Sports Night: The Complete Series – 10th
Anniversary Edition (Shout!
Factory DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: A- Episodes: B-
Sports Night takes the viewer and drops them
right in the center of an “ESPN Sports Center” type show with a cast of likable
characters that together travel through the pitfalls of life while running a
successful sport oriented show.
From
moral dilemmas to fast talking schemers Sports
Night had it all; except ratings. It
is a show that many consider to be a hit series that just never quite captured
the attention of viewers for some unknown reason. The series features constant conflicts
between the cast members on the 2nd rate ESPN type series, as
intelligent topics are brought up and humor is infused throughout, never quite
taking itself serious. Imagine Scrubs with less imagination and if JD
knew anything about sports.
Whereas
this reviewer can’t say it is the best series ever, it does have its slight
moments of greatness that could have been taken further if the series was given
a better chance.
This
being the second release of Sports Night
on DVD the series has had no true upgrade as far as picture and sound, but
extras were definitely pumped up to the max.
The picture is presented in a 1.33 X 1 Full Screen that is adequate at
best with some color and light/dark issues, but is crisp and clean for the most
part. The sound is simple in its Dolby
Digital 2.0 Stereo format as it projects all from the front with little distortion
or compression, but an even less exiting.
The meat
and potatoes of the new release are the extras which include such special
features as all New Interviews with show creator Aaron Sorkin, cast members
Josh Charles, Robert Guillaume, Felicity Huffman, Peter Krause, and Joshua
Malina. The extras also contain a Gag Reel, 8 Cast and Crew Commentaries,
Inside the Locker Room: What Made the Show Work and How it was Done, Looking
Back: A Conversation with Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme, and Face Off:
Sports Center’s employees compare their real-life experiences with the
characters on Sports Night. With
2-Discs of extras and a 32 Page book that describes the series in-depth this
series DVD set is a full out extras-fest.
Nice job from Shout Factory!
Whereas
this reviewer was never a fan of the series originally, it definitely has
understandable charisma and appeal. The
talented cast and gripping story arches make each episode enjoyable as it
delves into the psyche and personal lives of group of individuals that have a
ton to offer. Whereas many series are
struck down in their prime or before they had the chance to give it their all,
it was nice to at least get a taste of greatness.
- Michael P. Dougherty II
