Customer Reviews

Moonlighting - Seasons One and Two

5 star:		(89)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"Moonlighting" truly is one of the best television series of all time. It was extremely creative, loaded with great humor and drama, and occasionally some action and intrigue. It faltered a bit in its last two seasons, but even they are worth 5 stars.

The premise: Maddie Hayes (Cybill Sheperd) is a former model running a nearly bankrupt detective agency. David Addison (Bruce Willis) convinces her to run the agency together as partners instead of shutting it down. They bumble their way through many mysteries, solving most of them. Maddie and David couldn't be more different - Maddie is conservative, reserved, preoccupied with being responsible, and slightly repressed and uptight. David is spontaneous almost to a fault, and not terribly responsible. These stark personality differences lead to some very funny banter in every episode. Yet, both have big hearts, and over the course of Seasons 1 and 2, they fall very much in love - even though they cannot admit it - especially to themsevles.

In the typical episode, David and Maddie work on a case. However, there's much more going on. Events in the case parallel events in one or both of the main characters' lives, or their relationship with each other. It's obvious that the writers, directors, cast and crew are having a great time making this show. The writing is very clever, and as the series progresses, the characters occasionally show awareness that they are characters on a television show - to great humorous effect. In later seasons, there are episodes that have themes - such as a black and white film noir take-off, and a hilarious modernized version of Shakespear's Taming of the Shrew. In its first two seasons, Moonlighting is a bit more conventional - though still innovative and still one of the finest television programs ever.

Moonlighting has other strengths. One is Agnes DiPesto, the delightfully quirky receptionist that answers every phone call with a different rhyme. Another is a roster of great guest stars, like Orson Wells, Tim Robbins, Dana Delany, Whoopi Goldberg, and many more (and the ones I named are all in the first two seasons, so you'll be seeing them on this DVD set). Moonlighting also features great music - not just the classic theme song by Al Jarreau. Nearly every episode has great classic tunes. The first two seasons include songs by Little Richard, Patsy Cline, Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, The Isley Brothers, and Gene Kelly, and many others.

The picture and sound quality are excellent for a 20-year-old TV show, and better than when these episodes were broadcast on Bravo in recent years. This set is a great value, too, considering that you get a total of 23 episodes (all 5 episodes from the brief Season One, which began late in the year, plus 18 episodes from Season Two, which ran a regular fall-to-spring schedule). The DVD extras are a lot of fun, especially two short documentaries (one for each of the first two seasons) that feature interviews with Bruce, Cybill, the actress that plays Miss DiPesto, and some of the writers and crew members. They all have interesting stories to share about their experiences making Moonlighting.

Highly recommended.

If you're curious about why it has taken so long for Moonlighting to come to DVD, it's because Lions Gate had great difficulty securing the necessary rights to all of the songs featured in the various episodes. The music came from a variety of different sources and record labels, some of which have gone bankrupt or been taken over by other corporations in the last 15 years. A few years ago, Lions Gate considered releasing Moonlighting on DVD without music, but this was unacceptable to Glenn Caron, the series' creator. Finally, they obtained the necessary rights to all of the songs that so greatly enriched this wonderful show. They also got Bruce Willis & Cybill Sheperd involved in some of the DVD extras, and now we can finally see the result of all this hard work!

These DVD's have been long anticipated. As the webmaster of the popular Moonlighting site, http://www.DavidandMaddie.com, I think I can speak for the entire fan community when I say, "These babies are way overdue!"

"Moonlighting" was a smart, sassy and very popular series in the mid to late 80's. Maddie Hayes and David Addison were the "hot" couple on TV back then. When this show first aired, it created such a buzz not only for its innovative scripts and the creative risks it took--but for the phenomenal casting of Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis in these roles. They were all the rage in 1986 & 1987 and no one that lived through the 80's could possibly have gotten through the time without knowing who they were.

The fans of the series have been loyal and new fans have been born out of more recent airings on cable channels both here in the US and overseas. Their persistance and work have paid off with the release of these DVD's.

