I've watched part of the first disc, and while I will admit that I'm enjoying seeing the episodes again (I'm finding all kinds of things I appreciate more than I did during the last viewing, several years ago, not to mention more things to groan about), I'm thoroughly nonplused, not just by the artifical widescreen but by the poor video transfer quality. The picture resolution is no better than broadcast TV, and on my set you can tell a -big- difference between broadcast and your typical DVD image. It's murky and the colors are a bit washed out. I don't have any particular issues with the sound, as one of the reviewers did, but the substandard video is a boot to the head to unsuspecting buyers.
To rub salt in the wounds, during the opening credits of the regular episodes, the image goes to its proper aspect ratio -- but shrunk down, apparently for the "benefit" of those with widescreen TVs.
When you put in a DVD, it gives you two options: A) play all episodes or B) show individual episodes. That's it. Period.
I've got bootlegs with better picture quality and more options.
The best thing I can say about the release so far is that I've fallen in love with Joanna Going all over again. And I'm not so sure the missus would necessarily consider that anything to holler about.
