They'll be dancing (well, leaping maybe) in the streets now that the first season of
Quantum Leap, voted one of the 25 best cult series ever by
TV Guide, has come to home video, a decade after its final year (1994) on the air (the pilot episode was released on DVD in '98). And why shouldn't they? This is a show, called "an imaginative diversion" by one critic, with a good premise that's cleverly and skillfully conceived, written, acted, and produced--ample evidence of which is spread out over three discs, each containing three episodes (plus some fairly meager extras) from the first season.
Scott Bakula, in the role that made him a star, plays Sam Beckett, a scientist who's part of a time-travel experiment that "went a little... ka-ka." Unable to return to his own time, and aided only by Al (Dean Stockwell, whose rapport with Bakula is one of the series' most appealing elements), his cigar-smoking, peculiar-dressing, sex-obsessed, holographic "enabler," Sam "leaps" unpredictably from one time period and person to another, usually completely out of his element (as a pilot, a boxer, a cowboy, an English lit professor, even an elderly black man in segregated '50s Alabama) and always in a situation that needs to be "made right" before he can leap onward. Generous helpings of humor, drama, physical action, and sentimentality (this is TV, after all) keep things moving, as do references to many other classic films and genres (Driving Miss Daisy in "The Color of Truth," Casablanca in "Play it Again, Seymour," boxing in general in "The Right Hand of God") and what creator Donald Bellisario calls the occasional "kiss with history" (Sam crosses paths with the young Buddy Holly and Michael Jackson, among others). It doesn't all work, as Quantum Leap occasionally becomes too cute and facile for its own good. But that and the set's paucity of bonus material (limited to one passable featurette and brief episode intros by Bakula) are the only real shortcomings of a boxed set that will likely earn multiple spins in the DVD player. --Sam Graham
Theorizing that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and Vanished...He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better. His only guide on this journey is Al, an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear. And so Dr. Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
1 A fascinating series...
Despite its short run (March 1989 - May 1993), Quantum Leap is nevertheless one of the more memorable dramatic series in television history. Although the show borrows from a concept employed in other realms, such as Highway To Heaven (with its theme of a mysterious force interceding to transform a single life), it adds a unique twist by utilizing elements of science fiction. Created by Donald P. Bellisario (creator of Magnum, P.I., JAG, and countless other hit shows), Quantum Leap developed a loyal cult following, making its short network run all the more difficult to understand...
Quantum Leap stars Scott Bakula as Dr. Samuel "Sam" Beckett, a cutting-edge experimental researcher in the field of physics. Developing a theory that an individual can travel throughout the span of his life, Beckett builds the Quantum Leap Accelerator and uses himself as the test subject. But rather than traveling within his own lifetime, Beckett finds himself mysteriously transported into the lives of various individuals, each of whom faces a problem Beckett must rectify (thus changing history for the better). When he does, he can make his next "quantum leap" (which he hopes will restore him to his pre-experiment self). Aiding Beckett on his various missions is Rear Admiral Albert "Al" Calavicci (Dean Stockwell), one of the quantum leap experiment observers who periodically appears as a hologram in order to communicate with Beckett. With each new episode, Beckett finds himself in a new body, facing new circumstances, with a new mission he must decipher and complete if he ever hopes to return home...
The Quantum Leap (Season 1) DVD features a number of action-packed episodes including the series premiere "Genesis" in which the audience first learns of Project Quantum Leap (PQL) and witnesses Dr. Beckett's leap into the particle accelerator. Beckett is transported into the body of an Air Force test pilot and a minor league baseball player, learning from Al's hologram what he must do with each man's life. The episode ends with Beckett transported into the body of a school teacher right in the middle of class... Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Star-Crossed" in which Sam prevents a college co-ed from ruining her life while giving her professor a second chance at making his marriage work, and "The Color of Truth" in which Sam is transported into the life of a black chauffeur in 1955, where he faces the virulent affects of discrimination and racism...
Below is a list of episodes included on the Quantum Leap (Season 1) DVD:
Episode 1 (Genesis: Part 1 - September 13, 1956)
Episode 2 (Genesis: Part 2 - September 13, 1956)
Episode 3 (Star-Crossed - June 15, 1972)
Episode 4 (The Right Hand of God - October 24, 1974)
Episode 5 (How the Tess was Won - August 5, 1956)
Episode 6 (Double Identity - November 8, 1965)
Episode 7 (The Color of Truth - August 8, 1955)
Episode 8 (Kamikazi Kid - June 6, 1961)
Episode 9 (Play It Again Seymour - April 14, 1953)
The DVD Report
2 Quantum Leap: Season one
I bought this with a gift card, and I have seen some great QL episodes. I thought season one was average (hence the three stars) but it didn't seem to be as interesting as I remembered it. Maybe the show got better later on. This series is better than many others, though.
The price was high for only 8 episodes, also. It was interesting to see the pilot episode, though, and see how it took him time to get used to leaping through time.
3 way overdue, way over budget
Well, it finally gort here, and we can see, without commercial interruption, the brilliant first season of a terrific show. "genesis," the two-part pilot about a pilot who might have ended up in two parts, or more, had his pal Al not helped him out. "Right Hand of God," I loved, as a fight fan of long standing. featured a neat cameo by Dean Stockwell's equally dissipated brother, Guy, as a mafioso. "Star-Crossed,"--I rooted for Oscar the college boy to beat up Sam in that one, where Sam wanted to get with Donna, and this red-headded traulop was after him. and on and on it goes. great episodes. just wished they hadn't cost as much hard-earned loot.
4 this is the best TV show
This was a great season with some classic episodes. The only thing I didn't like was that this season was so short, but hey you still got 4 full seasons left after this. I say buy it and relive history all over again.
5 It's About Time!!
Just would like to say that I was waiting for this DVD set to come out for the longest time.
Some people might say that the show was not all that great but the idea of being able to leap into other people was just great. Especially when Sam leaped into someone such as Elvis.
I'm not sure that I've seen all the shows and that is another reason that I will buy all the sets.
6 Great show finally on DVD
Man, I've been waiting for ages to get Quantum Leap on DVD. Now, when loads of TV shows are coming to DVD, Universal finally wises up to the potential dollars and gives us what we want.
I loved Quantum Leap, it was my fave show when I was a kid. Every Tuesday on BBC2 at 9pm, that was my fave time of week. I never cared much for the X-Files or any other Sci-Fi show coz Quantum Leap was the best. Is there anyone out there who didn't cry at the end of the (alarmingly downbeat) last episode?
This box set includes the first nine episodes (that's a whole season by the way). The episodes are...
1 and 2. Genesis-September 13, 1956-Sam's first leaps into an Air Force test pilot and a baseball player. The emotional ending alone is probably what sold the show.
3. Star-Crossed-June 15, 1972-Sam leaps into a sugar-daddy college professor and meets his future wife as a student. This episode is particularly annoying thanks to the casting of an overweight 40-something as a teenager.
4. The Right Hand of God-October 24, 1974-Sam leaps into a boxer fighting for prize-money to fund the building of a new church.
5. How the Tess Was Won-August 5, 1956-Sam becomes a vet who tries to marry a pretty cowgirl.
6. Double Identity-November 8, 1965-Sam leaps into a Mafia hitman and a mafia Don, while trying to avoid a contract on his head.
7. The Color of Truth-August 8, 1955-Sam leaps into the body of a black private driver who kicks of the civil rights movement in the deep south.
8. Camikazi Kid-June 6, 1961-Sam leaps into a boy racer who must stop his big sister from marrying a wife beating drunk.
9. Play It Again, Seymour-April 14, 1953-Sam becomes a private eye who is involved in a murder/betrayal plot.
The shows are presented in 1.33:1 full frame, as originally shot. The prints are fine looking with nice color detail and little in the way of dirt or scratches. The sound is plain old Dolby Stereo but is still more than adequate considering the show's simple sound design. Extras are made up of a couple of featurettes and Scott Bakula/Dean Stockwell introductions to each individual episode.
With Season 2 out already it appears that Universal know there is still money to be made from Quantum Leap so one hopes the remaining box sets won't be too far behind. Also, there is talk of a TV movie coming out on the Sci-Fi Channel this year with Bakula/Stockwell returning as Sam Beckett and Al.
7 QUANTUM LEAP on DVD at last!!
I received both the first season and the second season of QUANTUM LEAP episodes as a Christmas gift. It's a good thing I was on vacation over the holidays as every evening was spent with Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell. I was deaf to the telephone, indifferent to housework. What a great gift!! While there might have been one or two episodes in the entire series that were, as another writer says, "facile," for the most part the overall writing is excellent, as is the acting of Bakula and Stockwell and the supporting cast and the production/photography. Many of my favorite episodes were among these DVDs, including the one in which Chubby Checker makes a cameo appearance and the one where holograph Al dances with the former wife who was the love of his life. I have watched all of the episodes and am ready to go through them again as soon as I can pry them out of the hands of family members who borrowed them immediately. Buy them for your library; even the sad episodes leave you with the renewed feeling that the good guys are winning. Let's have the other seasons now!!
