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Quincy, M.E. - Seasons 1 & 2 by Alex March, Alvin Ganzer, Bruce Kessler, Corey Allen, David Moessinger
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DVD detailsActor: Garry Walberg, Jack Klugman, John S. Ragin, Joseph Roman, Robert Ito Director: Alex March, Alvin Ganzer, Bruce Kessler, Corey Allen, David Moessinger Brand: KLUGMAN,JACK DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: Spanish (Unknown); English (Original Language) Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC Picture Format: 1.33:1 Running Time: 900 minutes DVD Release Date: 2005-06-07 Audience Rating: Unrated Studio: NBC/Universal Studios
DVD Reviews of Quincy, M.E. - Seasons 1 & 2DVD Review: Classic "C.S.I." type series before "C.S.I." Summary: 4 Stars
Before "C.S.I.", Quincy was out there almost single handedly solving those hard-to-pin down cases involving foul play. Quincy is a medical examiner (hence the title) and he has to determine cause of death for people particularly if there's an indication of foul play involved.The first two seasons of "Quincy, M.E." starring Jack Klugman finally arrive on DVD. The first season of the series consisted of four 90 minute (actually 70 minute) TV-movies that alternated with "Columbo", "McCloud" and "McMillan" in 1976. The following year Quincy graduated to full series status with 60 minute (45 after commercials) episodes. In 1977 the second season consisted of 13 episodes. So we essentially get 17 episodes of the series spread over three dual sided discs. Packaged in Amaray DVD holders, "Quincy, M.E." is priced to move into boomers homes and solve the ultimate mystery of all-what to watch instead of all the crappy reality shows. A warning for fans is that Universal has had some problems with many of their "Classic TV Shows on DVD". "McCloud" and many other releases have had this problem so watch you're entire set to make sure that you don't have any problems with the DVD.
Like "Baa Baa Black Sheep", "Quincy M.E." actually looks surprisingly good on this DVD transfer. They aren't perfect but I don't think fans are expecting perfection from a series nearly thirty years old. While there's the usual amount of dust and debris that I've come to expect from these releases from Universal, the colors remain vivid and while there's a hint of edge enhancement on these discs, it's nothing too distracting. Skin tones tend to be more orange than pink in these vintage episodes. The image quality looks sharp overall although there are a few episodes where the image softens a bit. As usual stock footage tends to have the most problems as do "establishing shots" used again and again in multiple episodes. The mono sound while not robust sounds pretty good and isn't as tinny as many mono soundtracks. Dialog is clear for the most part throughout the series.
Now on to the extras--What? Are you kidding? This is Universal we're talking about here! It appears that most of the minimal production budget for these DVDs went to making sure these looked as good as was possible given the money available. Still, would it have hurt to include vintage interviews? Aside from the usual suspects (i.e. Universal's previews for other product), there isn't anything to write home about.
I would have given up my scalpel for Klugman's whispering tones on a commentary track or, at the very least, Robert Ito or Val Bisoglio providing background info on the series. What's frustrating is that these actors are getting much older and pretty soon these vintage series will have no one to turn to (outside of a TV or film scholar) to provide commentary tracks. It's like losing pages from an essential volume on history; you may be able to recreate some of the info but it loses the flavor of first hand observation. Come on Universal! Instead of cranking this stuff out, take a bit more time and ask these actors/writer/directors a thing or two about the series!
Maybe Quincy can uncover the reluctant on Universal's part to open up their wallets and put their money where their mouth is. While these are "classic TV shows" they aren't being treated that way. I do appreciate how inexpensive these sets are on the other hand, Warner Home Video manage to include commentary tracks, featurettes on the "Kung Fu" series AND make them look terrific (except for the letterboxing on the first season of the series). Hopefully Universal will look to Warner as an example of how to treat their TV series (they got off to a great start with "Battlestar:Galatica", "Quantum Leap" and "Sliders" but have consistently dropped the ball since then). I am happy to see this stuff released but, honestly Universal, if you won't do them right license them to a company that will!
More Quincy, M.E. - Seasons 1 & 2 reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Description of Quincy, M.E. - Seasons 1 & 2A Los Angeles medical examiner named Quincy, investigates a number suspicious deaths. Genre: Television Rating: NR Release Date: 7-JUN-2005 Media Type: DVD When Jack Klugman played Oscar Madison in television?s "The Odd Couple," it seemed no role could better suit him?until he stepped into the shoes of Dr. Quincy, the stubborn, crusading medical examiner in the trailblazing series (1976-1983) that spawned the medical investigation genre and earned Klugman four Emmy nominations. Immortalized for posterity is this collector?s set of the show?s first two seasons on three two-sided discs containing 16 episodes (four from Season One; 12 from Season Two). Beginning with the first installment, "Go Fight City Hall--To the Death," the series? socially conscious, quick-paced, and mostly believable storylines are an engaging blend of mystery, sleuthing, sarcasm, and romance stirred together into an action-packed drama. Each episode, such as the award-winning show, "The Thigh Bone?s Connected to the Knee Bone," probes contemporary issues and promotes justice while maintaining a healthy dose of humor. A strong supporting cast includes Robert Ito (as Quincy?s loyal lab assistant, Sam) and John S. Ragin (as skeptical boss, Dr. Asten). Jamie Lee Curtis makes a cameo appearance in "Visitors in Paradise," while additional celebrity guests include Buddy Hackett, Donna Mills, Kim Cattrall, and June Lockhart. The picture and sound quality are solid and each story begins with a short onscreen synopsis and original airdate. The only deficit in an otherwise stellar effort is the noticeable lack of bonus material such as vintage interviews, a making-of featurette, or a well-deserved tribute to Klugman. (Ages 12 and older) --Lynn Gibson
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