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Several vintage TV series are in complete-series DVD sets this week
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David Krumholtz, left, Judd Hirsch and Rob Morrow star in the FBI thriller "Numb3rs" (2005-10), now on DVD in a complete-series set. - photo by Chris Hicks
Vintage TV shows in complete-series sets dominate this weeks DVD releases.

Numb3rs: The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount, 2005-10, 31 discs, 118 episodes, deleted scenes, audio commentaries, featurettes, bloopers). Among the many crime dramas on television, this smart and amusing Los Angeles-based series was unique, as an FBI agent (Rob Morrow) recruits his genius math professor brother (David Krumholtz) to help him solve cases. That may sound dense but the math is laid out in understandable terms as it informs logical investigative techniques, and the characters are rich. Judd Hirsch co-stars, along with Sabrina Lloyd and Peter MacNicol.

Becker: The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount, 1998-2004, 17 discs, 129 episodes, featurettes, bloopers). Looking for a character as far afield from his Cheers role as possible, Ted Danson starred in this six-season sitcom as the title character, a surly, misanthropic doctor in the Bronx who is irritated by, well, everything (a forerunner of Doc Martin, and perhaps Curb Your Enthusiasm). Terry Farrell, and later, Nancy Travis, provide tentative romantic interests.

Father Dowling Mysteries: The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount, 1989-91, 10 discs, 43 episodes, TV movie pilot, promos). No relation to Father Brown (as far as we know), Father Dowling is another crime-solving priest. Tom Bosley stars as the good Father, who finds plenty of murders and other criminal activities to keep him busy in his Chicago parish, aided by an ingenious nun (Tracy Nelson) and a wise-cracking housekeeper (delightfully played by the redoubtable Mary Wickes). It is gentle, warm and often quite funny.

Joan of Arcadia: The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount, 2003-05, 12 discs, 45 episodes, deleted scenes, audio commentaries, featurettes). Amber Tamblyn stars in this family friendly Touched By an Angel-ish show as a teenager in Arcadia, Maryland, who is directed by God to perform a variety of tasks that seem menial but ultimately have larger implications. God appears to her in a variety of forms to give her instruction, but instead of offering up scripture, quotes pop-culture figures. Joe Mantegna, Mary Steenburgen and Jason Ritter co-star, with Annie Potts in a recurring role.

Beauty & the Beast: The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount, 2012-16, 20 discs, 70 episodes, deleted scenes, audio commentary on pilot, featurettes, bloopers). This reboot of the beloved 1987 drama that starred Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman features Kristin Kreuk and Jay Ryan as Catherine and Vincent. This time out, shes an NYPD detective, while he is an ex-soldier who was believed killed in action but is actually a handsome doctor, until he becomes angry and his inner Hulk, er, Beast, comes out.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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