Glee: Season 1

This edition gets 5 stars from me although I did give the volume 1 release a 1 star rating. This is how Glee should have been released in the first place, in a COMPLETE SEASON set. I understand why people who bought the volume one are upset, but at the same time, no one was forced to buy the volume one release. Yes, it was sneaky of FOX to issue a "Volume 1" when they had no plans for a "Volume 2," but anyone who actually read the reviews before they purchased volume one would have realized that FOX clearly had no plans for a second volume. Many people wrote reviews, saying things like "Don't but this release, don't let FOX rip us off" or "Let's teach FOX a lesson, don't purchase this!" and so on. The sad thing is most people ignored the warnings and bought the release anyways and are now complaining about this release even though they will probably end up buying this set as well. I was seriously tempted to buy the volume 1 release HOWEVER I held out instead because I knew this would happen. Don't go freaking out on FOX, they have every right to release their show in as many editions as they choose. Who knows, a couple years down the line they may decide to release a "Special Collectors Edition" for season 1. However, I do feel bad for fans who bought the volume 1 thinking it was the complete first season, but studios do what is best for the studios, even if that means irritating a few fans. Its up to the consumer to make decisions about whether they are going to purchase the product, and everyone should make sure to thoroughly research a product before buying. Many customers knew the risks when they bought the volume 1 edition, and I know that equal amount of customers were happy just to have Glee episodes in their hands so early in the season regardless of whether FOX planned to release the 2nd volume. Next time, wait it out though before you buy the release, or buy it and don't complain about getting what you paid for.Now on to this release. This is a seven-disc set planned to be released September 14th. Unlike the past volume release, which has little to no bonus features, the complete season set will have extended episodes, sing-along karaoke, a behind-the-scenes look at 'The Power of Madonna' episode, 'Glee' makeovers, never-before-seen 'Sue's Corner' segments, a dance tutorial and more. I haven't heard anything about episode commentaries, but hopefully there will be some of those as well.As stated earlier, there are NO PLANS by FOX to release a 2nd volume with the 9 spring episodes as a companion to this volume 1 release. You will have to buy the Sept 14th complete 1st season set if you have already bought release and would like to own the other 9 episodes on DVD. In addition, there was talk earlier in the year about an alleged rebate included in the complete 1st season release so that fans who had already bought the volume 1 release could get some money back because they double dipped. Later on, FOX denied any such rebate, but now it looks likes there WILL BE A REBATE. All the info about this rebate, or "Gleebate" as FOX has dubbed via a special website FOX has set up. Just google Gleebate DVD to see the rebate details and how to get ten bucks back.I know it was kinda a low-down move for FOX to release the Volume 1 DVD set, but I can't help but be excited for this new complete season set!!*****UPDATE: Ok I guess we all underestimated FOX! I am very happy though that they have decided to release a 2nd volume of glee for those who bought the first! Now everyone can stop complaining.

When an Ohio high school glee club loses its director, Mr. Schuester, motivated by nostalgia for his own glee past and a looming early midlife crisis, volunteers to take over. Whatever romantic notions he may have had, however, quickly diminish as he is confronted with one problem after another. First, the school is starved for funds and the glee club will have a very limited budget. Second, the delightfully wicked cheer coach abhors the idea that anyone might steal money or glory from her squad so she opposes his every move and plots against him. Third, the larger than life personalities of the few students interested in glee are bound to clash. Fourth, because there is a mandatory minimum club size for competition, he must recruit new members - no easy task when the perception is that glee kids are losers. Fifth, if the club does not place at regionals, it will be disbanded. Sixth, among their competition is the notorious Vocal Adrenaline, "soulless automatons" who perennially win nationals.Set in this context, the real drama unfolds. The show takes real-life situations (teen pregnancy, sexual identity, unraveling marital ties, relationships, peer pressure, belonging) and then adds absurd twists sending them well over the top (virginal 16-year old does not understand the nuances of how a baby is conceived, ditzy blond thinks cat is reading her journal, slushies are tossed in students' faces regularly in the school hallways). All the viewer can do is suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. All cast members, often more caricatures than characters, behave badly at one time or another (regularly for some) but their charm is irresistible. They are so darn likable all one can do is embrace them and await the next outlandish act. The show's real success is that in the midst of these zany overblown situations, there are profoundly touching and heart-warming moments that are equally authentic.Each episode features a few music numbers. Some are staged as part of a glee club rehearsal or performance, others arise more organically from the drama (some are both). A staggering array of genres are represented: show tunes, rock n' roll, pop, R&B, Rap; classic and contemporary pieces for each. The choreography sizzles with energy and excitement. The cast appears to be having a blast and it is highly contagious.Regarding the Blu-ray set, it is disappointing that there is no content listing (which episodes are on which disks) on or in the packaging. This can be easily rectified, however, with a homemade addition if desired. While the picture and sound quality are better than on a standard DVD, it may not be as good as it could be.Despite the package's shortcomings, it is the best quality production available of a terrific show and a treasure to possess.

The GLEE TV Series begins with a music teacher in a pre-universtity US college recruiting singers to perform Glee-Club type music with dancing.Throughout the large number of subsequent episodes an important theme emerges which is the conflict between student opinions of "butch" persuits like sports, and "sissy" ones like choir singing.The series has won many many awards and finally ends up becoming the greatest weapon for Gay Liberation in the last few decades.EVERY SCHOOL LIBRARY SHOULD CONTAIN THE COMPLETE DVD MULTI-SERIES IN ORDER THAT STUDENTS CAN FIND OUT THE MEANING OF SHEER JOY!

Before watching this show I thought it would just be about a bunch of kids singing show tunes, I was very wrong!I love this show, it has a wide variety of excellent songs, all performed well.There isn't a single member of New Directions that isn't packed with talent.As the show progresses you really start to care for the characters, feeling for them and I really wanted them to get past their underdog status.I just can't get enough of this show.On bluray I think the episodes look and sound fantastic.

Recently new to Glee - nagged by pal to watch it and when I did I couldn't stop - staying up til 3am (good job not working that day). This is great viewing if you accept the tongue in cheek wit of it. Time to switch off the seriousness of the world and be a Gleek! Ended up buying it for my 74 year old mum who in the past loved Fame (yes, remember that?) and is also into general singing dancing type stuff. She's enjoying it too. Can't say fairer than that.

So much better than the twee High School Musical series. Not really directed at kids with some very adult tones to the humour. Great musical content and a landmark for TV. Wonderful.

Well what can I say. You really can't beat the very first series of Glee. You get introduced to all the characters and the storylines are fantastic. Great acting from all and singing, well. Say no more. My Favourite is Rachel Berry. Corrr can she belt out a tune. Watching Season 4 on Sky at the minute, and gotta say I'm not enjoying it as much as the earlier seasons. BRING ALL THE OLDER CHARACTERS BACK MORE OFTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!