ABC Studios is coming out with a slew of television DVD releases once fall approaches, and the pack of offerings run the complete gamut of reaction possibilities. From your favorite shows, to television's biggest "oh my God, that's still on" titles, to "Woops, there goes that show," it's all coming for your viewing and owning pleasure.

Of course, all of these shows have their fans, and ABC has put together nice packages on their previous releases, and these are no different.

Whether you love or hate the shows, they are at least upping the game a bit on DVD release bonus features. I suppose it's becoming mandatory as audiences demand it, and DVD sales (apparently) are slipping in general, but I find that TV shows feel like they are lacking without them even more than films. Something about the long-term investment, fan status, and apparent ease of creation, I suppose.

DVD buyers are certainly varied in their tastes, and their reason for purchase, but if I'm looking to own a TV show, I really start to weigh options if there aren't a fair amount of special features.

At any rate, a few of these are major winners, and you might want to make a note of the dates that you'll be able to pick up such must-owns as Castle, Army Wives, and (I'm as surprised as you) Cougar Town. As far as the rest are concerned, well, you love these shows... and that's OK.

Nine ABC Studios TV series are coming to DVD this fall in complete series sets! Each collectible Complete Season DVD set has been packaged as a multi-disc set that includes every season episode and bonus material. Delve deeper with bloopers, outtakes, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more! Here's what's coming:

Brothers & Sisters: The Complete Fifth and Final Season

(Release Date: August 23)

The final season of the star-studded ABC drama continues the story of the Walkers, a contemporary picture of the American family. At the heart is matriarch Nora, who finds personal satisfaction in knowing her family is happy, however sometimes allows her intentions to be a little overbearing. Her five adult children, friends as much as they are relatives, come together to support each other through the joy and heartache as they try to manage their professional, romantic, and familial lives. Together they face genuine, relatable life issues in this warm and witty drama.

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “Gilles Marini: Uncovered” – Get to know Gilles Marini, who plays Luc Laurent, the hottest new brother-in-law, between takes, behind closed doors in his dressing room and inside his personal workout
• “Writing For The Walkers” – Personal stories that inspired some of the most memorable moments of the season, from the series writers
• “Below The Line” Audio Commentary – Producer commentary on some of the season’s best episodes
• Deleted scenes and bloopers from the season

Off The Map: The Complete Series

(Release Date: August 23)

From the creators of Grey’s Anatomy comes the inspiring medical drama, ABC’s Off The Map. This exciting series takes viewers to the South American jungle with five idealistic doctors as they explore how far you have to go to truly heal. This sexy action-packed complete series invites audiences to relive the hope and discovery of every unique patient and medical case.

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “On Set At Off The Map” – A behind-the-scenes look at the hit show, from cast interviews to tours of the amazing sets
• “Jungle Medicine” – Hear directly from the cast, creators and writers about the real-life jungle medicine that these seemingly impossible medical cases are based upon
• Never-before-seen bloopers and deleted scenes

Cougar Town: The Complete Second Season

(Release Date: August 30)

Jules Cobb’s learning that the idea of family isn’t always so traditional on her not so quiet Florida cul-de-sac. Together with her teenage son, friends, neighbors and even ex-husband, the dysfunctional, yet supportive extended family manages the next stages of their lives together. This hilarious DVD release invites audiences to collect and relive every laugh-out-loud moment, plus exciting never-before-seen bonus features!

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “(still called) Cougar Town: Season 2” – A hilarious and heartwarming look at the show’s evolution, iconic inside jokes and growing cast through the eyes of the cast, crew and writers
• “Andy’s Dreams” – ABC.com’s six webisode series with new introduction by Ian “One Take” Gomez
• Deleted scenes and outtakes from the season

Desperate Housewives: The Complete Seventh Season

(Release Date: August 30)

It’s high noon on Wisteria Lane as a brand new rival stirs up even more excitement, deceit and romance in the neighborhood. This sizzling DVD release allows audiences to collect every red-hot episode, plus juicy never-before-seen bonus features.

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “Desperate For Trivia” – Discover how much America’s favorite cast really remembers about their characters when asked trivia questions from the past seven years
• “Growing Up On Wisteria Lane” – This fun featurette will juxtapose a group interview with “older kids” (Andrea Bowman, Shawn Pyfrom, Joy Lauren, Cody Kasch) reflecting back on their experience “growing up” on Wisteria Lane
• 12 Deleted Scenes Straight From The Cutting Room Floor
• Bloopers, Outtakes & Gags

Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season

(Release Date: September 13)

Includes all 22 episodes in the popular medical drama’s seventh season which features an exclusive extended version of the one-of-a-kind ‘Music Event’ episode, plus “The Making of the Music Event” created especially for the DVD. This DVD gives fans exactly what they’ve loved for seven seasons – watching the compelling ensemble deal with life-or-death consequences, while they find comfort, friendship and, at times, love in one another. Through it all everyone involved discovers that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white -- real life only comes in shades of “grey.”