8 Simply the Best!
I just received this DVD collection in the mail yesterday! I love it as it contains all of the original episodes from the very first season. The DVD also has bonus materials that include a look back at the making of the series with interviews with Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, and Donald Bellisario. As a true fan of this TV series, I highly recommend this DVD collection.
9 AWEsome content, but not for price...
i absolutely LOVE quantum leap, but i neglected to read the back before purchasing ( in the store for 60 bucks)...there are only NINE episodes!!!!...that's a complete ripoff, most 23 episode tv series' seasons aren't over 50...so i was quite disappointed when i opened it and looked to see how many episodes i hadn't seen...8 of the 9, which is a good percentage, but NINE!!!!??? ouch. i'm putting season 2 on my wish list, but i will never pay 45 or more dollars for it if there aren't at least 23 episodes...if there're 12 or 13 i'd pay up to 35.
10 A lover of fine things... Quantum Leap included!!! :P
I grew up on Quantum Leap, and remember sitting next to my mom every week to watch Sam and Al leap from time-place to time-place; their adventures always riddled with action, adventure, hilarity, sadness, and (this accredidation goes to not only the actors and writers, but to everyone else involved with the Q.L projects) pure genius.
This one tv series in particular holds a special place near and dear to my heart, for not only could the actors treat their parts with a form of dignity and grace, they could also have fun with it as well (the one episode that comes to my mind when saying this is "Good Morning, Peoria", in Season 2, where Sam leaps into the local DJ and takes the part like a certain other DJ in "that one movie"). Scott Bakula could bring to life the characters he portrayed, and brought a sense of realism to the show. As a kid, I had that certain dream of being able to change what had happened in the past, and Sam Beckett made that dream a sort of reality.
I recommend this show to anyone that has either never seen it, or just hadn't had the time to sit down and fully enjoy the show completely. The show was spectacular 15 years ago, and to this day, I don't think another show could compare to the dynamics this show brought to television.
11 GaGa for Scott Bakula & Quantum Leap
Oh my gosh....ITS FINALLY ON DVD! I absolutely loved this series. I was a faithful "watcher" (like Al!) for four years! I am completely biased: I won't comment on whether this was "science fiction" or how well it was made, written or what have you. It held me for the entire time it was on television. I now have a 13-year-old son and he's enjoying it also. Watching Sam leap from time to time, person to person, has been so much fun for me. I especially liked when he leaped into the 60s and 70s (I was a 70s teen) because of the memories it brought back. Scott is awesome in this role and quite the looker. I must admit, part of the spell that was cast upon me was how utterly gorgeous I thought Scott was!
Anyway, awesome show, so glad I can watch it again!
12 Ideal Science Fiction
Like The Twilight Zone & The Outer Limits, Quantum Leap gets the science fiction idea exactly right, with a foundation of science (realistic or not), usually physics and computer-istic technology, though sometimes biology, geology, etc. While the current style of alien/spaceship/superhero sci-fi is entertaining, the Quantum Leap/Twilight Zone/Outer Limits kind of science fiction has proved itself more intelligent and enduring than those trends. Though I know it's bad grammar, I have to say it: Quantum Leap is what science fiction is all about!
13 I Love These Guys!
So, Quantum Leap isn't hard core Sci-Fi. It's historical (but only through the span of Sam's lifetime) relational drama/comedy. I didn't remember many of these gems from the 1st season (including a pre-Lois pre-Howie pre-Housewives Terri Hatcher.) The episodes are fun and so are the "Extras," - interviews with Bakula (wow! He sure has aged since the series. How come he looks so much older and I haven't changed? Ha!) and Stockwell, wherein the viewer learns that Nobody knows why Al dressed like that!
Happy Leaping! /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer
14 Finally
I have been waiting for awhile for quantum leap to go on DVD. When I was 5 years old the reruns use to go on U.S.A. network and they scared me. But when I was 8 years old I started to watch the reruns on sci-fi channel with my parents and sisters and ever since I have been a big fan of the show. I am 17 now and I cant wait for this to come out on DVD. Hopefully seasons 2-5 will be out soon. Cause I am gonna get all 5 seasons. I just started to watch the DVD and it was nice to see some new scenes and having Sam recap what happened in each show. And every women on that show are hot. All 8 episodes are great, but heres a list of my favorite episodes from season 1 and they are Genesis (1), Genesis (2), The Right Hand of God, Double Identity, The Color of Truth, and Play It Again, Seymour.
15 Giddy with delight
I positively adored this television show in my early and mid-teens. It was hands-down my favorite. I loved that Sam jumped from decade to decade and situation to situation. That they were sticky and a bit of a mystery. Loved Bakula. Loved Stockwell.
However, recently I've caught a few episodes of reruns on the Scifi channel (??) and have been a bit disappointed by what I was once so in love with. I didn't realize most of the guest cast were pretty weak actors. Characters were typically stereotypes and scenarios were very predictable, but I still bought this simply for nostalgia's sake. I'm sure if I digged enough, I could find my original VHS copies.
I was pretty much alone in my little part of the world with my love for "Quantum Leap". Didn't realize it was a cult show. I was shocked when I learned it was running on the Scifi channel. This is *NOT* science fiction. I don't understand why it is considered to be so. I always thought of it as a drama/comedy with a bit of recent period history thrown in. I loved "Quantum Leap" because I loved history. Each story would spark an interest in investigating periods further or historical events. Many occurances I learned about for the first time from this show even though I know now that they took many liberties. Just having a completely different story and setting every episode was so very entertaining.
I love "How the Tess Was Won" (Buddy Holly hehe), "Double Identity" (would five 8th graders running around saying "If I'm lying, I'm dying!" annoy you?) "The Color of Truth" I loved this one. Giddy over "Camikazi Kid" cause Sam kissed a 14-year-old <squeal>!
Anyway - I recommend this for folks like me who adored it during it's first run. Others will probably be pretty harsh on it, but hold on - cause the show got better. I can't wait for Season 2!
16 Sam Beckett; Hero Of the Future
A scientist is trapped in a quantum leap cycle in which he must right wrongs in the past in order to return home in the present.
Here's where Scott Bacula hit it big with his television career and it's easy to why. The show was backed up with great stories, actors and guest stars, the incredible special effect of Sam's leap into another body, score, and just unique problems that the characters had to face. Actor Dean Stockwell made the show even more then it could have been with his persona and the comic character of Al. What really makes the show is the leap itself for it was the best teaser for each episode and left the audience asking for more and left them sitting dead in the water at the end of each season finale. The show is one of the greatest cult hits let alone an amzing science fiction show.
17 If you haven't seen this show...DON'T
This is NOT a review of the DVD. This is for those thinking about buying it.
It is one of the worst excuses for 'sci-fi' ever. Bad acting, bad directing, dull, obvious plots. Of course, if you suffer from insomnia, this is a sure cure. You couldn't find a duller show on TV. Well, you probably could, but no one would call it 'sci-fi'. How this show ever was classified in that genre is totally beyond me. I'm amazed this show has fans, but then so does 'The Beverly Hillbillies' abd 'The Dukes of Hazzard'.
18 Awesome show!!
I just found out that this show is finally on DVD. I can't wait to buy it. It was my absolute most favorite show to watch growing up. Everytime I think of this show I think about my Grandpa and I watching it together. It was the first time I had seen the show and I was immediately hooked. Everytime I watch a re-run on Sci-fi, I feel like my Grandpa is right there watching it with me, even though he passed on and living in Heaven now.
My favorite episodes were when he leaped in as his younger self and how he wanted so much to change his family's history.
Another one of my favorites was when him and Al somehow switch places. Al is the one stuck in the past and Sam is now the one who gets to help him. I loved that one because he had to make a choice between helping Al and staying with his wife in the future. It was truly a touching episode.
I also loved the one where Sam tried to keep Al's first wife from remarrying while Al was still in Korea.
I also loved the last episode where he is stuck in a bar and Al and Ziggy have trouble locating where he is. All of the people in the bar are people that Sam helped or encountered throughout all of his leaps. The end of it leaves you guessing and hoping that somehow Sam got to go home.
I can't wait to buy the 1st season and the others that will follow.
19 awsome, awsome, awsome
I love this tv series and with a young Scott Bakula who wouldn't want to see it. It was also cool to see the very first show which I never got to see when it was on tv.
