DVD Review: Private Practice: The Complete First Season

TV Show Info:
Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Kate Walsh, Tim Daly, Paul Adelstein, KaDee Strickland, Chris Lowell, Taye Diggs, Amy Brenneman
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: September 26, 2007 – present
DVD Box Set Release Date: September 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $25.99

When Private Practice first came out, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. I am pretty loyal to Grey’s Anatomy, and the history of spin-offs in television usually doesn’t go so well, so I was highly considering skipping it. I had the advantage of not being too familiar with Addison. When I started watching Grey’s it was about the time that Addison was heading off to Santa Monica. As I didn’t really connect with her while she was on Grey’s (I only saw her in a few episodes) it wasn’t hard to make plenty of excuses as to why I didn’t need to see this.

Then I heard who else was in it. Amy Brenneman and Taye Diggs are also on this show. This made it harder to avoid, but thanks to scheduling conflicts I have managed to miss it so far. However, when the chance came for a DVD review I figured it was time to give it a shot. I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed by what I saw. It’s not at the level of Grey’s, but that being said, it is certainly worth a watch.

This first season gives a good base for future storylines. It focuses a lot on Addison’s new life and the interactions that she has with her new co-workers. Addison gets back into the dating scene, so there are a lot of moments dealing with that. However, it’s not just filled with drama and soap opera-like antics. Occasionally, there are moments where treating patients takes center stage. These are some of the most interesting moments of the series; being able to see the positive interactions these characters have with their patients.

The acting in Private Practice is handled with ease. The majority of the cast are established actors and it shows in their comfort level. There aren’t any wooden performances that are so standard with some newer actors. There is also a good deal of chemistry floating around in the cast. When they are getting along it feels as if they have been friends forever. Likewise, in those moments of tension, it becomes obvious enough to feel the tension through the screen.

If you are a fan of Grey’s you will probably enjoy Private Practice. If there is something that makes you not watch Grey’s, but you are a fan of the medical drama then you should like Private Practice. This is a good show that deserves a look at least once. Considering the second season is about to start, now is as good a time as any to get caught up.

ThePrivate Practice: The Complete First Season Plot
The first season of Private Practice really focuses on Addison moving away from the Seattle Grace scene and into something new. Of course, she doesn’t manage to get away from the drama that caused her to leave in the first place. The drama just comes from a new source. If you compare it to Grey’s it will depend on how much you like Grey’s to determine which show you think is better. Diehard Grey’s fans will like this, but they won’t think it’s better. People not so in love with Grey’s may find that this appeals to them more.

We have listed the episode descriptions below so you can determine if this season of Private Practice is for you.

“In Which We Meet Addison, a Nice Girl From Somewhere Else” Addison (Kate Walsh) leaves Seattle Grace Hospital and Grey’s Anatomy en route for anyone else. In this case, anywhere else ends up being the Oceanside Wellness Center in Santa Monica. Addison is neighbors with Sam (Taye Diggs). From the start, Addison has to handle a case that could break her career at the center.

“In Which Sam Receives an Unexpected Visitor” Cooper (Paul Adelstein) hires a stripper for Sam and jealousy issues crop up for both Addison and Naomi (Audra McDonald) because of it. The doctor’s all ban together in an attempt to diagnose a baby’s illness.

“In Which Addison Finds the Magic” Addison and Pete (Tim Daly) treat a couple of newlyweds having some problems in their relationship. While this is going on Addison confides in Pete. Cooper looks into the reason why there are four sisters that all have the same illness.

“In Which Addison Has a Very Casual Get Together” Addison invites the group from the Wellness Center to her house, but no one RSVPs. Violet (Amy Brenneman) is less than thrilled when a patient who is the wife of Violet’s ex-boyfriend needs treatment. Sam goes on a talk show to promote his self-help book. Cooper counsels a lovesick patient.

“In Which Addison Finds a Showerhead” Try as she might, Addison is unable to stop thinking about Pete. Violet’s ex Allan shows up at the clinic much to Cooper’s chagrin. Maya (Geffri Maya Hightower), Sam and Naomi’s daughter, goes to Addison privately for medical advice.

“In Which Charlotte Goes Down the Rabbit Hole” Cooper has a feeling that her patient’s injuries happened on purpose. Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) goes to Pete for help with her insomnia. Addison and Naomi treat a woman that wants to conceal her fertility from her husband.

“In Which Sam Gets Taken For a Ride” Sex (you can’t call it love) is in the air at Oceanside when Pete and Addison move their relationship up a notch and Violet and Cooper become special friends. Meanwhile, Sam heads out on an especially dangerous house call.

“In Which Cooper Finds a Port In His Storm” Addison dates a patient of Violet’s. Cooper returns to the online dating scene. Naomi and Sam end up heading to a convent on a house call. Meanwhile, Pete and Addison are participants in a Safe Surrender program where they find themselves helping a teen mother.

“In Which Dell Finds His Fight” A dads to be class is started at Oceanside. Sam and Naomi attempt to determine their relationship and where it is headed. Addison isn’t sure how she feels about the dating scene. Cooper and a colleague begin having an affair.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
Private Practice is a new show and it looks that way when you play it in your DVD player. The widescreen transfer with 1.78:1 aspect ratio looks fabulous. I did not notice any major compression errors and while there are minimal amounts of grain, it is a small problem that is barely noticeable. The colors are strong and the picture is sharp, allowing for a good viewing experience.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack sounds as good as the video looks. This show is almost completely dialogue driven so at times the track feels wasted, but the sound is crystal clear with no problems hearing, so it does offer its perks. In addition to standard audio, subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and French.

Visual:
Audio:

Bonus Features:
There are a number of special features on this first season Private Practice box set. There are two featurettes and a number of commentaries, extended episodes, deleted scenes, and outtakes. Overall, this is a nice set of bonus features that will allow fans to get more insight into this series.

“Kate Walsh: Practice Makes Perfect” is a nice featurette that details the early years of Walsh’s career. Her career pitfalls and struggles are discussed and what it took for her to make it for her in the business.

“Alternative Ensemble” looks into the casting for the show. This is meant to show why the actors work so well together. This is more of a fluff piece, but considering the fact that the casting was well done, it seems fair to have that here.

As mentioned before there are blooper reels, commentaries with the creator of the show along with some of the cast and crew, depending on which commentary you are listening to. There is also six deleted scenes and a fold out, color map of Santa Monica along with locations where the characters hang out.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
Private Practice is an excellent new show that fans of medical dramas are sure to enjoy. If you are already a fan, this set is a must own. If you’re new to the show you have plenty of time to pick it up and catch up before you miss too much with the new season. I recommend renting it if you’ve never seen it and picking it up once you see how good it is.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Private Practice, The Complete First Season, Addison, Grey’s Anatomy Spinoff, ABC, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, TV on DVD, DVD Box Set Review

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.