TV on DVD: 'Barney Miller,' plus 'Fish'

'BARNEY MILLER'

SERIES Among the tube's most enduring sitcoms is this warmly human 1975-1982 ABC comedy of characters parading through an NYPD detective squadroom. Quirky perps, bizarre victims and strange citizens play against a core of lovable cop characters -- levelheaded Capt. Miller (Hal Linden), weary old Fish (Abe Vigoda), hot-headed/soft-hearted Wojo (Max Gail), upscale strutter Harris (Ron Glass), lazy gambler Yemana (Jack Soo), and "semantics is my life" dry wit Dietrich (Steve Landesberg).

Rarely leaving the squadroom, these episodes feel as intimate as a stage play, aided by naturalistic lighting and close camera work. Creator Danny Arnold ("Bewitched") quickly dispensed with the studio audience to tape "Miller" like a film for rewrite flexibility. He also used a repertory company of recurring performers and guest visitors, to echo the vitality of old-time Hollywood character actors, set loose to rant and philosophize.

Their cases range from silly squabbles to sad exploitation to topical issues (baby-selling, modern slavery, gentrifying/homeless, city cutbacks). And the characters progress, change and even die during the show's eight seasons -- which conclude with a three-parter that stands as one of TV's most moving finales.

EXTRAS The range of emotion here matches the episodes. A half-hour retrospective mixes clips with revealing new interviews with Linden, Vigoda, Gail and series producers (plus the late Landesberg in 2009). Another half-hour delves deeper into the characters, and a featurette explores script writing. Also: earlier film pilot with Linden, Vigoda and different actors (Charlie Haid of "Hill Street Blues"!), excerpt from Soo documentary, commentary, more. There's even the entire two-disc first season of Vigoda's spinoff, "Fish"!

LIST PRICE $160 for 168 "Miller" episodes plus 13 of "Fish," on 25 discs in sturdy box with booklet, out today from Shout.