The West Wing complete box set: a necessary investment (West Wing - The Complete Seasons 1-7 (44 DVDs))

Member Name: gemzeh

Product:	West Wing - The Complete Seasons 1-7 (44 DVDs)
Date:	25/02/09 (163 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Smart, well written, brilliantly acted, absorbing, gripping, educational

Disadvantages: It might take you a little getting used to if you're not familiar with the American political system

I watched the first few series of the West Wing and became completely obsessed with it. However, when I moved away to go to university, I was unable to watch it and had to wait for the boxset to be released, so I could watch it in full from the beginning. When I spotted it late last year in HMV for £49.99, I decided to snap it up, as it had previously been around £120.

What is the West Wing?

The West Wing is an American drama that focuses on the goings on in the White House, and is led by Democratic president Jed Bartlett (Martin Sheen). Series 1 joins the president in his first term, and the series runs through the rest of his administration, until a new president is chosen in the final episodes of series 7.

The drama has been exceptionally well written, with the first four seasons being written and produced by Aaron Sorkin (who went on to adapt the screenplay for Charlie Wilson's War). In particular the show is well know for the "walk and talk" shots, which features the exceptionally busy White House staff trying to grab any face time they can with the President or senior staff. This means we often get to see incredibly important conversations taking place between meetings as staff through corridors in the White House, or through car parks and kitchens. This often adds a feel of authenticity to the show, and can be very funny!

Martin Sheen in particular is incredible in the show, with his character President Bartlet being instantly likeable and very believable. In many ways, Bartlet is an idealised president, as he is both friendly and strong, and incredibly intellectual. He also has a very strong moral code, and the writers often use the show as a chance to almost rewrite history, as they show what Bartlet would do in situations where other presidents were deemed to have been less successful. It is also interesting to see how the president copes with tough situations, and we get more of an insight into the behind the scenes action and decision making that goes on in the White House, as well as how this feeds into the information that is ultimately presented to the press and the public.

As well as focusing on the President, the series also revolves around the White House senior staff, with the main focus being on the 'behind the scenes' work that happens that the public don't get to see. The all-star cast are extremely talented and convincing in their roles throughout the series, and I was instantly captivated by most of the characters from the get go. The characters make the West Wing so watchable, as we get to see them grow in their roles, and how they overcome issues, both in their personal lives and when serving the President. It is also quite funny to see the characters attempt to have a work - life balance, as any plans they make invariably get cancelled because of a crisis in the office!

This show is interesting as it gives a real insight into the goings on in the Oval Office. I'm interested in American politics and world affairs anyway, so had a grasp on most topics that were covered, but if I knew nothing about them then I found the show educational in a fun way. As the show moves at a very fast pace, however, I didn't always follow absolutely everything that was happening or understand completely. This didn't stop me enjoying the show, however. In fact, it just meant that when I watched the dvds a second time, I picked up more from them, and it makes them more watchable as there is so much depth in each episode that you will see something new each time you watch them. Viewers who don't know too much about the American political system might find the show slightly confusing at times, but I think that anyone could watch the show and understand most of what is happening.

The West Wing is of consistently high quality, although I do prefer the earlier seasons. This is probably because I enjoy the original cast, and also I think Aaron Sorkin added the most to the writing of the series. Although the final season is very exciting because it focuses on the election of the new president, the action that happened in the White House itself was weaker as half the cast had become embroiled in the new election, and didn't seem to have been replaced.

What extra features come with the dvd boxset?

Of all the boxsets I have (including my beloved Sex and the City set that came in a pink shoe box), the West Wing has the best appearance. The box itself is dark blue, smart, and has a picture of the White House on the front. The box has an easy to open lid, with each season of the series inside in different coloured boxes. Each box contains smaller dvds for a few episodes, which makes it really quick and easy to find the episode you are looking for.

Also included in the set next to the season boxes is a dvd containing two discs of special bonus features. These are divided up by season, and provide an interesting insight into the making of the West Wing, with interviews with cast members, as well as reflections from the creators of the show. I found the bonus features disc to be informative and thorough and it's fascinating to see what has gone into making the series.

What's the overall verdict?

This is one of the best shows to have ever been screened on television, and to get the whole set for under £50 is a bargain, and also an incredible investment. (The West Wing box set is available for £49.98 from amazon.com).

The show is superbly written and acted, with incredible plot twists, cliffhangers, and it also manages to be fast paces and thrilling. As well as all this, it also manages to 'do' emotion (in ways that other political dramas have failed), and does so with tenderness and grace. If you have watched any of the West Wing and enjoyed it, this is a definite must have. If you haven't seen any before, it might be worth trying to watch a few episodes first just to make sure it's your sort of thing.

Summary: So heartbreakingly brilliant