20 Classic TV!
This show is one of the all time classics.My favorite episodes from season 1 is The Color of Truth and Camikazi Kid.The other episodes was great too.I also like the appearence of Buddy Holly.I do think Quantum Leap over did with a kiss with history bit,such as Stephen King who appeared in season 3 or was it 4?I also enjoyed the Quantum Leap episodes where Scott Backula sung.Scott is a amazing singer! Any way this is an amzing DVD set to have.I cant wait for the October release of season 2.And also cant wait to get Scott Backula's other TV show on DVD Enterprise.Way to go Universal! Cant wait for Knight Rider and Buck Rogers!
21 very good picture quality
I guess when you are reading this, you've already watched the whole series in the 90's (or 80's?) If you are not, this is a pretty good show. They have the re-run in the SciFi Channel. You may want to watch it in the SciFi Channel and see if you like the show first. In a nutshell, Quantum Leap is about a guy trapped in a time travalling sciense experiment. He leaps from one timeline to another timeline. He has no control on where or when he will traval to. When he is in another timeline, he becomes someone else in someone else's body. Of course, when he is somewhere else in someone's body, there will be a different kind of stories in every single show.
Time travalling stories, IMHO, are all about the same thing. Whether it is The Time Machine, Back to the Future, or Lost In Space, it is all about... well... you know what. Quantum Leap is almost about the same but with a little variation.
What makes this DVD set five stars, beside it has a good story, is the picture quality. It is very sharp with very good color reproduction. If you have the Star Trek Next Generation or the Sex in the City set, you know how crappy fuzzy these two dvd sets are.
On the other hand, sound quality is not as good as the picture quality but it is at least loud enough. Since this show is not about special effect and stuff like that, I guess the sound quality is not that important.
Overall, this is a pretty good set. I am looking forward for the rest of it.
I also hope that they will release the Nowhere Man DVD set.
22 It's About Time....
At last, we finally get Quantum Leap on DVD. I have had only my VHS tapes of just 5 episodes and the Sci-Fi channel reruns to keep me happy. This series has aged well. Since it is about time travel, the sets and stories can withstand the decade that has passed since it was first released. Share it with your children. It is good family oriented stories, and you can even derive a lesson or two, as well. Can't wait until the rest of the seasons are released.
23 Great series, characters--bring on the remaining season sets
While I agree with those who have said that the price for this first (abbreviated) season set is a bit high, I have to say it's worth it. Not only do these episodes build the foundation for the rest of the series, but the extras are a must for any long-time (or new) fan. For those having difficulty finding the "secret messages", play the DVD on your computer--by doing so, I found the messages easily. Enjoy this great series. Bring on the remaining season sets!
24 I grew up with this show and it has ALWAYS stuck with me...
Just like hose_8111, I grew up watching this series. When I was in my 5th year of gradeschool the series finale aired. Ever since, I have been using every chance I get to catch an episode on some friends' cable (as I sadly don't have my own). This DVD is a godsend! Along with The Wonder Years, MacGyver and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Quantum Leap is one of those shows I grew up with and will always remember with fondness. And ever since I discovered the music and story of The Beatles, The Wonder Years and Quantum Leap have given me an even greater nostalgia.
Years after I had seen it, when I discovered The Beatles, I remembered this particular episode: Sam had traveled back in time to the late 1960's, Vietnam hotpot, he was himself at a younger age! In the show, his sister was a Beatles fan and he told her that The Beatles would break up in 1970 but that John Lennon would go on to have a great solo career. Then, he took out a guitar and proceeded to play and sing "Imagine". I was a very young child when I saw this, with no real idea of who The Beatles or John Lennon were, and still I remember this episode!
Quantum Leap was a fantastic and progressive show, everything looked so real and the stories were very compelling! Sam traveled through many segments of time, became involved in famous or simple situations, had run-ins with some life-changing legends of the time and always helped to change many peoples' life for the best! It was a great show and probably expressed a dream many of us have had: taking a trip through history and possibly changing the outcome of certain situations! Plus, the history information here is like watching the best documentary you'll ever see!
I can't wait for more seasons to come out on DVD, I want to re-relive history all over again! (Kind of like deja vu all over again, huh? Ha ha!)
25 Can't wait for the rest!
I absolutely loved this collection and cannot wait for the rest of the seasons to be released!
26 First time
I'm a huge Quantum Leap fan and I have been waiting for this release for a LONG time!! It was so worth the wait(because I have actually never seen ANY of the first season epsiodes!!)
The only problem I had with it was it was only an 8 show season and seeing as it has been years since I've seen any QL it only suceeded in wetting my appitite!!! I can't wait until Dec for season 2!!!
27 Short and Sweet
I loved watching the show as a kid, and loved watching the first season all over again. I can't wait until the next seasons are released. A definite must-have for the DVD collection.
28 Good, could have been great
I have to agree with mis_led from Mich. - see if you can pick it up on discount. I loved seeing the show again, but the price was high for only 8 eps. Works out to about almost $6.00 (U.S.) per episode. I was not able to find the "Hidden Messages to Leapers" promised on the box. Also, there is a pocket for a booklet, much like the box sets of Babylon 5, but there is no booklet.
The episodes them selves were fun to watch. You can see how things changed between season 1 and 2. It was funny to hear Ziggy refered to as "he" when in later seasons Ziggy has a female voice.
The box is nice, loved the vortex look. Hope the keep that for future season.
Over all, while I found it a bit lacking in the bonus', and expensive on a per ep cost, am glad I picked it up and look forward to the next set.
29 Outstanding!!!!
I almost flipped when i saw that this great show was FINALLY coming to DVD. I am always astonished at these current cheesy shows that haven't even finished with a season and they already have DVDs coming out. The great character of this show was that no two shows are the same. Each episode brought a new story, new faces even tho the constants of Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell remained. I wish more of these older shows would be put onto DVD. I can't wait until the other seasons are published as well.
Well, basically this is a 3-DVD set containing the entire first season including the pilot espisode. It really is great to watch as the show progresses, and see episodes that i remember, as well as those i haven't seen. It was interesting to note that Scott Bakula's famous "Oh, boy" when he leaped wasn't in the first few episodes. And you get to watch the progression of the show intro incorporating new scenes as more and more highlights become available. The onscreen chemistry between Dean Stockwell and Scott Bakula is truly amazing, they really make you believe that they are friends trying to work together towards a common goal.
The extra features aren't many, but include Scott Bakula giving a brief intro to each episode, sometimes commenting on a funny or interesting event that happened during filming. There are also comments by Dean Stockwell (Al) and Bellasario the creator of the show.
30 Well done and about time... :) No pun intended!
My only complaint is that for the price, the number of episodes is very small. I realize it was a midsummer replacement, but c'mon. $40 bucks for a handful of episodes. You already screwed the fans once by dropping production, at least give us our dignity by making it reasonable.
Now, after the rant, it was great. My seven year old daughter is as anxious about season two as I am. We can't wait! It's a show for the whole family and truly one of the best ever!
31 Quantum Leap
Please hurry up and release the rest of the seasons of Quantum Leap. Thank You!!!
32 The best show ever... finally on DVD!!! :-))))
I've been loving this show, Scott Bakula, and Dean Stockwell ever since the first episode I've seen about 10 years ago... and I'm sooo happy it's been finally released on DVD! Surely overpriced, but I think it's worth it.
33 Ziggy predicts there will be a second set..and a third...
Named one of the most popular "cult" series on television, "Quantum Leap" took it's time getting to television. I'm not sure if the series was detoured by rights issues or not but I'm happy something other than the pilot (which was released on DVD 5 years ago) is finally available. "Quantum Leap" chronicles the adventures of scientist Sam Beckett. Sam discovers a unique loophole in the laws of physics that lets him travel back in time but only within his life time. The device he uses with the input of Ziggy his intelligent computer allows him to assume the shape and look of individuals from the time he's in. They're transported back to a waiting room where they evidently will have no memory of being replaced.
Trouble occurs on Sam's first attempt. He becomes stranded in the past appearing as a test pilot. Al a friend of Sam's who is also working on the project appears to help him through his predicament as a hologram visible only to Sam. The other problem is that Sam's memory gets turned into a maze of Swiss cheese by the transport. He can't recall who he is or how he got there. Al has to coach Sam and help him through the charade of being someone else until they can get him back. Unfortunately, Ziggy isn't able to get him back although Ziggy does figure out that Sam continues to hop through the time line to set things right that have gone wrong and that, ultimately, one of them will lead him home.
