Play of the year...

Great news for fans of great television. Shout! Factory has announced that they will be releasing a 10th anniversary edition of the television show Sports Night. From their website: "The 8-DVD collector’s box set contains all 45 acclaimed episodes, a special 10th Anniversary book with introduction written by Aaron Sorkin, and 2 full discs of exclusive bonus features that reveal the genesis, life and afterlife of the series with all-new interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and commentaries featuring the principal cast and creative team, and Real vs. Reel: ESPN employees compare their real-life experiences with the characters on Sports Night. You don’t have to know sports to enjoy Sports Night."

Sports Night was quite possibly one of the best shows on network television, combining quick and witty comedic writing with dramatic themes to create a mix arguably not seen before or since. Starring now-famous Felicity Huffman, Robert Guillaume, Peter Krause, Josh Charles and a host of notable others (including Joshua Malina), Sports Night had a deep pool of talent and coupled with creator Aaron Sorkin's genius, this show is a perfect example of what television can and should be. It's "a comedy that doesn't pander" and explores serious issues with a very real mix of personal drama lightened with witticism and comedy. The fast-paced conversational style of dialogue is a welcome departure from the drab dialogue of most television, and it is both engaging and entertaining.

I will be purchasing this DVD box set as soon as it is released, despite the fact that I already own the original release. My reasons for this are obsessive as well as practical: not only are the additional special features something that I have always wished were included in the original, but I have literally worn out several of the DVDs in my original box set, having watched through the series more than 20 times. Yes, it really is that good. Sports Night was voted by TV Guide "the best show you're not watching," and I implore you, don't make that mistake. Check out the 10th Anniversary Edition of Sports Night, to be released September 30th, 2008. It can be purchased or pre-ordered here.