Attention! All hands on deck!
 Jan 31st, 2007
(Feb 6th, 2007)
Advantages:
Includes rare unaired epsiode, quality picture and sound transfers, in correct airing order
Disadvantages:
region 2 set is devoid of extras
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to similar films?
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  Shroud
About me:
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Member since:16.08.2001
Reviews:248
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Review rated by 13 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Let me start by asking that if you are reading this, please log in. if you are not registered, please take the minute it takes to do so and fully enjoy the benefits of belonging to Ciao. Thank you. And now for the review!
Premise:
When I was a kid and off sick from school my Mom and I would relax on the sofa and watch reruns of Perry Mason. Oh, the excitement! A lawyer who investigated the crime, and then bared the shocking truth to during a face off in a court of law! Bring this idea forward to present times, and for spin, make it a group of lawyers who are naval officers serving in the Navy and Marine Corp's Judge Advocate General Corps. What a brilliant concept! The lawyers get to investigate all sorts of crimes, from petty theft, to murder, to high treason, recommend military charges, argue against each other in court, as well as advise on the legalities on how to apply the various international rules of engagement and give legal advice on all manner of family law to military family members. Nor are the cast limited to their local base. They get temporary duty assignments to US bases around the world, and shipboard duties. Did you know each naval vessel has a lawyer on board? They do!
While this is set within the US navy, the ideals of justice, truth, and the pathos of the ordinary human lives will strike a chord with almost any viewer. This makes for gripping viewing. Show's Creator:
I feel that here I should mention the show's creator, producer, and often, writer. Factually accurate, it is fascinating drama infused with many of the humorous moments that Bellisario is famous for. This makes the show realistic without being heavy. Himself a former Marine, he is a stickler for getting the military details correct. His other well known productions include magnum, PI, Quantum leap, Airwolf, and the JAG spin off sensation NCIS.
Cast: The main stars of series 1 are:
Tracey Needham …Lt Meg Austin
David James Elliot…Commander Harmon Rabb Jr
Patrick Labyroteaux…Lt Cmdr Bud Roberts
Paul Collins…SecNAv (Secretary of the Navy) Alexander nelson
Michael Bellisario…Midshipman Mikey Roberts
John M. Jackson…Rear Admiral A.J. Chegwidden
The discs:
Right, now you more or less know the sort of show let's chat about what you get by purchasing the box set edition. You get the entire first series' 21 episodes, in order and unedited. Excellent on their own, this first series is where they set the stage for the phenomenon that was to make this series rival MASH in historical worldwide popularity. The episodes are:
1. JAG
2. Shadow
3. Desert Son
4. Déjà vu
5. Pilot error
6. War Cries
7. Brig Break
8. Scimitar
9. Boot
10. Sightings
11. The Brotherhood
12. Defensive Action
13. Smoked
14. Hemlock
15. High Ground
16. Black Ops
17. Survivors
18. Recovery
19. the prisoner
20. Ares
21. Skelton Crew part 1 (rare unaired episode!)
Quality and Extras:
Paramount not only did an excellent job in transferring the pictures; the sound quality is crystal clear and presented in Dolby Surround Sound. You will probably jump the first time a Tomcat buzzes by your ear!
As for extras, this is where people without multiregional DVD players get kicked in the teeth. The Region 1 box set has several extras, including episode commentaries, behind the scenes looks with actual footage, as well as a "making of" featurette. All VERY wonderful, and interesting, but, and in my opinion, a very BIG but, these are NOT on the Region 2 set. I repeat, except for the episode Skeleton crew, there is not a single item of bonus material to be had if you purchase the Region 2 box set. Luckily I came across this item of information BEFORE I spent my money, so I ordered a Region 1 box set instead. Regardless of which version you buy or decide to rent, just do it already. You definitely do not wish to miss out on a spectacular programme!
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![JAG - Season 1 [DVD] [1995]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78475305.jpg)
by (92%):
by (8%):
31.01.2007 20:30
Us Region 2 NCIS fans were shafted on the extras front too - someone needs to tell Bellisario there is a world outside of Region 1!
31.01.2007 14:05
It's amazing how many mruder mystery shows they can get away with making
31.01.2007 12:53
Good review - but i never really liked this show thought it was boring. I find NCIS much more interesting.