G.I. Joe: The Movie Review

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(More customer reviews)Another mainstay of 80's children's cartoons I bought this DVD is my attempts to "recapture my childhood" and I AIN'T disappointed!!! The movie itself was okay but the DVD extras are what make this a "must-keep" for me. For the uninitiated, here's a rundown:
Plot synopses: GI Joe (America's top military force) battles against Cobra (evil terrorist organization trying to take over the world). It this particular movie, the Joes try to stop Cobra from devolving the world through these organic spores. In this movie the true ancient origins of Cobra(la) are FINALLY revealed.
The movie marked a landmark in GI Joe storylines. (Personally, I thought it was sorta the beginning of the end...) Most the old-time favorite Joes and Cobras appeared. Many new characters also made their debut (Lt. Falcon, the Renegades, Nemesis Enforcer, etc). However, the movie itself, in my opinion is NOT the best feature of this DVD. The exclusive DVD features are!!!
Exclusive DVD features: TWENTY-FIVE (25) ORIGINAL G.I. JOE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS (you know, those "knowing is half the battle" things they aired at the end of each episode for the kids!!!) Two (2) movie trailers. Two (2) vintage action figure commercials (too waaay back even for me. Can't believe how cheesy those back in the day commercials were). A shameless plug for VHS tapes of G.I. Joe and Transformer cartoons.
The DVD extras truly make this a "Collector's edition." DEFINITELY a piece of 80's nostalgia. Those PSA's RULED!!!
Here's my rundown:
GREAT: The DVD features especially those PSA's. "Knowing is half the battle!!!"
Good: The action, soundtrack and animation. They sure don't make kids cartoons like this anymore!!!!
So-so: The movie trailers.
Bad: Those cheesy vintage action figure commercials. The shameless plug.
DEFINITELY a collector's item for any G.I. Joe or 80's cartoon fan. Recommended viewing for anyone who never grew up watching these but who are indeed fans of good animation.
Highly recommended.

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A 40,000-year-old race of snake people resurface, and with help of Serpentor, Desto, Baroness and Dr. Mindbender, plan to eliminate all of mankind and rebuild Cobrala.Once rulers of Earth, the Snake people were driven underground by ice-age temperatures. While in exile, they developed a plant whose spores turn ordinary men into mindless, weak animals. The key to their plan is G.I. Joe's secret project--the Broadcast Energy Emitter. Only this device generates enough heat so that the spores can mature. Humankind's very existance depends on G.I. Joe, but are they strong enough, smart enough, cunning enough to fight a warrior race with 40,000 years of experience?

