Product Details

• Actors: Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Universal Studios
• DVD Release Date: June 3, 2003
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005JMAE
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,419 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Law & Order - Special Victims Unit - The Premiere Episode" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Originally called Sex Crimes, executive producer Dick Wolf wisely opted for something less lurid when the second in the inexhaustible Law & Order franchise hit the air in 1999. Still, as the opening voiceover makes clear, the "sexually based offenses" investigated by New York's Special Victims Unit can be "especially heinous." Wolf penned series premier "Payback," which sets the scene, but not the tone. It's a lively, if uneasy mix between horror (rape) and comedy (risqué banter). As the first season progressed, humor would be written out altogether (leaving Richard Belzer's Homicide-derived John Munch with increasingly less to do), and less emphasis would be placed on the home lives of this "elite squad of dedicated detectives." Mostly, "Payback" introduces us to the unit, centering around partners Olivia Benton (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). For two people with so little in common, they make a terrific team--arguably one of TV's best. Stabler is married with four children; Benton is single and her closest relationship is with her mother (Elizabeth Ashley). While Stabler can get a little rough with suspects, Benton tends to over-empathize with the victims. They report to the no-nonsense Captain Cragen (Law & Order vet Dann Florek). Like the parent program's Lenny Briscoe, he's a recovering alcoholic. Dean Winters and Michelle Hurd round out the rock-solid cast. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description

This hard-hitting and emotional companion series from the popular Law & Order franchise chronicles the exciting cases of the elite Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department. Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit follows the exploits of Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni, Oz), a seasoned veteran of the unit, and his partner, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay, ER), as they try to crack the city's most heinous crimes. Directing their efforts is Captain Donald Cragen (Dann Florek, reprising his Law & Order role), whose tough but supportive approach guides the entire squad - which includes Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer), District Attorney Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and forensic psychiatrist George Huang (B.D. Wong) - through the dangerous challenges they face every day. "Payback": Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson investigate the murder and dismemberment of a cab driver. Starring: Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, Stephanie March, B.D. Wong

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not Worth Getting, March 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Law & Order - Special Victims Unit - The Premiere Episode (DVD)

Don't get me wrong. This episode was great but not worth getting all by itself. If you pay twice as much, you get 22 episodes instead of just the one. This episode is included in the set. I just wish there was an episode introducing all the characters to each other instead of introducing the audience to the characters all at once. I was disappointed that there wasn't a 2-hour beginning like most series. Oh well. Don't bother with this dvd. GET THE SET!!!!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars More, please!, June 17, 2003

By 

"alb927" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Law & Order - Special Victims Unit - The Premiere Episode (DVD)

I gave this DVD 3 stars because I have seen this episode - it is terrific. However, I will not be shelling out [money] for 1 episode... I'll be saving it to put it towards the purchase of the entire 1st season on DVD, when and if that is released! Gimme a break, Universal!

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Real fans should boycott these piecemeal relaease, September 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Law & Order - Special Victims Unit - The Premiere Episode (DVD)

Another bad DVD release. It looks like a crude attempt to extract as much revenue as possible from large base of loyal fans. Some reviewers who wax lyrical over the 'special' interview features and "insight into the show" in this single episode DVD either work for the publisher or miss the point that any of these items could have been included in a 'full season' release. This piecemeal approach is frustrating for real fans of the series who, to date, have seen only one complete season released. I for one will protest with my wallet. It stays shut until the complete seasons are released.