DVD : Deadwood - The Complete First Season

Rating: - Authenticity And Great Acting Prevail
I had not seen any of the Deadwood shows before during the regular TV season as I do not subscribe to HBO. But I heard and read some of the raves so I decided to get a DVD package of the first season.
I have been to the Black Hills and Deadwood several times so I was concerned about how the exteriors would look. They are very authentic, even though I understand they are filmed on the Melody Ranch location in California (I wonder, is that Gene Autry's old ranch when he was a famous cowboy?) The set for the town of Deadwood was built from scratch and the topography and setting look very much like the present-day Deadwood, allowing for modern development, of course.
The actors are top notch, a real ensemble cast that blend well together and look like they are having a good time. Not a "star" in the bunch (with the possible exception of Ian McShane), but I am sure they will become household names. The writing is terrific. I was initially put off by the excessive use of the "F" word in all its derivatives until it was explained by David Milch (the creator-writer) that this was common to rough mining camps of those times. Robin Wiegert's portrayal of Calamity Jane is particularly delicious and at times hilarious.
I have just ordered the second season of Deadwood on DVD and am looking forward to another 12 hours of top-notch entertainment.

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Rating: - Deadwood the First Season - Not for everyone!
This is a great DVD set; the stories are well written and acted. The characters have depth and quickly become important to the viewer. The language used on this show may put some people off, it is some of the most vulgar and crude language I've heard on a DVD set. In the special features the writer explains that from a historical viewpoint the episodes reflect how life was in 1876 Deadwood. Be ready for drama, violence, humor, sex, and profanity all mixed into 12 episodes. It will leave you wanting more, this is story telling at its best.

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Rating: - One of the best shows on TV now is cancelled
Intelligent humor, rich in details and surprisingly addictive! Deadwood is one of the best shows on television. The show is going to be cancelled after the end of the 3rd season, which is a huge disappointment. The acting in Deadwood is beyond excellent, they make them no better.

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Rating: - Highly recommend this western, addictive!
I am a Sopranos junkie and thought that no other show could compare. I watched the first episode of Deadwood and thought it was good though. Then before I knew it I was sucked in, wanting to waste the day away watching each episode to see what would happen. Al could give Tony Soprano a run for his money. I highly recommend this set and also purchased season two. I am disappointed that The Sopranos and Deadwood will both be coming to an end soon, these shows are amazing and addictive. I would not recommend this as appropriate viewing material for children though due to sex, violence and language. Great after-hours programming for adults!

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Rating: - "LIVEWOOD"
As far as film goes, the creative process, in recent years, seems to have gone the way of the buffalo and gas station service attendant. But watching Deadwood elevates the viewer combining art and entertainment to a level not reached since the days of filmakers like Orson Welles and David Lean. The language was harsh but then so was the town of Deadwood...5 plus stars,,,dajace.