Barney Miller: The Complete Series [DVD]

Anyone who is a fan of this classic TV show shouldn't hesitate to purchase this DVD collection. No matter what the video and audio quality grades are that one may assign this item, it doesn't change the fact that it is very unlikely that another `digitally enhanced' or `high definition' version of this series will ever be released. Most distributors and studios are decreasing the amount of physical videos made each year as they turn their attention to streaming internet content. The bottom line is this is a solid DVD collection and should satisfy fans of this outstanding comedy series. [ Note the special features include a couple of good retrospective documentaries and season 1 of the spin-off `Fish' (which is below average, but will appeal to viewers seeking family-friendly entertainment). ]TECHNICAL GRADES:Season 1: This season needs substantial remastering as the video goes back and forth between levels of clarity.[ Video: D+; Audio: C ]Seasons 2-3: These two seasons surprisingly have the best video quality in this set. Clarity does vary episode to episode, however. [ Video: B; Audio: B ]Season 4: Uneven clarity all season long. [ Video: C-; Audio: C ]Seasons 5-6, 8: These seasons have consistent video quality, except for occasional tint issues.[ Video: B-; Audio: B- ]Season 7: While it has decent video quality, the audio experiences some inconsistencies on a few episodes.[ Video: B-; Audio: C+ ]SERIES REVIEW:Season 1-3: The first three seasons are really the glory period for this show. Sgt. Chano's energy was an underrated component and it is a shame the producers were not able to keep actor Gregory Sierra on the show. It is no accident that the best episode of `Barney Miller' called "The Hero" features Chano. The original cast chemistry was wonderful and sadly never equaled in the latter seasons.Season 4: The show is clearly in transition as the same running gags are found on episode after episode. Also, the departures of actors Abe Vigoda and Gregory Sierra are painfully noticeable as Steve Landesberg and Ron Carey's characters are not able to hold their own this season. It wasn't a good idea to have three droll and dry witted characters on at the same time (namely Yemana, Dietrich & Levitt). One of the lesser seasons to be sure.Season 5: The series returns to top form as social issues are tackled in frank yet humorous manner. Actor Ron Glass is given more to do and he rises to the task. Sgt. Dietrich loses his stoic posture and reveals that he is quite the passionate progressive. After seasons 3 & 4, one is happy to see actor Steve Landesberg passionate about anything! The last great season of this show.Season 6: Another solid season that is memorable for giving Officer Levitt finally something more to do than suck up to everyone. Unfortunately, the worst `Barney Miller' episode ("Uniform Days") appears this season. Sgt. Harris crosses the line with Barney in a manner that is neither humorous nor realistic. However that episode, for better or worse, begins a two season long story arch that takes Harris to some dark places. Actor Hal Linden is terrific in the season finale, "Fog."Season 7: A mean spirited tone permeates throughout the worst season of `Barney Miller.' This declaration doesn't change the fact that it is still good overall - just simply the least of the eight seasons. A real surprise that two of the best episodes this season feature Officer Levitt (namely "Field Associate" & "Stormy Weather"). Oddly, actors Max Gail and Steve Landesberg have diminished roles as Ron Glass and Ron Carey are frequently center stage this season. This is probably due to the writers' challenge of creating stories in what is essentially a two-set sitcom. Wojo was featured often in seasons 1 through 5, while Dietrich was featured often in seasons 4 through 6. So, in the writers' minds, Harris and Levitt were obviously viewed as characters ripe for exploration.Season 8: This season is a fitting close to a great show that was able to mix satire, farce and social commentary into an endearing dish of comedy. While Hal Linden playing the straight man to his wacky associates goes unnoticed at times throughout eight seasons, it must be said that this show wouldn't have worked without him. From seasons 5 to 8, it is incredible the number of the same supporting actors that appear in multiple episodes. The producers apparently used the same veteran actors they could rely on that didn't mind the long shooting schedules. Season 8 does try to return the show to its roots by focusing more on adventures at the precinct and less on the detectives' personal lives. (See "Examination Day" & "The Clown" for episodes reminiscent of the early seasons.) This back-to-basics approach is a welcome change after the much darker season 7.TOP 10 EPISODES:1) "The Hero" [Season 1, episode 13]2) "The Architect" [Season 6, episode 124]3) "The Harris Incident" [Season 5, episode 90]4) "Rain" [Season 2, episode 24]5) "The Escape Artist" [Season 1, episode 11]6) "Quo Vadis" [Season 4, episode 76]7) "The Stakeout" [Season 1, episode 6]8) "The Search" [Season 5, episode 83]9) "Strike, parts I & II" [Season 3, episodes 56 & 57]10) "The Vandal" [Season 5, episode 89]MORE MEMORABLE EPISODES:"Experience" [Season 1, episode 2]"Happy New Year" [Season 2, episode 28]"Quarantine, parts I & II" [Season 3, episodes 37 & 38]"Hash" [Season 3, episode 46]"The Rand Report" [Season 3, episode 49]"Bugs" [Season 4, episode 60]"Vacation" [Season 6, episode 107]"Fog" [Season 6, episode 126]"Stormy Weather" [Season 7, episode 138]"Examination Day" [Season 8, episode 157]"The Clown" [Season 8, episode 158]

