Sopranos, The:S3 (DVD)

Just watched a full thirteen hours of this just-released DVD. Wow!This series just keeps getting better and better. In spite of being involved in a violent lifestyle, each character comes across as very human. I relate to them all. And somehow, the writing is so good that I feel I'm right there, a member of the family. These episodes fit together beautifully, and are part of the great mosaic that has been delighting viewers for the past three years. I just recently became an HBO subscriber and actually saw only one or two episodes before the season ended. But I'm all caught up now, after also viewing Seasons One and Two on DVD and can't wait to watch it week by week as the Season Four begins.One of the things I love most about the series is the depth of understanding the writers have of human nature. The action of the story is true to the personalities of each character. And afterward I can understand why their hard choices could only go one way, given who they are. For example, there is a brutal rape episode in which the viewer wonders what will happen next. Afterwards, however, because of previously established characterizations, I could understand that the episode couldn't have concluded in any other way. There is also a humanization of one of the girls who work at the strip club, changing forever the viewer's perception of the realities of the trade.I've come to love Carmela with all her soul searching about her role of a Mafia wife. And of course there is Tony with all his humanity, and some very erotic scenes with a seemingly sophisticated new lady friend. Their relationship sparks and then disintegrates quite quickly and the attraction followed by repulsion was easy to understand. Tony's children and his family life keep getting more interesting. Meadow is at college now and has to deal with new relationships while still tied to the familiar. And A.J. is showing signs of the same kind of panic attacks that affect his father. Tony's mother dies in the first episode and what follows regarding his sister's Janet's reaction is exactly the kind of scatterbrained nonsense mixed with cruelty that we've all come to expect from her.Tony's Mafia family is still true to what we've come to expect. This year it's Ralphie we all love to hate. And then there's Jackie Jr. whose stupidity leads to tragedy. Tony still has feelings of guilt about previous acts of violence. But I just love the fact that there are flashbacks instead of some of the silly dream sequences that appeared in episodes during the first two years.As a total package, this third year gets another super high recommendation. Don't miss it. But be sure to see the first two years in order to put it all in perspective.

In my opinion, this is the best series ever made. Only such great shows as Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones can even come close. The Sopranos shows the life of fictional mob boss Tony Soprano, expertly played by James Gandolfini. It shows Tony the mob boss, but also Tony the family man. With a wife and 2 children he has some of the same problems faced by ordinary people.My favorite episodes of The Sopranos: Season 3 were:Pine Barrens - Paulie and Christopher get lost in the woods in an area called Pine Barrens after a collection attempt from a Russian thug goes horribly wrong. Paulie and Christopher try to survive the freezing cold overnight by eating ketchup packets found in a truck. This is a really powerful episode which shows the dangers of dealing with the Russian mob.Mr. Ruggiero's Neighborhood - this episode deals with the FBI and their ongoing attempt at surveillance of Tony Soprano. While the episode is fictional, it is based on real life tactics used by the FBI. A facinating episode to watch. This is the opening episode of Season 3.This season was one of my favorites.

The Sopranos is a unique show and pretty consistent from season to season in delivering. I didn't have the time to watch it when it was originally on, but streaming it has made it possible to savor the show together with my wife on our timeline and enjoy it together. We are currently half way through season 6 and without knowing how it is going to wind up, the show has held steady in its quality and delivering consistent quality. I went into the show intent to watch it with my wife thinking it was something she would enjoy more and I would like but not think of as great. Thankfully I was wrong and we both love it and think it is a great show. It is intense from season to season and delivers great entertainment. Some serious stereotypes but overall it is Hollywood not the history channel so all things considered I think it is a great show and am enjoying it and am sure will miss seeing new episodes as I finish up the final season. Great stuff!

No damage , worked well!

After finishing this Sopranos collection, I feel that the high quality acting and compelling plots that characterized the first two seasons carried through the third. The only weak link I see is the Dr. Melfi character, portrayed by Lorraine Bracco. I feel she is just too formal and stiff. She seems unnatural in a show that shines with entirely believable characters.One highlight of this season is Tony's affair with Gloria (Annabella Sciorra). I feel Sciorra most convincingly depicts an attractive and emotionally unstable woman who is seduced by Tony's power and wealth. It seems she wants a lot of commitment from a man who has none to offer.Episode Eleven, Pine Barrens, is an absolute classic. I roared with laughter as Paulie (Tony Sirico) and Christopher (Michael Imperioli) stumbled around in the snow and sought shelter from the bitter cold in an old abandoned truck. They had been trying to kill a man who was fleeing through the woods when they got lost. I found myself hoping that a scene would open showing Paulie and Christopher frozen solid in the truck.I have now finished the first three seasons and regret that I had not watched the show earlier.

Great

The final season that I could get through without shaking my head. Season 4 eventually went off the rails, thanks to a writers' strike, but season 3 was still fascinating and addicting to the last episode.

The best gift to my friend

I was very happy to receive this item. Everything was good and as said.

Parfait parfait