Customer Reviews

Deadwood - The Complete First Two Seasons

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here in Oregon, we have a reputable Shakespeare company in Ashland, and my wife and I make annual pilgrimages to see the latest productions.

I mention this autobiographical trivia because I couldn't put my finger on why DEADWOOD seemed so familiar to me. It was not because I've seen westerns before, because DEADWOOD is profoundly different from any western that's ever been made.

And then I realized it: This is the equivalent of modern-day Shakespeare.

Lest the good reader think I am overreaching, let's review DEADWOOD's merits: Layered storylines, exemplary casting and acting, pathos and comedy, gritty realism... but most importantly, the language, my God, the LANGUAGE!

Much has been made of DEADWOOD's incredibly salty lingo, but I think discourses on the show's profanity unfairly overshadow the fact that the lines these characters deliver are pure gold. In Deadwood, conversations are masterful displays of timing and wit, and even lowly characters like Farnum get delicious speeches that plumb their souls, please our ears, and stir us if we are willing to listen. Just like the Bard wrote!

If you like westerns, but always thought they were a bit too 'polished', lacking the truth behind what life must have been like, then this is for you! Simply the best dramatic representation of an old west boomtown I've ever seen. The series includes historical figures such as Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok, as well as some lesser know real-life contemporaries. The sets are chronologically accurate down to the last detail. Even the language spoken is an accurate portrayal of how english must have been spoken at the time. Again, if you like westerns, you'll LOVE this!

Raw, randy, and real. Great production and true depiction of the period. Not recommended for the easily offended. Pulls no punches. Great historical drama. Once again HBO productions far outshines the competition.

What can I say? If you know anything about this HBO series you know that the language and images are completely realistic - meaning they are a raw and unflinching depiction of the actual town of Deadwood, a gold mining town with no law and order except the justice that residents imposed on themselves - which was very little. The acting, writing, and production values are superb. If you like REALISTIC drama and yearn to "experience" the "old west" then Deadwood is for you. If you prefer sanitized drama then you will probably not care for this series. Deadwood Seasons 1 & 2 are 2/3 of the entire series. Deadwood Season Three - which completed filming not long ago - will be available soon. If you enjoy seasons I & II you will be definitely waiting anxiously for Season III, as I am.

Deadwood is based on the wild west and some of the characters and events are based on factual history. The language and the actions of this camp were acceptable for that time and certain members. I love watching this show, its realistic of the era. I dont understand why someone would waste their time to write a negative review of something they obviously have not watched, but to each their own. I dont live my life like this obviously, but it doesnt mean I dont enjoy the show.

I purchases these DVD sets because I loved the series and wanted to be able to watch them whenever I wanted. Still waiting for the "finale" movies.

This is the greatest show and the greatest characters ever written - David Milch is completely brilliant. Fans of the HBO series will love the DVD collection - the bonus features are fantastic. People that aren't familiar with the series should buy all 3 seasons and dive in!

A great series once you get used to the language of that era. The bonus by the writer is just essential to watch before you start watching the series to understand just how real this all has been ....I loved it.

Makes the "Wild, Wild, Wild West" look kinda Sissy-fied. Comes complete with those rare moments you would want to repeat at work except that you are smart enough to realize: 1) They probably wouldn't get the reference & 2) You'ld be dragged into Human Resources so fast your head would spin around and you'ld puke green-pea-soup all over your supervisor.

I love Deadwood. After the first episode I was hooked. You either love Deadwood or you don't. It has a very distinct following of people who are not shocked by the profanity but see the truth in the relevance of it for the time. If you love Deadwood you should OWN the series. I am glad I do.