Finally I found the show I watched all through the 80's. I was so disappointed when it went off the air, but it was getting a bit tedious, however, the series was very well done, taking you through the journeys of the characters lives, they were all varied enough that you could relate to what at least one of them was going through at the time.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.6 out of 5 stars (105 customer reviews) 124 of 130 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Original Soundtrack Intact,
By IVE - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Thirtysomething S1 (DVD)
The L.A. Times has reported that all music rights have apparently cleared, which means that the dvd of this landmark series, unlike Northern Exposure, will retain the spirit of the original with its original soundtrack intact. Other pluses are the creation of a new master copy (ensuring excellent visual quality) and extensive bonus features, including commentary and interviews. Each subsequent season will be released at six month intervals. All great news for fans who have patiently awaited this release for almost 20 years.
70 of 73 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Looks like they're doing it right,
By Beth L. Oshiki "steller" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Thirtysomething S1 (DVD)
This show changed the way I watch television. I began taping episodes when I realized that the shows tie together almost like an enormous miniseries, and the quality is so dense that the episodes deserve many repeat viewings, like good movies do. "thirtysomething" deserves a high-quality DVD format, and it has always been puzzling to fans that this astoundingly no-brainer fact has not motivated a DVD release until now. I'll be snapping up my copy as soon as it is released, and I expect that it will be worth every penny. I wanted to learn more details about the special features included, so, thanks to a tip from another reviewer, I looked up the L A Times April 29, 2009 article "The years roll back--we're thirtysomething again" for more information. Here are some essential factoids gleaned from the article that Amazon has not yet posted:The Season 1 DVD set will include interviews and commentaries by cast members Ken Olin (Michael), Mel Harris (Hope), Timothy Busfield (Elliot), Patricia Wettig (Nancy), Melanie Mayron (Melissa), Peter Horton (Gary), and Polly Draper (Ellyn). Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz did a voice-over commentary for the pilot episode and new interviews. High-definition master copies of the episodes have been created, which will give the DVDs excellent visual quality. Subsequent seasons will be released to DVD at roughly 6-month intervals (4 seasons total). The long agonizing wait for these DVDs has been due in part to clearing the rights to the music (lots of it) used as an integral part of the show, and the need to create master copies that would allow easy transfer to DVD. 59 of 63 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm overjoyed and now where's the reunion episode?,
By Film buff in NY "-A." - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Thirtysomething S1 (DVD)
Twenty years later, and this remains one of my favoite all-time shows. It got a lot of flack at the time for being about a bunch of self-absorbed yuppies, but that was just those who watched for fifteen minutes and saw some character whine about something. In truth, it was a well written, compelling, and poignant series with a top-notch cast that really hit the mark portraying family and friendships and the rocky roads we encounter in this thing called life. I was only in high school and early college when it came out, but now that I'm in my late thirties (yikes!) I have often remembered episodes that touched upon experiences I was having over the years, sometimes funny and sometimes painful. I loved all the characters for different reasons, but I was always drawn to Melissa Steadman, the eternally single, wise-cracking cousin of Michael. Now that I'm married with a baby, I would probably relate just as much to Hope or Nancy. Anyway, I look forward to finding out who strikes me this time around. If only we could get Zwick and Herskowitz to create one last reunion epsiode in a made for TV movie. How cool would it be to see where all our favorite thirtysomethings ended up now that they are in their fifties! Lets start a petition! Anyone on board?
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