An imaginative, well written show "Quantum Leap" managed to stay alive for 5 years. Bellisaro's imaginative concept, like that of Roddenberry's "Star Trek" allowed him to focus on the characters of the show. The format also allowed Bellisaro to tackle a number of difficult themes on television without seeming to be preachy. The top flight direction and acting makes the show believable. Bakula's stage training made him a natural to play Sam who has to "inhabit" all these different characters while, essentially, remaining the same one. While the optical effects haven't always aged the best, the show was really about the dramatic conflict at the core of each episode and what Sam has to accomplish.
"Quantum Leap" receives a very nice transfer courtesy of Universal's in house company. The images are sharp, crisp and the colors alive. The series was originally mastered in 2.0 stereo sound when it was originally aired and the sound here is true to the original specs of the series. There's an occasion where you might see dirt, hair or scratches but usually that's in situations where the film uses stock footage.
Few extras but they are noteworthy. We get a short featurette featuring star Bakula and the gifted Dean Stockwell as well as creator/writer/producer Bellisario. Their insights into what made the series connect with their core audience are interesting and getting the background on the series from Bellisario provides insight into the creative process that helped this series make it to the air. We also get brief introductions to the 8 episodes included here. The series was originally a mid-season replacement and, as such, there wasn't a full slate of episodes produced during the first season. We also get a trivia game that isn't bad particularly for hardcore fans of the series.
No commentary on any of the episodes but that might have been useful for the pilot. I'd love to hear what Bellisario, Bakula and Stockwell think 15 years later.
A great series receives so-so treatment on DVD. Lord knows what Universal was thinking when they priced this three disc set. Considering the few extras, there's no justifying the expense of this on DVD. On the other hand, fans will be happy to finally have this on DVD after having to endure reruns that were frequently edited to include more commercials. Hopefully Universal will price the next set (which consists of a full season of episodes) at a comparable price but I doubt it. Still, the series looks and sounds great and it's nice to finally be able to have it on the shelf at home.
34 One word... WOW!
I'd give it a gazillion starts if I could, but Amazon allows only 5...
THANK YOU whoever decided to finally release Quantum Leap on DVD! This show is GRRRREAT!!! Luckily my DVD player reads region 1 DVDs too, otherwise I would have bought another DVD player just for Quantum Leap!
I can't wait for other seasons to be released(I hope God, time, or MGM is listening)! BTW people, watch out for the Easter eggs (I found 3 in the first DVD), they're good. Thanks Scott, Dean, Don and all the cast and crew for one of the best shows ever!
35 Quantum Leap - The Complete First Season
This was an awsome set....I can't wait until all of the seasons are released!!! I couldn't stop watching it....Highly recommended!
36 More season sets please!!
This ROCKS. So glad they finally did this-- bring on the rest of the seasons!!!
37 At Last Quantum Leap on DVD
Oh how long we've waited for this wonderful series to come to DVD and we are not disappointed. Crystal clear pictures, uncut episodes, no commercials - fantastic. Well worth the wait for it to be shipped to the UK and the customs duty that had to be paid! Don't make us wait too long for the rest of the seasons. It's great to see Sam and Al again and hear a little about the making. Would love to see some out takes and extra snippets. Long live Sam and Al!
38 Wanting more
I have been waiting for a few years for this to come out and I was not disappointed. I can't wait for more seasons to come out. I only wish there were more extras, but that could be due to the abbreviated first season.
39 Need more!
I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed traveling along with Sam as he made his leaps through time trying to set things right. I would feel a lift each time he made a wrong right, I'd laugh at his banter with Al, and I'd feel a touch of sorrow that Sam couldn't make his way home and his life back.
This collection is a lovely reminder of what made the show special. What I wouldn't give to have it back or see the feature movie hit the screens! (anyone in power listening?)
Without either of those in the works, this collection has to do and I hope more is soon to follow. But I do have a criticism.....there should have been more on the discs. Somewhere in the archives there have to be more behind the scenes that could have been included, there certainly could have been more time spent with Scott and Dean. I hope next time there is a little more effort put forth to reward those of us who are so anxious to be wowed.
Now, about that feature length film............
40 Quantum Leaps way ahead.
Quantum Leap is one of the most imaginative Sci Fi series of recent years. The DVDs of its first season are excellent and the added comments that Scott Bakula gives before each episode, about the training he had to undertake and people he worked with are a wonderful addition. All this, together with the interviews of Scott, Dean Stockwell and Donald Bellisario as part of the bonus material, are truly entertaining and informative.
A highly recommended DVD set. I would love to see an early release of the other 4 seasons together with the alternative ending for the last episode. Also out takes, further interviews with Scott and Dean, and QL convention footage would be wonderful if included in the bonus material. Oh Boy!
41 Could have been better for the wait that we had to indure
Much can be said about this Tv Show. It was arguably the best show ever on television. With it's great writing, awesome acting, and for it's time, good visual effects; It is easy to see why this show became a classic.
Now onto what you came for the actual DVD Review
The DVD contain 8 Episodes (including the 2 hour Pilot)
Let's face it folks for having to wait so long for this series to come out on DVD it was very disappointing from a DVD extra standpoint. All it has really is a small clip(bout 20 mins long) of the actor reminisincg about the show.
The other things it promises such as Quantim Trivia and hidden messages are either not existent or i can not find them because they are not on the main menus anywhere on the 3 disc set.
The Video quality is ok but not great at times u can see the dust and marks on the film while watching the show since t is an older show. But it actually unintentionally looks great in the final minutes of the episode "Play it again Seymour", Watch it you'll see what i mean.
So overall if you are a fan of the show like i am, you should go out and buy it. But i would wait for it to come down in price for a DVD with non-existent Extra's and only 8 epsiodes(Mid-season REplacement)it isn't worth the $45+ that most places are charging.
42 Future Leaps
After viewing most of the Season One DVD's of Quantum Leap, I can't wait for the rest of the seasons to follow. It took this one far too long to make it to the long list of series TV sent to DVD's. The extras on these Season One DVD's make the whole thing even more endering to me. It seems as though Don B, Scott and Dean were not just a producer and actors showing up for a job every day. They gave their all. In some ways a very costly price for all of them. Quantum Leap is the product of what they paid. And much to my delight, I can now enjoy it any time I want too. When Season 2, 3, 4 and 5 is avaialble, I'll be in line to get my copies.
The extras I would love to see are some bloopers, interviews, the specials done by E!, Behind the scenes, wrap parties and fan videos. Yes, I want it all back again. Just like it was new.
Linda
43 Great Series, Disappointed in Extras
Took way to long to bring this one to DVD. Hoping it won't take as long to bring the other 4 seasons to DVD. Great to see each episode uncut and no commercials. But couldn't they do more extras? Is a small 2 minute clip or less with Scott Bakula talking about each episode all there is to say about that episode? A commentary track would be great for each episode on the next seasons DVDs!!
44 One of the most underrated shows of our time!!!
There are a number of shows in TV history, and some that are currently on TV, that are of the highest caliber, but just don't get the attention they deserved. Such shows that come to mind include Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, Arrested Development, and so forth. Quantum Leap is in that category!
By far my favorite series of all time, I have had a great time reliving the series and remembering what was going on in my life when the show was originally aired on network television. Half the fun is seeing what weird situations Dr. Sam Beckett finds himself in and then to hear him utter his trademark phrase 'Oh Boy!'
For those of you who missed out on this great series, I would highly recommend this set. It's great fun and addresses many of the issues that each generation has had to deal with over the last 50 years.
45 Cant wait for the other seasons.
This is the dvd I have been waiting for . It has been a long and overdue wait. I love the little things scott bakula tells you about each epsiode. my family and I have always loved quantum leap and we say hurray and release the other seasons . dont make us wait at long as we did for seasons 1 and 2. The overall quality and extras are what all quantum leap fans have been waiting for . so Thanks, we cant wait to see what you have in store for us on the other remaining seasons. bigredd
46 Oh Boy!!!!
One of the most critically-acclaimed and beloved sci-fi dramas of all-time, Quantum Leap (which aired on NBC for 5 seasons from 1989 - 1993) launches anew with the DVD release of its 9 episode first season.
THE STORY
Quantum Physicist, super genius and all-around good old boy, Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula, lately of Star Trek: Enterprise) spear heads a time travel project and "leaps back" in time helping put right small events in people's past that went wrong. Helping out Sam on his leaps is his friend and observer Al (Dean Stockwell) and the projects Super Computer Ziggy. In the meantime Sam continues to leap throughout time helping others always hoping that his next leap will be the leap home.
ABOUT SEASON ONE:
Season One, as is expected, introduces us to the basic premise of the show and all the characters. We meet Sam and experience along with him all the little intricacies and problems time travel and leaping into other people's lives brings (not knowing people's names or where to go or what to do). We also learn a great deal about the characters of Sam Beckett and Al Calavicci.
