Herb Kane
Screenwriter
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The West Wing – The Complete First Season
Studio: Warner Brothers
Year: 1999-2000
Rated: Not Rated
Film Length: 956 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Standard
Audio: DD Surround
Color/B&W: Color
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
MSRP: $59.98
Package: 5 panel gatefold Digipak with slipcover
The Feature:
With November 18th, on the release horizon, it seems as though every major studio is poised to release a blockbuster and Warner Bros. is no exception with its pending release of The West Wing – The Complete First Season. It promises to be an expensive week…
The West Wing is a fast paced, inside look at the staffers who are responsible for running the prestigious office. The former New Hampshire Governor, Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is President of the United States. He is happily married to First Lady and M.D. Abby Bartlet (played by Stockard Channing). Other cast members are Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), C.J. Cregg (played by Allison Janney), Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff), Leo McGarry (played by John Spencer) and Charlie Young (played by Dulé Hill).
The following episodes are included:
Disc One:
Side: “A”
Episode 1: The Pilot
Directed by Thomas Schlamme – Original Airdate: 9/22/99
Episode 2: Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
Directed by Thomas Schlamme – Original Airdate: 9/29/99
Episode 3: A Proportional Response
Directed by Marc Buckland – Original Airdate: 10/6/99
Episode 4: Five Votes Down
Directed by Michael Lehmann – Original Airdate: 10/13/99
Side: “B”
Episode 5: The Crackpots And These Women
Directed by Anthony Drazan – Original Airdate: 10/20/99
Episode 6: Mr. Willis Of Ohio
Directed by Christopher Misiano – Original Airdate: 11/3/99
Episode 7: The State Dinner
Directed by Thomas Schlamme – Original Airdate: 11/10/99
Episode 8: Enemies
Directed by Alan Taylor – Original Airdate: 11/17/99
Disc Two:
Side: “A”
Episode 9: The Short List
Directed by Bill D’elia – Original Airdate: 11/24/99
Episode 10: In Excelsis Deo
Directed by Alex Graves – Original Airdate: 12/15/99
Episode 11: Lord John Marbury
Directed by Rodney Sullivan – Original Airdate: 1/5/00
Episode 12: He Shall, From Time To Time…
Directed by Arlene Sanford – Original Airdate: 1/12/00
Side: “B”
Episode 13: Take Out The Trash Day
Directed by Ken Olin – Original Airdate: 1/26/00
Episode 14: Take This Sabbath Day
Directed by Thomas Schlamme – Original Airdate: 2/9/00
Episode 15: Celestial Navigation
Directed by Christopher Misiano – Original Airdate: 2/26/00
Episode 16: 20 Hours in L.A.
Directed by Alan Taylor – Original Airdate: 2/23/00
Disc Three:
Side: “A”
Episode 17: The White House Pro-Am
Directed by Ken Olin – Original Airdate: 3/22/00
Episode 18: Six Meetings Before Lunch
Directed by Clark Johnson – Original Airdate: 4/5/00
Episode 19: Let Bartlet Be Bartlet
Directed by Laura Innes – Original Airdate: 4/26/00
Side: “B”
Episode 20: Mandatory Minimums
Directed by Robert Berlinger – Original Airdate: 5/3/00
Episode 21: Lies, Damn Lies And Statistics
Directed by Don Scardino – Original Airdate: 5/10/00
Episode 22: What Kind Of Day Has It Been
Directed by Thomas Schlamme – Original Airdate: 5/17/00
Disc Four:
Side: “A”
Special Features
As for the packaging, The West Wing is contained in a five panel gatefold Digipak with a relatively attractive slipcover case. I say “relatively” because I think they could have done a better job. When compared to some of the other Warner Bros. television to disc sets, this box doesn’t seem to have the same visual allure. Once again, (and similar to the ER set), Warner Bros. has included a nicely detailed 14 page booklet outlining the episodes as well as a brief synopsis about each particular episode.
It’s also worth mentioning that when I opened my set for the review, the discs (although they were securely fastened to their hubs) were in atrocious condition. They were laden with fingerprints, scratches and scuffs to a point where I was concerned if they’d play alright – thankfully, they did. Finally, like other Warner Bros. sets, there is indeed a “play all” option for each disc.
Video:
The show is featured in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. And like other TV sets, all episodes seem to have their own idiosyncrasies. While I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, the video was a little darker – overall, than anticipated. Colors, though nicely saturated, weren’t what I’d describe as vibrant although they did possess a realistic, almost warmer quality about them. Skin tones however looked especially accurate. Black levels were deep and rich and whites were crisp.
Even though there were a great deal of sharply detailed images, the majority of the image is on the slightly soft side. Not to a point of being bothersome, but worthy of mention. Grain was present but a level that couldn’t be any less noticeable. As one would expect for a transfer of elements as new as these, it is blemish free. While I was surfing through many of the episodes, I detected a couple traces of dust or dirt, but it’s hardly worth mentioning.
I was not able to detect any signs of compression issues and only a couple of very slight examples of enhancement.
My only real complaint with the video is the image is slightly softer than what I was expecting… I wasn’t troubled by it per se, but it surely warrants mentioning. For the most part, the video presentation is solid and fans of the show should be pleased.
