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Lost: The Complete Third Season (TV)
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Buena Vista Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (15th January 2008). |
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The Show
 "Lost" has been on a wild rollercoaster ride of late, not just with its ratings but also with its plot lines. In a series that has so far spanned three seasons we've seen castaways trying to cope on a savage island with mysterious creatures abound, strange visions, and 'others' kidnapping and killing fellow survivors. We've seen polar bears, black smoke, underground bunkers and flashbacks after flashbacks after flashbacks. After three years the writers have certainly put the audience through the ringer. The series exploded in its first season, delivering a unique show that was different from the pack, the many and varied characters were all interesting and the learning about their pasts became as integral to the audience as the island was to the characters. Sustaining the sense of adventure and tension is a difficult task, especially when you've got so many characters to keep track of and the show's second season began to show those weaknesses. The second season was bogged down with seemingly endless flashbacks and to make matters worse very little answers were revealed about why these characters are on the island, who the 'others' are and what is Dharma Initiative, what is their purpose, etc., etc...if anything the second season got a bit boring and to be honest frustrating. The saving grace was the addition of Michael Emerson to the cast, his character was the most riveting element of the second season and he's as riveting in the third season, which manages to pick itself up from the sophomore slump and get back into it. The show has managed to redeem itself again with the third series starting strong, the first six episodes change the way you look at the show, its characters and most importantly the 'others'. Although it does drag a bit in the middle of the season, it finishes strongly with a finale that simply blows you away. When originally aired the series was painfully stretched out leaving a long gap in the middle of the season which annoyed audiences long enough to find their entertainment elsewhere. When the season restarted the numbers were much lower than expected and it seemed like an uphill battle to regain the top spot. This season is all about the 'others' as we get to finally see what they are all about, exploring the characters like Ben (Michael Emerson) in full detail and new characters like Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell) who forms a bond with Jack (Matthew Fox) that's developed through the season. Taking off from last season, Sawyer (Josh Holloway) and Kate (Evangeline Lilly) are imprisoned in cages while Jack is hidden in an underground facility. As it turns out Ben has a tumor on his spine and Jack is the only one that can save him by operating. This is the main focus, however are treated with more storylines from the other characters not held captive which includes some new character Nikki (Kiele Sanchez) and Paulo (Rodrigo Santoro) among other things. Relationships between characters are fleshed out more and we get more of the flashbacks, and fan favorite characters like Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) have more to do in this season as well. There are a few deaths, as expected, and they do come as a shock, one in particular will leave fans with a tear in their eyes, but that's all I'll say on the matter. Those that have seen it will know what I'm talking about. And if you've given up on the series after the lackluster second season, then I suggest reintroducing yourself to the island and check out this season. The producers seemed to have amped up the season with more twists, interesting characters and finally a lot of questions are answered during the course, especially one big one which is dealt with in the show's season finale. With the way things are heading season four looks like it'll be quite a ride considering the tag line for the new season is 'defend the island...or die'. I'm happy to report that 'Lost" seems to have found its way again after a mostly disappointing second season and my interest in this series has been reinvigorated...roll on the new episodes. This Season Two DVD release of "Lost" includes all 23 episodes from that season, the episodes featured are: WARNING : THE EPISODE SYNOPSIS' INCLUDE SOME SPOILERS, IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS SEASON YET IT'S ADVISABLE TO SKIP THIS SECTION. Episode 1: "A Tale of Two Cities" Jack, Kate and Sawyer each wake up on their own to discover that they are being held prisoner by the