ER - The Complete Second Season (DVD)

Watching this season takes me way back in time when I actually had time to watch drama television when it aired, but now with the opportunity to watch television in DVD format there is really no reason to even worry if you miss an episode, or a whole season for that matter knowing that you can always pick up the entire thing commercial free on DVD for a reasonable price.

There is no denying that "ER" is either the best, or one of the best television shows of all time, and I consider it the benchmark to which all new drama shows must meet or attempt to overcome and, with that being said, I believe Season 2 of "ER" is a prime example of what excellent television is all about.

Before the market was flooded with tons of dramatic television shows in 1995 and 1996 "ER" reigned supreme and still does, but I honestly think that Season 2 was when the show really solidified itself, especially with the Emmy-winning episode "Hell and High Water", which really showed the potential television had to move you if they just cared enough to do so.

With the "ER" Season 2 DVDs you are going to get all 22 episodes from the season along with audio-commentary on two episodes, two "making-of" featurettes, deleted scenes and a gag reel.

The first thing I love about these TV on DVD series are the fact that many are now being presented in widescreen format, which gives you a view of the show that you weren't even able to see when it was on TV, and of course the obvious reason being that it is now commercial free.

While the show itself impresses the hell out of me, the special features, however, did not. I really wasn't that impressed with the commentary, which is normal for me and TV DVDs, and as far as the deleted scenes go, it isn't like a television series is like a movie where you can go back and see where the scenes would have fit in. With a television show there is just too much programming to really memorize exactly where the scene would fit into the season, making them a bit unnecessary, and the same goes for the short gag reel, which is altogether unimpressive.

What is worth a look though are the two featurettes. The first being a behind-the-scenes look at creating the Emmy-winning episode "Hell and High Water" and the second being a directorial profile of the directors of "ER" and what it takes to be in the director's shoes. Both these features are certainly worth the view as they are actually much more realistic answers to questions audience members may have.

So after all my jibber-jabber I am sure you realize I think this is an excellent buy, and the great thing about these sets is that for those of you that became "ER" fans after the first few seasons this gives you a chance to go back and see how it all started, not to mention, many of you will be going back for the Clooney factor to see the man in action prior to his feature film career.