Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #713 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-01-21
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Hungarian
• Number of discs: 6
• Running time: 894 minutes

Amazon.co.uk
Aaron Sorkin, bless him, believes that "the people who watch television shows aren't dumber than the people who make television shows." He also believes that "quality is not anathema to profit." He puts these idealistic words into the mouth of Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet), the new, impolitic NBS TV president whose first order of business is to revitalise the network's cash cow, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, a long-running live late-night sketch-comedy series reeling from the Howard Beale-esque on-air meltdown of its creator (Judd Hirsch, alas, limited to the pilot episode). With this Upstairs/Backstage look at Studio 60's tumultuous network politics and stormy personal relationships, Sorkin, the creator of Sports Night and The West Wing, once again tried to raise the bar of prime time fare. That he didn't quite clear it makes this one-season wonder a fascinating object lesson of great hopes and dashed expectations. Studio 60 was perhaps the most hotly debated series of the 2006 season and, love it or hate it, all its strengths and flaws can be savoured and savaged anew with this complete-series set. Pretty much above reproach is the ensemble. Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford head the cast as comedy writer Matt and executive producer Danny, former Studio 60 hands whom Jordan brings back to "save" the show. Steven Weber co-stars as network chairman Jack Rudolph, who clashes with Jordan over reality programming (he wants it, she doesn't), is embroiled in network negotiations with China, and must fend off angry affiliates offended by such sketches as "Crazy Christians." Jordan contends with becoming tabloid fodder after her ex-husband leaks scandalous details of their past. Meanwhile, Matt, a sardonic atheist, is in a whole Ross and Rachel thing with Harriet (Emmy nominee Sarah Paulson), who is devoutly religious and the show's galvanising star performer (she does do a mean Holly Hunter). Studio 60 has much to say about comedy in wartime, the divided states of America, the creative process, and patriotism. Some of it is deftly handled, some of it is ham-handed and some of it patronising. Most of it is delivered in Sorkin's signature chock-a-block style and with walk-and-talk urgency. But even at its most maddening, there are enough riveting moments (a performance by displaced New Orleans musicians in "The Christmas Show"), jaw-dropping developments ("I'm coming for you, Jordan," warns Danny, suddenly-turned romantic stalker), and indelible performances (John Goodman's Emmy-winning turn as a plain-speaking Pahrump, NV judge not impressed with the Hollywood types before him in the two-part "Nevada Day") to make Studio 60 a series worth revisiting, if only as a guilty pleasure. The pilot episode commentary by Sorkin and director Thomas Schlamme, as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette, were produced before the show was canceled, robbing this series' fervent fans of the opportunity for some closure. --Donald Liebenson

DVD Description
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip is brought to you by Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men), sharing his vision of the rarely seen world of US network television. Studio 60, a fictional TV Show, is losing viewers fast. Enter Matt (Matthew Perry, Friends) and Danny (Bradley Whitford, The West Wing) as two fresh-faced writers, and a feisty new network president (Amanda Peet, A Lot Like Love) ready to save the show from being taken off the air. Complete with Sorkin's trademark sarcasm, sharp and witty scripting, Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip showcases the talents of its tight ensemble cast, including Emmy Award-nominated Sarah Paulson (Down With Love), Steven Webber (Single White Female) and a host of celebrity cameos (Felicity Huffman, Lauren Graham, Sting, and many more).

Stills from Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip

Synopsis
West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin presents a revealing and very funny look at the backstage workings of a late-night comedy sketch show in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The show (which is named STUDIO 60) is plummeting in the ratings and it looks like the network, NBS, might be about to axe it. In a last ditch attempt to revive Studio 60's fortunes, two new writers, Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford), are brought on board by the network's new president, Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet). Everyone involved with the show seems to be suffering from an impending sense of doom, but they have to pull together to get the show ready for its weekly Friday night time slot, providing plenty of laughs in the process. The box set includes the complete series.

Customer Reviews

Very watchable but not consistent
I had enjoyed watching a number of episodes of this show when they were originally broadcast and was keen to watch the whole series on DVD, however my feelings about the show are mixed. The premise is simple. A new team are brought in to revive a struggling comedy sketch-show. Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford play the characters who are keen to revive the fortunes of the show whilst Amanda Peet plays their boss. As the show develops it explores a range of issues including drug dependancy and workplace relationships.
The pilot starts with a dramatic diatribe referencing Network and protesting against the censorship of comedy in the media and the doctrines of political correctness. The show promises to be amusing, edgy and entertaining but this energetic start is not sustained throughout the series. There are some superb episodes such as the two parts of Nevade Day which manage to be both moving whilst exploring the prevelance of media stereotypes of rural America.However in other episodes the writing is less certain, the comedy less well-directed and we are distracted from central relationships which means that tension is not sustained from episode to episode.

The best TV show you'll never care about.
To begin with: I love this show. I think the writing, production and acting were all top notch and I would recommend it to anyone.
So why four stars?
It goes without saying that Aaron Sorkin is a genius. His resume contains some of the best written film and television of the last decade.
Thomas Schlamme (Exec Producer) has been involved in some of the most successful TV dramas of our time.
The cast is of the highest calibre.
So why was it cancelled after one season?
I think the reason is that this show requires effort on behalf of the viewer, and people seem to be unwilling to give that effort unless they are emotionally engaged in the show.
In Sorkin's previous hit (and in my opinion the best TV show ever) The West Wing you were prepared to think, to strain to keep up with the pace and to follow the complex plots because the characters were believable and they were trying to run the free world, the problems they faced affected the world and they wanted to do good.
In this show the characters are equally well drawn but the problem they face is putting out a comedy sketch show every week. Thats a thin premise to make people go out of their way for.
If you give the effort you will be rewarded but you have to want to give it because the show wont grab you and take it.
That said, buy it - its great.

A grower
Let's face it, there can never be another West Wing but this will go some way towards satisfying your cravings. The fast witty dialogue is there, along with many familiar faces and some notable new ones (Sarah Paulson especially). My only criticism (if you can call it that) is that it takes a few episodes to figure out who's who and what is going on - but persevere and you'll be hooked. Hurry up Mr Sorkin and write something else!