Customer Reviews

The West Wing: The Complete Seasons 1-2 [Import]

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The DVD version of this series is dangerous because the story arch is so compelling you'll find yourself sitting and watching episode after episode unable to stop just to see what happens next. If you've already seen the shows you'll watch them in great anticipation of those dynamic character moments contained in each episode (Yo-Yo Ma at the White House, sparing between the Bartletts, the moment when Donna learns of the President's medical condition). It's incredibly enjoyable to spend time with these characters and Mr. Sorkin's writing tickles us and touches our hearts such that we're reluctant to leave this amazing world and these equally amazing people who populate it.

The unfortunate part of the DVD package is the extras. The commentaries are just plain awful. They are stilted, awkward and boring, offering very little insight into the making of the show, backstage with the actors or any technical information - or what we're all hoping for -- some real gossip. In the published scripts of the show, Mr. Sorkin has written introductions which provide fascinating anecdotes about what was going on around the construction of the script and/or what was the inspiration for the story. That doesn't happen on the DVD. The outtakes or gag reel is short and not very satisfying. And where are the taped interviews with the actors and show's creators? I wonder if the departure from West Wing by Mr. Sorkin and Mr. Schlamme (which seemed to happen not be their choice) has created a situation in which pulling together some meaningful documentary regarding this significant television drama undoable.

Buy the DVDs to watch the episodes over and over (and you will, I'm sure). Buy the published scripts for the real "behind the scenes" stuff that adds a bit of color and depth to an already deeply colorful and moving television show.