Now that most studios have already emptied their vaults of the “A” films for release on dvd, they’re beginning to release their television shows, sometimes this means an entire season in a boxed set.  FOX had started this trend with continual releases of such great fare as “THE SIMPSONS,” “THE X FILES” and “THE SIMPSONS.”  Now, they’ve just started releasing the relatively new runaway hit, “THE SHIELD.”  Just now beginning its 2^nd season on the “FX” channel, and having just won numerous Golden Globe awards, this boxed set release is the perfect way for newcomers to become introduced to the addictive show. 

Michael Chiklis stars as Vic Mackey, the kind of cop whose unconventional tactics would bother Dirty Harry.  As this is a “new” cop drama, it seems that the producers feel the need to “push the envelope” even more than the nudity and obscene language did for network shows like “NYPD BLUE.”  Right from the start of the first episode, there’s nudity and bad language.  Not, that it wouldn’t be necessary or even beneficial in terms of realism, but it does feel forced at times.  With this said, the writing for the series is consistently solid and there are enough entirely unpredictable moments that more than make up for the predictable ones.  The supporting cast is also terrific, and there’s even Reed Diamond, formerly of the superior “HOMICIDE: LIFE IN THE STREETS” series.  That was truly a show which has never been able to be met in terms of greatness, in other cop shows. 

In a way “THE SHIELD” does exemplify what the public seems to be willing to allow in its law enforcement.  “DIRTY HARRY” annoyed many liberals, but won over more of the public’s approval in the ‘70s, because of, rather than in spite of his tactics.  After the shock of 9/11, things feel much more reversed. The public, having much less tolerance for criminal behavior, would tolerate cops like Chiklis’ Mackey, “because” of, rather than “in spite of” his brash tactics. 

Mackey, like the overall show, is continually pushing the limits of what can be gotten away with.  It ends up becoming quite suspenseful, as one can’t help but feel it’s only a matter of time until he gets caught. 

FOX has released the entire first season, comprised of 13 episodes in this boxed set. 

All of these episodes are broadcast in their original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1.  The image is impressive.  Every scene is sharp, and while there’s a grainy, gritty feel to some sequences, the contrast is excellent, offering superb definition in darker scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural.   

FOX has provided a Dolby 2.0 surround soundmix. There are few surround moments, with most of the activity centered on the center channel. There are limited directional effects within the front soundstage, but due to the great writing, the production is dialogue-driven, and dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

FOX has offered some supplementary material with this release.  Each of the thirteen episodes has an optional audio commentary, including, but not limited to the show’s award winning producer/creator, Shawn Ryan, and other technical people.  Ryan has a lot of personality, and his passion for storytelling, as well as the production insight given, makes them all worth listening to.   

There is a 20 minute featurette, “MAKING THE SHIELD,” offering behind-the-scenes” footage, interviews and more.  One can also view the entire script to the pilot episode. 

There are two great supplements.  “CASTING TAPES” offers actual auditions for the leads, and is great entertainment!  There are 17 “deleted scenes,” each with an introduction/explanation.  For some reason, the deleted scenes are letterboxed. This makes one wonder why the entire season wasn’t presented in letterbox, as was the case with the recently released “24.”