Prison Break: Season One DVD Review
Posted by Chad Webb on 09.07.2006
Ok, what guy doesn't wish he was as smart as Michael Scofield?
Peter Stormare: John Abruzzi
Amaury Nolasco: Fernando Sucre
Marshall Allman: Lincoln Junior “LJ” Burrows
Stacy Keach: Warden Henry Pope
Wade Williams: Captain Brad Bellick
Paul Adelstein: Secret Service Special Agent Paul Kellerman
Danny McCarthy: Secret Service Special Agent Daniel “Danny” Hale
Rockmond Dunbar: Benjamin “C-Note” Franklin
Sarah Wayne Callies: Doctor Sarah Tancredi
Patricia Wettig: Vice President Caroline Reynolds
Lane Garrison: David “Tweener” Apolskis
Silas Weir Mitchell: Charles “Haywire” Patoshik
John Heard: Givernor Frank Tancredi
Created By: Paul Scheuring
Runtime: 60 Minutes (Including Commercials)
The Show
Unless the television show is on HBO, I rarely enjoy them, or give them much of a chance for that matter. When I first heard the premise for Prison Break, I wondered how far they could really extend it into an ongoing series. On the other hand, I love films depicting prison life, especially those involving breaking out of prison. I was pleasantly surprised when I became addicted to this show, deeply respected the efforts of the cast. Prison Break is the knockout hit that regular cable needs. It is not only intriguing, but suspenseful, endlessly entertaining, unbelievably surprising, and dripping with more realism that one might expect.
The whole concept is impossible not to like completely. Due to a complicated political conspiracy, Lincoln Burrows is falsely convicted of killing the Vice President’s brother, sentenced to death, and his brother Michael Scofield decides to get himself into prison, and break him out. To do this, he tattoo’s himself with the blueprints of the prison, Fox River Penitentiary. It is the coolest tattoo ever put to any screen. Oh yeah, the fact that Michael is a structural engineer helps.
Wentworth Miller is amazing as Michael Scofield. If any other person had accepted the role, I might not have wanted to keep watching this show. He is incredibly mysterious, overwhelmingly talented, and attractive enough that female viewers want to tune in each week as well. His performances are compelling, absorbing, and innovative. He does not carry the entire show, but definitely a big piece. This is not his acting debut, since he can bee seen in Underworld and the old television series Popular, but has certainly made a well-known name for himself now. Learning more about Michael is incessantly fascinating. He has a gaze in his eyes that draws the audience in effortlessly.
Other members of the cast deserve credit also. Dominic Purcell brings a different persona to the table in Lincoln Burrows. This is a man, who is wrongly convicted of killing someone, and is sentenced to the electric chair. At times, it seems he has given up all hope, but deep down he knows that he has some light at the end of the tunnel due to the hard working friends and family that surround him.
Elsewhere, I found it engrossing to unearth how each of the main inmates ended up in prison. Some got thrown in jail under regrettable circumstances, and others should suffer the same fate that Lincoln might suffer. Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell is a brilliant villain. Just when you think this guy will be stabbed, shot, or killed in so many ways, he finds a way to get under everyone’s skin, and keep going. John Abruzzi is the head mobster that is locked up. What would a prison be like without somebody like him? The brilliant Peter Stormare plays Abruzzi with a gripping intensity. Michael’s cellmate, Fernando Sucre, is the type of guy who appears to be in way over his head. He wants to settle down, raise a family, and lead a simple life, but that is difficult to do behind bars. He is a terrific partner for Michael.
I could go into detail about many characters, but here is a quick rundown of some remaining major players. Robin Tunney is appropriately sexy as Lincoln’s lawyer, Veronica Donovan. Stacy Keach proves to be the perfect choice for Warden Henry Pope. Wade Williams is marvelously devious as the crooked Captain Brad Bellick. As Doctor Sara Tancredi, Sara Wayne Callies is just as mystifying a person as her love interest Michael Scofield. She does not possess super model looks, but more of a natural beauty that exists nicely in such a troubling place. Besides Michael, Charles Westmoreland is one of my favorite characters, and Muse Watson portrays him with excellent subtlety. Rockmund Dunbar does not show his strength in the part of C-Note until closer to the end of the first season. With luck, the C-Note character will continue to get stronger.
