TV ON DVD

Barney Miller, boys always on duty on series DVD set

— What is it? Barney Miller, the complete series, 168 half-hour episodes on 25 discs from Shout! Factory When? Tuesday How much? $159.99 Who is Barney Miller? He’s the head of the detective squad in New York’s 12th precinct. Barney (Hal Linden) is a strong leader and father figure who has to deal with bureaucracy, budget constraints and a parade of crazies (victims, crooks and detectives alike).

Over the years (1975-82), the squad room regulars included Detective Wojciehowicz (Max Gail), an eager young Vietnam veteran; the deadpan Sergeant Yemana (Jack Soo); the dapper Sergeant Harris (Ron Glass); unflappable Detective Dietrich (Steve Landesberg) with his encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything; and Sergeant Fish (Abe Vigoda), the old-timer who has seen it all.

In the perpetually gritty squad room, they deal with burglars, cults, flashers and doll-nappers.

What is it like? Think of shows like All in the Family and M*ASH.

Realistic comedy is probably the best way to describe it — a comedy with elements of drama thrown in. It never gets too off the wall.

That doesn’t mean it’s too serious, though. Some of the humor can be a little dark — a man attempting suicide in the squad’s bathroom ends up being genuinely funny. There are commentaries on social issues and problems and it occasionally gets somber, but the show usually avoids sinking under the weight of its own self-importance. The characters are fleshed out, the jokes are based in character and reality and the whole series manages to be very real and very funny. Are there extras? The set includes: Inside the 12th Precinct: A half-hour featurette including interviews with actors and writers. Salute to the Old One Two: Another half-hour with interviews, this one focuses on specific episodes, memories and the series’ end.

Inside the Writers Room: Two of the staff writers talk about what drew them to the series, their experiences there and the writing process.

You Don’t Know Jack: An excerpt from a documentary about Soo.

The original pilot episode, which had a different cast and different focus.

The uncut version of the series’ first episode, “Ramon.”

The first season of the spinoff series Fish. Commentary tracks for the final three episodes. One warning: The episode layout on the discs is mislabeled in a couple of cases. New this week: Dennis the Menace, Season 3; It Takes a Thief, Complete Series; The Virginian, Season 5; Wagon Train, Season 4. New next week: Californication, Season 4; The Fugitive, Complete Series; How the States Got Their Shapes, Season 1; Mr. Sunshine, Complete Series; Pie in the Sky, Complete Collection.

Style, Pages 56 on 10/23/2011

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