Season One has in addition to the Pilot, 5 episodes that deal with Maddie and David trying to survive with few or no clients. And the ones they do have are usually not what they seem to be on surface. There are some really funny scenes as the two banter and investigate. The well-known "Looking for a man with a Mole on his nose scene" is in a season one episode.

Season two delivers 18 great episodes as the pair get to know each other better and better, the most famous one being the black and white episode "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice." Other notable episodes include a very funny Christmas episode complete with Mary, Joseph, Three Kings and a camel; the episode with the wacky chase scene with Maddie, David, a client, and her husband all dressed in identical black dresses with a veil as they race after each other to the tune of the William Tell Overture; the Buenos Aires trip with Maddie and David at a casino, the hilarious "My Fair David" which features a contest to see if David can act like a mature adult; as well as the episode with the first real kiss shared between the duo.

The music in the episodes is also a notable part. There are Motown classics, pop tunes, as well as Big Band era tunes sung by Cybill Shepherd ala Rita Hayworth in "Gilda".

Some of the exciting guest stars in seasons one and two included Dana Delany, Tim Robbins, Orson Welles, Barbara Bain, Mark Linn-Baker, Whoopi Goldberg and Judd Nelson. You also get to meet David's goofy brother aptly played by SNL alum Charles Rocket and Maddie's parents, the wonderful Eva Marie Saint and the late Robert Webber.

So don't delay in ordering these; TV this good only comes around once in a Blue Moon.

Added to on April 3, 2005. I just noticed that so far the Amazon.com listing doesn't mention the extras that have been announced for this release. So I will list them here for those that want to know.

The list has been announced to include:

Cast and Crew commentaries including Glenn Gordon Caron, Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis;
Not Just A Day Job - The Story of Moonlighting;
The Moonlighting Phenomenon;
Deleted Scenes;
Gag Reel

This sounds like a nice mix of fun and informative extras.

For those that keep asking: yes, the Pilot episode is included.

Moonlighting came in 1985 and had a great impact in all the fiction written for television since then. Why? Well.. let's see...

It all started as the basic detective formula: two incompatible oddballs brought together having to solve one case in each episode - basically the same premisse present in most of the shows until then.

But there is more than meets the eye.

Moonlighting introduced new values such as MUSIC.... no other show had such a dramatic use of music as Moonlighting. Here, the usual "chase music" present in all shows were changed for Motown, blues, old rock classics and other kinds of music that where always used to a dramatic effect. The choice of each song we hear throughout the seasons was cleverly made... It means that most of the shows that came after... from CHINA BEACH to SEX AND THE CITY to SIX FEET UNDER owes a lot to the way Moonlighting started to use music. I just feel sorry that the producers never released a bigger soundtrack on cd because the CD that came in 1987 was far from its potential....

More...

Moonlighting opened up the TV narrative to the inner mind of the characters... in the sence that from then on, everything was possible in terms of what's going on inside the characters and the way we see it on the screen. The usual voiceover narration (that's as far as TV shows went until Moonlighting) was replaced by dreams, animation, musical numbers, richer editing, etc... again, Moonlighting opened the path to the great TV fiction we see today. THE SOPRANOS owe a lot to that.

More...
No other TV show relied upon the viewer's bond to the characters as Moonlighting... you can see that by the incredible number of ways fiction and reality merged during many episodes... many times, David Addison adressed the audience directly. Many times the characters show the sets and the fact that they are in a TV show... something that 99% of the TV shows at that time could not do. It is true that Moonlighting was not the only show to do that. SLEDGE HAMMER, many times did the same... but Moonlighting wasn't only a comedy...

...It was perhaps one of the first TV shows to blend different genres that were usually kept separated. Was it comedy? Was it detective-genre like MAGNUM P.I.? Was it romance? It was certainly not fantasy... but there was a lot of fantasy in it.

...It was one of the first TV "self-aware" shows that even paid homages to Cinema (Film noir, great musicals, keystone cops... just to name a few).

It was also one of the first TV shows that actually had great supporting roles with plots and conflicts on their own.

Moonlighting brought also more mature themes and an increasingly complexness to the leading character's motivations. And in this sence it is fascinating to see that in Moonlighting we have a detective show where many episodes go by where Maddie and David do not have cases to solve... where the spotlight is in their relationship.

