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Deadwood: Complete HBO Season 1 [2004] [DVD]
 
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Deadwood: Complete HBO Season 1 [2004] [DVD]

DVD ~ Ian McShane
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
RRP: £49.99
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Frequently Bought Together

Deadwood: Complete HBO Season 1 [2004] [DVD] + Deadwood : Complete HBO Season 2 [DVD] [2005] + Deadwood : Complete HBO Season 3 [DVD] [2006]
Total RRP: £151.97
Price For All Three: £52.45

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Deadwood: Complete HBO Season 1 [2004] [DVD]
69% buy the item featured on this page:
Deadwood: Complete HBO Season 1 [2004] [DVD] 4.7 out of 5 stars (51)
£13.98
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Deadwood : Complete HBO Seasons 1-3 (12 Disc Box Set) [DVD] [2004] 4.6 out of 5 stars (21)
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Product details

  • Actors: Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, Keith Carradine, Robin Weigert, Powers Boothe
  • Directors: Walter Hill
  • Format: Box set, PAL
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Number of discs: 4
  • Classification: 18
  • Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: 4 Jul 2005
  • Run Time: 639 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B0009J2QEU
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 4,866 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

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Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
The remarkable first season of Deadwood represents one of those periodic, wholesale reinventions of the Western that is as different from, say, Lonesome Dove as that miniseries is from Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo or the latter is from Anthony Mann's The Naked Spur. In many ways, Deadwood embraces the Western's unambiguous morality during the cinema's silent era through the 1930s while also blazing trails through a post-NYPD Blue, post-The West Wing television age exalting dense and customized dialogue. On top of that, Deadwood has managed an original look and texture for a familiar genre: gritty, chaotic, and surging with both dark and hopeful energy. Yet the show's creator, erstwhile NYPD Blue head writer David Milch, never ridicules or condescends to his more grasping, futile characters or overstates the virtues of his heroic ones.

Set in an ungoverned stretch of South Dakota soon after the 1876 Custer massacre, Deadwood concerns a lawless, evolving town attracting fortune-seekers, drifters, tyrants, and burned-out adventurers searching for a card game and a place to die. Others, particularly women trapped in prostitution, sundry do-gooders, and hangers-on have nowhere else to go. Into this pool of aspiration and nightmare arrive former Montana lawman Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) and his friend Sol Starr (John Hawkes), determined to open a lucrative hardware business. Over time, their paths cross with a weary but still formidable Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine) and his doting companion, the coarse angel Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert); an aristocratic, drug-addicted widow (Molly Parker) trying to salvage a gold mining claim; and a despondent hooker (Paula Malcomson) who cares, briefly, for an orphaned girl. Casting a giant shadow over all is a blood-soaked king, Gem Saloon owner Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), possibly the best, most complex, and mesmerizing villain seen on TV in years. Over 12 episodes, each of these characters, and many others, will forge alliances and feuds, cope with disasters (such as smallpox), and move--almost invisibly but inexorably--toward some semblance of order and common cause. Making it all worthwhile is Milch's masterful dialogue--often profane, sometimes courtly and civilized, never perfunctory--and the brilliant acting of the aforementioned performers plus Brad Dourif, Leon Rippy, Powers Boothe, and Kim Dickens. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com

Synopsis
HBO delivers another stunning, evocative drama in DEADWOOD. The channel has an impressive reputation when it comes to producing edge-of-your-seat television (THE SOPRANOS, SIX FEET UNDER), and DEADWOOD follows neatly in that tradition. Set in 1876, the story unfolds just two weeks after the defeat of Custer at Little Big Horn. The town of Deadwood is located in the Black Hills Indian Cession, and is populated largely by illegal settlers and miscreants looking to make a quick buck. Among them are Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), who owns the local saloon; Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), a former law enforcer; and the infamous Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine). Some awesome acting combines with intricate storylines, absorbing direction, and some impressive sets to make DEADWOOD another essential series from the HBO stable.

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Customer Reviews

51 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (51 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Has to be 5 stars..., 17 Aug 2006
By captive8122@hotmail.com (northern Ireland) - See all my reviews
I'm not a western fan. I grew up watching a lot of them with my dad, but aside from the Gunfight at OK Corral, I never really got into them. So I wasn't sure about this, but I thought I'd have a look due to some very positive reviews.

Now this is going to sound a little bit weird, so I apologise... but I'm not sure if I'm glad that I did look. I've had to rate the series 5 stars because I sat glued to every episode in Season 1 and Season 2, so it's undeniably gripping television, very slickly directly, well scripted, and imaginatively filmed, but it's not a pleasant experience. There's nothing uplifting here. This is televisual nihilism. Dark, murky, filthy and frequently horrific. There are some much needed comic moments, due to a cast of very colourful characters, but the base tones here are black, brown and grey.