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24: Season Six (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)If one thing's certain by now, it's the fact that people sometimes have starkly different opinions on seasons of '24'...and that's fine. I'm not here to change anyone else's mind overall, I'm merely going to point out -- as I did in my Season Two review -- the specifics (that helps) of what's led to my conclusion. I'll even be fair and make sure that the categories I'm about to discuss cover both positives and negatives.
To be blunt: What we have here is pure '24' -- a consequence-ridden one-day saga of well-developed characters, cleverly-written twists, political conflict, ethical dilemma, and fantastic action.
...But before going further into that, I want to respond to some things I'm hearing by tossing out three points of my own -- each of which address what this season isn't.
-This is not the weakest season (that distinction goes to Season Three, which had a convoluted, underwhelming first half and only became memorable during the second).
-This is by no means the first season to recycle concepts that have appeared before on '24'. A woman under Jack's protection having essential info; someone from the White House deciding to make a tragic human sacrifice; CTU being attacked; Jack going undercover as a bad guy; villains laying in wait to save their leader; the families of terrorists being threatened... Some of these are features that appear again here; all of these are features that have been reused well before Season Six.
-This is not the first season to be split into two story lines and have a latter problem borne of a former; it's simply the first to make the second objective significantly shorter (about six episodes long). I found this to be a refreshing new direction (anyone who claims the writers "ran out of script and improvised" obviously wasn't paying close enough attention; the second story line is foreshadowed about halfway through the first). It's also a direction that was more believable than the idea of stretching out the first story line for as long as possible.
Now then, where this season shines...
CHARACTER:
Four words: Bauer at his best.
"You are not judged by the height you have risen but from the depth which you have climbed" -- Frederick Douglas. What makes Kiefer Sutherland's character most admirable as a hero is up to every viewer to decide for themselves. For me, it's not primarily the remarkable skill and ingenuity he possesses, but the notable endurance and determination he displays no matter how bad things get -- and for Jack, things have been bad indeed. But even when faced with the worst life can throw at him -- two years of softening captivity, the absence of several friends and loved ones, and a torturous experience at the hands of terrorists -- Jack still holds on to some of who he is, which means that no matter how many times you knock him down, he'll keep getting up again.
It seems sometimes like the only person who can really take Jack out of the game is Jack himself, and there's a scene early on in which a distraught Bauer nearly does just that -- only to realize he must endure for one more day. The events that set this moment up (at the end of the fourth hour) are at first questionable, but it becomes apparent that they occur because the writers want, above all, to make a point about Jack -- and this is part of where the show's commitment to character is displayed.
Another highlight this season is the new presence of Vice President Noah Daniels, played excellently by Powers Boothe. I liken Daniels, in some respects, to a modern-day Agamemnon -- a powerful man whose pride can be off-putting, whose methods can be questionable, but also a man who ultimately cares about the land he's in service to and the soldiers under his command. Throughout the day, Daniels often stands in opposition to certain people we've come to sympathize with, but all the while, his arguments remain logical, his patriotism remains prevalent, and a sense of compassion and respect for others begins to stand more and more revealed. This culminates in the creation of one of the show's most entertaining and best-developed characters.
The highly talented Peter MacNicol arrives as Tom Lennox, a similarly-developed cabinet member who also starts off with questionable methods, but becomes a more endearing guy throughout as he labors for the good of the country, works alongside other likable characters, and passes a few moral tests along the way.
A complement to Jack this season is Rick Schroder's Mike Doyle, an experienced tough guy with admirable determination of his own, given depth by his handling of an ethical dilemma and his limited displays of camaraderie and respect toward Jack and other co-workers.
In addition to these nicely handled new characters, this season has some of the few returning favorites that are left, like Bill and Chloe, along with the returns of Karen, Morris, and brief appearances by the Logans. What also works out well is the return of someone who's become a nice nemesis-like figure for Jack.
Last but not least are the arrivals of a few more Bauers this season, which not only sheds some welcome light on Jack's family, but helps to finally reveal a few things about his past (such as how he wound up in law enforcement in the first place).
WRITING:
Among the creative twists this season are a scene where Jack and a partner have to trick a terrorist by means of an auto "accident" (more on this in a moment), and the first time the cunning Philip Bauer outfoxes everyone by taking an unexpected hostage. What I found especially clever was the David Fury-written episode in which there's more to a certain rescue than meets the eye.
The political content -- full of the usual conflicting methods, ethical questions, and even a case of conspiracy -- was well-written, clear, and served as grounds for some of the noted character development above.
'24' isn't a show that's known for being funny, which is what makes the rare moments of humor notable. One of my favorite scenes ever in this area comes this season, when we observe Jack pretending to be an angry driver (while tricking someone), as it's quite a fitting role for him. There's also a nice joke or two from Tom during a sting operation.
ACTION:
The most notable scene of the season in this regard is the final showdown between Jack and Fayed's team. This is probably the greatest action scene since Jack took on the Drazens (with the finale of Season Two being a possible exception). Also notable are the moments with the Doyle-led CTU team against the embassy, Jack playing a neighborhood hero in the fifth episode, and the battles inside CTU.
ROMANCE:
We get to meet the apparent first woman Jack ever loved, Marilyn -- who's been tied to the Bauer family ever since, and raising a son with Jack's brother. The likable bond between she and Jack, as mentioned, helps reveal little tidbits of our hero's past. Also nice is the fact that Bill and Karen have grown significantly closer since we last saw them, while Morris and Chloe's relationship can be enjoyable as well.
Where this season doesn't shine...
CHARACTER:
Well, if one compares the Palmers of today to the Palmers of yesterday -- specifically, the brother-sister duo of Wayne and Sandra to the great David and Sherry...sigh...
Wayne was an enjoyable character in Seasons Three and Five. It feels like he was never really meant to have the role he's given here, though, and one wonders if the writers begin to realize this throughout -- hence their focus on a far more interesting politician in Noah Daniels. Also, the character of Sandra Palmer just doesn't really seem to have a place, and overall, neither of these two can measure up to the standards set by the noble, strong David or the bold and mischievous (but sometimes noble) Sherry.
As a villain, Gredenko is also one of the least memorable (though this is compensated by the presence of his partner Fayed).
WRITING:
(Minor spoilers)
Russian President Suvarov practically playing terrorist while setting deadlines was a low point for me (though it's not much more absurd than the previous season's finale where Jack not only kidnapped a certain someone, but was set free shortly afterward). The situation with Sandra and her friend early on was also dull and lagging.
ACTION:
(Minor spoilers)
After getting the info he wants from someone in the embassy, Jack simply turns and walks toward a door that's got several guards on the other side? What's the obvious outcome here? If you answered "getting knocked senseless for walking into such an obvious danger," you're right. I'm also finding it hard to believe that at this stage, CTU can be physically attacked with such minimal effort (but of course, this sets up some better action to follow).
ROMANCE:
Nadia's triangle doesn't really seem all that significant.
On another note, some of us have wished that the Logans had more screen time this season. It's probably worth noting, however, that the decision not to use them is simply a traditional move on the story's part. This series has, in general, always used characters for as long as they're needed, and sent them away after that -- which is the reason the cast constantly changes.
What hasn't changed, though, in my opinion, is the fantastic work put forth by the cast and crew of this great show. Everything that composes the series is present here, and still done to enjoyable effect. This is fascinating characterization. This is engaging political intrigue. This is well-done action. This is complex drama. This is '24'.