It is like the show started as a formula and drifted to something richer, more complex, newer...

TODAY, fiction is miles beyond Moonlighting... but the show remains fascinating as an example of a TV product where everything is right. I trully believe Moonlighting had an important role in the development of TV fiction into what we see today.

By the way... this DVD edition has been long anticipated by many fans like myself... It seems that it took a long time to secure the rights to all the great songs in the episodes... but now that everything is in order... let's enjoy the perfect chemistry between Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis... the last heirs of Katherine Hapburn and Cary Grant...

Simply great!!!!!!!!!

MOONLIGHTING remains one of the most stylish and acclaimed TV shows of the 1980's, with it's fun mix of mystery, mayhem and `Odd Couple' chemistry between the two main characters. When ex-model Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd) inherits ownership of the struggling Blue Moon Detective Agency, she gets much more than she bargained for with detective David Addison (Bruce Willis), not to mention eccentric secretary Agnes DiPesto (Allyce Beasley). The whole series hinged on the unresolved sexual tension between Maddie and David as they fought and bickered with each other, solved crimes, and fought and bickered some more...!

The pairing of longtime screen beauty Shepherd with up-and-comer Willis proved to be the key ingredient for the show's success, their chemistry is still the main reason why the series works so well even on repeat screenings, and their witty banter is hilarious.

This DVD boxset includes all the episodes from Seasons 1 and 2. Also included is an entertaining 2-part featurette which delves into the genenis and making of the show. Longtime fans of MOONLIGHTING are going to love this.

COMPLETE EPISODE LISTING:

"Moonlighting" (Pilot) - When her accountant absconds with all her savings, ex-glamour girl Maddie Hayes turns to one of her neglected business assets for a reversal of fortunes...

"Gunfight at the So-So Corral" - Maddie and David are desperate for a case, a seemingly simple assignment to find a man's lost son - unknown to them is the fact that the son is a hired killer.

"Read the Mind, See the Movie" - When Maddie and David try to track down an industrial secret leak, the unlikely detective team becomes involved in a bizarre and dangerous caper complete with a psychic.

"The Next Murder You Hear" - Unconventional detectives David and Maddie take on an intriguing case when they launch an investigation into the bizarre on-air murder of a late-night radio talk show host.

"Next Stop Murder" - Maddie, David and Miss DiPesto become trapped on a train, leading them into a bizarre murder mystery with an assortment of weird characters.

"The Murder's in the Mail" - Maddie and David are led into dangerous international intrigue when they become involved with a collection agency, and find a debtor who has cashed in his chips - permanently.

"Brother, Can You Spare a Blonde?" - Maddie and David realise their lives are on the line after David's fun-loving brother, whom he hasn't seen in years, arrives for an unexpected visit with a newfound fortune - and eyes for Maddie.

"The Lady in the Iron Mask" - When a woman with a disfigured face hires David and Maddie to find the man who was responsible, they are in a quandry because they discover that the act was committed not for revenge - but for love.

"Money Talks, Maddie Walks" - Maddie enters into a wild high-stakes game of poker against the man who sent her into financial ruin.

"The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice" - In a unique format for series television, David and Maddie appear in film noir-styled black and white sequences as they delve into an intriguing murder case from the 40's. Guest starring Orson Welles.

"My Fair David" - A rash bet crimps the relationship between David and Maddie when they agree on a wager aimed at changing each other's personal style - just as they take on a big case.

"Knowing Her" - David's married ex-girlfriend seeks help in locating some stolen jewellry, but a series of mishaps leading Maddie and David to believe her estranged husband may be trying to kill her.

"Somewhere Under the Rainbow" - A lovely lass who claims she's a leprechaun asks Maddie and David to protect her from a crazed man who is after her crock of gold.

"Portrait of Maddie" - The authorities summon Maddie to identify an artist who died after completing her portrait, but she has no idea of who the man is or why he painted her.

"Atlas Belched" - An important file of phone numbers is stolen and sparks an extortion attempt that has Maddie and David on the run from the law.

