Over There: The Battle Begins

A curious release, Over There: The Battle Begins features the premiere episode of Steven Bochco's controversial new show set in wartime Iraq, along with a “making-of” featurette that served as an FX Network advertisement for the upcoming series. Since the program debuted July 27, 2005, the disc is likely to have urgent appeal only for those who missed the opener or its rebroadcast. Regardless, Over There is certainly a notable cable offering, dealing with a contemporary event of enormous historical significance, and one with a profound effect on many American families with relatives serving in the conflict, especially those who have lost loved ones. As Bochco and writer-director Chris Gerolmo explain in the featurette, the series is not intended to make a political statement pro or con regarding the conflict, but rather depict in a realistic way the experience of American soldiers in Iraq. After introducing a group of raw recruits leaving home, the script drops them into a firefight in the desert, where they're led by the aptly-nicknamed Sergeant Scream, and closes with their transport to another locale. The combat sequences are predictably powerful, with graphic special effects—such as a shot of an insurgent literally blown to smithereens from the waist up—that some viewers may find upsetting, and the language is basic-cable strong. But the initial hour only scratches the surfaces of the characters, who, one expects, will be fleshed out, NYPD Blue-style, as the season progresses. As a standalone item, this is an optional purchase, but if the program builds on the premiere's promise, the inevitable release of the complete first season will be worth acquiring. (F. Swietek)