THE EPISODES AND DISCS
Here are the 9 episodes of Season One.
Disc 1
Episode 1: "Genesis" - Jump starting the project without approval, Sam leaps into the Quantum Accelerator and wakes up as someone else, not remembering who or what he is and finds out that he's an Air Force test pilot trying to break Mach 3 - and he doesn't know how to fly!!!
Episode 2: "Star-Crossed" - Sam leaps into a literature professor and has to juggle an affair the Prof is having with an obsessed student, her jealous wrestler boyfriend AND an opportunity to have an influence on the brilliant young physics major who would one day leave Sam waiting at the altar.
Disc 2
Episode 3: "The Right Hand of God" - Sam leaps into a young boxer who's scheduled to fight for the State Heavyweight championship and an opportunity to win prize money to help a group of nuns build a church as well as start up a donut shop for the boxer and his girlfriend.
Episode 4: "How The Tess Was Won" - Sam leaps into a Texas veterinarian and must "out cowboy" a strong-headed woman who will only marry a man who can best her.
Episode 5: "Double Identity" - Sam leaps into a Mafia hit-man who's having an affair with the Don's girlfriend. Oh boy...
Disc 3
Episode 6: "The Color of Truth" - Sam leaps into a Black chauffeur in the Deep South BEFORE the Civil Rights movement starts and must deal with the prejudice of the townsfolk as Sam does some "illegal" activities only meant for White people.
Episode 7: "Camikazi Kid" - Sam leaps into a teenage hot rod racer in the 50's who must convince his sister to NOT marry her boyfriend who's destined to grow up into an abusive alcoholic.
Episode 8: "Play It Again Seymour" - Sam leaps into a gumshoe detective (who looks an awful lot like Humphrey Bogart) and must solve a murder mystery before times up especially since in the original history HIS character winds up as a victim. Tons of Casablanca and gumshoe jokes abound.
THE EXTRAS
1. Each Episode contains a brief introduction by series star Scott Bakula detailing some unique fact about the episode. You can choose to turn intros "on" or "off."
2. "A Kiss With History: Remembering Quantum Leap" - located on Disc 1 is a 20-minute featurette featuring commentary by series' leads Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell and producer Donald Bellisario discussing how the show came about and going over some of the events of Season One.
THE VERDICT
For 5 seasons fans everywhere thrilled week in and week out as Sam leaped through time helping people put events in there lives that went wrong right. With a thrilling combination of action, suspense, adventure, a little romance and a TON of moral self-checks (and tackling some sticky issues) "Quantum Leap" grew into a favorite with a strong fan-base of Loyal Leapers. Take a Leap into the Quantum Accelerator and go along with Sam for a ride through time and reminisce (or find out for the first time) what all the excitements about.
Highest Recommendation
47 Great Show; Disappointing Package
I was very excited to finally get Season 1 on DVD. Imagine my disappointment when I opened up the box. First of all, the cover art is lacking in interest; the inside art is also uninspired. No booklet or title card? I would have loved to see some more extras. For the price I paid, at least the picture looks great. 5 stars for the show; 3 stars for the product.
48 Great TV worth revisiting
I remembered this show very fondly. Back in the days before networks based all of their programming around people eating cow rectum for money, or choosing a spouse over a million bucks, we had some great TV shows. Thankfully, with DVD, we can now own some of these shows. Quantum Leap, especially the early seasons, is just a well written show. Scott Bakula is a really fine actor and you begin to truly care for Sam as he leaps through history, correcting time's mistakes. This set is worth owning if only for the 2 hour pilot "Genesis". Sure Quantum Leap might be a little heavy handed in melodrama, but that is part of it's charm. This show is at once, funny, suspenseful, dramatic and very often touching, as when Sam is able to speak once more to his father who had died in Sam's "present". The early shows let you enjoy Sam's confusion about the whole leaping process, and present some really great stories without getting on a soapbox, or being preachy. Sure this show may have "Jumped the Shark" with the evil leaper that appeared in later seasons, and, eventually Quantum Leap did begin to get a little preachy, but what is presented in this box set is the beginning of a great and often overlooked TV gem.
49 Only 8 episodes?
I really think the price tag of 44 bucks for 8 episodes is a rip off. You can get 22 episodes of Buffy for 38. They should have put the first and second seasons together and offered it for a better price. I love Quantum Leap, but I will probably wait and get a used set for on the cheap.
50 Quantum Leap me Anywhere
I have been a fan of Scott Bakula and Quantum Leap and I was quite pleased with the DVD First Season. I had forgotten how talented Bakula and Stockwell were in the show. Their friendship was real. This is what is missed in today's television. Scott Bakula's character made have leaped, but his charm is always there, that you forget he is acting and his hardwork could be taken for granted. Sam has very sweet, choir-boy ways (as Al usually puts it), sexy, funny, so expressive and the stories are just as revelant today as back then. And Al, and his hysterical, woman chasing ways- this is a fabo DVD selection. After looking at the first season, I must have the second season now. Scott and Dean give us some hidden easter eggs, there are personable introductions from Scott. The love these two guys have for their fans is evident, and I appreciated more Quantum Leap after listening to the 20 minutes conversation between Scott, Dean and Don Bellisario talk about there memories of the show. If you are a fan of Quantum Leap this 3 set DVD is for you. It will taken you back to quality television and the wonderful friendship that Scott and Dean have for each other which overflowed into the show's characters.
Bravo Bakula and Stockwell!!!!!!!
51 Where is season two..three I can't get enough Quantum Leap
I am so glad they finally decided to release this on DVD. I preordered it in Feb 2004 & was counting the days until I received it. This is the best DVD I ever purchased I can't wait for the other seasons to come out!!! I used to watch Quantum Leap faithfully every week & couldn't wait for the next weeks show. Now my kids are enjoying it with me! They think its Great! I am such a Scott Bakula fan.
52 Another mediocre Universal release
I was really disapointed when I opened this set 8 episodes, 9 if you count the second half of the pilot. Add to that the lack of any kind of booklet, the holder has a ad for a D-Day museum. There is no real extras, with the exception of some pretty short interviews. Another slight insult is the art work on the inter sleave it's the hand link but the one used in the later part of season two. They could have added some production art and maybe pictures of the props and sets. They should have released this the way they are releasing the Sliders set seasons 1&2 in the same box.
The video quality is real good so it has that going for it.
53 One of the Best Shows Finally on DVD
I heard about the DVD coming out during Scott Bakula's online Star Trek chat and immediately searched it out and ordered it. I was not disppointed. Even after 15 years, these shows are fresh and fun to watch.
The DVD has a few treats, including a few Easter Eggs and messages from Scott and Dean looking back at the series. There is also a featurette where Scott, Dean and Don Bellisario talk about there memories of the show.
As others have said, bring on the other seasons, please don't make us wait for years like other shows. I'm ready to pre order right now!
Oh Boy!
54 great QL DVD
Fanatastic DVD-the added comments by Bakula,Stockwell and Bellesario were fascinating and quite insiteful. It lent such a great new dimension to each episode. I can't wait for season two to come out. Come on guys get moving on the next release.
55 I NEED MORE EPIS ON DVD
I have been a QL fan since I was in high school and still treasure all the epis I have on VHS. I was so excited to see the first season being released but there are only 8 or 9 on this one and I WANT AND NEED MORE QL love!! How can we encourage the powers that be to start releasing more of the seasons? Also, what was the hidden messages all about? Did any fellow leapers see any hidden msgs? QL rocks my world :)
56 Well Done
If you liked the show when it originally aired, you won't be disappointed with this first season edition.
Great documentary on the show with Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, creator Don Bellisario.
A big thanks to Scott Bakula for the introductions to each episode. If Universal Studios releases season two I will definitely buy it.
57 I Want MORE Please!
I just finished watching the first nine eps this morning and I LOVE IT!! More Please! It has been years since I seen any of these eps and then they were in reruns and I love seeing the edited stuff. As always Scott was fantastic and I would love if you put out the next four seasons to see a blooper real!
58 It's about time....
It's about time that this show about time was released on DVD! It was critically acclaimed during its run and it quickly became a fan favorite. It had everything, including a fascinating premise, wonderful writing, great scores, terrific performances by its 'regular' cast (Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell) as well as by the weekly guests. In fact, some early performances by some who became 'names' can be found in various episodes (Teri Hatcher guests in 'Star Crossed' and Jason Priestley in 'Camikazi Kid', just two of the episodes in this set). Performances by folks like Jennifer Aniston and a host of others can be viewed in future sets (which hopefully will be available sooner rather than later!).
Fortunately, the set allows everyone to once again view the episodes, not only in their entirety (unlike the syndicut versions that have been shown on various cable stations over the years), but with the original opening narrations and graphics. Boy, do they deliver!