"T'was the Episode Before Christmas" - Maddie, David and Miss DiPesto share the personal joy of Christmas when a hot case turns their special holiday experience into a surprising adventure, as three "kings" search for a babe in arms.

"Bride of Tupperman" - Maddie fires David after the professional he chooses as the ideal wife for a lonely client looking for a bride is accused of the man's murder.

"North By North DiPesto" - Maddie's gift of a banquet ticket promises a night of romance for Miss DiPesto, until Agnes finds herself in the arms of a handsome stranger with sinister men in hot pursuit.

"In God We Strongly Suspect" - Maddie and David spend the night with the body of an escape artist whose widow fears he will return from the dead - and the corpse proves to be a tricky customer.

"Every Daughter's Father is a Virgin" - David resists and Maddie insists when the model-turned-detective decides to investigate her own father because her mother fears he's having an affair.

"Witness for the Execution" - Maddie and David find themselves on opposite sides of the question when an aged man asks them to witness his self-arranged murder so that his insurance company will pay off.

"Sleep Talking Guy" - David covers himself with glory by using information from a hooker to crack an important criminal case, but Maddie puzzles over how he got the lead.

"Funeral for a Door Nail" - Maddie and David prowl seamy and dangerous underworld to locate a hired killer after their grief-stricken client pays to have himself murdered, then changes his mind.

"Camille" - An unsuspecting David pursuades Maddie to hire a cool con-artist as a Blue Moon detective, but the new employee has her eye on bigger business opportunities. Guest starring Whoopi Goldberg.

When Bruce Willis' appeared on "Moonlighting" he was an unknown actor who had done a "Twilight Zone" and a variety of miscellaneous guest appearances. You knew from his first scene he was going to be a big star. He had charisma. Former model Maddie Hayes (Cybil Shepherd) wakes up one morning to discover her accountants have ripped her off. She's broke. All she has left are the businesses she invested in. Her lawyer advises her to visit each one, sell it or close it down to liquidate the assets and become solvent again. When she visits the City of Angels Detective Agency (later the Blue Moon Detective Agency) she tries to do the same thing. Only David Addison (Bruce Willis) the manager of the agency has other plans in mind. He woos Maddie convincing her to not only keep the agency open but gets her involved in their latest case and wets her appetite for the biz and man does she get a buzz out of it.

Featuring top notch writing, direction and performances "Moonlighting" became a surprise hit for ABC. Unfortunately, by the 3rd season Willis and Shepherd were butting heads and the show had run into a creative dead end so "Moonlighting" became a hit series that experienced a brief, bright creative life and then faded away. Luckily, syndication kept the show alive for fans. Willis has gone on to bigger things and Shepherd has revived her several times since then but nothing could quite capture the magic of the original pairing and the first two marvelous seasons of the series.

Lion's Gate has done an extensive restoration on "Moonlighting". The series looks and sounds better than most series from the early 80's. There's occasional analog defects in the form of dirt and noticeable grain in some episodes but, on the whole, the show looks sharp with vivid colors and images. Interestingly, some of the episodes here run a bit short which leads me to suspect that the syndicated versions were used for the set although I haven't seen the series in so long I don't know which ones they may have used. If that's the case, I would guess that it was inadvertent and they also probably went with whatever prints were available on the release time table they had for the series. The audio is also quite good and, although the box states it's stereo, I don't recall the series being broadcast that way. My guess is that stereo masters were prepared and then mixed down to mono for the original broadcast episodes. The dialog is occasionally muffled and flat sounding and the volume is also quite low for most of these episodes.

We get three exceptional featurettes all of which have the participation of the original cast and/or crew of the series. "Not Just a Day Job" focuses on the creation of the show and the first season. There's interviews with Cybill Shepherd, creator/writer/producer Glenn Gordon Caron, director Robert Butler (who shot the pilot episode and, curiously shot many of the pilots for some of the most memorable shows from the 60's, 70's and 80's including "Star Trek"), Bruce Willis, Allyce Beasley and the staff writers for the first season. It's quite a comprehensive look at what made the show so successful. "Not Just a Day Job" appears on the first disc of the set.