Others. Jack's attempt at escape reveals that he is in deeper than he ever imagined. In a flashback, Jack's jealousy alienates his wife. Episode 2: "The Glass Ballerina" Sayid Searches for a location for another signal fire, but his plan could have fatal consequences for Jin and Sun. Reunited in captivity, Kate and Sawyer begin hatching a plot to escape from the Others. Ben makes a skeptical Jack an intriguing offer...and he has an interesting presentation to back it up. In a flashback, Jin is forced to confront Sun's lover. Episode 3: "Further Instructions" After waking up in the jungle disoriented and unable to speak, Locke builds a sweat lodge. Visions of Boone point Locke in the direction of Mr. Eko, while Hurley discovers Desmond who seems to have a unique power of his own. In a flashback, Locke welcomes a newcomer to his communal farm...and faces yet another betrayal. Episode 4: "Every Man for Himself" When Sawyer tries to escape, Ben puts a safeguard in place to guarantee his cooperation. The Others demand that Jack operate on a gunshot victim, but the wrong x-ray reveals a secret about one of the them. In a flashback, Sawyer tries to warn a fellow prisoner not to trust anyone. Episode 5: "The Cost of Living" Ben requests that Jack operate on his tumor, but Juliet has other ideas. Sayid and Locke travel to the Pearl Station to attempt to contact the Others, but a surprise awaits them on the live feed. In a flashback, Mr. Eko dreams about his brother, a priest in Nigeria. Episode 6: "I Do" The Other use Kate to persuade Jack to save Ben's life, but Kate has a plan of her own. The castaways demand answers from Locke regarding the death of Mr. Eko. A flashback shows Kate preparing for her wedding, but having second thoughts about more than just being married. Episode 7: "Not in Portland" Jack seizes an opportunity to help his friends attempt their escape from the Others, but getting out of the compound is only the beginning of their ordeal. Juliet's deal with Jack is exposed, and a flashback reveals how she came to join the Others. Episode 8: "Flashes Before Your Eyes" After Desmond saves Claire's life, Charlie and Hurley begin to suspect he is somehow different from them. Locke tries to keep the secret of Mr. Eko's death from the rest of the castaways. In a flashback Desmond reveals what really happened in the hatch. Episode 9: "Stranger in a Strange Land" Sawyer and Kate return to the island, but Kate is having second thoughts about leaving Jack behind. Jack proposes a deal that will spare Juliet's life. A flashback reveals the story behind the tattoo on Jack's arm. Episode 10: "Tricia Tanaka is Dead" Hurley enlists Jin and Sawyer to help him retrieve an overturned minivan that he discovered in the jungle. Kate finds an unlikely ally in her plan to rescue Jack. In a flashback, Hurley reminisces about helping his father restore an old car in the family garage. Episode 11: "Enter 77" Sayid, Kate and Locke make a startling discovery while en route to rescue Jack. Sawyer wants his belongings back...but he's going to have to face off against Hurley to get them. In a flashback, Sayid meets a former adversary who wants revenge. Episode 12: "Par Avion" Claire hatches a plan to send an S.O.S. to the outside world, but doesn't understand why Desmond insists on interfering. Sayid, Kate and Locke reach the Others' compound...but what they see takes them all by surprise. In a flashback, Claire learns the truth about her father after her mother is badly injured in a car accident. Episode 13: "The Man from Tallahassee" Jack tells Kate that he has made a deal with the Others to return home, but Locke has other plans. Realizing that Locke is an integral part of the island, Ben has a surprise in store for him. In a flashback, Locke gets a visit from a mysterious stranger that will ultimately lead to his being confined to a wheelchair. Episode 14: "Expose" Hurley begins to suspect that someone in the group may be involved in the mysterious deaths of two felloe survivors. Sawyer finds a clue that suggests that the Others may be closer than they suspect. Sun leans the truth behind her kidnapping. In flashbacks, we follow Nikki and Paulo as they search for a fortune in stolen diamonds. Episode 15: "Left Behind" The Others abandon their now-compromised secret location, taking Locke with them. Hurley warns Sawyer that the rest of the castaways are voting on whether or not to banish him from the group. Kate and Juliet are forced to work together to survive. In a flashback, Kate confronts her mother and gets more than she bargained for. Episode 16: "One of Us" Sayid, Kate and Juliet return to camp, but not everyone is warmly received. Juliet recalls her arrival on the island and her relationship with Ben. When Claire gets sick, Juliet may be the