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No Description Available.Genre: TelevisionRating: NRRelease Date: 4-DEC-2007Media Type: DVD

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The Complete Superman Collection (1978) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was really excited when this box set came out and even with the new Superman Returns on the horizon, you should never forget how it all got started. Mind you Superman and Superman II are really the only movies worth forking out the dough for in this box set, but fans won't care and will want to have them all just for the sake.
Superman clearly got the best treatment in this box set. It's packed with extra features, featurettes, music scores, the making of, trailers, etc. The rest of the movies however received zero extra features with the exception of theatrical trailers. What the heck Warner Bros? Gettin' lazy are we? It's a major bummer because many believe part II to be a better movie than the first and deserves some extra goodies. Where is the love for fans?

Superman: The Movie - **** "You will believe a man can fly." That's what the movie posters and trailers wanted you to believe before seeing the movie in 1978. Did they pull it off? Better watch for yourself and see! A tremendous movie even by today's standards. Superman is must see for anyone who enjoys a good popcorn movie. We all must remember this was made in 1978 with nearly no computer technology in sight! But amazingly, most won't notice and it's still fun in 2006. Kids who have never seen it will enjoy it as I did in 1978 when I was a mere 6 years old. Just a little side note... Director, Richard Donner, known for his blockbuster hits "Lethal Weapon 1-4" was literally shot down by Warner Brothers 3/4 through directing part II. Shortly after finishing part 1 and nearly finishing 3/4 of part II and without provocation or notice, Donner was fired as director for Superman II. Even more sadly, when the credits roll in the beginning of part II, credit for the movie was given entirely to Richard Lester and Donner's name isn't even mentioned. Ok How wrong is that? Even crazier, the documentary on the subject is very sparse and there was not a clear cut reason why he was let go. It definitely had to do with some of the other people involved in the movie who probably just didn't get along with Donner.
And don't think Donner was canned because Superman was a stinker. On the contrary, Superman is an epic movie, way before its time and made Warner Brothers a ton of money and was the biggest box office smash at the time. The massive scope, incredible special effects and the realism factor is all intact. It's right up there with the Spiderman movies in my opinion. Don't think of the comic books when watching the original Superman. After a somewhat overblown introduction with Krypton and his life in Smallville, the fun begins the second it goes to Metropolis. Christopher Reeve received high praise for playing the 2-part role of Clark Kent and Superman and at the time was an unknown. He's the perfect man for the role and I don't think it would have been as successful without him. Margot Kidder was also a surprising choice as another unknown but the cast and crew knew the second she meshed so well with Reeve on the screen tests as offered in the special features. But although Reeve and Kidder were matches in heaven for the cast and crew, the advertising of the movie went 100% to Hackman and Brando to get the movie the attention it needed. Posterboards, moviespots, Brando and Hackman were big names and it seemed to work.
Gene Hackman along with his side kick (Otis) Ned Beaty brings the comedic elements to the story. Donner did an excellent job making the two movies funny and realistic at the same time. Jammed packed with special features, the Superman DVD has it all. An all "musical score track" director commentary, interviews with Reeve, Kidder, how they made him fly, and how Donner was dissed during the making of Superman 2. Brando, known for his big role as head mobster in The Godfather plays a crucial role as Superman's father in Superman and his voiceovers for Superman 2. Just a funny little tidbit about Brando. He would always forget his lines and they had to reshoot many of the shots nearly a dozen times to get it right. Brando, also was high dollar actor and he only gave Donner two weeks to shoot his "talents" on-screen. Talented actor yes, but if you can't remember your lines, maybe you should find another job buddy. Overall, Superman lived up to the hype and is still as fun to watch as it was in '78, have fun with it!
