TV’s best series in a box

I could fill page after page with what’s groundbreaking, thrilling and fantastic about HBO’s legendary series “The Sopranos,” but I’ll just say it’s the best series ever to grace the television medium.

The momentous Greek tragedy that is Tony Soprano’s dual life as family man and made man never once sagged during its eight years.

“The Sopranos” may never be equaled.

Superlatives aside, David Chase’s mob saga is presented here in one colossal box that is heavier than a gallon of milk. Thirty-three discs in total and clocking in at over 80 hours, the set is fodder for both “Sopranos” fanatics and serious TV-on-DVD collectors.

I’ll forgo waxing poetic about the tremendous acting, breathtaking character arcs, perfect music cues and occasional gory bloodletting and simply say that if you’ve not experience this series firsthand, or haven’t seen it since its initial HBO run, you owe it to yourself to check out this big black box.

For “Sopranos” fans with the cash on hand to pick up this $250 set, there are significant supplemental features to be mined. Aside from peripherals like a 16-page episode guide and three CDs worth of music featured in the series are a plethora of single-episode audio commentaries and meaty lost scenes from every season.

Yet another curio included is “Extra Gravy;” a collection of Sopranos parodies that document its impact on popular culture. The remainder consists of several hours of interviews and forums with the cast and crew, such as a lengthy two-part discussion with David Chase on everything Soprano, as well as “Supper with The Sopranos”; a sit-down with the cast in which they dish the dirt on behind-the-scenes happenings.

If you already own all seven Sopranos boxes, it might seem superfluous to shell out the money for this set, but hardcore fans may find it hard to resist such an enticing package. The extras are engaging, and if you don’t already own the series, this big, heavy box is a must.