Law & Order Year 4 (6-DVD)

NBC's long-running crime drama LAW & ORDER has received Emmy nominations year after year, and has also inspired countless spinoffs. Following a unique formula that mixes courtroom drama with police investigation, each episode begins with the police force's discovery of a crime, and for the first half-hour, two detectives wade through the evidence to come up with a prime suspect. The second half of each show follows the suspect to trial and is told from the DA's point of view, revealing the intricacies and flaws of the U.S. legal system in the process. Staying topical by taking cases straight from current headlines, LAW & ORDER is no less compelling when seen long after the real-life events have faded from the news, thanks in large part to its terrific cast and its intelligent and involving writing. This program contains the complete fourth season of the series, featuring fresh faces like Lt. Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson) as well as a slew of old favorites (Chris Noth, Jerry Orbach). LAW & ORDER is also well known for attracting respected guest stars, and this season is no exception, as it includes performances by Allison Janney and Lauren Ambrose.