Superman II - **** Although the credits clearly state "Richard Lester" as the director...Fans clearly no better. Superman II is Donner all the way. ¾ of the movies is Donner and the rest of it, Directed by a very tame Richard Lester, finished the movie. Fans will notice Kidder weight fluctuating during the film as scenes both directed by Lester and Donner were intertwined together. She looks downright sick in some scenes. Donners scenes are clearly the standout part of the movie. Most of the battle sequence are clearly Donner and most of the weaker scenes are noticeably Lester. As a whole though, I really loved Superman 2. The battle of Superman taking on 3 villains with equal superpowers makes for a marvelous story. The movie is more action orientated. The battle of Zod and Superman rocks. Zod, played by Terrance Stamp is a marvelous actor and his abilities as an actor come through in part II with flying colors. Both I and II were written by Mario Puzo (The Godfather) no wonder these movies are so enticing!
For reasons unknown, Superman 2 did not get any special treatment by Warner Brothers. Mind you, it's the best I've seen it look since the VHS days and they cleaned up the film nicely. But where is my 5.1 Dolby Digital and some special features. With the exception of the movie and a lousy trailer, you get nothing extra. I would have been happy with some interviews and even a spot by Richard Lester explaining how he came to become the director of Superman III. Nevertheless, the movie itself is worth your time and money. Thanks to Donner (yes he should be credited as the director) Superman 2 is a fantastic movie and lives up to being as good as the original if not better.
Superman III - ** 1/2 Man, this is why I miss Donner and screenplay writer Puzo. Richard Lester, selfishly credited for directing Donner's Superman 2, was offered the job to continue the spot with another Superman movie. Here we have Superman 3. Or should I call it Superman VS Richard Pryor - Computer Genius. Superman 3 is a weak entry in the series in my opinion. It's what Donner tried to steer away from in the original and part II. Superman 3 is more of a comedic farce rather than a full blown Superman epic. Luckily, Christopher Reeve saved this movie from being a total disappointment. When he's on-screen, it's good fun, but when Reeve is not on-screen, which is far too often, it's terrible. Superman is actually only in the movie for about 50% of the movie and the role of Clark Kent plays even a smaller part. The story seems to focus more on Richard Pryor's life as a computer guru rather than Superman. Not surprisingly, Warner Brothers didn't offer any special features for this movie with the exception of a theatrical trailer.
Superman IV - ** When you're down and out, you're down and out. Superman 4 is a bad movie and is the weakest entry in the series. I almost would have been happier with Richard Lester as the director, because Sidnie Furie obviously needs some training in the directing department. The story involves the disarmament of Nuclear Weapons and it's up to Superman to save the day! Superman 4 tries to entertain, but it's just a boring film and I have no intentions of watching this again anytime soon. The special effects are actually worse than the 1st three movies put together. Pee Poor pacing, bad directing, bad sound, bad everything and a story that will make some vomit. It's nice to see some of the characters again and heck, even Gene Hackman came back to make a paycheck, but the movie is bland and is a terrible way to end the series. There are some decent moments with Reeve and Kidder and Hackman is funny at times, but overall, you'll be looking at the wall instead of the movie. Extras: Superman got the only extras on the DVD's and part IV has nothing but the trailer. What a surprise.
As a package and definitely directed toward fans, you should enjoy this collection. If only III and IV were better.

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The Complete Superman Collection

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Charmed - The Final Season (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, this here is the final season of CHARMED. The Charmed Ones, PIPER HALLIWELL (played by Holly Marie Combs, for the final time), PHOEBE HALLIWELL (played by Alyssa Milano, for the final time), & PAIGE MATTHEWS (played by Rose McGowan, for the final time) return for the final time, with LEO WYATT (played by the outstanding Brian Krause, for the final time), to battle demons & warlocks before they go on to the next phase in their lives, where they would leave a legacy to the future Halliwell witches, who are soon to come.
"Still Charmed & Kicking"
Presumed dead, the Charmed sisters start their demon-free existence with new identities brought about by a spell that altered their appearances to the outside world, but not to those closest to them.

"Malice in Wonderland"
Hoping to lure the Charmed Ones out of hiding, Haas, a young demon wanting to take over the Underworld, uses the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland fairy tale to prey on young victims.

"Run Piper, Run"
Looking for a new career path, Piper goes on an interview with a corporate recruiter, but is soon arrested when a background check reveals that the physical appearance she adopted was that of a woman wanted for murder.

"Desperate Housewitches"
Wyatt's impending school play brings out the competitive nature in Piper when her hand-sewn costume for Wyatt and her parenting ability are attacked by Mandi, the perfect Stepford-like mother.