The 20 minute 'Kiss with History' interview with Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell and Don Bellisario is both amusing and informative and a definite 'don't miss'. Of course, more behind the scenes extras such as bloopers, full episode commentary or more interviews (Deborah Pratt would probably be a wonderful source for great stories!) would have fit the bill but one can only hope that we'll get to see more in future sets.
Be advised, that although the box claims that the sound is monoaural, it most definitely is stereo.
While some may balk at the pricing, when you consider the cost per episode, it's more than worth it. Besides, who doesn't purchase from a store with the sale circular from another store in hand not only to get the better price, but a refund on the difference as well!!
59 Well worth the wait!
Quantum Leap had a profound effect on me as a teenager. I still remember every episode. Having the episodes on DVD is a true joy. This collection is a must-have for any fan of the show. The interviews are great, as well as the episode intros. It's great to see the show in all its glory, without commericals or network editing. It was definately worth waiting 10 years for its DVD release. My only hope is that I don't have to wait so long for the following seasons to be released.
60 Quantum Leap DVD worth the wait!
The first season DVD of Quantum Leap, starring Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell, is available now, and it was well worth the wait! Everyone who enjoyed the series in 1989 must add this to their collection. I've watched QL numerous times over the years, but the digital clarity of these disks reveals details I never noticed before. It was like watching them for the first time.
If you've never seen Quantum Leap, or have seen it only in reruns, these disks offer the opportunity to experience the first season as it aired originally, with opening and closing credits intact. Also, scenes often deleted to make room for commercials have been restored.
In a Bonus feature, Scott, Dean, and creator Donald Bellisario reminisce individually about the series, but the interviews are edited together so cleverly it's as if they were together. The comments of each man elaborate on the others until complete incidents unfold--the auditions, the casting of Scott and Dean, and other tidbits that enhance the viewer's enjoyment of the episodes. Each episode is also preceded by an Episode Insight, a background bit from Scott Bakula that highlights some specific point about that episode.
An added treat for some younger viewers might be the appearance of a pre-90210 Jason Priestley, who is featured in the episode The Camikazi Kid.
My only complaint is that the DVD left me wanting more--more and longer interviews, more Episode Insights, maybe ever a Blooper disk. These suggestions should be considered for the remaining season releases.
On that note, I fervently hope Seasons 2-5 are released as soon as humanly possible, without sacrificing time for the creation of more Bonus materials.
Bravo to Don Bellisario, Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, and everyone else involved with the show and with the production of these DVDs!
61 Wow
The packaging is great... but wait until you see the DVD's. Bright and clear just dosn't say it all. They did a great job with these DVD's. Once you have this set you will be begging them to put out the rest of the series.
62 Great series, pricey for season 1
For fans, we don't need to put more descriptions to this great series. However, the price is too high for a short season. Season 1 contains less than half of the episodes in each of the next 4 seasons. I recommend those who can wait should wait. There could be a price adjustment.
63 Bring on Season 2
If I didn't complain about something I would have not written a short review. The box set definitely seems pricey for the content you receive but I look at it this way. They will use that extra money they charged to start working on season 2. I think they owe it to us fans who paid the price for season 1. I would have gave this 5 stars if there was more additional information. Outtakes, Deleted Scenes, and why in the world is there a slot for a booklet within the case but it didn't come with one? Just came with a stupid coupon that had nothing to do with QL. That was quite annoying! Overall it was still worth every penny and the wait.
64 Ziggy says there's a 99% probability you will like this DVD
Great show. The downside to season 1 is that it only has 9 episodes compared to the usual 20-22 of a regular season. Having said that, I'm looking forward to season 2 even more. Another problem is the PRICE. Keep in mind that Amazon.com is generaly lower in price than most retail and electronic stores. Universal, for some reason, has severely overpriced this 3-disc, 7 hour dvd set. Is it because it's a "cult" show and they know the fans will shell out the money or some other reason? I guess we'll find out when Season 2 comes out. I have had no luck in finding this show on tv and have not seen it in at least 8 years...so I have bought this OVERPRICED DVD. Hope Universal wakes up to that little problem.
65 Excellent DVD series Great Box set
Just received my copy of this marvellous series and I was very impressed with the box set. Very well designed in a holographic image and all the extras are excellent. Highly recommended series. Can't wait for season 2. Let's hope Dolby digital will be included in future series.
66 One small step for man, one giant leap for QUANTUM LEAP!
All I gotta say is...Oh Boy!
I just picked up my copy of this gem yesterday and I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. I started watching QL when I was about 15, in its 2nd season. Of course, I caught up quickly and have all of them personally taped on VHS. DVD is of course --- MUCH BETTER!!!
The best thing about this DVD is that the first season comes UNEDITED! It includes the ORIGINAL opening narration voiced by Sam (Bakula) and the ORIGINAL theme song played over the ORIGINAL opening film footage!!!! Also, each episode includes a short episode introduction by Bakula, which you can choose to turn on or off.
The icing on the cake is the short documentary with Bakula, Stockwell and Bellasario overviewing the first season and how it all got started. It's a great compliment to the episodes.
Apparently there are "hidden messages" on the discs, but I have yet to see them. I didn't get a chance to watch everything last night. I wonder if the messages have anything to do with the much rumored Quantum Leap movie and possible NEW SERIES!?
I am very excited to own this DVD -- so much that all I could think about after watching it was...
"I wonder when season 2 is coming out?"
67 My All-Time FavoriteTV-Show Ever...
I have been always dreaming this day till now with the 1st season in the market just being a reality.
After that the 2nd,3d,4th and finally the 5th and the better of all seasons.Afterwards we can all hopefully wait for the TV-Movie come up in the wire.
Simply the best...
Please can anyone probably tell me if new Quantum Leap DVDs in Region 1 (US & CANADA) have English subtitles? (at least)
Also if you know the same for Region 2 from UK!
Waiting for any reply here or at miles88ph@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Jim!
68 Long Overdue Leap to Home Video
Why did this series take song long to make it to DVD? It's an Emmy winning cult favorite with well known people on and off camera. Very pricey for the content, though. No accompanying booklet or anything either, which is a shame after waiting so long. I gave it four stars because of the quality of the series, nothing else.
69 One Of the Best TV Series Out There
I really liked Scott Bakula and his acting. Add Dean Stockwell as his sidekick and you have some really good television. Quantum Leap aired from 1989 to 1994. I was really excited to hear this boxed set was comming out so I pounced on it. Some really good stories tackling all sorts of social problems such as people with disabilities, racism, fear, adolescence, etc. I really hope they will release all 5 seasons cause I'll buy em all!
70 ABSURD PRICE----not Amazon's fault
Amazon is about as cheap a price as I have seen this so it isn't their fault. This is a very good show but there are LESS THAN 9 hours of actual show on this. About 7 1/2 at 50 minutes an episode. 8 episodes including the 2 hour pilot. Reminds me of the very overpriced FARSCAPE.
71 A HIGH PRICED RIP OFF
Before you buy the first season of this excellent show, realize that you are paying for ONLY 9 hours of the show, actually less than that since an episode is typically 48 minutes long. I wonder what a regular full season will sell for? Based on the hourly rate, the second season will sell for $ 102.00. (22 hours). That is higher priced than even the outragiously priced FARSCAPE.
72 Quantum Leap Season One on DVD!!! Now lets see seasons 2-5!
Finally! I have waited so long for this series to come to DVD. My wait is almost over. I will be at the store first thing in the morning on June 8 to buy my copy of the wonderful series. The are just so many wonderful things to say about Quantum Leap that I don't know where to begin. A lot of the other reviewers here have already covered most of it. The stories were excellent. The message of each and every show comes through loud and clear teaching us all something about ourselves and others. This is a great series for everyone...adults and children alike. I can only hope that all the fans of the show will support this DVD release and that many new people will give it a try. This could be just what is needed for the studio to see that we all want, need more Quantum Leap! I can't wait to get all 5 seasons. I hope this will also help inspire TPTB to continue work on the new QL movie and perhaps a new series. And bring back Scott Bakula (as much as he can come back with his role on Enterprise) and Dean Stockwell (same for Dean with his recurring role on JAG). For as wonderful as the writing was on this series, these actors made the show what it was. Again, I can't wait until June 8! Get out there and buy this wonderful piece of television history!
73 Finally!!!!! One of the best shows on TV.
Quantum Leap is a true treasure from my childhood. This show one of the best that has ever been on TV. Not only have I been waiting for this series to be released on DVD, but I have been waiting for a series just like this to come out again. There has not been a show, I think, as good as this, since Quantum Leap went off the air.
