DVD Review: Strong Packages For CBS Dramas ‘Blue Bloods,’ ‘The Good Wife’

CHICAGO – CBS’s “Blue Bloods” and “The Good Wife,” both recently released on DVD (first season for the former, second season for the latter), were interesting stories in April of this year as ratings watchdogs expressed concerns that either or both could be canceled despite loyal fan bases. Both were given the reprieve because they have viewers who just won’t give up on them. See why with this stellar pair of releases.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

If I had to pick one of these two ratings-challenged shows it would be no contest — “The Good Wife” is one of the best dramas on TV. If we’re talking purely network television, I’m not sure there’s even a contest. What other shows could compete with an ensemble like this one with five Emmy nominees and the winner for Best Actress? Juliana Margulies is giving one of the most complex and engaging performances on television right now, cable or network. And the supporting cast is stellar, including Emmy nominees Josh Charles, Alan Cumming, Christine Baranski, and last year’s winner Archie Panjabi. This incredible ensemble has taken some of the most complex, interesting writing on network TV and really elevated it even a step beyond what it is on paper.

The Good Wife: Season Two was released on DVD on September 13th, 2011
Photo credit: CBS/Paramount

What about “Blue Bloods”? It didn’t impress me much on initial viewing but it has garnered an impressive, loyal following on Friday nights on CBS (and was one of the most called-about shows during my weekly WGN segments). It may not have big ratings but the reason that CBS renewed “Blue Bloods” is simple — those who do love it are loyal to it. It’s the kind of modest hit that could be on for years. I get the feeling that people who do adore this family-based cop show will do so for a decade if CBS is willing to keep it on that long. Check out the first season for yourself and see if you could fall for “Blue Bloods” as well.

“The Good Wife: Season Two”

Synopsis:
Season two holds nothing back as Alicia Florrick (Golden Globe winner Julianna Margulies) struggles to follow her instincts. And her heart. In the courtroom, Alicia’s relentless rival Cary (Matt Czuchry), keeps her on her toes. At the office, she deepens her relationships with boss Diane (Christine Baranski) and best friend Kalinda (Emmy winner Archie Panjabi), and continues to walk the line between professional and personal with Will Gardner (Josh Charles). At home, her husband Peter’s (Chris Noth) comeback campaign reveals truths that test their marriage… and uncovers one bombshell that could change everything.

Special Features:
o Alicia Florrick: Real Deal Inside The Episode
o Alan Cumming’s Videos
o An Evening With The Good Wife
o Season 1 DVD Release Party
o A Conversation With The Kings
o Deleted Scenes
o Campaign Music Videos

Blue Bloods: Season One was released on DVD on September 13th, 2011 Photo credit: CBS/Paramount

“Blue Bloods: Season One”

Synopsis:
New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) has a lot to be proud of… but his greatest pride is his family. His oldest son Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) is a streetwise detective who always gets the job done… even if that means bending the rules. As an Assistant D.A., his daughter Erin (Bridget Moynahan) passionately defends the letter of the law while she struggles to raise her daughter as a newly single mother. His youngest, Jamie (Will Estes), just enlisted as a beat cop even though he earned a degree from Harvard Law.

The Reagans have a proud tradition of service to the city, but they also have a habit of making waves, as exemplified by Frank’s father Henry (Len Cariou) - an outspoken former Commissioner whose career ended because of his bold opinions. Police work is more than just a job in this unforgettable first season of Blue Bloods, containing all 22 episodes on 6 discs.

Special Features:
o Six Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes:
-Keeping It In The Family
-Code Blue
-Creating The Characters
-Keeping It Real
-Analyzing The Scene
-Empire State Of Mind
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Network On-Air Launch Promos

[20]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [21] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [20]