"Rewitched"
Unaware that she is being watched, Billie jeopardizes the Charmed Ones' new lives when she uses her powers to save an innocent and is caught by Agent Murphy of Homeland Security, who has suspected all along that she and the "cousins" are involved in supernatural activities and that the Halliwell sisters are not dead.

"Kill Billie Vol. 1"
Armed and ready to vanquish, Billie inexplicably freezes and is flooded with childhood flashbacks when she sees her latest demon target, the Dogan. Wanting to prove to the sisters that she is an asset, Billie casts a spell to erase her fears and goes after the demon.

"The Lost Picture Show"
Wanting to get her old job back as a social worker, Paige's plan changes when her Whitelighter father, Sam, asks for her help with his charge, J.D., a future Whitelighter, who recently reappeared after fifty years.

"Battle of the Hexes"
The Charmed Ones are given their first Homeland Security case by Agent Murphy going through cold case files. Billie discovers a belt in one of the boxes and can't help but put it on.

"Hulkus Pocus"
Phoebe has decided to take a hiatus from men. Piper seems to think Murphy and the government is hiding something from the sisters.

"Vaya Con Leos"
Piper notices that the Angel of Death is watching over them, but what she doesn't know is that he is actually there for Leo.

"Mr. and Mrs. Witch"
Billie's parents are in town and have supper with their daughter and the Halliwells.

"Payback's a Witch"
With the intention of helping his parolee get a loan, Henry, along with Paige, go to a bank but instead the parolee decides to take everyone at the bank hostage. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Piper have their hands full when, during his third birthday party, Wyatt turns three of his toys into real people.

"Repo Manor"
Phoebe, in an attempt to move on with her own life, signs a lease for a new apartment, much to the worry of Piper, while Paige considers telling Henry she's a witch.

"12 Angry Zen"
In searching for information about Leo, Piper discovers a message from Lo-Pan, a monk and keeper of a sacred Buddhist staff containing the power of influence.

"The Last Temptation of Christy"
Paige begins to realize the difficulty in dating a mortal when Henry tries to immerse himself in her magical world. She finds herself even more conflicted when a suitor, Sir Simon Marks, arrives hoping to convince her to marry him so they can become the ultimate magical couple.

"Engaged and Confused"
Piper organizes an engagement party for Paige and Henry, but the wedding is put in jeopardy when the couple begins to get cold feet. Phoebe notices a strange man following her, and soon discovers that he is a Cupid.

"Generation Hex"
Two former students of Leo's from Magic School turn up at the manor to inform the Charmed Ones that demons Leo had imprisoned in the Magic School dungeons have escaped and are seeking revenge.

"The Torn Identity"
Christy becomes a powerful force in the Underworld as the demon Creo tries to convince her that she needs to get Billie away from the Charmed Ones so she and her sister can fulfill their dark destiny.

"The Jung and the Restless"
The Charmed Ones are put into a dream-like state by Christy so that Billie can learn something about each of them.

"Gone with the Witches"
Convinced that The Charmed Ones are too self-involved to protect the "greater good," Billie and Christy team up to destroy their reputations in the magical community.

"Kill Billie Vol. 2"
Billie and Christy have managed to turn everything around: while the two of them are now at the Manor and demons are at Magic School, the Charmed Ones are forced to hide in the Underworld.

"Forever Charmed"
After the death of their respective sisters, Piper and Billie go their separate ways, both determined to get their families back together.
What an excellent season to close out the series. The series finale was absolutely incredible, especially the ending, with the sisters writing down everything they had experienced in the last eight years (eight years for Piper and Phoebe, five years for Paige), where it then shows an elderly Piper reading their legacy to her young granddaughter, who is named PRUDENCE (after Prue). As an elderly Piper and an elderly Leo ascend the long staircase in the old Halliwell Manor, they pass many photographs taken of the Halliwell family, including Penny Halliwell (good ole Grams), Patty Halliwell, Paige, Leo, Piper, Phoebe, Wyatt, & Chris. This show was, in so many ways, very amazing, and I still find myself heartbroken that it is now all over. I do wish the entire cast (SHANNEN DOHERTY, HOLLY MARIE COMBS, ALYSSA MILANO, ROSE McGOWAN, BRIAN KRAUSE, & KALEY CUOCO) nothing but the very best in their careers.

