My So-Called Life: The Complete Series [$69.99]

Unrequited love, the all consuming crush, the exasperated horror of hormonal changes, the tedium of school, trouble with parents, the emergence of individual identity. The adolescent struggle and all of its attendant rites, rituals, and humiliations are ever present in the storytelling of My So-Called Life. Rather than employing such episodic conceits as melodramatic posturing or self-righteous lessons, the writers chose instead to blend these moments into the textured fabric of the overall story arc that runs throughout the series. Furthermore, Shout! Factory has assembled a loving, insightful, and extensive package of extras to accompany the 19 original episodes. In addition to interviews and (select) episode commentary from creator Winnie Holzman and executive producers Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, there are insightful interviews and episode remarks with writers, directors and many members of the cast, including Claire Danes. They have also included a 36-page booklet with tribute essays from Holzman and famous fans such as Joss Whedon and Janeane Garofalo. The teenager in us all can relate.