DVD Release Date: August 26, 2003

Cast: George Clooney, Sherry Stringfield, Anthony Edwards, Eriq La Salle, Noah Wyle

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By Kerry Huang

First completed in 1974, Michael Crichton wrote ER as a record of his experience as a medical student in an emergency room. Twenty years later, after bouncing from one Hollywood desk to another, the screenplay was finally picked up by John Wells, now executive producer, writer, and director of the series. Now ER, the ground-breaking fast-talking fast-moving prime time surgical drama, finally releases on DVD the season that started this radically new approach to television drama.

After watching this series, I am almost ashamed to say that I’ve never watched a full episode of ER until now, for the show indeed lives up to its reputation. From the pilot to the 24th episode, I was blown away by the acting ensemble, which charges the ward with electricity, charm, intimacy, and heart-wrenching humanity. Alas, seeing a young and not-so-humble George Clooney, already a master of his Cary Grant-esque suave demeanor, is indeed charming. The production team must be equally applauded for the trench-like sensibility. Only because of the stunning cinematography by steady-camera mastermind Guy Bee and composer Martin Davich, is ER able to deliver its non-stop action up-close and personal.

The commentaries are equally intimate. The commentary by Michael Crichton, creator and John Wells on “ER: Pilot” offers an insightful look at the brain and brawn behind the birth of the program. Both Mr. Crichton and Mr. Wells give a thorough account of the formative steps that went from the pages to the screen. What I find to be particularly delightful is the delicate negotiation between originality and pragmatics. As Circhton discusses his thoughts on writing the show, Wells fills in on the struggle to pull it all together. You sense the laborious process both went through to actualize this labor of love. The commentary on the same pilot by director Rod Holcomb, Casting Director John Levey, Associate Producer Wendy Spence Rosato, Editor Randy Jon Morgan, and Supervising Sound Editor Walter Newman is not quite as engaging. For the most part, they retraced the same points that Crichton and Wells did. Nevertheless, it still offers a different perspective from the standpoint of the production.

The commentary by Producer/Director Christopher Chulack and Writer Paul Manning on Episode 17: “Sleepless in Chicago” is a disappointment. Their comments are anecdotal, but loosely scattered. They give a lot of nostalgic recollection and general chit chat about shooting the show. Unfortunately, interlaced with frequent silences, the commentary meanders on without any real substance. Thanks for the Emmy-winning Episode 18: “Love’s Labor Lost,” both the show and the commentary by Director Mimi Leder, Associate Producer Wendy Spence Rosato, Editor Randy Jon Morgan, Supervising Editor Walter Newman, and Composer Martin Davich is both passion-filled and bittersweet. I was both moved by the episode and enthralled by the commentary that relives the difficult yet well-accomplished production process.

The DVD also offers a four-part special feature. “Prescription for Success: The Birth of ER,” “First-Year Rotation: Caring for ER,” “On the Cutting Edge: Medical Realism on ER,” and “Post-Operative Procedures: Post Production in the ER” give an immensely in-depth look at the entire course of development of ER. All four segments are densely packed with interviews that trace all the major players and their personal journeys with the project. They emphasize the ground-breaking concept of the show—the fast-moving pace, the technical dialogue, the multiple story arcs that come and go—that initially caused skepticism from the network, but now defines and influences television as we know now. It also gives extensive behind-the-scenes footage from casting to production, from the scrutiny of medical procedures to the challenges of filming. One particular detail caught my eye: a 1970’s photo of a young medical student named Michael Crichton who looks curiously like his television double Noah Wyle. Although some sections of the segments repeat the discussions of the commentary, ER fans will nevertheless be thrilled—this is one of the most comprehensive production documentaries of a television show out there.

“Additional Scenes,” however, are a bit thin. Only three clips, the mildly amusing “Dr. Greene & Mrs. Kosinski,” the romantically adorable “Dr. Lewis treats Paul,” and the obviously negligible “Dr. Lewis falls asleep” are presented. “Outtakes” is worth seeing: it has some hilarious and charming moments from both the show and the special features interviews. Lastly, the “First-Year Intern’s Handbook” has character biographies for nearly all the major roles in the series, a medical dictionary with definitions, and a map and guide of the County General hospital ER wing. A notable absence is the actor biographies, something I would have preferred over the character bios.

The DVD set for ER: Season 1 is an excellent acquisition for both fans and new viewers alike. Not only gutsy and influential in its storyline and production, the DVD packs 24 episodes, extensive special features and commentaries onto a mere four discs. As a newbie to the series, I am thoroughly impressed by the degree of detail and the quality of both the show and the additional material included. As a television show, ER created a new format for numerous other quality series like The West Wing. In many ways, it brings hope to a medium often filled with formulaic and mindless drivel.

Click here for the "ER: The Complete First Season" DVD page