America’s new favorite crime family finds that every good thing must come to an end as the final nine episodes of the series makes their way to DVD. Bada bing.
The Sopranos have been America’s favorite crime family (bar those pesky Corleone’s) for the past eight years and eight seasons. Since creator David Chase decided to end the series there has been much speculation and anticipation about these final episodes and those that don’t subscribe to HBO can see them or those that followed the show can now rewatch them for clues to what actually happened in that final episode. However, those expecting easy answers to what happened need apply elsewhere.
Disc one:
Soprano Home Movies: After a close call at home involving a gun charge, Tony (James Gandolfini) and Carmela (Edie Falco) head to the Adirondacks for a weekend with Bobby (Steve Schirripa) and Janice (Aida Turturro) to celebrate Tony's birthday.
Stage 5: Art imitates life at the premiere of Christopher‘s (Michael Imperioli) horror film Cleaver leading Tony to evaluate his relationship with his nephew and his own legacy. Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) absorbs more bad news in prison as Phil (Frank Vincent) analyzes his family history and his future.
Disc two:
Remember When: Tony and Paulie (Tony Sirico) decide to head south to lay low when the heat turns up in Jersey. Tony grows frustrated with Paulie and begins to question his loyalty and reliability while Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) rediscovers some of his old passion when he sets up a poker game amongst his fellow patients.
Chasing It: Tony hits an unlucky stretch with a series of gambling losses, creating difficulties between him and Hesh (Jerry Adler). A.J. (Robert Iler) makes a life-changing decision regarding his relationship with Blanca (Dania Ramirez), who makes an important decision of her own.
Disc three:
Walk Like a Man: As A.J. struggles with depression after the break up of his relationship with Blanca, Tony struggles with his own role in his son's malaise; Kelli's dad is the unwitting catalyst of a new feud between Christopher and Paulie; Christopher's disillusionment with those around him deepens.
Kennedy and Heidi: An asbestos-disposal impasse raises tensions between Jersey and New York; a horrific car accident leads to tragedy - and Paulie being upstaged. Tony has a revelation during a vacation in Las Vegas.
The Second Coming: Phil turns down Tony's offer of compromise regarding asbestos-disposal; A.J.'s despair about the world and his future deepens, driving him to the edge. Tony takes umbrage over an affront to Meadow (Jaime Lynn-Sigler) by a member of the Lupertazzi crime family, the consequences of which further widen the rift between Tony and Phil Leotardo.
Disc four:
The Blue Comet: The allegiance of those closest to Tony is put to the test when Phil asks some of Tony's men to switch sides in preparation for the coming war. A case of mistaken identity has serious ramifications as war erupts between New York and New Jersey. After seven years, Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Braco) makes a difficult decision.
Made in America: One of the two bosses meets his end. A.J. suffers a loss and turns his life in another direction with some help from his parents. Tony comes face-to-face with Uncle Junior.
The Sopranos has always been an excellent show and this season is no exception. However, that final episode leaves things on an unknown note that has either pleased fans or shocked them.
Whatever it did it had people talking about it (perhaps still); I’ll not spoil it for you though. The magic and intrigue are still here in season six and you’ll enjoy seeing the family of crime one last time.
The Sopranos is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Special features include commentaries by the cast members. Disc one has Steve Schirripa on “Soprano Home Movies.” Disc two has Dominic Chianese on “Remember When.”
Disc three has Robert Iler on “The Second Coming.” Disc four has Stevie Van Zandt (“Silvio”) and Arthur Nascarello (“Carlo”) on “The Blue Comet.” Disc four has two documentaries. The 8 minute “Making Cleaver,” a behind the scenes featurette on Christopher’s horror film and the 18-minute “Music of the Sopranos” delves into how the music is chosen for the series.
David Chase is pretty tightlipped about interpreting the finale for us, so those expecting him to come clean in a commentary will be disappointed. However, the show still packs a kick and is highly recommended.
The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 2 is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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