Some of the best memories I have as a child are watching Quantum Leap on Wednesday nights with my parents and younger brother. We still talk about those days, that was the only night of the week that our 9pm bedtime was extended to 10. It was the only show that my family could agree on and these memories are still talked about at family gatherings.
If you or your kids either didn't watch Quantum Leap while it was on or you were too young to remember it, you should take this opportunity to see it on DVD. It was so ahead of it's time as far as story concept goes, and it will still be as clever and great now. I cannot wait! I hope the other seasons quickly follow.
74 One of those great shows
I used to watch Quantum leap in middle school and was absolutely hooked! Each time the story was interesting as the last and though they were different stories, they were still connected by Sam and his journey. I would recommend anyone to watch this show. I'm so glad that they're finally releasing the the first season on DVD (which I am definitely buying) and I'm hoping its worth the wait. I really hope they don't take as long releasing the rest of the seasons as I never got to see the ending of this great show. So fingers crossed & until then I'll enjoy watching the beginning again.
75 Should be shown in every high school civics program
I gave the DVD five stars on the assumption that it will be of at least reasonably good quality. I have been a big fan of Quantum Leap ever since it was first shown. In my opinion, it's one of the best TV series of all time.
To me, the most valuable aspect of Quantum Leap is its historical accuracy. The producers got the little details right. There are very few anachronisms. Far more importantly, however, they got the attitudes right. Whenever they took on controversial issues, they showed us exactly how we, as Americans, thought and acted at the time.
We really were prejudiced against African-Americans and Korean War brides in the ways showm in two of the early episodes. Some people really did build bomb shelters in the 1950s. Some communities really did attempt to ban rock-and-roll. There were definite stigmas against mental illness and retardation, in part because we didn't understand them. These are just the episodes that come to mind immediately. There were many more that dealt with societal issues.
The episodes that dealt with issues such as these should be shown in every high school civics class--or whatever it's called today--because the people responsible for Quantum Leap got them right. I can think of no better way of giving today's young students an accurate picture of what America was like in the latter half of the 20th Century.
76 Quality Drama Wrapped In A Sci-Fi Premise
You may never see another TV drama so well executed within a science fiction realm as Quantum Leap. Rarely can a show escape its' SF roots by telling such great stories. I liked the attention to history, which allowed so many thought-provoking ideas in each and every episode. Even the story involving Lee Harvey Oswald, despite the fact that I believe the JFK assassination issue has been down 'ad infinitum'.
77 I second Maddas Ahatter
Why isn't it being released over here in the UK? Surely it's in everyone's best interests - the distributors etc. will make more money and us Brits will be much happier. Quantum Leap is one of those shows we grew up with, reminisce about in the pub and lament the passing of so give us what we want... please!
78 This show was over-rated Garbage.....
Well I saw this show enough times when it was on NBC to see what a piece of TV trash it really was. The premise was stupid. Guy keeps leaping into different bodies while a time travel fluke takes place and then each week he enters a new body and a new life until he at last will make the leap home....Sounds like a recycled Twilight Zone idea with the X-Files thrown in for measure. Later they really went over-board with the idea of evil leapers who try and ruin Sam's work as a time traveler...But that's going too far, all this made me see how bad television is for science fiction, they make video game stuff like this and then have the nerve to pass it off as drama, Please.
79 Plea from across the pond
I think all the praise that can be heaped upon this wonderful series has already been voiced by other reviewers.
Quantum Leap has truly changed my life, for the better, in so many ways.
I have eagerly awaited the release of the series (all 5 seasons) for years, and was thrilled to be notified it was on its way.
But wait one moment - region 1 only.
Restricted to shipping within the US.
HOW IS THIS FAIR?????
We British fans deserve to enjoy this quality program too!
Give us our own Region 2, and give it to us in June.
Why should we have to wait months or even years?
The technology is there NOW to produce it for us.
So get to it, folks!
British QL fans await.
80 FINALLY!!!
I have been waiting for this forever!!!! I cried when the show ended (the last episode was a definite tearjerker!) and have kept looking for the release of the series. It was such a wonderful show. It had a moral to the story. It had imagination. I cannot wait until it is available in June!
81 Uh-Oh....Good Show...Extreme cost
Uh-oh. Deja-vu all over again. I won't comment too much on the show itself because anyone looking at this is probably considering buying it or they wouldn't be here reading. Quantum Leap was another of my favorite shows next to Northern Exposure. Unfortunately, like Northern Exposure the first season of Quantum Leap was a late season fill-in that only produced 8 episodes the first season. And like Northern Exposure, this DVD set is overpriced. Shame shame. Taking advantage of paying customers, the companies in charge of distribution should reconsider the cost and how much they may be driving good customers away. 5 stars for the show, 1 for the cost= 3 stars average.
82 Thank God!
It's about time - this was the first TV show I watched as youngster. I saw only a few of the first-run episodes on NBC but saw the entire series (and meticulously taped it sans commercials) on USA and Sci-Fi for years afterward. Needless to say, the tapes are getting old, and I'm so glad we'll get them on DVD. This was such an emotional, thought-provoking, powerful episode. The reason so many loved it is that each episode was taking Sam to someplace different to tell a different story. IN reality the time-travel part was a small part of the show - this was a drama, pure and simple, and a level of powerful drama that TV has very little of today. I echo prior comments - let's all buy this thing (take out a mortgage if you have to), so we can get the much better seasons 2,3, and 4 on DVD. There are some classic TV hours in there!!
83 One of the Best TV series ever.
Quantum Leap is probably the TV series I saw during my childhood I remember most fondly. It had an amazing mythology, the stories were intelligent, it always left me in expectation and I practically grew up watching it. I was barely finishing my fifth year in elementary school when the final episode aired.
Even though it took Universal so long to release the DVD, I'm still hoping the next seasons will take no more than 6 months between each other (...).
I think this TV series was so well done that is must be a classic. It entertains adults and children alike with an intelligent plot that leaves something to the viewer (unlike most of the shows there are out there nowadays).
For fans it's a must, and for people who want intelligent well done entertaining TV this is definitely worth the money...
84 Thank you!!!! About Time.
I am so happy right now I could just scream. I've been waiting for this series since before it ended. I have probably seen each episode about twenty times, and wont miss a marathon went it occurs. If at all possible can I be notified when the other seasons become available.
85 Money Talks!
It is my sincere hope that all the many Quantum Leap fans will purchase the Season One DVD set and totally blow away the producers who have been sitting on their ***** since Quantum Leap has gone off the air. Fans feel that their release should have occured long before now. It is my hope that Seasons 2-5 will not take as long. I would like to see them all released by the end of this year. What do you think? The only thing that will quarantee this is if the producers see big $$$ in doing so. Support your fellow Leaper fans and purchase Season One! This show was awesome and still beats what we have on the air now.
86 Wonderful, but Short First Season --- at a Full Price
One of the most innovative series finally comes to DVD! The first season, though short (only nine episodes, since it was a mid-season replacement), introduced us quite eloquently to a wonderful, but too short-lived series (it should have gone on for a few more seasons).
The quality with DVD's is unquestioned. The only problem with this one is pricing. You're paying the same price you would for a full 22/24 episode season. The three star rating has nothing to do with the series itself. It?s just the valve of episodes ?to-pricing that brought it down in my estimation. For the series itself, it?s easily a five star show. My recommendation would be to wait before buying this. The price is bound to come down before too long. The first season does have some of the most outstanding episode, and after just the first episode, the viewer fully understands what the series is all about.
Quantum Leap itself was one of the most innovative and outstanding series of all time the quality of the acting, and especially the writing, was top notch from the get-go. This series will not disappoint, and you don't have to be a sci-fi fan to appreciate it.
This series should have been released on DVD a long time ago. Let's hope the whole series is out within the next year or so!
87 Great Show, but why the ridiculus price???
My dad and I both loved this show and were so excited that it was coming out on DVD, but [the price] for 9 shows is outrageous. I don't understand why many of the TV shows coming out on DVD are so expensive. Oh well, we'll just catch the reruns because at this rate it will cost in the neigborhood of $200 for the entire series-RIDICULUS!!!!
88 Finally
I have been waiting for awhile for quantum leap to go on DVD. When I was 5 years old the reruns use to go on U.S.A. network and they scared me. But when I was 8 years old I started to watch the reruns on sci-fi channel with my parents and sisters and ever since I have been a big fan of the show. I am 16 now and I cant wait for this to come out on DVD. Hopefully seasons 2-5 will be out soon. Cause I am gonna get all 5 seasons.
89 The extras
Adding to my previous review:
The extras are:
1)A documentary on the show with Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, creator Don Bellisario
2)Scott Bakula will introduce each episode with info on guest stars, special effects, etc.
3)As I already said, the box cover, is holographic, so Sam will seem to jump out at you.
