Preview: Northern Exposure – The Complete Series (DVD/Bluray)
American heart-warming comedy drama Northern Exposure was nominated for over fifty Emmy Awards, winning 7 and nominated for 10 Golden Globe awards, winning for best drama series in 1992 and 1993 and has since become a cult classic. Enjoy once again, now fully restored and in hi-definition, all 110 episodes, over 6 seasons, with all the original music just as you remember it.
Premiering on CBS in 1990, Northern Exposure was created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey, the team behind St Elsewhere. Only eight episodes were originally commissioned, but half a season turned into six seasons. David Chase (The Sopranos) was executive producer of the show from 94-95. He’s a grumpy sod and said “I hated that show. I only did it for the money.” Guest stars included Adam Ant, Jack Black, Peter Bogdanovich, and Joanna Cassidy.
Following contract disputes Northern Exposure finished after six seasons in 1995.
Grammy award winning band Bon Iver was named whilst watching Northern Exposure. Lead singer Justin Vernon wrote the majority of the first album whilst isolated in a cabin in north western Wisconsin, at the same time as watching Northern Exposure on DVD. Bon Hiver (French for “good winter”) is used as a greeting in one episode which Vernon transcribed as Bon Iver. Vernon also named his record label Chigliak Records, as a tribute to character Ed Chigliak. Holling Gustaf Vincoeur: What a time we had; splashed through bogs, ate like hogs, slept like
logs.
The series follows Joel Fleischman, a nebbishy Jewish doctor from New York City, and a fresh faced medical school graduate. He’s also about to begin the four year service contract he promised to the state of Alaska, who financed his education. But he just happened to forget reading some of the stipulations in his contract which has assigned him to the small post of Cicely, Alaska – a town of 215 people that welcomes it’s newest resident with open arms.
As he contends with the daily lives and rituals of these all too normal and trusting folk, Joel just might realise that Cicely’s quieter ways are probably more civilised than the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Made up of Cicely’s various residents, patients and friends of Fleischman include wealthy former astronaut Maurice Minnifield; feisty pilot Maggie O’Connell; mayor and saloon owner Holling Vincoeur; his sweet, naive waitress girlfriend Shelly Tambo (who’s old enough to be his daughter); intellectual ex-con and disc jockey Chris Stevens; Joel’s far wiser and very quiet receptionist Marilyn Whirlwind; kindly store owner Ruth-Anne Miller, and avid film buff Ed Chigliak.
Northern Exposure starred Rob Morrow, Barry Corbin, Janine Turner, John Cullum, Darren E. Burrows, John Corbett,
Cynthia Geary, Elaine Miles, Peg Phillips, Paul Provenza and Teri Polo.
Extras: 4 and a half hours of bonus content including Deleted Scenes / Gag Reels / Promo Reels / Unexposed Footage.