HBO's

John Adams [Blu-ray]
$79.98
Though most people may be drawn to this HBO miniseries for its look at the founding fathers and events of our nation in the early years of existence, I would like to add another reason (well, two actually): the gritty realism that the period is portrayed in, and the incredible acting that really brings the characters to life.

Now, don't get me wrong...this series is indeed a fascinating look at the formative years of the United States of America through the prism of John Adams' existence. Though those events now take on an air of legend, viewers will quickly take pleasure in seeing the events not portrayed as overly epic (unless they actually were!) but as the real-life struggles of some pioneer thinkers.

However, what continues to stick in my mind after viewing the entire series is how "real" the entire experience seemed. From the macro level (like the general living conditions and attitudes towards women/slavery) to the micro level (the crude nature of medicine and the sound of flies that can be heard buzzing in almost every scene), it felt as if I really had been transported to that time period.

Also not to be overlooked is the incredible acting throughout the series. Paul Giammatti (Adams) is one of the most underrated character actors of the modern day, and yet he is matched word for word by Laura Linney (Abigail Adams). The actors portraying such characters as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington are even able to bring forth the traits of the real-life luminaries they are portraying.

Thus, I would recommend this seven-part miniseries to pretty much any viewer who has any interest in historical topics whatsoever. Experts on the period will enjoy the realism of the series, while more casual viewers will just be transported away to a life that, while difficult, produced men and women that turned the U.S. into a nation to be reckoned with.

True Blood: The Complete First Season (HBO Series) [Blu-ray]
$79.98
How can anyone not love a vampire series that is crazy and racey! I bought this dvd for my parents for xmas and they love it! (Or they will, and I know I will!) I got the best deal on a new dvd for Blu-Ray here, so I am so thankful for that. Instead of spending $60 bucks on this, I spent like 20? :)

The Corner (HBO Miniseries)
$29.98
I loved this series. I am from Baltimore, so it was very real and a problem that is never going to change. The creators and writers and crew were great. I worked on this series and really saw a lot about my own city I never new, very eye opening,
Kathleen Weber-Ray

Five Days (HBO Miniseries)
$29.98
I love BBC shows. I love how the Brits use normal looking actors and actresses not "hollywood pretties" and this mini series starts out great. The first 3 episodes move right along and keep you guessing. The last two, however, move through molasses and you can guess the ending. You don't really care at that point either, you just wish you had some of your time back.