only one who can save her. In a flashback, we see how Juliet arrived on the island. Episode 17: "Catch-22" Kate deals with unexpected emotions when she sees Jack and Juliet together. Desmond leads a mission into the jungle after he experiences another of his visions, but there may be unforeseen consequences for one of the group members. In flashbacks, Desmond leaves his bride-to-be in order to answer a higher calling. Episode 18: "D.O.C." After learning the fate of other pregnant women in the island before her, Sun allows Juliet to examine her...and learns the identity of her unborn child's father. The discovery of a mysterious island dweller forces Desmond to team up with an unlikely ally. In a flashback, Sun is blackmailed by a woman claiming to have information about Jin's past. Episode 19: "The Brig" Ben gives Locke an ultimatum, which leads to his banishment. Locke then imprisons Sawyer, with whom he shares a previously unknown common bond. A new island inhabitant has startling information about the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. Jack's loyalties are questioned by the rest of the castaways. In a flashback, Ben tries to get Locke to kill his father. Episode 20: "The Man Behind the Curtain" Ben Begrudgingly tells Locke some of the secrets of the island, beginning with the mysterious Jacob. Meanwhile, the secret of the parachute woman is revealed, and Juliet is exposed as a spy. Flashbacks to the 1970's show how Ben came to the island and give insight into the early history of the Dharma Initiative. Episode 21: "Greatest Hits" Jack comes up with a plan to destroy the Others once and for all. Desmond has a vision of Charlie's death. Sayid discovers a possible way to escape the island, but it will require Charlie to take on a dangerous task which could make Desmond's premonition come true. In a flashback, Charlie reminisces about his life's 'greatest hits.' Episode 22: "Through the Looking Glass : Part One" Jack and his fellow castaways begin their efforts to make contact with Naomi's rescue ship. Jin, Sayid and Bernard set a trap that could cost them their lives. Desmond goes searching for Charlie, and the Others begin to question Ben's leadership. In a flash-forward, a distraught Jack considers ending it all. Episode 23: "Through the Looking Glass : Part Two" A castaway pays the ultimate price in the struggle against the Others. Hurley goes on a mission to save his friends. Jack must make a call that decides the fate of the rescue operation. A flash-forward gives us a glimpse into Jack's life.
Video
Presented in the show's broadcast ratio of 1.78:1 this transfer is presented in 1080p 24/fps high-definition and has been created using AVC MPEG-4 compression. The DVD release included a near immaculate image and this Blu-ray release takes it to that HD level that is simply awesome. The colors were rich, lush, vibrant, I could go on but the blue skies are crystal clear, the ocean's blue-green hues that incredibly presented and the greenery of the jungle just pops out. I also found that the skin tones appear natural for the most part but like the DVD I did find that some skin tones appear with an orange-hue at times. The locations and production values of this series make it perfect material for high-definition. The best part about these episodes is that they're impeccably sharp and exhibits an amazing level of detail within each frame. Furthermore black levels are deep and bold, shadow detail remains consistently good throughout the series and at the end of the day I could not find any flaws with this transfer. It's just a stunning image and I can't wait until the previous seasons are released on this format.
Audio
This set includes five audio tracks in English PC 5.1 uncompressed sound as well as a standard English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track and English and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 surround options for these episodes. For the purposes of this review I chose to view the series with its PCM 5.1 track. I've heard the power, depth and sheer brilliance of PCM tracks on previous Buena Vista releases, mainly blockbuster films and such, but never a TV series. The good thing about this show is this that each episode features the production design of a feature film and that includes elements of its post-production, the sound mix is incredibly active as result balancing ambient environmental surrounds with action effects sounds and music throughout the sound space. The result is a depth reserved for those bigger feature films and a range that surpasses almost any other TV show in its immersive quality. To put it simply these episode soundtracks are excellent. These episodes include optional subtitles in English for the hearing impaired, French and Spanish.