"The Moonlighting Phenomenon focuses on the success of the show and its afterlife in syndication. A variety of folks from members of the Moonlighting Fan Club to creator Caron discussing why the show remains popular and has continued to resonate with fans. Caron discusses how he felt it was time to take the air out of detective shows which were ubiquitous on the networks during the 80's. Cybill Shepherd talks about the way that the show constantly broke down the TV "4th wall" cluing in the audience on the action and humor of the series pointing out that only certain characters (such as David Addison) could do it. Willis is pretty quiet throughout the interview but does make a couple of pointed comments about the chemistry of the show. Allyce Beasley points out that the work load was on Shepard and Willis the most since the network saw them as the focus of the show. The resulting pressure created conflicts between the two stars but also created additional "magic" on the screen. Like Lennon & McCartney the two of them were perfect from the first moment together on screen.

"Inside Blue Moon Detective Agency" has Caron pointing out that the network was making a huge profit on the series and how he pushed to have money ploughed back into the series. He also resented doing 22 episodes a year and the pressure of doing the series like any other TV show. Caron's issue was that the show cost more than other TV series. The network's issue was the fact that the show didn't always make its airdate. They literally would finish some episodes ½ before the show was scheduled to air. Shepherd felt that the series was so dense that it was like shooting a movie on a TV schedule. The inside joke was that they would make it up in their shots driving the car. By the way, you can spot the fact that they were rarely "driving" during these scenes but the chemistry and magic was there so they kept it. We also discover how Caron ended up having Orson Welles introduce the infamous black and white episode. Sadly, Welles died one week after the episode was shot. It would have been a blast to have him direct or write one episode of the series even though he was at the end of his career.

Commentary tracks are tricky to do effectively. Luckily, we get five here that are memorable and very well done. The pilot features Caron, pilot director Butler, producer Daniels, editor Mandelberg throwing out trivia throughout the entire 45 minute episode. "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice" featuring Peter Werner, Debra Frank (co-writer of the episode) and Glenn Gordon Caron also ranks pretty highly up there. Still, for my money the best of the commentary tracks are those by Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis on "Every Daughter is a Virgin" and "My Fair David" respectively. The two reveal quite a bit about the day-to-day production of the series but also some their issues during production as well.

A great 80's show that has aged very, very well, "Moonlighting" still has the magic. Lion's Gate has done a terrific job putting together this set. I'm happy to report they went to great lengths to restore the episodes here. The extras are great here as are most of the commentary tracks. I didn't find the packaging as much of an issue as one reviewer and felt it was good overall (particularly when compared to many other boxed sets where the discs are released as dual sided and face each other in the set insuring they'll get scratched).

Those of us that grew up watching this show in the mid to late 80's remember it fondly. The undeniable chemisty that existed between the characters of Maddie (Cybill Sheppard) and David (a young Bruce Willis with actual hair) kept us coming back again and again, and remains one of the best TV matchups of all time. The humor and creativity behind this series is so superior that it holds up still 20 years after its initial airing. From the breaking of the fourth wall to acknowledge the watching audiences' existence to the almost slapstick comedy that happened in nearly every episode, this series set the bar extremely high for all series that followed. For all that have waited patiently through all the false promises of this series being released on DVD, your patience is finally being rewarded. A heartfelt "Thank You" to Lions Gate studios for finally allowing this show to finally see the light of day again on DVD. Now they just need to hasten the release of the remainder of the seasons to DVD. I look forward to once again seeing arguably the best episode of the series, "Atomic Shakespeare" ("I HATE IAMBIC PENTAMETER!") from season 3, in all its hilarious glory on DVD.

In a landscape dominated by Dynasty and Hill St. Blues, Moonlighting was a breath of fresh air when it debuted on American television in 1985. It was a detective show that provided a funny, witty alternative and ambitiously took the screwball comedy popular in the `30s and `40s and gave it a contemporary spin that has never been duplicated as successfully on mainstream TV since.

The first two seasons feature Moonlighting in its purest form: sharp and focused. What makes the show work so well is the chemistry between Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd. They banter and bicker furiously like a couple straight out of a Howard Hawks screwball comedy. Their exchanges are delivered fast with dialogue often overlapping that is very funny.