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CHARMED:FINAL SEASON - DVD Movie

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Bones: The Complete Second Season (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)FOX Television has struck gold with the series, BONES. The series stars BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL heartthrob David Boreanaz as FBI Agent Seely Booth and relative newcomer Emily Deschanel as Temperance Brennan.
The series is based on books written by real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. Reichs is also a real-life NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author. Viewers of the television show will quickly discover that the "Temperance Brennan" of the books is much different than the character in the television show. The literary Temperance is a divorced mother with a problematic family.
In the television show, Temperance is an orphan that was raised in foster care and has trouble relating to others on an interpersonal level. She also happens to be an author and writes about a forensic anthropologist named Kathy Reichs.
The two series, in some ways, are vastly different. But people who enjoy the show will probably enjoy the books. And people enjoy the books, once they get over the fact that their favorite heroine isn't presented the way she is in the novels, will have a blast with the television show.
BONES, derived from Seely Booth's pet name for Temperance and from the fact that a forensic anthropologist usually only has skeletons to work with, is a fascinating interplay of almost-romance, outstanding characters, and nifty little puzzles dealing with murder and mayhem. The chemistry between the two stars is palpable and believable. I haven't seen Boreanaz anything that I haven't liked him in. Deschanel was new to me, although I had seen her in a supporting role in GLORY ROAD that was much different than the Temperance role.
The almost-romance shtick has gotten potentially old after playing in MOONLIGHTING and LOIS AND CLARK, as well as many others. In fact, long-time mystery viewers will remember a show called REMINGTON STEELE that starred Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist. After those two characters hooked up, viewer interest seemed to wane. Series developer Hart Hanson has to know he's walking a thin line but by choosing to go this route. However, it plays beautifully at present.
The second season continues much of the same tone that was set in the first season. Booth has warmed up to Brennan and her crew, although he still continues to refer to them as the Squint Squad when referring to them among his peers at the FBI. Booth and Brennan also continue to look for her father and to find out what happened to her mother after Brennan's parents disappeared when she was just a teenager.
While Booth's romance with Brennan continues to fizzle this season, maybe even more difficult by the addition of Doctor Camille Saroyan (Tamara Taylor), Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Jack's (T. J. Thyne) romance buds, blossoms, and almost bears fruit. As it turns out, Saroyan is a pathologist (which is a conflict in field of study to a degree to an anthropologist), is Brennan's new boss, and is one Booth's ex-lovers.
Tensions mount between Booth and Brennan as each tries to figure out where the other fits into the work and personal scenes. However, thankfully, the idea of romance is merely hinted at and flirted with rather than moved into a starring role. This is a great choice for the series at the moment, but I don't know how much longer they can successfully pull this off.
In addition to interesting leads, Booth and Brennan are backed by fantastic supporting characters who often step into the limelight of an episode. Zack and Hodges continue to bring slapstick scientific moments to the episodes. Although I really didn't think they could top running the semi-frozen pig corpse through the wood chipper last season, they blew the roof off my expectations with the season opener when they simulated a burning death of a victim using Spam lunch meat. I can always count on those two for a laugh, either through Zack's deadpan delivery or Hodges's conspiracy theories.
Angela is the heart and soul of the investigatory unit. She reminds the team and the viewer that the victims in each episode were real people. Plus, she's gotta be one of the hottest babes on television today. I will never forget how she grabbed the attention of the airline clerk in the first season opener.
Only 21 of Season Two's 22-episode run are included on this box set. One of the episodes, "Player Under Pressure," was pulled out of the lineup during the regular season. The plot line was uncomfortably close to the Virginia Tech shootings. It will be aired this year in Season Three.
There were a lot of outstanding episodes this year, and it was good to see them again in this box set. I was happy to see that this set contains six single-sided discs instead of three double-sided discs like in the last set. On double-sided discs, it gets too complicated tried to figure out which side is up. Plus, I like the cosmetic appeal of having pictures of the actors and actresses on the top of the disc. This also helps make the discs immediately recognizable.
The special features include voiceovers on select episodes, two featurettes, and a gag reel that shows viewers how much fun this series must be to work on. Although the special features are still "bare bones" compared to what viewers want, it does add up to more reasons to pick up the box set.
BONES is one of the best hours of television currently on. If you haven't discovered the series for yourself and you're looking for something to fill the gap left by the cancellation of VERONICA MARS, this series may well be what you're looking for.