Extras
Buena Vista Home Entertainment has included a vast amount of extras in this set for fans. Included in this box set are an introduction, episodic audio commentaries, a documentary, several featurettes, additional flashbacks, deleted scenes, bloopers, an interactive Q&A, a blueprints feature, promo plus some bonus trailers. Below is a closer look at these extras broken down per disc. DISC ONE: Each of the audio commentaries presented on these discs features various cast and crew. They are able to provide an insight into each episode as they talk about their roles on the show and remain mostly screen-specific revealing various tidbits and trivia about the episodes, the significance of narrative structure, the flashbacks and also character details. They reveal some secrets about the season and story as well as share with the viewer the challenges of shooting the third season as we hear about their experiences working with each other. The tone of each of these tracks is mostly light-hearted and jokey at times but always informative. This fist disc includes a single audio commentary for the episode "A Tale of Two Cities" with executive producers Damon Lindelof and actress Elizabeth Mitchell. Also on this disc is an introduction for this Blu-ray release featuring executive producers/writers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse which runs for 1 minute 10 seconds as they welcome viewers to this HD release of the show. DISC TWO: Much like the other disc we've also got an audio commentary on "I Do" by writer/producer Carlton Cuse, actress Evangeline Lilly and actor Josh Holloway. This track provides insight into the making of this episode. DISC THREE: This disc includes an audio commentary on "Exposé" by co-executive producers/writers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. This is another informative track specific to this episode. DISC FOUR: Disc five includes an audio commentary on "The Man Behind the Curtain" by co-creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof, executive producer Carlton Cuse and actor Michael Emerson. DISC FIVE: There are no extras on this disc. DISC SIX: This Blu-ray release includes two exclusive extras not seen on the DVD release. This includes a BD-Java based feature entitled "Access: Granted", this is an interactive Q&A feature that allows you access to a control panel which includes answers questions that have plagued the minds of fans. Executive producers/writers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse take us through these topics revealing secrets and joking around as well. The tone is much like the commentaries. Throughout this interactive feature you'll also hear from experts such as Paul Terry the editor of the "Lost" magazine, TV Guide's Shawna Malcom, Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen and also TV personality Jimmy Kimmel. Overall this is a cool feature but the load up time is a bit slow as is the reaction time, which makes it a cumbersome extra to navigate through. Next up is "Blu-Prints" an interactive tour through five of the major sets that were created for this season. They include the cages that Sawyer and Kate were imprisoned in at the Hydra station, the interior of Ben's house, the operating room, 'Othersville' the location where the "Others" lived on the main island as well as the Looking Glass station which features the video monitors. This feature allows you to select a featurette individually or with a 'play all' option, the entire tour runs for 16 minutes 30 seconds. "Lost Book Club" a featurette that runs for 8 minutes 12 seconds. This clip takes a closer look at the books referenced in the series and their significance. The cast and crew comment on the literary clues that can be gotten by the books and how the show rewards repeat viewing. "Cast in Clay : Creating the Toys of Todd McFarlane" a featurette that runs for 5 minutes 13 seconds and takes a look at the making of the "Lost" action figures my McFarlane Toys. This is a fluff piece about how cool the toys are etc... "The Next Level: Inside the Video Game" is a featurette which runs for 4 minutes 6 seconds and takes us through the making of the video game and how the show is suited for such a platform. Again this is advertisement in the disguise as a feature, move on to the better stuff on this disc. The real meat of this disc finally begins with "Lost: on Location" a series of 10 featurettes that take you into the making of a certain episode. These clips can be viewed individually or with a 'play all' option and include: - "The Glass Ballerina" runs for 4 minutes 50 seconds, here we get a look at the stunts of the episode, Jae's suicide and Sun's secrets provides a look at how they were shot and what the flashback's mean to the characters. - "Every Man for Himself" runs for 6 minutes 58 seconds, takes a look at shooting Sawyer's prison scenes including the casting of the inmates and placing tattoos on them as well as blocking the scenes. Also looks at the cages scenes on the island and the needle scene when Sawyer is on the operating table. - "Not in Portland" runs for 7 minutes 2 seconds, takes a closer look at the mid-season opener shooting Ben's operation scenes and the attention to detail as well as the brainwashing facility among other