Audio:
This is an excellent example of a track that might not necessarily be flashy but, it’s certainly solid. This track might be DD Surround but it is primarily an up-front offering.
When the opening theme music starts, there was an incredible sense of formal grandeur with the drums and the beautiful orchestral score. The soundstage seemed to be a wide as it had ever been… it sounded beautiful. I’ve said many times that scoring and music can make or break a movie (or TV show in this case). In the case of The West Wing, I’ve never heard music scored so perfectly to such extent during a television show – it is absolutely brilliant. There are many examples of stringed instruments during various scenes when called upon all of which sound phenomenal and add what’s necessary, when needed. A good example of this can be heard on the episode “In Excelsis Deo” when the Christmas carols are overlapping the funeral scene. Great stuff…!
There is also a hearty side to the track as well which can be heard when large wooden doors, car doors are slammed for example. Dialogue clarity was always exceptional and always intelligible – crystal clear and never a sign of hiss.
I’m afraid the use of surrounds weren’t used to their potential. Not that we’d expect an inordinate amount of information coming from the rears in this series, but there is the occasional scene where surround info could compliment the near perfect track taking place up front.
As I said earlier, this isn’t a flashy audio track and it’s not likely to impress those wanting to see what their theaters are capable of… nor is it supposed to. The DD Surround track supplied is as good (at least up front) as I have ever heard in my HT. Very very nice.
Special Features:
As I expected, there is a healthy array or special features to be explored on The West Wing. First up:
Disc One:
Side “A”
[*] Commentary featuring Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme for “The Pilot”. This is probably the most entertaining and interesting of the commentaries of the set. Discussed is their keen interest of politics but their uncertainty of how to approach filming it as well as their discussion in how they wanted the show “formed” and the direction they wanted to take with it. Also discussed was their feelings toward Warner Bros. and how they believed in the writing and the financial leniency the company afforded them with the building of the most elaborate set ever created for a pilot.
Disc Two:
Side “A”
[*] The next Commentary covers the popular episode, “In Excelsis Deo” featuring Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and director Alex Graves. This is another interesting commentary discussing one of the most popular episodes of the series and the aloof nature of Richard Schiff. Also discussed is the U.S. Park Services refusal to let the crew shoot the episode on the Korean’s War Memorial.
Side “B”
[*] Two other Commentaries can be located on Side B of this disc. The first is from “Take This Sabbath Day” featuring Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme and “Celestial Navigation” which features Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and director Christopher Misiano.
Disc Three:
Side “B”
[*] The final Commentary on the set covers “What Kind Of Day Has It Been” also featuring Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme. All of the commentaries are rather interesting and informative. Rarely is there dead time and the intense Sorkin goes into great detail about how his thoughts and ideas are imparted to the actors – a chemistry which is certainly obvious.
Disc Four:
The remaining special features are located on Side “A” of Disc Four. Side “B” is empty. They are:
[*] The Primaries – Is a discussion with Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, John Wells and many of the cast members who discuss the initial writing of The Pilot Episode. “There are two things in this world you never want to show how they’re made – laws and sausages”…. Great line. Duration: 17:32
[*] The Inauguration – Is a detailed look at the set design and the visual details pertaining to the show. Duration: 29:02
[*] Capital Beat – Is an interview with several members who were used as consultants to the show including Dee Dee Myers. Duration: 8:09
[*] Sheet Music – This is a great, albeit, brief interview with the musical genius behind the show, W.G. Snuffy Walden who discusses how he came up with the theme for the show and the inclusion of the orchestral scoring. Duration: 6:32
[*] Deleted Scenes – Includes four deleted scenes titled, Toby’s Dark Mood, No Touching, Fourteen Words and Call Neil Armstrong.
[*] Gag Order – Is a three minute clip of flubbed lines and scenes including some pranksters which is somewhat funny.
[*] The West Wing Suite – Which appears to be a trailer, although its not indicated as to what its intended for. Duration: 1:53
[*] Off The Record – Is a rather pointless series of clips where (to make a long story short) a few of the cast members are trying to be funny, but aren’t – period. Duration: 3:31
Finally I located an Easter Egg – I won’t tell you where ‘cause I’d hate to spoil your fun… but thank God I found it. This is a remarkable three minute documentary on “Manny” the security guard who watches over the set… honestly -- no seriously… really… I’m not joking. I’m not sure if I’ve ever stated this before, but did I ever mention I really can’t stand Easter Eggs…?
Final Thoughts:
Although I haven’t watched many of the newer episodes, watching these from the original season reminded me of how great this show is. Brilliantly written and scored to perfection, there is a certain chemistry among the actors who deliver one of the finest dramas on television today. As for the show’s future, all we can hope for is a continuing story that is as sustaining as the one in The Complete First Season – only time will tell.
Though the A/V presentation might not be as flashy as some of the recent box sets to surface in the past couple of months, it certainly delivers what its intended to. At the end of the day, I have to remind myself that I have countless motion pictures among my collection that could beg for a presentation that’s equal to this one. That, combined with a healthy offering of special features and an attractive retail price should make fans of the series thrilled indeed.
Highly Recommended…!!
Release Date: November 18th, 2003