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Detectives Bones and Booth create undeniable chemistry and humor while solving crimes using frequently clashing investigative styles.
Audio: English: Dolby Surround 5.1
Language: Dubbed: English / Subtitled: French & Spanish
Disc 1:
The Titan on the Tracks
Mother and Child in the BayThe Boy in the Shroud
The Blonde in the Game
Disc 2:
The Truth in the Lye
The Girl In Suite 2103
The Girl with the Curl
The Woman in the Sand
Disc 3:
Aliens in a Spaceship
The Headless Witch in the Woods
Judas on a Pole
The Man in theCell
Disc 4:
The Girl in the Gator
The Man in the Mansion
The Bodies in the Book
The Bonless Bride in the River
Disc 5:
The Priest in the Churchyard
The Killerin the Concrete
Spaceman in a Crater
The Glowing Bones in the Old Stone House
Disc 6:
Stargazer In a Puddle
With Commemtary by actors David Boranez, Emily Deschanel and director Caleb Deschanel
With Commemtary by Executive Producer Steven Nathan

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Heroes: Season Four (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season four of Heroes had the show taking steps back in the right direction. After the disaster of the past two seasons, the show titled this season "Redemption" to try and earn some respect back. In my mind, they did earn redemption. This season wasn't as good as season one, but Heroes was fun to watch again. Heroes hasn't been fun at all since season one. This season finally started to organically develop the characters again and introduced many new characters I enjoyed.
This season starts a few months after season three, and all of the characters are dealing with the repercussions. (spoiler) For instance, after pushing Nathan's mind into Sylar's body, Sylar is now trapped in Matt's head. Sylar for the first half of the season tried to get back into his body, and along the way insults Matt in the most hilarious ways possible. (end spoiler) These guys together was one of the best parts of the season. The new characters this season are all very cool, which is something that hasn't happened for a long time with Heroes. We get to see the main villain Samuel Sullivan (played by the ever charming Robert Knepper) develop over the season and we see how and why he develops his evil plan near the end of the season. My favorite new character this season was Emma, a deaf file clerk at Peter's hospital who develops synesthesia (the ability to see sound as color). Her and Peter's relationship was another highpoint of the season. I really liked how this season focused on the characters instead of another generic "Let's save the world again guys!" story like they've been doing for a while now.
The story also slowed down this season into something smaller and digestible. Instead of trying to cram everyone's storyline into one episode, this season only included about 2-3 in each episode. This allowed the individual stories more time to develop and slowed the pace down to something enjoyable. When watching this season on TV it was too slow when there was a week in between each episode, but I recently streamed the season on Netflix and the pacing was much better when watched back to back. There was a real slowdown mid-season though that did kill the momentum that the season had been building before then. Watching it on TV, this slowdown was painful to watch week after week and I wondered if Heroes' return to quality was only temporary. It was as if they had only created enough story for 13 episodes but then had to stretch it out into 18 episodes. After this lull in pacing though the season picks right back up and finishes with the best season finale of the show yet.
I don't want to spoil this season for those who haven't seen it yet, but suffice to say the turn around Heroes has done in quality this season is almost unbelievable. For a while there Heroes was one of the worst shows on television, but this season managed to crank out material that was lots of fun to watch. The people giving this season one star have stopped caring for Heroes long before season four started. These people are suffering from disappointment, which is worse than being bad at first and then getting better. Heroes was great at first, and people invested time and money in it expecting it to get better. However, Heroes got worse and worse. People are now bitter about the show and aren't willing to give it a chance. If you are willing to give this season a shot, you will see how much better Heroes has gotten.
Update 05/16/2010: Heroes has been canceled. While it's sad the show has been canceled on its rebound, it's not surprising considering how awful the second and third seasons were. In the second season, the characters puttered around and things moved very slowly. In the first few episodes a lot of nothing happened. It slowly picked up as the season went along, but then the writer's strike hit and they gave us a crappy wrap up as a result. The worst part was (spoiler) they forgot Peter's girlfriend in the future. I know she was probably erased or something when the timeline changed, but it made no impact on Peter what-so-ever in the third season. (end spoiler)
In complete contrast, the first volume of the third season had the characters running around at a frantic pace doing everything under the sun. The worst part about it was that they didn't have very good continuity between episodes. It produced entertaining individual episodes, but as a whole the volume made no sense. The second volume of season three was much better than the first. It had a central storyline to focus on and slowed the pace down. On the flip-side it took a few episodes to find its feet, and the finale was god awful. (spolier) They focused on Claire and the door during the huge Sylar/Nathan/Peter fight?!?! You teased us in the first season finale, but now you actually have it and do the entire thing off screen? There is no excuse for something that stupid. I almost quit Heroes when they had that as the "big climax" of the season. Thank goodness I didn't. (end spoiler) In the end, although it was much better than season two and first half of season three, it only managed to be decent.
It has been said time and time again, but it is true: Heroes had huge potential but wasted a lot of it. From characters dying and coming back to life inexplicably (How many times did Nathan die?) to running around in circles for storylines (they held on to that future painting gimmick for a seemingly endless amount of time), Heroes just never lived up to what it wanted to be. Seasons one and four are good, and the second half of season three is OK, but the rest is just garbage.
I'll probably do a more complete review of Heroes as a whole when they release a complete series box set, but this is already a good summary of what went wrong with Heroes. Despite being canceled, Heroes isn't quite dead yet. NBC is making plans for a two-hour TV movie to wrap up the series, so we will get more closure than the season four finale offers (which does serve as a decent series finale if the TV movie falls through). Although Heroes is gone, which most people would say is for the better, it has undeniably left a mark on sci-fi television and pop culture in general.

