DVD Review: 'Sports Night' - Complete 10th Anniversary Edition

ABC's "Sports Night"
The cast of ABC's "Sports Night"
Last Fall I received a copy of the Complete 10th Anniversary Edition of the ABC series "Sports Night" but being a busy fellow I didn't have a chance to put it in the DVD player until January but I've found myself watching at least an episode per night since then, plus all the bonus bits and gag reels.

"Sports Night" is the show where Aaron Sorkin established his oeuvre from 1998-2000: the ever moving cameras, the walk and talk, layered dialogue, and tons of dry humor coupled with drama. Sorkin got to try all these devices out on "Sports Night" before presenting them perfectly in "The West Wing" but the novelty of these devices is what makes "Sports Night" so exciting to watch again.

I had completely forgotten that ABC had tried to eff with the show by putting a laugh track on it that mysteriously fades away to nothing, gradually, by the end of the first season. ABC's lack of support for the show also manifests itself in the writing of the show, in metaphors that are fairly easy to pick up on. The show also admirable incorporated the stroke suffered by ensemble member, Robert Guillaume, into the storyline.

The fact that the "Sports Night" lasted only 2 seasons is a tragedy as it was humming along so well with great writing, great direction, and great performances when it was pulled. It was the "Arrested Development" of its time and was similarly mismanaged by its network.

Bonus features in the package include interviews with all the cast (Felicity Huffman calls her character, "Dana Whitaker", her all-time favorite) and Aaron Sorkin as well as some episode-by-episode commentary, gag reels, and your other expected add-ons.

If you liked "The West Wing" or are a fan of Felicity Huffman, Robert Guillaume, William H. Macy, Peter Krause, Joshua Malina, or Josh Charles - it's a no-brainer to get the complete "Sports Night". It's perfect for the mid-season blues we're heading for and you will whip through the entire series in no time.

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Comments (5) [rss]

I'll probably netflix this if possible since I've had the first DVD set for years. But I love Sports Night. Every draft day makes me want to watch that episode. Heck, watching Sportscenter can make me want to watch the whole series.

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Great taste, this was a fantastic series. Always happy when I see it getting attention, especially 10 years later.

Sports Night is a show whose demise I still mourn...along with Arrested Development, Pushing Daisies and MST3K.

Loved the show! It was so sad to see it go. Great to hear its on DVD!!!

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