Friday, October 14, 2005

TV DVDs

The previous post about Veronica Mars prompted me to reflect on the TV series that make for the best DVD viewing. There are some shows that just have more "pop" -- are more exciting or engaging -- when viewing them without commercial interruptions and without waiting a week between episodes.

Fullmoon has commented on the pleasure of watching Lost Season 1 on DVD. Highly recommended.

What other shows are better viewed by DVD?

My vote for the most enhanced enjoyment through viewing on DVD is 24. The adrenaline and tension created in the show remains at a constant high. The commercial breaks are gone and so the plot keeps you hurtling forward like an out-of-control train. Cliff hangers are exciting, yet not the least bit frustrating, because you simply start the next episode or stick in the next disc. Last season was the first I watched 24 as it aired on Fox. I still loved it, but I really missed the high-impact experience of a 24 marathon viewing session. If I had even a scintilla of self-control, I think I'd sit out this season of 24 when it starts in January and wait for it to come out on DVD. Sadly, though, self-control and self-discipline are not among my strongest traits. (One drawback of viewing 24 on DVD is that the continuity and improbability issues are intensified. But, if you're willing to suspend disbelief, it's a heck of a ride.)

I imagine that watching Alias on DVD would be an experience similar to watching 24 on DVD. I've simply been too committed to watching Alias as it airs to ever have the DVD-watching experience.

From what I've caught of Prison Break this season on Fox, I'm thinking it could be a winner on DVD.

Anyone have other recommendations for shows that translate well to DVD, perhaps even improved over watching them as they air?

9 Comments:

Blogger Trailhead said...

Since I have a problem getting into the same place every week to follow a TV show, I think this is how I will start enjoying television again. I dare not buy the first season of Lost anytime soon, though. It would be tragic to finish the first season and then be in horrible limbo until season two comes out.

2:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Trailhead, here is what you do. Get the first season dvd's in the spring and watch them. Then catch up with season two during reruns in the summer. I know that requires you to have to be at home in front of the tv every Wednesday night but there are two reasons that I know you can commit:

1. It most likely comes on after TK is in bed.

2. Once you watch the first season, you will find yourself hopelessly akin to Fullmoon and Wasteland......a slave to the wonders of the show. You won't be able to miss it. Am I right Wasteland?

10:01 AM  
Blogger Trailhead said...

But the problem is how much we travel during the summer. Maybe I could catch what I can, and then hang in limbo till the season two comes out.

10:59 AM  
Blogger Wasteland Fan said...

Trailhead: You have to break down, as I've hounded Wasteland Spouse to (still without success, though she's leaving town this weekend . . .heh, heh, heh), and get TiVo. Then the whole "being someplace at the same time everyweek" is a moot point. The DVR does that for you. It's like having a TV-sitter.

Mmmmmm, TiVo.

12:45 PM  
Blogger Trailhead said...

Great idea, Wasteland! I have little tolerance for austerity and self-denial, so that's a perfect suggestion.

1:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anything on HBO - and there's a lot of stuff. HBO schedule is impoosible to follow in my book. This guarantees you see everything in sequence. And by the by, anyone who hasn't seen Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 4 - and in particular the dog bite episode is missing out. Marathon Man and I were laughing so hard we made no sound. -'Manda Sue

8:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

impoosible??? So much for "practice to perfection." -MANDY S.

8:42 AM  
Blogger Wasteland Fan said...

Ah, yes, Curb Your Enthusiasm is a great choice. (Curb has been weak this season, though.)

So, too, are early seasons of Six Feet Under, before it became sooooooooo maudlin (although, I did enjoy this last season).

The Sopranos was the Wastelands' introduction to the thrill of TV on DVD.

9:06 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am currently watching the Alias dvd set that has all 5 seasons-thoroughly enjoyed it so far. I also get Prisonbreak downloaded onto my laptop via Itunes...good show.

3:47 PM  

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