Customer Reviews

Northern Exposure - Seasons 1-3 Bundle

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am surprised and angered by Universal's decision to release seasons 2 and 3 of "Northern Exposure" on dvd with original music deleted. When this series was originally airing on network television, more than one reviewer astutely observed the vital and critical role that the carefully selected music played in this finely crafted series. In fact, I believe I remember reading that this was the first TV series for which viewer interest in the music was so high that a web-page was specially created listing titles and info on the songs featured in each episode. It was very evident that the featured and background music in each show was meticulously chosen to blend with and accentuate the narrative and themes. Frequently the emotional impact of a particular scene was solidified -- and in some cases actually established -- by the accompanying music. The musical selections, like the show itself, were frequently offbeat and out of the mainstream, but they were well thought-out, well integrated and represented some of the most talented and critically acclaimed artists of the show's period and before. The generic elevator-style music that Universal has chosen to substitute for those original songs is an insult to the show, its fans and their customers. I realize that licensing of music is no simple matter, but I also know that it is possible and that it has been done for other series. I would hope that, particularly with the all of the negative attention that has resulted from this decision, that Universal will make this situation right for future dvd releases, and will re-release seasons 2 and 3 in their intact (as originally aired) form -- with all of the original music. I believe that the typical fan of this show would tend to be the type of individual for which this kind of thing matters. And I believe most would be willing to pay a little more, or wait a little longer, as long as it meant seeing this series in its unaltered form. Smart marketing might actually highlight and take advantage of the musical excellence of this series via bonus features-- e.g., providing lists and information pertaining to the songs and artists featured in each episode. My low rating pertains almost entirely to the very poor judgment in this decision to modify the show before releasing on DVD. (To a lesser extent, it also pertains to other problems inherent in these discs, which other reviewers have also pointed out, but which I believe are minor compared to the issue of removing the original music.) Were it not for those factors, and if I were judging only the quality of the original series, I would give this release the highest possible rating. I believe it remains, to this day, one of the finest shows that has ever been produced for network television.

On March 7, 2006, tvshowsondvd.com ran the following news item:

Here's something that will excite fans that don't already own them, and anger those that do; Universal is combining the first and second seasons of Northern Exposure into one set... for a suggested price of $59.98. These 15 episodes were initially sold in two sets for $59.98 each, which means many people paid double the price for this set. The contents and bonus material will be the same, however this set will contain 4 single-sided discs instead of the double-sided discs that were released in the first sets. This is another sign that Universal is (finally!!) moving away from the problematic DVD-18s (double-sided, dual-layered) discs that consumers have been complaining about. All the bonus material from the previous seasons appear to be intact in this rerelease...Look for the new set on May 9.

Amazon has the new version available for preorder at $41.99.

I havent't watched all of the DVD's yet but what I have watched is great except for side 2 of disk 1, 1st year. There is a glitch on the disk and it stalls and refuses to proceed without skipping ahead consequently missing part of the story. Another annoyance, at the very beginning of disk one, year one, there is advertising for other DVD's and it seems to be impossible to fast forward or skip these so one has to watch the ads whether one choosed to or not. In year two it seems that one disk only has one story instead of two on side two of I think disk two. That was a surprise.
Northern Exposure has always been one of my favorite programs and I am enjoyng watching the episodes again. Would be much better without the glitches.

Northern Exposure is perhaps my all time favorite TV show ever. The smart witty and insightful writing, the excellent acting, the deep and quirky and touching and hilarious characterization, the understanding of human nature, the willingness to address issues of great importance in a real, compassionate, and revelatory manner, the careful crafting of set and music and script and everything else to tell a story, create a feeling... I can't say enough good about this show. NX includes the personal, human stories of Thirty Something, A connection to mystical reality I haven't seen matched, a romance that keeps you coming back, and an insight into the quirky realities of human nature that makes me laugh and love our human race all the more.
It is disappointing, in some episodes, that the original music was replaced by musak. Especially the homage to "Wizard of Oz" which loses its impact because "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is not played.
But don't miss out on this show due to this. Write to the manufacturer and request that they include the full music in future releases, but BUY THIS. You don't want to miss out on Northern Exposure.

Without a doubt, the best T.V. program of the 1990's. However, purchasers should know that the first two years in this set of DVD's consist of only six or seven episodes rather than the normal 13 or 14 per year since that's all they produced the first two years. This does not detract from this incredibly great program.

The parka packs should appeal to those interested in novelty packaging, but the third series is in a very standard box. Disappointed to find that packages did not include any informational booklet or leaflet inside the DVD case. The double-sided disks use a labeling method that appears to be a growing trend of writing informaiotn on small bands near the hub. This is going to be a problem for those with "over 40" eyesight. The shows themselves are delightful, and the special features are fun to watch.

Money well spent. I missed most of the aired episodes, so they were fresh. I loved every minute, and NO COMMERCIALS!

I have read several reviews of the series and, as a devoted viewer during the series' run, I think the uproar of the lack of the original soundtrack music that laced each episode is a tempest in a teapot. The producers of these DVD's can be faulted, however, for not printing the disks with correct markings so we know which episodes are on the disks. They are mysteriously blank making it a real guessing game as to which disk to play, especially if you are trying to stay in the original sequence.
Other than that, this show was writing at its best with creative direction, faultless photography on location, and a fine ensemble cast. Filmed in the fictional Alaska town of Cicily without a laugh track or live audience on a sound stage, each script has stood the test of time with multiple stories taking place in each episode.
One particular episode is one of my favorites. The character, Ed, gave storekeeper Ruth Ann a mason jar of dirt for her birthday. It was from a grave site he bought for her. The end of the episode pays off Ed's heart-felt gift as he drives Ruth Ann to the site overlooking a magnificent river valley. She then askes Ed to be the first to "dance on the grave" with her. Tears from the viewer are guarenteed.
So, my fellow devotees, give up your angst over the original soundtrack and remember the scripts, the dialogue and performances for what they were: unforgotable and collectable.

This was my all-time favorite TV show. I never missed an episode, taping it if necessary (it *was* a long time ago). A great show, one of the best. Imagine my thrill to have the DVDs in my home collection, and anxiously awaiting each upcoming season release.

However, I must admit some disappointment to have the first two seasons sitting on my bookshelf, wrapped in the zippered parkas. Now the third season is sitting next to the other two, just a plain green cardboard box. Bummers.

Why on earth did they drop the parkas in the third season? The least they can do is to give consumers the option of the parkas, for those like myself that care about how it looks as a collection on the shelf.

Northern exposure was great in the 90's and can hold its' own even today. Incredible ensemble cast and creative story lines (not to mention incredible writing) make this a collection must have. My husband and I are enjoying the episodes in chronological order and can't wait to purchase season 4.