Garcian Smith
August 26th, 2007, 02:57 PM
Heroes Season One DVD Review (Spoiler Warning)
By Daniel 'Garcian Smith' Entwistle
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7413/dsci0426nk6.jpg
Feature Presentation:
For a television series that went from unknown to phenomenon (as it is self-described on the DVD's sleeve), it is perhaps quite difficult to review a series that I myself was enjoying so much on a week in-week out basis, to constructively criticise the show.
However, after watching the series from the first episode to the end almost consecutively, I find myself pleased to announce that it is just as good it was the first run through.
For those not in the know, Heroes follows the journey of a large group of individuals from around the world (though, admittedly, mainly from Northern America) who have discovered that they have amazing, supernatural powers. From the Japanese Hiro (Masi Oka) with the power to bend the Space/Time continuum to the slippery Politician, Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasdar) and his power of flight. The fundamental theme of the first season is that of origins, hence the subtitle of 'Genesis'.
Despite a large list of characters and storylines, the show, mostly, manages to contain the masses of plot and development within the 23 episode boundary. Almost each episode ends with a brilliant cliffhanger and they contain within them some awesome action, acting and twists.
However, the show does have it's pitfalls. Because of the development of the program, there are some gaping plotholes. For example, when Hiro travels from the future to send Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) the, now famous, message of 'Save The Cheerleader, Save The World', he must have had the opportunity to say much more. Add to this a quite anti-climatic finale, and the show wasn't exactly the 'phenomenon' it was claimed to be.
Yet, I cannot help but love the show. The Petrelli family struggles, Hiro's tragic love affair with Charlie, Sylar's (Zachary Quinto) evolution from watchmaker to murderer all culminate in some breathtakingly fantastic episodes, and - as a result - a superbly constructed season. There are very few shows that could have a cast this big and still manage to impress with it's strong sub-plots.
Heroes, despite some faults, is certainly one of the best shows to originate from the United States in quite a while. Funny, action-packed, dramatic and even scary, Heroes does a lot right, and very few things wrong.
Feature Presentation Final Score: 9/10
Extras and Packaging:
One of the biggest selling points for the DVD release was the 70+ minute unaired pilot. Now, whilst the episode is indeed interesting, the quality is lacking. Alongside the usual plot of the opening, aired episode, we also have a convoluted terrorist sub-plot. Feeling a lot like 24-lite, it has no place within the Heroes universe, and I for one am very grateful that it was significantly altered for it's première. Though, as I have said, the 'pilot' is interesting. Matt Parkman (Greg Grunberg), for example, is revealed in the pilot in a new setting.
Also on the DVD release are several commentaries (including one on the unaired pilot), some brief documentaries, and character biographies. These serve to extend the life of the DVD, albeit briefly, because the content is so self-appreciative that it begins to wear thin.
The packaging, on the other hand, is quite nice. The inside sleeve is decorated with both live-action stills and art by Tim Sale (who added to Isaac Mendez's portfolio considerably). The discs' themselves are simple and effective.
Extras and Packaging Final Score: 7/10
Summary:
Ever wanted to see a superhero show done properly? Well, here you have it. If you haven't gotten with Heroes yet, then this set is just for you. Remember, Season Two doesn't start until the 24th September, so there's plenty of time to catch up, and trust me - it's worth it.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
By Daniel 'Garcian Smith' Entwistle
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7413/dsci0426nk6.jpg
Feature Presentation:
For a television series that went from unknown to phenomenon (as it is self-described on the DVD's sleeve), it is perhaps quite difficult to review a series that I myself was enjoying so much on a week in-week out basis, to constructively criticise the show.
However, after watching the series from the first episode to the end almost consecutively, I find myself pleased to announce that it is just as good it was the first run through.
For those not in the know, Heroes follows the journey of a large group of individuals from around the world (though, admittedly, mainly from Northern America) who have discovered that they have amazing, supernatural powers. From the Japanese Hiro (Masi Oka) with the power to bend the Space/Time continuum to the slippery Politician, Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasdar) and his power of flight. The fundamental theme of the first season is that of origins, hence the subtitle of 'Genesis'.
Despite a large list of characters and storylines, the show, mostly, manages to contain the masses of plot and development within the 23 episode boundary. Almost each episode ends with a brilliant cliffhanger and they contain within them some awesome action, acting and twists.
However, the show does have it's pitfalls. Because of the development of the program, there are some gaping plotholes. For example, when Hiro travels from the future to send Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) the, now famous, message of 'Save The Cheerleader, Save The World', he must have had the opportunity to say much more. Add to this a quite anti-climatic finale, and the show wasn't exactly the 'phenomenon' it was claimed to be.
Yet, I cannot help but love the show. The Petrelli family struggles, Hiro's tragic love affair with Charlie, Sylar's (Zachary Quinto) evolution from watchmaker to murderer all culminate in some breathtakingly fantastic episodes, and - as a result - a superbly constructed season. There are very few shows that could have a cast this big and still manage to impress with it's strong sub-plots.
Heroes, despite some faults, is certainly one of the best shows to originate from the United States in quite a while. Funny, action-packed, dramatic and even scary, Heroes does a lot right, and very few things wrong.
Feature Presentation Final Score: 9/10
Extras and Packaging:
One of the biggest selling points for the DVD release was the 70+ minute unaired pilot. Now, whilst the episode is indeed interesting, the quality is lacking. Alongside the usual plot of the opening, aired episode, we also have a convoluted terrorist sub-plot. Feeling a lot like 24-lite, it has no place within the Heroes universe, and I for one am very grateful that it was significantly altered for it's première. Though, as I have said, the 'pilot' is interesting. Matt Parkman (Greg Grunberg), for example, is revealed in the pilot in a new setting.
Also on the DVD release are several commentaries (including one on the unaired pilot), some brief documentaries, and character biographies. These serve to extend the life of the DVD, albeit briefly, because the content is so self-appreciative that it begins to wear thin.
The packaging, on the other hand, is quite nice. The inside sleeve is decorated with both live-action stills and art by Tim Sale (who added to Isaac Mendez's portfolio considerably). The discs' themselves are simple and effective.
Extras and Packaging Final Score: 7/10
Summary:
Ever wanted to see a superhero show done properly? Well, here you have it. If you haven't gotten with Heroes yet, then this set is just for you. Remember, Season Two doesn't start until the 24th September, so there's plenty of time to catch up, and trust me - it's worth it.
Overall Score: 8.5/10