The writing on the show is very good. The dialogue is crisp with a snap and pop to it. In "Next Stop Murder," an homage to Agatha Christie murder mysteries, Blue Moon's chipper, rhyming receptionist, Miss DiPesto (Beasley) wins a contest to participate in famous mystery writer J.B. Harland's murder mystery train. David and Maddie drive her to the station and accidentally get stranded on the train with a real murder to solve. Here is a memorable exchange in the episode:

Maddie: "I was not born yesterday!"
David: "It's true. I had lunch with her yesterday. If she'd been born I'd a noticed."

It isn't only the words but how Willis delivers them that makes what he says so funny. And yet, the show isn't wall-to-wall comedy. There are sober moments of drama and, of course, romance. The show even addresses David's lack of maturity in "My Fair David," where Maddie bets him that he can't act like a mature professional for a full week. This episode features some of the funniest bits between Shepherd and Willis in the show's entire run.

This excellent 6-DVD set features top notch transfers and a nice collection of extras, featuring the participation of the three regulars (Willis, Shepherd and Beasley), for fans to enjoy.

The first DVD features an audio commentary on the "Pilot" by writer/creator Glenn Gordon Caron, director Robert Butler, editor Artie Mandelberg and producer Jay Daniel. Completists and fans that have the Anchor Bay DVD should hold onto it as there is a different commentary with Caron and Willis.

"Not Just A Day Job - The Story of Moonlight Part 1" takes a look at the first season. "Moonlighting Pilot Promo" features a collection of vintage TV ads for the first episode of the show.

The third DVD includes an audio commentary on "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice" by director Peter Werner, co-writer Debra Frank and Caron. The met a lot of resistance from the network who didn't want them to shoot in black and white with ambitious musical numbers.

There is also a commentary for "My Fair David" with director Will Mackenzie and Bruce Willis. They point out the continuity goofs on Willis' tie and tend to spend more time watching the episode then commenting on it.

The fifth DVD features an audio commentary on "Twas the Episode Before Christmas" by director Werner, Daniel and Allyce Beasley. Daniel provides a wealth of production information and trivia.

Also included is an audio commentary on "Every Daughter's Father is a Virgin" by Cybill Shepherd and Caron. They talk about how an episode is put together while the actress is refreshingly
candid about the times when she lost her cool.

The sixth DVD features "The Story of Moonlighting Part 2" which focuses on the second season. Caron used the show's success to spend additional money on more ambitious episodes. However, they didn't always meet their scheduled air dates with scenes being written on the spot.

"The Moonlighting Phenomenon" has fans, critics and crew members gush about the show and talk about its significance. It was created during the conservative `80s and how it started off with mediocre ratings (it was one of many detective shows on at the time) but over the summer it was rediscovered via reruns and took off.

First of all I would like to commend Amazon.com for getting my order to me in two days even using the free super saver shipping, beating their estimate by a week. I've been waiting for this release for a long time! Unlike many of the other reviewers, I did not have this on tape nor do I have cable so it has been many moons (no pun intended?) since I last saw any episodes except the pilot. I've watched the first three episodes so far and I am happy I bought the set! I won't repeat the episode details since so many others have done that except to say that Bruce and Cybil were perfect casting.

As for the DVD's, the picture quality is very good. One reviewer commented that the sound level was low and after watching three episodes, I've found that the level on the first two is higher than on the third one. It isn't muffled, just lower so turning up the volume is an easy fix. Also, thank you to Lion's Gate for (1) giving this volume a decent price, unlike the greed that is associated with the release of Northern Exposure's seasons; (2) using single-sided discs with classy labeling; (3) having a nice package for the DVD's; and very importantly, (4) not bombarding us with ads and other unnecessary garbage that we are forced to watch or else flip through at the beginning of the discs! Instead it goes right to the menu, which is what all of us want. Nice job! Moonlighting was a wonderful series and Lions Gate did the DVD's right. I can't comment about the missing or substituted music clips since that may have been beyond their control.