I have no problem at all with the frequent swearing. I didn't even notice it much, to be honest. Can't really understand why so many people get their knickers in a twist over it. More grisly murders than you can shake a stick at, and they get flustered over the F and C words. Crazy. I did feel a little bit uncomfortable with the feeling I got in a couple of episodes that some scenes of horror were veering very close to gratuitous wallowing, though. Shock for shock's sake. But this was not the norm- just a feeling I got in maybe 2 of the episodes. I'm not usually bothered by explicit material either, but again, an explicit blowjob while a character is giving a soliloquy can smack a little of... well, going out of your way to offend the easily offended. I do like the risk-taking element, though, and the bravery of the concept. Very original, and tastefully pulled off for the most part.

I've no doubt you'll be riveted by this series if you choose to give it a go, but if you're at all of a melancholic, depressive bent, I'm not sure if I should actively recommend it. It's very haunting, and very unsettling in parts. Thought-provoking, most definitely, but I don't think it's something I could watch again, or would want to watch more than once. Is it worth owning on dvd then? I'm not sure, considering you get no extras on the UK edition. I think that extras might have left me with a slightly sweeter taste in my mouth... helped me to appreciate the art behind the production, and sponge away a bit of the bleakness. As it was, I watched all the episodes, then felt that I needed a very long shower. With carbolic soap. And a little counselling. And a holiday. The craft here cannot really be faulted, but the content is very, very heavy. Approach with caution and handle with care.

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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking TV, 3 Jun 2007
By Nigel Collier (Newcastle upon Tyne) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)      
Can I just quote an earlier reviewer (Nobby Yates, see below): "A masterclass in screenwriting, beautiful TV cinematography, Shakespearean-like storylines, a clever fusion of fact and fiction, a strong core of characters, top-class acting, and an aura of authenticism make Deadwood S1 a must watch/buy".

That is right on the money. Deadwood is an absolutely stunning serial that oozes quality. The first thing you need to get over quickly is the language, as a viewer and as a reviewer. This is the most eye-watering script you will have ever encountered - it makes Goodfellas look like Lovejoy. But the language used is also really sophisticated and beautifully used - it IS very Shakespearean at times, most noticably of course during the soliloquies, when Swearengen or Farnum are postulating to themselves about the various plots. I must confess to watching it iwth subtitles switched on - because there is so much nuance and complexity in the script that you do not want to miss.

The collection of characters are just wonderful and rich - I know this is an overused term in reviews these days but this really is an ensemble piece. There are no weak characters - each is fully rounded and given due attention from the peripheral crippled floorsweeper Jewel, via just wonderfully acted characters like the local newsman Merrick, the toadying hotellier Farnum, the excitable Chinaman Wu, the enigmatic and grumpy Charlie Utter, the imposing saloon rival Cy Tolliver all the way to the kingpin Al Swearengen. Women, it struck me, are particularly well written for in Deadwood too. I think if I had to pick out any relatively weak performances in the whole series I'd have to go for former marshal Seth Bullock and upper class widow Alma Garrett, both of whom are a little one-dimensional and unconvincing at times.

I was a fan of Ian McShane's acting before this show but the marriage of McShane and the role of saloon/whorehouse keeper and underworld ruler of Deadwood Al Swearengen is one made in TV heaven. The first time you watch Deadwood Swearengen is a arch villain, an unscrupulous, heartless but clever gangster. But watch the series twice and you start to realise how complex he is, how compassionate, intelligent, trustworthy and just. He kills for mercy and for what's right as much as for financial gain or political expediancy. He berates and humiliates Jewel for being a cripple, yet still he employs her despite her inefficacy when others presumably wouldn't.

Similarly, the first time you watch Deadwood the overwhelming mood you'll detect is one of an uncomfortable scheming, brooding, murderous anarchy. The more you watch however you begin to see that it can be an ordered even hopeful place. It also is filled with moments of genuine comedy with pathos and running gags aplenty. The sets are wonderful, the photography beautiful and the research and energy there for all to see. TV of the very, very highest class.
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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovewood, 1 Sep 2006
By Kim North (London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Wire... HBO's resume is bursting with TV goodness. And it's from this network that the latest - some would say best - of the bunch now emerges.

The concept is fairly simple: Gold rush. Old west mining town. Lots of gold. Lots of whoring. Lots of double-crossing and murdering. But the show is so much more than your average 'Cowboys and Injuns'. Deadwood gives out as much as the audience is willing to put in. It is not an easy show to keep up with. The dialogue between the characters is superb, but a bizarre mixture between antiquated and modern colloqualism. But it works. In fact, it is entirely possible to watch the show, have no idea what is going on and on a superficial level, just enjoy watching the beautifully realized characters interacting with one another.