All this info came from Tvshowsondvd.com
fours stars instead of five because it is such a short season, and because there could really be more extras then just these
90 Leap to the release of the entire series!
Quantum Leap is simply one of the best television series ever made. Period. Attempting not to sound like other reviews, this is one absolutely fantastic series that has a little something for everybody. Throughout its five seasons, the main characters, quantum physicist/scientist/musician/martial arts expert Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) and his trusty sidekick, ex-astronaut/Viet Nam veteran/MIT graduate/womanizer Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell) go through seemingly, and apparently countless adventures together (Sam ultimately never returning home).
Like science fiction? Well there's a backdrop of a time travel story about a man bouncing around through time within his own lifetime, 1953-1999 (with 2 exceptions), with a holographic link to the present via his own brainwaves. This link, Al, is only seen by Sam himself, children under the age of 5, the mentally ill, and animals. However, Sam's time travels come with a twist: he "leaps" into the lives of random people in the past uncontrollably, with their auras surrounding him and being seen as the person he has leapt into until he makes right what once went wrong in their lives. Al comes in quite handy as Sam's guide to what's going on and giving advice through experience all the while technically remaining in the present. Sam and Al also have the aid of a parallel hybrid computer, Ziggy, which was invented by none other than Sam himself. To further complicate matters, an unexpected side-effect of Sam's time travel is amnesia in which Sam's memory is constantly "swiss-cheesed" and he knows little details about his life before the time travel experiment. Not only does the amnesia occur but in some cases traces of minds of the people Sam has leapt into get left behind and scrambled with Sam's own mind making his missions that much more difficult to accomplish.
There's also plenty of sports, romance, drama, action, comedy, horror and plenty of controversial subjects tackled in this series. What makes Quantum Leap such a great series is its flawless execution at so many diverse subjects and making them believable through the main character's point of view. In a time where most of the subjects (racism, sexism, homosexuality) were shied away from on network television, Quantum Leap was one of the first series to examine these topics with a unique perspective. Sadly, it remains highly underrated and not well known among mainstream audiences, most likely due to its unorthodox science fiction backstory.
The good news is that this series is finally officially making it to DVD, the bad news is that it is only the first season (for now) which consists of 9 episodes counting the two part pilot episodes. Being a big fan of the series, only having the first season will have to do for now but I'm happy that it's even on DVD to begin with. Having seen the series, even without any special features, I would rate it five stars. Inevitably the other four seasons must come to DVD as well and unfortunately we can't "leap" ahead to when they finally do.
91 Oh Boy!
It's about time for this one! I can't wait until I receive mine in the mail. This is probably my favorite TV show of all time (well maybe equal to CSI, but that is a whole different category.) I was so sad when the show went off the air. I really hope it doesn't take them long to put the rest of the seasons on DVD. This is a collection that I must have!
92 A long time coming..
One day, about 5 years ago, flipping through the channels, I came across Quantum Leap. I instantly loved it, and hated that I had just only stumbled across it. I wondered how many episodes I missed, and then realized that I was watching reruns. One day, I was lucky enough to catch half of the marathon on the sci-fi channel. I prayed for it to come out on DVD. For years, I searched. Today, I searched, and omgoodness, its finally coming. WTF took so long?!?!?!? And why only 7 episodes. I want the works, baby. I want the entire box set with everything. Keep it coming, and dont be stingy with the extras...we die-hard fans want it all. Now, got my fingers crossed for the "Seinfeld" box set. tee hee hee
93 Excellent series, short season
"Quantum Leap" is about Dr. Sam Beckett, a genius who has built a time machine. Sam is sent into the past, finding that his mind is inside someone else's body. Each person has had something gone wrong in what is now the future, and Sam's mission is to prevent the tragedy. The only problem is that his memory is "swiss cheese", with lots of holes in it. His coworker, Al, appears to him as a hologram that only he can see and helps him. A series with a deeper message that small interventions can make a difference. An excellent series that shows how one person can change other people's lives.
Here is a brief episode guide:
Pilot: Genesis, September 13, 1956: Sam goes into the accelerator even though it isn't ready yet. He finds himself an Air Force test pilot.
1. Star-Crossed, June 15, 1972: As a literature professor, he must stop a co-ed from attaching herself to him.
2. The Right Hand of God, October 24, 1974: Sam finds himself a boxer working with a group of nuns as his trainers.
3. How the Tess Was Won, August 5, 1956: Sam becomes a veterinarian who becomes involved with a wealthy heiress.
4. Double Identity, November 8, 1965: Sam has to figure out his mission as a Mafia hit man.
5. The Color of Truth, August 8, 1955: Sam is a black chauffeur facing discrimination in the South.
6. Camikazi Kid, June 6, 1961: Sam is a teenager trying to stop his sister's marriage. (guest star: Jason Priestley)
7. Play It Again, Seymour, April 14, 1953: Sam leaps into a private eye trying to find his partner's murderer.
94 What are the extras?
This is one of my favorite shows. Finally it is going to be released. I was wondering when we are going to find out what extras are in this set? Does anybody know? It must be alot, since there are only 9 episodes (including the two part pilot) in this season.
I was at [tvshowsondvd website], which at first got information that there won't be extras, but now they got information saying that there will definitely be extras. Also, the box has a holographic cover, so Sam will seem to jump out at you.
95 It is almost here...
Quantum Leap is one of the greatest TV shows ever made. It is a shame that it has taken this long for the seasons to be released on DVD. That really does not matter because it is still coming. I am just wondering if the price of the other seasons will go up because they all have about twice as much episodes as Season 1? I also hope that the other seasons will be released in intervals of 6 months or less.
96 I was lucky.
You know that DVD with the premier, two-part episode that sells for around $100 now? I found one of them just before they went out of print and got it for $5. Even though I could have turned it over for a 2000% profit, that disk has remained in my collection and been spun fairly regularly for several years. That's how much I love this show!
I missed Quantum Leap when it first ran and later discovered it when it was rerun on the Sci-Fi channel. I actually reworked my work schedule so that I could be home on Thursday mornings and early afternoons to catch the marathons they would run every week.
There is no substitute for good writing and Quantum Leap had some of the best around. Science Fiction, and other genre type shows are generally looked down upon by "serious" minded folks. My wife is a Trek nut and often boasts about the new frontier of television that show explored. The first inter-racial kiss, comments on social issues including racism, the Cold War and a variety of other political hot spots were dramatized, but cloaked in a tasty little sci-fi treat that made everything a little easier to swallow. Quantum Leap did away with the sugar coating and just forced us to look at the issues in our recent past.
Through Sam we viewers were able to experience life as an elderly black man in the South just before Martin Luther King Jr rose to prominence, we spent time as a (very) attractive woman working in an office at the dawn of the feminist movement, walked through the jungles of Vietnam and even met God, or at least some one like him in a bar trapped in time.
The chemistry shared between Bakula and Stockwell was amazing. From the first episode it was apparent that these two characters loved and respected one another. There was a history there unknown to the viewer and we needed to know more.
Long and short of it, Quantum Leap was my favorite show of all time until Buffy the Vampire Slayer came around. Those of you reading this who understand the second part of that statement should at least give Quantum Leap a spin. You will not be disappointed.
97 I am SOOOOOOOO EXCITED
I have been waiting for YEARS for this. My old VHS tapes are worn, some don't even play anymore. I hate Sci-fi in any other form, yet this is, by far, my favorite show of all time. I can't wait for June! Also, let me reiterate the other posts about the acting. These actors were OUTSTANDING, you just don't see acting that great on TV anymore.
98 The Most Memorable Freshman Year!
I was so bummed when I started working in the afternoons when I was in High School and couldn't watch Quantum Leap anymore. Finally, when I got to college, I decided that I needed to tape the episodes every afternoon when I was in college, because I was in football practice in the afternoons.
I love this show and I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD (I am tired of watching the old VHS's). This show kept me sane during the rigorous pre-med schedule that I was enduring. This show has been my favorite since I was still in grade school, and I have been praying for it to be released on DVD. I was very upset when Sci-fi dropped Quatum Leap, making more time for SeaQuest, good itdea...Not!
Scott Bakula has never gotten enough credit for this wonderful series, and I can't wait for every other season to be out as well. All I have to say is...Hurry Up!!!
99 It's about time!!!!!!
I cannot express my excitement enough. Even though it has not been released yet, I know that the series deserves five stars, so it only seemed fitting to give the DVD set the same rating. I just hope that there will be enough episodes to sate my Quantum Leap appetite. Either way, I will be able to watch Sam and Al whenever I want!!!
100 quantum leap 1 season
We love quantum leap and have been waiting forever for it's release. It's about time!!!!!!!