things. - "Flashes Before Your Eyes" runs for 7 minutes 41 seconds, takes a look at Desmond's ability to flash-forward and goes behind the shooting of these scenes that incorporate blue-screens to create London in the backgrounds among other things. - "Tricia Tanaka is Dead" runs for 4 minutes 30 seconds, takes a look at how much fun it was making this episode in having to push the van down the hill. - "The Man from Tallahassee" runs for 4 minutes 37 seconds, takes a look at shooting Locke's flashbacks and learning more about the character. Also takes a closer look at the stunts for the episode having Locke fall from an 8th story window and also looks at making the submarine prop. - "Exposé" runs for 4 minutes 59 seconds, takes a look at these new characters highlighted in this season and incorporating events from the pilot into this episode flawlessly shooting new footage that seamlessly works with the previously shot footage. - "The Man Behind the Curtain" runs for 5 minutes 9 seconds, takes a look at shooting the sequences that show Dharma in its heyday back in the 70's. - "Greatest Hits" runs for 6 minutes 19 seconds, focuses on Charlie's episode and on the scenes which show happy moments in his life and shooting those scenes including the challenging underwater stuff. - "Through the Looking Glass" runs for 6 minutes 7 seconds, takes a look at the finale and the shocking twists as we explore key scenes including the flash-forwards as well as the direction of the next season. Next up we've got "Crew Tribute with Evangeline Lilly" a featurette that runs for 7 minutes 19 seconds, in this clip Lilly takes us around the sets of the show introducing viewers to the crew and what their roles on the production. It's a video 'thank you' to the crew that work hard to make the show possible. Following that is "Lost in a Day" a documentary that runs for 25 minutes 33 seconds and covers a 24 hour period in the production of the show in both Los Angeles and Honolulu. We get a look at 7 episodes in various stages of completion from the shooting that done on the island of the currently shooting episode to the writers room who are formulating an episode down the line, as well as the post-production that is taking place on episodes already in the can. This is an excellent extra that shows you the scope of a production such as this which takes intricate planning and scheduling to juggle these stages until the season is complete. "The World of The Others" is next and is a featurette that runs for 14 minutes 12 seconds, this is a closer look at who the 'Others' are as the cast share their opinions as we explore their world, beliefs and character traits. The clips takes a look at several key characters and also the sets and locations used for there scenes. "Terry O'Quinn: Throwing from the Handle" is a short 1 minute 41 second featurette of the star showing us how to throw a knife. Also featured is a blooper reel that runs for 6 minutes 35 seconds and features the usual amounts of line flubs, missed cues and laughter breaking out on the set. There are 3 additional Lost flashbacks, which include: - "Further Instructions: Locke Escapes" runs for 1 minute 27 seconds, Locke runs into the woods when the police raid the commune he was a part of. - "The Glass Ballerina: Funeral Scene" runs for 39 seconds Sun encounters her father at Jae's funeral. - "Exposé: People Can Change" runs for 3 minutes 35 seconds, Paulo tries to console Nikki on the beach, she tells him that she wants to change and to not feel alone anymore. 9 deleted scenes follow and include: - "Doctor to the Rescue" runs for 2 minutes 36 seconds, while spying on his wife, Jack runs out to help a girl that's choking. - "Introducing Nikki & Paulo" runs for 1 minute 27 seconds, Claire walks in on Nikki and Paulo having sex in Jack's tent. - "Sex Talk" runs for 1 minute 59 seconds, Nikki tries to apologize to Claire and ends up telling her about her sex life with Paulo. - "Breaking Rocks" runs for 1 minute 45 seconds, Sawyer brushes off Kate and he learns they are building an airstrip. - "Alex & Daddy" runs for 2 minutes 48 seconds, Ben tells Alex about Carl being alive and also about his tumor. - "Super Powers, Dude" runs for 1 minute 51 seconds, Hurley tries to test Locke for super powers. - "Charlie Carries On" runs for 1 minute 36 seconds, Kate and Charlie talk about what happened to Mr. Eko and his situation with Claire. - "Changing Our Luck" runs for 1 minute 30 seconds, Hurley and Sawyer share a moment and Charlie thanks Hurley for slapping sense into him. - "The Journey to Jacob's Place" runs for 1 minute 3 seconds. Locke and Ben talk about Alex while on their way to Jacob's. After that we've got a clip "The Orchid Instructional Film" that runs for 2 minutes 10 seconds, this is an unedited version of the films seen in the series. Rounding out the extras are a collection of bonus trailers for: - "Dan in Real Life" which runs for 2 minutes 32 seconds. - "The Game Plan" which runs for 1 minute 1 second. - "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" which runs for 2 minutes 35 seconds.
Packaging
This Blu-ray box set is packaged in a 6-Disc deluxe case which is housed inside a heavy duty cardboard slip-case.
Overall
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