Next week the medical drama Grey's Anatomy will return for an eighth season of surgery and romance, not necessarily in that order.  In the meantime fans of the show can catch up with the season seven DVD set, which includes 23 episodes (22 regular episodes and one extended episode) plus bonus features.

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The first eleven episodes complete a 13-episode story arc that began in the two-part season finale of season six.  The main storyline is how the doctors at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital recover from the shooting rampage that left many dead and the survivors devastated, each responding to the crisis and its aftermath in a personal way.  Of particular note is Sandra Oh's compelling portrayal of Cristina Yang as she descends into the pit of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and then, slowly, climbs back out again. 

The second half of the season shifts the narrative focus in a different, more varied direction.  A twist of fate links the lives of Callie, Arizona, and Mark forever.  Derek and Meredith find their professional and personal lives intersecting once again as they pursue trying to have a baby while also running a clinical trial.  Alex discovers his calling in pediatrics, the race for Chief Resident heats up and Lexie, Miranda, and Teddy all find love in unexpected places.  Finally, Cristina and Owen find themselves at a crossroads as an unexpected development rocks their relationship to its core.
 
Three episodes experiment with format in interesting ways.  "These Arms of Mine" is done completely in documentary style.  "Golden Hour" explores one hour in the life of Meredith Grey as she works in the ER and is shot in real time.  "Song Beneath the Song" is a musical episode which includes songs featured on GA throughout the years [e.g. "Have to Save a Life", "Chasing Cars", "Breathe (2AM)"].  Cast members sing in varying degrees (ranging from not-at-all to a lot) with Sara Ramirez, Kevin McKidd, and Chandra Wilson showcased most prominently.  The DVD set includes both the original version of this episode and an extended version that adds about five minutes of deleted scenes and edited moments.
 
Bonus features are plentiful.  The blooper reel is hilarious and the deleted scenes interesting, although (with a few exceptions) it's apparent why they didn't make the cut.  A "behind the scenes" piece on the making of The Music Event is also very well done. It highlights aspects of the production process and also provides interviews of the actors and show runners.  Finally, the six webisodes are presented along with their own "making of" featurette.  They are independent of the show itself, but enjoyable viewing none-the-less, as they expand the story in an unexpected way.  The final episode is particularly moving.
 
Grey's Anatomy: Complete Seventh Season (More Heartbeats) is available in stores and online on Tuesday, September 13 and you can order it online through the ABC store.  The two-hour season premiere of Grey's Anatomy airs Thursday, September 22 on ABC. For a reminder be sure to check out BuddyTV's new app!

(Image courtesy of ABC)