DVD : Birds of Prey: The Complete Series

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Charmed All Over Again
Bought this hoping to get in to some better than average story lines, perhpas even some entertainment. Unfortunately, all I see is "Charmed" all over again. Once you get bast the fact that this is pure pandering to a very narrow audience, the show is . . . okay.

Did I say pandering? Yes I did. Girl power, girl angst, girl problem solving, relationship issues...every bit as nauseating as Charmed.

However, before you pounce and say I am anti-women's rights, think again. I find shows like this to be insulting to women, perpetuating a stereotype instead of moving forward and allowing people to just be people.

But then again, I'm not a twelve year old girl, so maybe I do not see the . . .charm . . . of this series.

Rating:

- An Attempt to Alleviate the Fullscreen Vs. Widescreen Confusion
First, let me say that I am a fan of all the comic incarnations of "Birds of Prey". In addition, I also admit to being a fan of the show. I enjoyed the attempt to "meld" the various ideas presented in the comics and create something different and new. I enjoyed Ian Abercrombie's portrayal of Alfred and I thought Dina Meyer as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle was inspired, perfect casting. I always find it fascinating to see how "book" characters will translate into live action based on another person's vision or imagination. Sometimes I agree with that vision and sometimes I don't. Still, I enjoy the creative attempts just the same. Having said that, I am thrilled to finally have an official DVD release in spite of the perceived "flaws", including changes to some of the music.

Music rights are a complicated issue (having been employed in the DVD retail world as well as being a musician who records her own CDs, obtaining music rights in general is often a frustrating mass of legal red tape and futility). In most cases, it's not just the song rights that need to be considered, but the performance rights as well, and it can end up being an EXTREMELY expensive undertaking. While I am disappointed in some of the changes (especially the elimination of the original theme song), the music for me was always secondary to what was presented on screen, which brings me to the main purpose I submitted this review.

In reading some of the reviews, it is distressing to see just how much confusion exists with respect to the whole "Fullscreen/Widescreen/aspect ratio" issue. Here is a link that will hopefully alleviate that confusion:

"Widescreen.org: The Letterbox & Widescreen Advocacy Page" (http://www.widescreen.org/index.shtml).

This website provides excellent and detailed explanations regarding the differences between the two formats. In addition, they supply an "Aspect Ratio" link that offers detailed information on each aspect ratio (1.33:1, 1.66:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1, and so on). A link is also provided which allows visitors to view some specific examples of the differences. With regard to this specific release, I actually sat down and compared it to the personal VHS recordings I did when the show originally aired back in 2002. Yeah, I know, I have WAY too much time on my hands. I am truly pathetic! However, there was such an outcry before the set was even released that I needed to see for myself. I can honestly say that the WB DVD release matches my home recorded VHS copies exactly (except for the fact that the sound and picture on the DVD release is PRISTINE compared to what I recorded off the TV). No side footage is missing (which does occur if widescreen is converted to fullscreen--the side footage is cut to make the rectangular widescreen picture into a square fullscreen one. Anywhere from 15-40% of the original picture is lost by this method). This tells me that what was initially broadcast (into MY home anyway) was most likely a matte fullscreen which can mimic a widescreen-like quality. It definitely looks much "cooler" than straight fullscreen (which is 4:3 or 1.33:1).

Overall, I am happy with the set. I give the release 4 stars instead of 5 simply because I do think that WB could have put a little more effort and expense into the release. Still, who knows? If this set sells well enough perhaps WB will release an edition that brings the original cast together to provide commentary. I certainly wouldn't mind a retrospective "Reunion/Making of..." featurette or a gag reel. After all, how many times have we purchased a TV show or film on DVD only to see a bigger, better version released later on? I can dream!

Seriously, in closing, I do hope that the link I provided above helps to clear up any misconceptions and misinformation that people may have had about picture formats. And now, I'm off to see "The Dark Knight" with my husband!

Rating:

- "Birds" truly takes flight
I'm a sucker for any/all permutations of the Batman mythos, and BOP provides a fresh take on the happenings in Gotham. Featuring three strong female characters and CSI-meets-X Files stories, it's truly a wonder that the show didn't succeed. Dina Meyer is absolute perfection as Barbara Gordon/Oracle--one of the very best casting choices in all of the Batman movies/shows. Kudos also to Mia Sara. Her Harley Quinn is a scheming mistress of evil, not the airhead comic relief of Batman:TAS.

WB and the creators of "Smallville" caught lightning in a bottle for 13 episodes. There may never be another live-action Batman series, but I'm glad we have BOP to treasure. It's a must-have for Batfans with with open minds.

Rating:

- Slightly Frayed Birds of Prey
When I heard Bird's Of Prey was FINALLLY!!! cooming to DVD I rejoiced. But The end result is only slightly worthy. The show if you forgot is set in a day after tomorrow New Gotham. Old Gotham was destroyed in a quake. The heroine(s) of the Show is the wheel-chair bound Oracle (aka) BatGirl , The daugther of the Black Canary and Huntress, the daugther of BatMan and Catwoman as they fight a Metahuman of the week, while unknowingly foiling the plots of Dr. Harleen Quinzel aka Harley Quinn who here is sinister but less maniac than her animated version. the show was known for a rocking Soundtrack back when the WB did such things.(Check out the CW). The Soundtrack is Lacking with bottom of their catalog replacements for the originals. The greatest removal is the show's rocking theme "(I'd Start a) Revolution" by Artist Aimee Allen and replaced with same generic songs plauging these DVD releases. the highlightson the set are the Unaired pillot and the entire run of the Gotham Girls webisodes.. If you loved the show it is worth the SALE price if you plan to get it. The show had a shot but it's a fun show in it's own way if you don't take it seriously.

Rating:

- The Birds of Prey (the love, finding ones self and Revenge )
I can't tell you how happy I'am to see The Birds of Prey out on DVD, and I want to thank all of you fellow fans for fighting so hard to get it released. I wish it was still on today it had so much potential.

The Birds of Prey is not just about fighting the bad guys. It about 3 very stong willed women who try to also find a normal life outside of crime fighting life style. Barbara dates a counsellor from New Gothom High named Wade, and she ends up falling in love with him. Despite the fact that she kepted on telling herself that it would not work out.

Dinah tries her best to fit into high school and get that cute boy that she likes to go to the dance with her. She ends up doing something that I'am sure all us ladies would love to do to our boyfriends read their minds to find out what they like.

Helena is trying to find out who she is besides being the daughter of Catwoman and Batman. She also ends up falling in love with detective Reese. You'll see a lot of flirting going on between these two. If your looking for some kicking of bad guy butt and a little romance too check out disc 4 of the DVD set.

One more thing all of the ladies Helena, Barbara, and Dinah all try to take revenge on the people who killed their loved ones.

I love The Birds of Prey so much it was my favorite TV show, and I hope that it becomes your favorite too. Thanks for reading.

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