Creator:
David Chase
Cast:
James Gandolfini ………. Tony Soprano
Edie Falco ………. Carmela Soprano
Michael Imperioli ………. Christopher Moltisanti
Lorraine Bracco ………. Dr. Jennifer Melfi
Steve Van Zandt ………. Silvio Dante
Tony Sirico ………. Paulie ‘Walnuts’ Gualtieri
Robert Iler ………. Anthony ‘A.J.’ Soprano, Jr.
Jamie-Lynn DiScala ………. Meadow Soprano
Aida Turturro ………. Janice Soprano
Dominic Chianese ………. Corrado ‘Junio’ Soprano
The Show:
This is an expensive set for only half a season. But this much is true: The Sopranos is an expensive show and one that is rich in story, portrayal and characterization. For that reason alone, the show should be watched by one and all (and especially those over 18).
The first part of what has been billed as the final season of the show includes 12 episodes – with the second half expected to air in March 2007. By this point in the HBO series you know the players so there’s no need to rehash the mob family’s history. The point of these episodes is quite simply to build the characters up in preparation for the ultimate whacking.
Season 5 left off with Johnny Sack being arrested and this Season 6 picks up in the aftermath of the arrest. While Phil Leotardo was expected to exact revenge on the Soprano clan for his brothe’s death, he seems to be satisfied as the new boss in Sack’s absence.
By escaping through the woods, Tony managed to avoid being captured and business seems to be operating as usual. The marital problems which plagued him have now been smoothed over and it is clear that for at least the first half of Season 6, Carmella and her husband are getting along. Tony’s kids are on divergent paths. AJ is taking college classes and Meadow is still engaged to Finn.
As for the crew, Chris is still on the path of sobriety. Vito has dieted to the point of losing a significant amount of weight. Uncle Junior is completely senile. Janice and Bobby now have a daughter together.
One of the Sopranos staples over the years has been its ability to focus on the concept of family. Tony’s relationship with his kids and his other ‘family’ is an important dichotomy to recognize. Is he really the loving father who only wants to see AJ succeed in life without resorting to illegal means or does he recognize the inevitable? How long will Carmella be able to enjoy her whimsical trips to Paris without questioning how they were paid for?
While all of the episodes are good (except the finale which basically leaves the show with a whimper instead of a bang), the premiere is unquestionably the best episode. In fact, the devil’s advocate might argue that the premiere should have been the finale and the finale should have been the premiere. In any event, the surprise starting paves the way for the rest of the episodes and this is done remarkably well.
There is no question that this DVD set is like a baseball game, minus the ninth inning. Everyone gets a chance to step up to the plate and while Tony is the pitcher (although some would tongue-in-cheek say that it is Vito), it is clear that there is an entire line-up of players to get to and develop. It is, however clearly setting the table for the main event which presumably is going to threaten the boss’ life to close the show.
The DVD:
Video:
The DVD is presented in an anamorphic aspect ratio of 1.78:1. It looked a little dark for my liking and I adjusted settings slightly.
Audio:
No complaints. Presented in 2.0 with a Spanish option. There are also English, French and Spanish subtitles available.
Special Features:
One of the trademarks of HBO DVD’s is that they really don’t pay much attention to the special features. This was the case with Big Love, and it is certainly the case here. There are no extras to speak highly of. The only extra that you are paying for are commentaries. There are four on the set.
The first commentary includes Edie Falco (Carmella), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow), and Robert Iler (AJ). While it is fun, there is nothing spectacular to mention here.
The second is with one of the show’s writers, Matthew Weiner. Once again, his insight is limited and definitely not what one would expect from a writer of one of the most critically-acclaimed dramas of the current TV generation.
Writer Terence Winter along with Michael Imperioli (Christopher) and Tony Sirico (Paulie) also add their thoughts on one of the episodes. This is interesting, but again there are flaws. One can surmise that the reason these are worth listening to is because of who the actors are, rather than what they say. They don’t reveal any particularly satisfying behind-the-scenes stories.
The final commentary is with the creator, David Chase. This is the only intriguing one of the bunch. While Chase does not offer many secrets, he certainly does recognize when nothing happens and points it out. He unintentionally makes it clear that this season is the appetizer for the main course and in that regard, the DVD collection does what it is supposed to. It whets the appetites for the Spring shows.
Really though, the special features do not offer much.