The plot, well-crafted and sometimes frustratingly complex as it is, can usually take a backseat to the other elements of the show - which is hugely impressive and a brave step for a flagship programme such as this. In fact, it seems the writers have gone out of their way to intentionally snub the classical approach to popular TV writing. David Milch, the godlike genius behind NYPD Blue, is probably responsible for this approach, as it can sometimes feel random and disorganised... in other words, more life-like.

You get the impression that the writers and actors love the characters. The show is certainly an ensemble piece as every member of the regular cast pulls their weight. Ian McShane deserves a large amount of the praise for his dispicable, human and ultimately quite likeable portrayal of Gem Saloon brothel owner Al Swearengen. Timothy Olyphant is excellent as the intense ex-Marshal-turned-Hardware-shop-owner Seth Bullock, as is William Sanderson, Brad Dourif, Powers Boothe, Keith Carradine, Paula Macolmson, Kim Dickens, Robin Weigert, etc, etc. Everyone holds their own and really, everyone deserves some kind of award. Even the incidental characters are well acted. EVERYONE is good in it.

One entertainingly bizarre consequence of the writers' affection for their creations is that, every-so-often and quite randomly, Ian McShane might be made to deliver a soliloquy to an inanimate object (like his severed Sioux-head in a box or his stuffed moose) about his difficult upbringing in an oprhanage. Or another character, such as sweaty-palmed Hotel owner E.B. Farnam might wander down the town's thorough-fare and complain to himself about his underappreciated social status. And in this environment of back-stabbing and shifting alliegences, these soliloquies reach Shakespearean heights. In fact Iago himself wouldn't look amiss, propped at the bar in a 10-gallon hat...

The underlying theme of the show is moral ambiguity, placed in the context of the beginnings of modern American history - which was after all founded on an enterprising spirit as much as a purely libertarian ethic. The only certain rule that show follows is that the Good generally have to make way for the Bad and the Ugly. Every character in the show has come to Deadwood - a real town in the South Dakota Black Hills, with a real history that the show is loosely based on - for selfish reasons. And any character that is there for unselfish reasons, suffers.

Whilst I had not understood why people have such a fascination with the Wild West, I think I'm beginning to. Western Mythology is tangible, as it was only just over a century ago that the "wild west" existed. What John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies failed to make me enthusiastic about, Deadwood achieves in doing so. Deadwood also once again highlights the irritating trend in British television towards creating patronizing kitchen-sink melodrama instead of well thought out and imaginative dramatic storytelling. Take note BBC, ITV, Channel 4: you should be aiming for this level of brilliance.

By all of these DVDs and join me in cursing HBO for cancelling the final season.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Deadwood: A hell of a place to make your living
The most brilliantly foul-mouthed show in television history, Deadwood follows a cast of characters in the lawless town of the same name, where everyone is looking to get rich... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Paul Levy

1.0 out of 5 stars WARNING! Region 2 & 4 fans of HBO's "Deadwood" and "Oz".
WARNING!

Consumers from outside of North America considering whether they will buy the Region 1 versions or the Region 2 & 4 versions of HBO's "Deadwood" and "Oz" may... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. Cameron J. Hamill

5.0 out of 5 stars Deadwood Series One
This series is like a book once you start you have to see it through to the end.
David Milch is brilliant, although you get the impression as the seasons move on that he had... Read more
Published 3 months ago by C. J. Woodman

5.0 out of 5 stars Its so brilliant you should sit and watch it in a shirt and tie.

Ok that may be exagerating a little..
It may not be the easiest of watching or even sound remotely interesting. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tim Turnill

5.0 out of 5 stars Personal
great series to own, the effert put into it to make it so authentic really makes you think they have gone back in time to film it
Published 5 months ago by Christopher

5.0 out of 5 stars Top quality drama
A superb series that works on so many levels - an exciting western, an enthralling drama, a no-holds barred action adventure and an acting tour-de-force. Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. W. Platt

5.0 out of 5 stars Bl**dy brilliant
I'd heard of Deadwood but wasn't really interested in watching a western series. But the guy who recommended The Wire : Complete HBO Season 1 to me put Deadwood on the same... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dominic Buschi

5.0 out of 5 stars To be or not to F**king be you C**ksucker.
You've seen your Ford westerns, Your John Wayne Westerns. Your Spaghetti westerns. Simply put this is Shakespearian Western. With lots of modern profanity. Why not? Read more
Published 9 months ago by XIII Warrior

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark & Intriguing
Ian Mcshane is excellent in this Dark Drama........not a typical western....no blue skys, powder puff clouds, blue gingham shirts etc.... Read more
Published 10 months ago by adieinfrance

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential viewing
Over the past few years, there have been a few very good TV shows such as Lost, 24 and Prison Break which have made compulsive viewing. Read more
Published 10 months ago by C. Taylor

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