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

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.