I loved Barney Miller back in the day and really enjoying the DVDs. Since most of the action takes place in the office it is like a short stage play

This is really good if you liked it in the 70s you will love

Good deal

I have the first season on dvd, I never saw the second on third seasons in the store, but after a bunch of shows that I have already bought started showing up in comlete sets, I assumed this one would too, so I waited. It looks like a good thing that I did. I loved Barney Miller back when I would watch it after school or in reruns. I don't remember much of when I saw it in first run since I was a bit young at the time, but I remember laughing at it. As I got older i started to appreciate the more subtle nuances of the show. You actually care about these characters. Everyone had a life outside of the precinct, and when they'd come together, we'd hear about it, some shows always seem as if the characters have no life unless they are in front of the camera, in this show everyone had their own little backstory and story arch. Harris wanted to be writer, Wojo couldn't pass the exam he needed to be promoted, Barney seemed like he had a lot of pressures both from home and from higher ups, but everyone seemed to genuinley care about each other. It seemed very close to a real job, and how real people acted. Though they had quite a few cast changes, all contributed greatly to the success and humor of the show. Plus, to be able to get Fish in the same collection is a plus, and considering how many seasons this had (plus fish) the price is more than reasonable. Like others have said, I will just give my older copy to someone else who might want it. I don't remember it being very pricy at the time. So no big loss. Besides I am starting to like the idea of how they are boxing seasons now. it takes up less room on the shelf. and I have quite a collection now. So I will definitely be making room for this one...and if anyone is upset about how this show was released, contact the company that put out the original series and ask them what the hell was their problem. but don't just point your animosity at a new company and a newer release, that's just trying to make up for the mistakes of the original company. I think if a company begins to release a series they should release the whole series. But that will never happen cause the studios are all about the money, even when they have a classic quality show, they'd rather release trash if it brings in the dough. So don't blame shout factory or criticise this release. Otherwise companies may decide just not to release certain series at all.update, the packaging is great, a strong sturdy slip cover, booklet and regular sized dvd cases (holding six discs each, except seasons 1 & 2 because of the short first season only has five discs) There are two seasons to a case, and season one is mislabled. they had nine episodes on disc one but only four on disc two, this could be due to the fact that they probably just copied what was out there already, and then continued on where the studio stopped before...I assume they weren't releasing anymore) The booklet is nice and has a small intro with little notes on each episode. the packaging is great, and for the most part it looks great too (probably as good as you can expect a series of it's age to look..if not a bit better). I thoroughly enjoy this show and highly recommend it. One thing I don't understand though, is if they are going to include fish, to give this a more complete feel, then why not release both seasons? There were only two seasons of Fish, so why tease us by giving us season one and not two? It makes the complete collection feel a little less complete. but my review is based on the Barney Miller part, and not the fish part lol since it's more or less an extra. Upon reading the episode guide of Barney Miller I do not see any reference to an episode where the sweathogs showed up in the squad room. I swear I saw that episode in first run? did anyone else see that? or am I crazy?