DVD Bonus Features include:

• Extended Music Event Episode: “Song Beneath The Song” Fans of this episode can now enjoy even more with an extended version of the episode
• “The Music Event: Behind the Scenes” - Viewers are taken behind the scenes for a fascinating look at what it took to make this very unique episode of the show. From pitching the idea to the studio, to selecting the right music for the story through the rehearsals, shooting and editing
• “Dissecting Grey’s Anatomy: Unaired Scenes”
• “In Stitches: Season Seven Outtakes”
• “Seattle: Grace: Messages of Hope” Webisodes

Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season

(Release Date: September 13)

From the creators of Grey’s Anatomy, comes the fourth season of ABC’s sexy medical drama, Private Practice. Re-experience daily life for Dr. Addison Montgomery and her family of colleagues at the Oceanside Wellness Group as they rely on one another to deal with every complex romance, medical case and moral dilemma that comes their way. Offering fans the chance to own every season episode on DVD, including the critically-acclaimed, award-winning episode “Did You Hear What Happened To Charlotte King?, the release also includes exciting never before seen bonus features!

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “An Inside Look: The Violation Of Charlotte King” – An in-depth look at the episode in which Charlotte, played by KaDee Strickland, is raped by a mental patient, in which she discusses her research and preparation for the shoot, as well as her work with RAINN
• Deleted scenes and bloopers from the season

Castle: The Complete Third Season

(Release Date: September 20)

Murder never looked so fun! On DVD, audiences can revisit every crime scene and watch TV’s most unlikely crime-solving duo get the job done! This cool DVD release invites audiences to collect and relive every episode, plus all-new bonus features.

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “Murder They Wrote” – An exciting all-new roundtable featuring series star Nathan Fillion, New York Times best-selling author Michael Connelly and other recognizable names in the world of mystery solving to discuss the genre, tricks of the trade and more
• “Castle Goes Hollywood” – An all new behind-the-scenes look at the season’s episode that takes the series characters to Hollywood
• Cast and Crew Commentary – Back by popular demand, for two episodes
• Episode 301 “A Deadly Affair” With Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W. Marlowe, Director/Executive Producer Rob Bowman And Actor Nathan Fillion
• Episode 307 “3XK” with Director Bill Roe, Executive Producer/Writer David Amann And Actors Seamus Dever & Jon Huertas
• Hilarious bloopers, deleted scenes, and other gems from Season Three!

Body of Proof: The Complete First Season

(Release Date: September 20)

Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) was second to none — a brilliant neurosurgeon in a class all her own — but when her lifesaving gift is destroyed in a career-ending car accident, she reinvents herself as a medical examiner. Armed with keen instincts and vast medical knowledge, Dr. Hunt uses the victim’s bodies to tell the story of their lives and untimely death. The first season of this hit new series allows fans to relive the twists and turns of each case as Hunt seeks justice for every victim while also embarking on a journey of personal redemption.

DVD Bonus Features include:

• “Examining The Proof” – Cast, crew and creators discuss the fascinating elements that go into making death look real with the help of research and a team of medical advisors
• “If Looks Could Kill” – From Dr. Megan Hunt’s high heels to Curtis and Ethan’s scrubs and wardrobe, go behind-the-scenes with costume designer Roberta Haze as she dresses the actors and creates looks that kill!
• “Body of Goofs” – The season’s hilarious blooper reel

Army Wives: The Complete Fifth Season

(Release Date: September 27)

This exciting DVD debut showcases each emotional moment from the lives of the military families at Fort Marshall, SC in the riveting fifth season. The women’s friendships continue to grow stronger as they band together through their most difficult challenges yet, including life with a newborn, career changes and the tragic loss of a loved one. This collectible release allows fans to own every heartfelt episode, plus never-before-seen bonus features!

DVD Bonus Features include:

“Hangin’ At The Hump: A Candid Conversation With The Cast Of Army Wives” — The cast of Army Wives participate in a roundtable conversation where they share their thoughts, experiences and the impact the show has had on them, the community and real Army Wives

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© 2011, Are You Screening?. All rights reserved. Reprinting without express permission of the author is prohibited.

The Grey's Anatomy spin-off, Private Practice, had a little trouble getting out of the gates, but things started coming together pretty well in season two. The series started working the entire ensemble, and things moved toward a much more rounded, cohesive, and engaging show.

