|
|
 |
|
Firefly The Complete Series
review, Firefly The Complete Series DVD review
|
|
Never being a fan of Joss Whedon’s earlier
television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” I was reluctant to
check out his short-lived cult hit “Firefly.” Still, Whedon's reputation as a solid
writer was intriguing enough, and it didn’t take long before I found myself a
victim of his addictive storytelling. “Firefly” is one of the best television
dramas of the past decade, and is worthy of being lumped together with the group
of new shows (like “24,” “The
Shield,” and “Alias”) that gave tired
viewers a reason to watch television again. Perhaps the tough competition is a
valid reason for its unlikely cancellation mid-season, but a network would still
be foolish to junk a series with its potential and rabid fan base. Then again,
that’s but a single tale for the “E! True Hollywood Story” of an impatient
little network we call Fox, and much like the fans of “Family Guy” proved by
resurrecting their favorite series with massive support and DVD sales, the fans
of “Firefly” did the same. The series has yet to experience the same
once-in-a-lifetime revival as the satirical cartoon, but it did land its very
own major motion picture.
Taking place 500 years in the future, Whedon's unique vision involves a curious mix
of science fiction and the Wild West, as well as major influences by Chinese
culture. Following a civil war between the government-run Alliance and the rebel Browncoats, Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) captains a small,
Firefly-class space freighter alongside war buddy and first mate, Zoe (Gina
Torres). Taking jobs whenever they can, Malcolm and Zoe continue their rebel
lifestyles as modern-day pirates, leading their crew around the outskirts of
space and engaging in a number of interesting adventures, legal or otherwise. Joining
them on the ship is Zoe’s husband, and pilot, Wash (Alan Tudyk), the
happy-go-lucky mechanic Kaylee (Jewel Staite), mercenary-for-hire Jayne (Adam
Baldwin), companion (expensive whore) Inarra (Morena Baccarin), and Shepard Book
(Ron Glass). Along the way, two fugitives running from the Alliance join the
crew: a brilliant doctor, Simon (Sean Maher), and his younger sister River
(Summer Glau). After Simon rescues his sister from further becoming a subject in
a nasty, Alliance-led science experiment, the siblings find refugee onboard
Mal’s boat and draw even more attention to the crew’s illegal dealings.
What’s essentially great about the series, along with the fantastic writing and
casting choices, is that you don’t have to be a fan of the sci-fi genre to enjoy
“Firefly.” In fact, it’s almost better if you’re not. The show is really just
like any other drama on television, save for the fact that these characters
happen to live on a space ship. Nathan Fillion (who bears uncanny resemblance to
Jason Bateman) is a solid leading man, but the show’s colorful cast of
supporting characters is what really separates it from other ensemble casts.
Most notable are the comical Alan Tudyk and Adam Baldwin, as well as the cute
Jewel Staite, the brilliant female mechanic who represents one of many strong
woman characters that Whedon employs in every project.
Although the series was cancelled after only eleven episodes, all fourteen
appear in the DVD box set across four separate discs. Transferred over to DVD in
a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen video aspect, every episode looks crisp and
clean, and its cinematic ambiance is only further enhanced. The Dolby Digital
Surround 2.0 audio track isn’t necessarily the best complement to the video
transfer, but it doesn’t effect the presentation in any way. For any fan of the
series looking for some form of redemption in the ending of the show will
certainly find it here within the special features. The cast and crew of
“Firefly” have poured their heart and soul into bringing this beloved series to
DVD, and if the bonus material is any indication, then you’ll see what I mean.
Highlighting the special features available are seven full-length audio
commentary tracks that appear on the following episodes: “Serenity” (disc one),
“The Train Job” (disc one), “Shindig” (disc two), “Out of Gas” (disc three),
“War Stories” (disc three), “The Message” (disc four), and “Objects in Space”
(disc four). Featuring creator Joss Whedon, writer/producer Tim Minear, and cast
members Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Jewel Staite, the audio tracks are all
quite entertaining and informative, but it would’ve been nice to listen to
commentaries for every episode. The rest of the extras can be found on the
fourth and final disc, including a comprehensive, 28-minute making-of featurette
entitled “Here’s How it Was,” five deleted scenes with written introductions,
and a ship featurette entitled “Serenity: The 10th Character.” Also included on
disc four is Alan Tudyk’s audition tape, a hilarious gag reel, and two short
features of Whedon visiting the set and singing the theme song.
It’s a real shame that “Firefly” was never given the chance to survive network
syndication, but you would think that a cable channel like Sci-Fi would have
picked up the option to continue producing more episodes. A lot of questions
were left unanswered with its sudden cancellation, and the universe holds
thousands of possibilities for adventurers. Still, the series’ resurrection on the big screen is definitely a good start, and it’s shaping up to be one
of the best movies of the year. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out
“Firefly: The Complete Series,” be sure to do so before making the trip to the
theater. It’s not a necessity, but it will certainly enhance both the experience
and your love for the source material.
~Jason Zingale
jzingale@bullz-eye.com
|
 |
|
|
|
|