I never thought I would be hearing the original theme song again. I NEVER missed an episode of Moonlighting, NEVER! It was a well written show that did not get enough mention. Even with today TV, few shows can be put on the same level as Moonlighting. This show is a must have and is long overdue. And for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of seeing Maddie Hayes & David Addison (Cybil Shepard & Bruce Willis respectively) in action, Get the DVD, pop some popcorn, press play and wait until you here, "Some Walk By Night, Some Fly By Day...." Enjoy!

Moonlighting Season 1 & 2 are finally available. The DVD set includes all 24 episodes from the shows 1st and 2nd season, including the pilot episode. The episodes look really great and transferred quite well. Moonlighting episodes always seemed like mini-movies, now they can be watched without commercials.

Moonlighting seasons 1 & 2 are considered the shows best two seasons by many fans. The premise was unique. Cybill starred as Maddie Hayes. She is a former model who was living the good life until she wakes up one morning to smashing dishes. Her chef is having an uber fit because his check bounced. Turns out all of the staff members checks have bounced. Maddie learns that her accountant has ran off with all of her money. Her business manager suggests that she liquadate some of ber investment businesses. She stops at the detective agency that she owns and meets David Addison. She doesn't get a chance to turn down the agency. She is intrigued by him and the business and the two embark on making the detective agency a success.

The Packaging & Discs
The good news is that the discs are single sided. Many hour long shows have been released on dual discs as of late, but Moonlighting fans will be pleased to know that these 6 disc are single sided with color art work on each disc. The packaging is pretty, but it isnt the greatest. It would be nice if the discs were encased in individual slip cases, but they are in plastic shells. Several of my discs were loose when my set arrived--despite this fact all of my discs operated correctly. The cover art is very beautiful with an early Moonlighting promotional shot designed in a fashion in which the first disc looks like a moon.

Buy this set not only for the episodes but for the extras.

Not Just a day Job, the Story of Moonlighting, Part 1
The writer/creator of the show discusses how he had a production deal with ABC. He created three pilots and Moonlighting was the third pilot that was shot and it was picked up. Bruce Willis discusses his audition process and how he got the part on the show. He even mentions flirting with Cybil behind the scenes to help and get the part. Cybil and Bruce do not appear TOGETHER in the featurette. She is shown alone in a room with hazy lighting wearing a black dress. The room has a black background. It's a very surreal setting that she is in. Bruce is very alive in his scenes during this feature. His head is bald and he is wearing a tee shirt. He appears very relaxed. In one scene Cybill makes it clear that her and Bruce were never lovers in real life. It is very interesting to see the people behind the scenes discuss how the show came together. Singer Al Jarreau is even seen discussing how he got involved with creating the shows theme song.

Inside the Blue Moon Detective Agency, The Story of Moonlighting, Part 2
Part 2 is even more interesting than part 1. The people behind the scenes continue to discuss how the show came together. One especially touching moment is when the writers and cast members discuss the day Orson Welles came to the set. He taped a spot that was shown prior to the infamous black and white film noir episodes. Turns out that Orson Welles taped these spots a week prior to his death. Various crew members also discuss the making of the black and white episodes. It turns out that at that time there was no studio in Hollywood that would develop that old black & white film stock that the episodes was shot on. It was suggested that they just take out the color, but the shows creators had a bigger budget once the show was proven a success so they went all out. In the end, MGM developed the film stock. Another interesting aspect disclosed is just how the shows creators really got down to the wire as far as meeting their deadline to air time. This is a really great behind the scenes featurette. This featurette also includes Bruce Willis, Cybil Sheppard and Allyce Beasly (Ms. Depesto).

The Moonlighting Phenomenon
This is a really neat featurette. Members of the Moonlighting fan club and others appear in this featurette and discuss the importance of the show. One woman discusses how Moonlighting was the topic of conversation on Wednesday morning.

Pilot episode Promo Spots
The producers of this DVD really put a lot of effort into this box set. They even included the pilot episode promo spots that ran on ABC promoting the shows March 3rd premiere. These promo spots look so primitive compared to the glossy promo spots of today. The promo spots really promoted the show as a romantic comedy.

Don't hold your breath looking for a Bruce/Cybill reunion. I did not see them "together" in any of the featurettes.