The show is not flawless though. At many moments, it felt like creator Paul Sheuring stretched things too far with 22 episodes. It resulted in certain episodes that looked as if they were willing to go to any lengths to make it seem like the group of escapees had everything going against them. To his credit however, he has obviously done thorough research. It is packed with realism. One thing I noticed was that this series revolves around timing, and while that might bother some, remember that actual prison life also centers on timing. The majority of the episodes are genuine and true to life, at least in terms of the inner workings of a maximum-security prison. Prison Break locks your attention from the first episode. It is a show that has limitless potential, and even though I have not watched the second season at all, I sincerely hope it gets better and better.
Episode Summaries (Contains Spoilers)
Disc One
Pilot – The beginning was beautifully handled with outstanding introductions to the characters, and adequate background to the story. He gets into prison, starts relationships, and learns more about the environment. The various plots weave together in a wonderful way. 10/10
Allen – The plan is put in motion, even though some people still think Burrows is guilty. Michael starts to find out the hard times of prison life. Things don’t quite go his way when he gets himself into trouble, but gradually the whole preparation process commences well. You get more of a sense of the who’s who inside, and Veronica’s investigation with the Secret Service gets deeper. 8/10
Cell Test – Michael is many days behind schedule now. Besides the foolish segment with Latisha going for a smoke, this episode was quite compelling with Veronica breaking up with her boyfriend, and Burrows deciding who he wants with him during his last hours. Michael attempts to make alliances, but instead gets a new cell mate, who is a little loco. His name is Haywire, and he never sleeps. Haywire is hilarious and fantastic to watch. 8/10
Cute Poison – Michael gets the chemicals for eating through the bars, but his progress is slow due to his new cell mate. Meanwhile, Veronica keeps digging, and starts representing Burrows. Burrows has nightmares, and Sucre decides he wants to help now that his girlfriend is with another guy. This episode did not pack a whole lot of oomph, but was still decent. 7/10
Disc Two
English, Fritz, or Percy- The SS is doing anything they can to get Michael transferred. The Warden wants to help him, but the SS guys have put him in a tough spot that forces him to confront his past. Meanwhile, Veronica is getting more help from Project Justice Employee Nick Savrinn, but finds out he may not be helping at all. Also, Michael is busy choosing the best route out of the prison. Some of the scenes involving the SS guys get silly, but it’s still mesmerizing stuff. Odd how the Scofield’s transfer is never mentioned again. 7/10
Riots, Drills, and the Devil (Part 1) – The counts aren’t allowing Michael to do the work he needs, so he has to stir things up to get a full lockdown. He turns the air off, and all hell breaks loose. A riot occurs, which has Burrows in trouble, doctor Tancredi trapped, and T-Bag discovers Michael’s secret. Also Veronica reunites with Project Justice guy Nick Savrinn after he discovers a mysterious phone call from D.C. I loved the chaos and energy in the these episodes, even though things got too chaotic. 8/10
Riots, Drills, and the Devil (Part 2) – Michael finds out about the sweet doctor being trapped, so he goes to rescue her. Meanwhile, Abruzzi and Sucre work on the devil picture covering the wall, which covers the pipe to freedom. Burrows almost gets killed, the doctor gets rescued, and a guard hostage is killed right before things go back to normal. This might be more outlandish than Part 1, but it was tremendously suspenseful. 9/10
The Old Head – Warden wants to find out who killed the Correctional Officer by any means necessary, and Michael needs to get into a certain building to make more progress. Also, doctor Tancredi knows Michael lied to her. Veronica and Nick almost get killed from an explosion, and LJ narrowly escapes the SS agents, even though they kill his mother and step dad. In the end, we know who is behind the Burrows frame. The pace and transitions of this episode were top notch, and the ending was surprising and wonderfully timed. 10/10
Disc Three
Tweener – T-Bag’s assistant kills himself, and Michael feels responsible. Meanwhile, Michael and the gang get into that special room (the CO break room), and begin working on the hole. LJ is still on the loose and running from the SS. He eventually gets away with some help from Veronica, but then the SS agents know that she and Nick are alive. In addition, Abruzzi loses his influence with the guards. This episode just didn’t grab me like the others did. I suppose weak episodes like this to work as good filler. 6/10
