Murder One
Twentieth Century Fox DVD

- Clearly influenced by the notorious O.J. Simpson murder spectacle in 1995, Steven Bochco's "Murder One" is a sleeker, more sophisticated legal series unlike his previous shows -- "L.A. Law" and "Hill Street Blues." Long before "24," the uniqueness of the show was that one case was followed throughout the season. A top Los Angeles law firm headed by Ted Hoffman (Daniel Benzali) conducted a detail defense in a scandalous murder trial of a 15-year-old girl.

Initially, Hoffman represents wealthy billionaire Richard Cross (Stanley Tucci), when he's arrested for the death of the younger sister of his beautiful mistress, Julie Costello (Bobbie Phillips) . However, within a few days Cross is released and a rising Hollywood actor, Neil Avedon (Jason Gedrick) is charged with the grizzly crime. Avedon is a young, handsome wild child with numerous arrests for drugs and drunkenness but a huge fan base which almost guarantee that he'll be a big star when his first motion picture opens. Hoffman realizes that Cross is still involved and may be manipulating his client and the situation to his benefit.

Suddenly, the spotlight of the case ignites the frenzied ambitions of the young attorneys who work with Hoffman; sparks a media blitz and creates an lurid atmosphere as the public hungers for the inside story of money, fame and the fast life of Los Angeles. What was fascinating about the show was Bochco's choice of an A-typical leading man -- Benzali, a theater actor was bald, hulking and not necessarily handsome. However, his presence was powerful in expensive suits and an eagle eye for justice. For Stanley Tucci ("Shall We Dance," "Terminal"), the show made him a household name as he dazzled audiences with his slick, shady billionaire with an appetite for risky sex and relationships. He was slick enough to keep a young mistress, a devoted, well-heeled wife and a slue of lackeys. He even managed to seduce one of Hoffman's most ambitious young colleagues (Mary McCormack) by taping into her greed. Bochco also raised a jaded eye toward the seedy side of Hollywood which is choking on slimy shrinks, swingers, crazed fans, hookers, crooked cops and low-rent denizens praying for a big break. It was an electrifying cautionary tale!

"Murder One" had a great cast including Dylan Baker ("Road to Perdition") as a nutty, obsessed cop; Barbara Bosson (Bochco's real-life wife) as a dedicated, clever district attorney; Patricia Clarkson ("Station Agent") as Hoffman's long-suffering wife; McCormack ("The West Wing") and Jason Gedrick ("Boomtown") who seems to channel Robert Downey Jr.'s misbehavior.

The six-disc set includes all 23 episodes and an illuminating featurette, "Making the Case: Season One." All of the actors talk about working on a series that they felt would break new ground on television drama and they were right. Of course Bochco went on the create the wildly successful "NYPD Blue" but no one can deny that "Murder One" is a hypnotic legal drama.

TIGER: The Authorized DVD Collection
Buena Vista Home Entertainment

- This is the most thorough portrait of the Tiger Woods that any fan or student of golf and the unique young talent could possibly hope to find on DVD. The 3-disc collection covers his life, his major competitions and his enormous legacy. A wonderful, heart-warming look at one of the most ambitious players of golf, the story starts when Tiger was barely walking and explores his love of the game. There are extensive interviews with his parents and coaches. The DVD also explores Tiger's childhood, dealing with racism as he advances in the game and the devotion of his parents as Tiger acts on his ambitions. This collection is a glorious explorations of a gifted athlete who exhibits grace in the face of pressure.

The 3-discs include a detailed biography, interviews and loads of tape from home video and television appearances. There is also a look at Tiger at The Majors, Tiger's Clinic, his favorite golf courses and a wonderful featurette "Tiger vs. Jack". Also included is a look at his Foundation efforts, his popular commericals, a complete list of his amateur and professional victories and tons of information on Tiger's friends, family and peers. Fans will be absolutely delighted!

Edited by Veronica Mixon
images courtesy of Buena Vista and Twentieth Century Fox.

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