DVD Corner

Lost Season 5 Blu-ray Review

The fifth season of “Lost” is engaging from start to finish.

Grades:

Content: A-

Picture: A-

Audio: A

Extras: A-

Describing the plot of the seventeen episode fifth season of “Lost” is more or less pointless because it would involve divulging massive spoilers. Since many Losties wait until DVD or Blu-ray to watch the season in full, I have decided to refrain from spilling the beans about the overarching story. Instead, let me just drop some hints and words as to what you can expect in this season: Time travel, characters in both 1977 and 2007, Dharma Initiative, the Others, a bomb, a bounty hunter, Jacob, the Smoke Monster, kid Ben, Eloise Hawking, death, and Charles Widmore.  

As the sixth and final season approaches, the writers have graciously stepped up their game in the fifth season by giving fans what they want to see: Answers. More importantly, however, the writers have whipped up some juicy character moments such as Jack attempting to redeem himself, a relationship between two major characters, more development of Henry’s character, and further exploration of two great (and relatively new) characters in Daniel Faraday and Miles Straume.

Another high point of the season is the structure of the season itself. The time travel element, while confusing to some, livened up the show (in my opinion) as it made the episodes more compelling. If the show had gone a different route, I’m not sure this season would have been as good as it is. As is, however, Lost’s unconventional storytelling is what separates the series from everything else on TV.

Alas, not everything is wine and roses in this season. As per usual, anything involving Kate (especially her flashbacks) will make viewers want to down coffee in order to stay awake. Additionally, without giving away any spoilers, there is a twist regarding John Locke’s character that I can’t say I approve of. From the beginning, Locke has been the best character on the show, but the revelation about him in the season finale left me cold. However, with the season finale’s intriguing set-up, anything is possible in the sixth season, so perhaps the writer’s can redeem themselves in regards to the Locke character.

Each season of “Lost” looks better than the last on Blu-ray and the fifth season release is no exception. From the sharp colors to the clean image, the 1.78:1 1080p picture quality is flat out impressive. I wish all TV shows looked this good on Blu.

“Lost” has always made great use of sound and this 5.1 DTS-HD audio track makes the sound even better than the original broadcasts. Whether there’s a gunfight or the fantastic score is playing, there’s no faults to be found here.

Extras include bloopers, 8 deleted scenes, an extra in which Nestor Carbonell is followed on set titled “An Epic Day With Richard Alpert”, a featurette titled “Mysteries Of The Universe: The Dharma Initiative,” a bonus feature on the always important one hundredth episode titled “Lost 100,” a featurette on the time travel elements of the show titled “Making Up For Lost Time,” a behind-the-scenes look at the writers offices titled “Building 23 And Beyond,” seven “Lost On Location” segments, and two commentary tracks. Last, but not least, there is the much hyped BD-Live exclusive “Lost University.” This interactive feature allows users to enroll in “Lost” courses and learn more about the series. If you’re into games and are a hardcore “Lost” fan, then this is the special feature for you.

December 6, 2009 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | JJ Abrams, Lost Season 5 Blu-ray Review, Lost Season 6, Matthew Fox