Sleight of Hand – The doctor finds out a little more about Michael. Supposedly he is a genius. Also Abruzzi losing his power means that Michael must give up Fibonacci. Also the SS guys get a supervisor who means business. In the end, Michael gives a false location of Fibonacci, and Lincoln must choose his last meal. Unfortunately, C-Note finds the hole, and he is now part of the group. At first I wasn’t very crazy about the C-Note character joining, but after learning more about him in future episodes, I changed my mind a bit. The history learned about Michael is quite absorbing. 7/10
And Then There Were 7 – The new SS supervisor finds Veronica, LJ, and Nick, and holds them hostage. In prison, Michael gets a credit card from his “wife” and discovers the timing of the guards rounds at night. Veronica and company barely escape the SS supervisor, while Michael finds out that Westmoreland is DB Cooper! On the down side of things, Bellick and doctor Tancredi find out who Michael’s wife really is. Truly just a fabulous episode with twists and turns that make the run time fly by. There is never a dull moment. 10/10
Odd Man Out – T Bag gets some insurance to save his butt. Sucre finds out he’s going to be a Daddy. Abruzzi gets religious, and decides to kill T-Bag, but instead T-Bag slices him from ear to ear. Secret Service agent Danny has a sudden change of heart, and contacts Veronica. Michael further paves his route, and the hole is almost discovered, but Lincoln stops that by punching a guard. T-Bag is seriously conniving bastard. He does an outstanding job at being a superbly cruel. I didn’t agree with the ending. He could have done something other hitting the guard, but I understand that he was supposed to be panicking. 8/10
Disc Four
End of the Tunnel – The path is all clear to escape, but since Lincoln punched a guard, he is being locked down permanently until he is executed. Also, Abruzzi gets rushed to the hospital. Michael wants to delay the escape, but the boys force him to try anyways. They try, but a vent has been covered, so the first attempt fails. On top of that Veronica proceeds to meet with Danny Hale, but gets stopped when Danny is killed. The evidence she wanted never gets to her. Michael even slips a pill to Lincoln so he gets food poisoning and goes to the infirmary. At times, it is depressing to see so many good characters get killed off. I extremely disliked the end, in that T-Bag threatens Michael, and you know nothing will happen anyway. 8/10
The Rat – The tweener kid is forced to spy on Michael, and because of that Michael’s last efforts to free his brother are prevented. In addition, Veronica and company have their appeal denied. This episode was the most emotional so far as the hours click down to Lincoln’s last hours. Final visitation comes, and he meets with his brother, Veronica, and talks to LJ on the phone. The doc attempts to talk to her father, the governor, but he also denies clemency. In the end, Lincoln is one step away from sitting in the chair. This was a fantastic build to Lincoln’s walk to the chair. The end could have been altered I think. Lincoln standing and staring at the chair did not have much of an impact. 9/10
By The Skin and the Teeth – Lincoln’s execution gets delayed due to some anonymous new evidence, and Lincoln also sees someone who looks like his father. Also, Michael looks at another way out through the Pysch Ward, but it means going above ground. In his travels, he gets burned, and the blueprints of the complex Psych Ward tunnel system get burned off. Elsewhere, the SS investigates the anonymous person. Finally, someone can outsmart the Secret Service. The tattoo being burned off is a part I saw coming, but I enjoyed it regardless. 8/10
Brothers Keeper – A little history lesson shows how each of the escapees landed in Fox River, and how Michael planned everything out. Not much else to say here. This was an episode that had to happen, but I’m pleased that they did it in one whole episode, rather than scattered throughout the season. This is not anything one would want to watch over and over again, but it does offer more history, which is nice. 7/10
Disc Five
J-Cat – While Michael tries to find out the missing information on his tattoo, and doctor Tancredi tells the Warden about the piece of guards uniform stuck to Michael’s skin. When Michael refuses to give up the name of the guard who burnt him, he lands in solitary confinement. It is now up to Sucre to conceal the tunnel before it’s too late. Also, LJ wants revenge on SS agent Kellerman at all costs. Michael starts to crack in solitary confinement, and he is placed in Psych Ward. LJ’s storyline annoys me at times. The kid needs to get his head straight. This conclusion was great though with Michael’s true intentions in Psych Ward being revealed. 8/10