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Experience all the intrigue and suspense of Heroes: Season 4 in this 5-disc set that includes all 18 gripping episodes from the fourth season’s volume, Redemption. As the Heroes mourn fallen friends and face dangerous new foes, prepare for a wild ride — filled with shocking twists and turns — through an ominous funhouse that culminates in a Brave New World. Then step right up and explore hours of exclusive, behind-the-curtain magic with the show’s writers, stars and artists.

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Heroes - Season One (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)What if you discovered that you had a superpower -- great strength, flight, teleportation, or amazing healing? And what if you could use it to save the world?
Superheroes are everywhere in entertainment, from comic books to movies. But few manage to be as intelligent, geeky and well-written as "Heroes," a solid comic-book style TV series that explores the repercussions of several "ordinary" people who discover that they have strange -- and sometimes dangerous -- powers.
It opens with Mohinder Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) reflecting on the human quest for knowledge -- even knowledge that we shouldn't have -- right before learning that his father has been killed, possibly murdered. Suresh's dad believed that "special" people were cropping up, much like in X-Men.
And we are introduced to the "heroes": stripper Niki (Ali Larter) harbors a secret dark side, cheerleader Claire (Hayden Panettiere) heals from any injury, Japanese Dilbert Hiro (Masi Oka) can bend time and space, Senatorial candidate Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) is able to fly, his brother Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) can copy others' powers, a cop Matt (Greg Grunberg) can read minds, and junkie artist Isaac (Santiago Cabrera) sees the future. There are plenty of others that show up, but these start the ball rolling.
While Claire and Hiro explore the potential of their new powers, Niki and her son try to elude some hired thugs --and end up overwhelmed by her dark side, and framed. And Suresh searches for the answer to his father's death, only to find that his genetics research is involved with the "special people," and that a superpowered serial killer is targeting them.
Even worse, Hiro takes a trip to New York (five weeks in the future), and sees the city destroyed by a massive blast -- as does Isaac, through his paintings. How to stop it? As a future Hiro tells them, "save the cheerleader, save the world." The Heroes begin slowly coming into contact, in a haze of dreams, visions, murder, swords and death -- and to stop the serial killer and save New York, more sacrifices may be made...
Unlike most shows about people with superpowers, "Heroes" isn't really about the action or flashy battles. It's half epic save-the-world-as-a-team story, and half exploration of how real, ordinary people would react if they suddenly found out that they had superpowers, and how this would change -- or NOT change -- their lives.
The storylines are incredibly intricate and complex, since there are a dozen subplots and a lot of time travel, and plenty of hints at future events. The careful painting of all these storylines even further in two episodes, one of which shows the pre-Heroic lies of the characters (and how Syler became a murderous terror), and another that shows what the future will be like if they don't change it. It's not a pretty picture.
These complex storylines are enhanced by lots of suspense and tightly directed action, and the makers always know how to throw in a shocking twist, such as a sword-carrying future Hiro showing up.. But there is also some poignancy, and very dark humor from time to time (Claire waking up in mid-autopsy, or twisting her broken neck around). Not to mention some great, sometimes geeky dialogue ("Where did you learn all this?" "X-men No. 143 when Kitty Pryde time travels!").
The actors are pretty much all good -- Larter gives a great double performance, Zachary Quinto is a wonderfully twisted villain, and Panettiere gives a good performance as a teen whose adolescence has a lot more than hormones in store. Masi Oka is the standout, though -- his Hiro is sweet, endearing, geeky, heroic, sad, kindly, funny and thoroughly lovable. The scene where he arrives in New York is adorable.
The "Heroes" are only starting their journey, and the first season of this geeky hit is a must-see for fans of intelligent sci-fi drama. And I doubt their journey is over...

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Discover the phenomenon that is sweeping audiences everywhere as Heroes: Season 1 comes to DVD! Experience the suspense, mystery, and electrifying twists as this astonishing series follows seemingly unconnected, ordinary people around the globe who discover they have extraordinary powers. As they come to terms with their unique abilities, their risky decisions will affect the futures of everyone around them …and the world. Join their epic journey in this seven-disc set packed with hours of fascinating and revealing bonus features, including the never-before-aired series premiere from show creator Tim Kring.

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