24 - Season One DVD Set Review
Posted by AJ Grey on 10.14.2002
The show that changed the face of television and re-invigorated Keifer Sutherland’s career has been condensed into six DVD’s.
24 - Season One
Release Date: September 17th, 2002
Ordinarily, I do not get into TV shows. Raw, Smackdown, and the Simpsons is about it for me. 24 looked intriguing, but after missing the first few shows I stopped thinking about it. Then one night (episode twelve), I happened to be at my brother’s house, and everyone there watched it, as did I that night. And after that I never missed it. Imagine my excitement when I found that it was coming out on DVD, so I could fill in the missing episodes.
The Film
This show was a revolution in television. It did things with split screens and presentation that no other show had done. It’s title, “24,” is apt because each show took place in real time, and the twenty-four episodes of the season represented one full day. It is the same principle as used in the under-appreciated Johnny Depp film Nick of Time. But beyond having a cool gimmick, this show was expected to deliver compelling television. It did so, in spades.
Sutherland plays Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer, and this, as he explains in the opening narration will be “the longest day of his life.” In the course of twenty-four hours, he will be responsible for protecting California Senator and hopeful President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert), who has a threat out on his life. He will have to protect his wife and daughter from a terrorist group, whose motives are not clear until late in the season, and I will not reveal them here. He also has to fight his superiors at CTU, and battle a traitor within his own unit.
It truly is amazing that the creators of this series were able to literally fill an entire day with storyline material that all related to each other. Many subplots found their way in, introducing a host of different characters along the way (the awesome Dennis Hopper joined the cast near the end). To say too much about the developments of the series would be a crime, so for those who have not seen it, do not hesitate.
Video Quality
In an awesome decision, this DVD is presented in Anamorphic Widescreen, 1.78:1. It increases the feeling that one is watching a true film rather than episodic television. The transfer is very well done, as there are no glitches of any kind. Very impressive, all in all.
Audio Quality
The sound is presented in Dolby Surround, which works perfect for this series. There are lots of action sequences, and dialogue often overlaps, but it never sounds muddled. The clarity is very impressive.
Special Features
There are not too many, but that is completely forgivable given that the main focus was getting 1152 minutes onto DVD. Sutherland introduces the first season, and there is also a teaser for season two. The best part, though, is the alternate ending for season one. I won’t spoil it, but it’s very interesting.
The Film: 9.0
Video Quality: 7.5
Audio Quality: 8.0
Special Features: 5.0
The 411: Get this DVD now. I bought it for $45.99, a bargain for the quality of the material it contains. It is the most original show since Twin Peaks, and 24 even tops Peaks in many areas. The acting is great across the board, and the suspense is skillfully developed. It defied all the boundaries set by episodic television, and I wait with bated breath to see what they do with season 2.