Bluff – While Michael continues to jog Haywire’s memory, the guards decide to auction off Michael and Sucre’s cell. The group needs to come up with some serious dough. When Michael gets his information, the rest of the group encounters some trouble with a guard. After an elaborate plan is laid out, Michael gets released from the Psych Ward. Lincoln is granted a visit with his son, but the bus trip to see him gets pretty ugly. Haywire is an awesome character though. We know these prisoners are underdogs, but the constant segments that hold them down are unnecessary. 8/10
The Key – Lincoln’s Dad helps him away from the bus accident, but also explains some things. Meanwhile, Abruzzi returns, and Michael needs a key to the infirmary. Things get steamy between Sara and Michael, and we find out more about Nick Savrinn’s true plan. An unexpected twist occurs when Bellick has some huge information whispered to him. A great deal happened in this episode, including a couple parts I never saw coming. 10/10
Tonight – Bellick is prevented from blowing the whistle when Westmoreland ties him up and keeps him quietly hidden. Because of this, the time for leaving is changed to right away. Michael then reveals his secret to Sara, Nick shows his true colors to Veronica, and Michael confronts the Warden. I really didn’t expect Bellick to be tied up, but I love the gradual unfolding of various events, and the desperation that Michael started to show. 9/10
Disc Six
Go – The guys begin to leave the Fox River Penitentiary, but they are relying on Sara decision on whether or not she’ll leave the infirmary door unlocked. Unfortunately, Westmoreland’s injury is too severe, and he can not finish his escape. While the group is busy speeding through the prison to leave before they are discovered, one mysterious person is following their every move. In the end, most of them get over the wall safely. This was just a tremendous episode with a fabulous ending. 10/10
Flight – Getting over the wall was just the beginning as the group attempts to get as far away from Fox River as possible. I won’t spoil any more about this episode, but I’ll say that I felt the creators left viewers hanging a bit too much. 8/10
The Video
I noticed no grain whatsoever on any disc. The transfer looks great as far as I can see with the dismal gray and blue colors inside the prison walls, and the bright green grass of the yard outside. The picture emphasizes the atmosphere of a prison beautifully. This is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. I will say this. Navigating the main menus is frustrating at certain points. Fox does not include a “play all” feature with their DVD’s, and one must sit through the “previously on” segments each time. That is annoying.
The Audio
This is not a show anyone will buy based on the sound or picture, but mainly for the suspense of the storyline alone. The sound is adequate here. Every person sounded very clear and lucid throughout the first season. Little things like Michael unscrewing a bolt, or drilling through a wall was spot on in my opinion. This set also comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, and subtitles in English, Spanish, and French. The sound is easy to criticize, but it is not all that bad.
The Extras
Commentary Tracks
Pilot:
1) Creator Paul Scheuring and Dominic Purcell ("Lincoln Burrows")
2) Pilot Director Brett Ratner and Editor Mark Helfrich
Cell Test:
1) Creator Paul Scheuring, Dominic Purcell ("Lincoln Burrows") and Wade Williams ("Captain Bellick")
2) Executive Producer/Writer Matt Olmstead and Silas Weir Mitchell ("Haywire")
Riots, Drills and the Devil (Part 1):
1) Creator Paul Scheuring, Dominic Purcell ("Lincoln Burrows"), Amaury Nolasco ("Sucre"), Wade Williams ("Captain Bellick"), Robert Knepper ("T-Bag") and Sarah Wayne Callies ("Dr. Sara Tancredi")
2) Director Robert Mandel and Writer Nick Santora
Riots, Drills and the Devil (Part 2):
1) Creator Paul Scheuring, Dominic Purcell ("Lincoln Burrows"), Peter Stormare ("John Abruzzi"), Amaury Nolasco ("Sucre"), and Wade Williams ("Captain Bellick")
Odd Man Out:
1) Producer Garry Brown, Director Bobby Roth, and Co-Producer/Writer Karyn Usher
Brother's Keeper:
1) Creator Paul Scheuring, Dominic Purcell ("Lincoln Burrows"), Amaury Nolasco ("Sucre"), Wade Williams ("Captain Bellick"), Robert Knepper ("T-Bag") and Sarah Wayne Callies ("Dr. Sara Tancredi")
2) Director Greg Yaitanes and Supervising Producer/Writer
Zack Estrin
It would take too long for me to analyze each commentary track, but they are all quite interesting. I loved the fact that so many different people contributed, but I wish they had spread the commentaries out so that each episode could have a commentary track, instead of certain episodes having two. I might sound picky, but I feel it could have been done. Unfortunately, the final two episodes have no special features at all. All in all, I am pleased that any commentaries were included. It is always a special supplement to the set.