The cast -Kate Walsh (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Tim Daly (“The Nine”), Audra McDonald (“A Raisin in the Sun”), Paul Adelstein (“Prison Break”), KaDee Strickland (American Gangster), Chris Lowell (“Veronica Mars”), with Taye Diggs (“Rent”) and Amy Brenneman (“Judging Amy”) - work together quite well in a show whose best feature is the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously.

From the press release -

Another electrifying medical drama from the creator of ABC’s runaway hit “Grey’s Anatomy,” Private Practice: The Complete Second Season, comes to DVD on September 15, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Every gripping Season Two episode comes packaged in this multi-disc collection, which also includes exclusive bonus features that go behind the scenes with cast and creator for an in depth look at a unique series.

From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe®-winning creator of “Grey's Anatomy,” comes a standout show about the personal and professional lives of a group of passionate doctors. Featuring steamy storylines and a dazzling ensemble cast, the show stars Kate Walsh reprising her “Grey’s Anatomy” role as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery. With Seattle Grace Hospital and all its complications behind her, Addison embraces the sunnier weather and new possibilities of the Oceanside Wellness Group in Los Angeles—but life and love are never that simple.

The 6-disc release is an above-average effort, with a generous helping of special features for fans. Key to the value of the collection are the extended episodes and deleted scenes which are interesting additions, especially considering some of the more controversial issues the series highlighted during season two.

Along those same lines, Patient Confidentiality: Examing Season 2 is an interesting idea in the realm of DVD features, and has Creator/Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes, Executive Producer Betsy Beers and actors Paul Adelstein (Dr. Cooper Freedman) and Amy Brenneman (Dr. Violet Turner) giving the season's more challenging efforts another look.

Another featurette, Life Through The Lens: The Pictures of Chris Lowell, is perhaps not a special feature that jumps out at you, but it turns out to be a lot more interesting than you think, and is well worth a look. The set also includes the fairly standard blooper reel.

It can be hard to play up a second season of a show, but in many respects Private Practice took on a whole new life, and it's worth a revisit. While this is not exactly packed with bonuses, it is a solid release, and fans won't be disappointed.

Own it on DVD today!

And, leave a comment below to be entered to win your copy. Include the word, "Win," in your comment, and you are automatically entered. Winner will be randomly chosen on October 15th. U.S. and Canada only.

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Brooke Smith has been fired from Grey's Anatomy, and it was apparently a bit of a surprise.

The first to get the story to me was the L.A. Times, and the news has been rocketing around ever since.  It isn't just news though, every one seems to have a spin to place on it.  L.A. Times' Mary McNamara works the angle that not-particularly-stunning, older, lesbians do not work for the suits running networks.  Some version of that story, or a related statement of general irritation at anti-lesbianism has shown up all over the net.

I'd like to suggest that perhaps things are getting a little too serious here.

First, let's assume that the character was offed because she is -  A) a lesbian in general, B) part of a lesbian couple which was moving down the road toward having a lot of their relationship covered on television, C) a lesbian who isn't gorgeous, young, really thin, etc., etc.  D) whatever mix of the above suits your purposes.

Okay, that assumed -- who cares?  Look, Grey's Anatomy is a really stupid show, and that inherently includes the idea that... well, it's just a TV show.  I know, it sounds horrible, but there is actually a pretty good story for getting rid of characters for just about any reason, if you think it might hurt the show... which will hurt the money.  TV is like a right-to-work state.  But again, this isn't a "real" woman who was fired her anchor job from the news for being a lesbian, it's a character on... and let's clarify again... a really stupid show.

In any case, the assumptions are too easy, and too simplistic.  If McDreamy were suddenly fired tomorrow, the internet wouldn't start buzzing off the hook with, "White, straight guy fired from show!  Bastards!"  Being a lesbian shouldn't be a reason to get rid of a character, but it shouldn't make them untouchable either.  Besides, there are a lot of angles to the specific character, the specific portrayal, and the specific relationship/s.

We shouldn't forget things like the simple idea that I hated the uber-annoying character from the first episode she was ever in, and hoped she was getting offed in some fun, and horrible way ever since.  I might not be alone.  Or, the fact that the relationship was really spinning off into some weird tangents.  The "Show Me How To" bit in particular was... come on... just goofy.  The show suffers from more than its fair share of, "Crap, the script has to be in by 8:00, hit me with something!"

Look, Grey's Anatomy is not a particularly "bad" show.  It's an odd conglomeration of medical dramedy-ish, soap opera, and high school, that's kind of fun, but still guilty-pleasure nonsense.  It may be the case that someone wanted to get rid of Brooke Smith based purely on something to do with being a gay character, or a non-waifish one, whatever, but it's hardly worth a march.  And, I don't particularly buy it as being the case.  Every case of a minority running into difficulty is not worthy of a federal case being made of it... especially when they're fictional.

Are You Screening?

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