Deleted Scenes - There are four in all. Two of these should have been kept for the original episodes, and two were left out for logical reasons. The first one is on the episode entitled “Allen”, and it is called Veronica Watches Surveillance Footage (:47). It was evident why this was not included. It doesn’t offer much more than we already know. The second one is on the episode “And Then There Was 7”, and it is called Michael Thinks About Sara (1:49). I enjoyed this scene, and felt it would have improved a small aspect of the episode. It showed a different side of Michael. The third is called Sucre and Maricruz in Court (:48), and it can be seen on the episode “Brother’s Keeper.” This was short, had no dialogue, but was quite good. The last deleted scene is called Michael Goes Crazy (1:24), and it is one the “J-Cat” episode. This was quite bizarre, and did not really add much of anything.
Alternate Scene (1:51) - The only alternate scene is taken from the “End of the Tunnel” episode. It is actually an alternate ending, and it basically cuts it short by a couple seconds. Neither ending to this episode is really that great.
Making of “Prison Break” (30:33) - This is your standard “making of” featurette, but at least its something. It has interviews with Pilot Director Brett Ratner and Creator Paul Schreung. They cover how the idea came about for the show, and proceed to discuss most of the main characters, with some thoughts from the actors who play them. I had fun watching this as it explained the chemistry between the performers, and talked about ending the episodes with cliffhangers.
If These Wall Could Speak: Profile of the Joliet Correctional Center (9:15) - A brief little piece on the history of the location in which the show takes place was pretty cool. It was not very long, but that may be a good thing. Former employees chat about the sight it was built on, the inmates, the death chamber, remodeling, and so on.
Beyond the Ink (16:11) - It is pretty self-explanatory. This is a mini featurette that goes into detail about Michael’s tattoo. It has a satisfactory interview with Tom Berg, the man who sketched the designs. He states that he wanted it to look believable. This had some interesting tibits of info like how much it would cost, and how long it would take to complete. Seeing as how this is one of the main attractions to the show, this extra was a necessity.
Movie Channel Presents Making A Scene: Prison Break (7:59) - I have seen special features such as this before, and they’re fun to watch. This examines a scene from the episode “Cell Test.” They converse about the lighting, and how it was inside the prison.
Season 2 Promo (:31) - This was kind of a bummer considering I have not seen any of the second season. All this has are highlights from season 1.
T.V. Spots - Not much to explain here. This has 5 spots in all. They are “Orchestral” (:31), “Favorite” (:46), “Michael” (:31), “Last Break” (1:01), “Link” (:31), and “Chair/Family” (1:01). Not that anyone cares, but my favorite of these is “Orchestral.”
Vanished (3:06) – This is just highlights from the new Fox show that premiered the same day as Prison Break Season 2, and airs right after it. No one really cares about these types of extras.
The Show: 9.0/10.0
The Video: 8.0/10.0
The Audio: 7.0/10.0
The Extras: 7.5/10.0
The 411: Prison Break is definitely a good show, but will it be great? Only time will tell. I wish I had caught the beginning of the second season because I enjoyed the show enough that I would attempt to tune in each week. The cast does a fabulous job, and with the brilliant and underrated Wentworth Miller leading them, the show has so much potential. This DVD set was very acceptable. In terms of a T.V. set, the extras were admirable, and I'm used to no extras at all most of the time. Fox has ample room for improvement in some areas, but overall this is worth purchasing. Creator Paul Schreung has said he mapped out the first five seasons, so it should be exciting to see how far it goes. For a show that has been banned in 13 prisons, and was initially going to be a mini-series, Prison Break has come a long way. It deserves everything it has coming to it in the future.
