| REGARDNG NEW DVD SET OF SEASONS 1, 2, 3, OF ROSWELL |
I like this series and this new packaging does not change a thing accept it cheaper. I paid 19.99 per set when it was first released compared to the original at thirty something dollars per set. Who cares what is on the outside of the box when everything else is the same. Great show I hope you enjoy it as much as me. |
5 Rating
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| I Never Could Have Believed This Show Could Improve This Much |
*NOTE ON EDITION*
I like that this series is being re-released on DVD with a new look, but I think it's absolutely preposterous that Fox is trying to make it look like Katherine Heigl was the star of the show. It's disrespectful to the rest of the cast, to the writers, and even to Katherine Heigl fans, because even the producers said that she was the *least* developed of all the main characters. This season of Roswell gets a 9/10, but this edition gets a 1/10.
I have never witnessed a television show improve so much. Season One of Roswell was average at best with many, many problems, but all of that changes in Season Two. The series became much more dependant on story arcs and developing the characters. These changes are mostly due to Ronald D. Moore joining the staff as co-executive producer and co-show runner, and what he brings to the table is brilliant.
The episodes we get here are leagues better than I expected. Each of these episodes (some of which are very experimental, particularly "Summer of 47") are better than any episode from the first season. Shiri Appleby and Jason Behr, who star as the central characters Max and Liz, get a lot less screen time here, and that's for the better. The supporting cast is phenomenal, delivering some of the best acting you'll see in serialized television. Shiri usually delivers--I apologize, Liz fans--an awkward performance and, while she is still credited first, is no longer the main character. Max, Michael, and Isabel have become the main characters, and Maria (rightfully so) has as many scenes as Liz does.
The story arcs were probably the best addition. From the threat of the Skins, the Sherrif Valenti being fired/Laurie Dupree story, and the mystery of the death of a main character, this season has a much more focused feel to it. There are certainly standalone episodes here as well, though. "Summer of 47" is the first "perfect" episode of the series, and the experimental nature of this episode is the thing that made me realize I was watching something special. "A Roswell Christmas Carol" is as good a Christmas special as any I've seen, and "Viva Las Vegas" was a chance to let the characters and audience get away from the darkness of the season without ignoring the weight of what has already happened. As far as other positives, I also loved the addition of Brody and the family dynamic between Sherrif Valenti, Tess, and Kyle.
I'd love to dub this a "classic" season, but though this season is astoundingly good, there are a few errors. The threat of Nicholas was dropped, the "dupes" of Michael and Isabel were badly written, and "The Departure" was pretty much a character assassination in the form of a Roswell episode. However, those problems--big as the latter is--won't take away from the overall enjoyment this season will give fans and newcomers alike. If I were to recommend this series, I would say to start at Season Two. It is an improvement from Season One in every way imaginable.
9/10 |
5 Rating
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| 5/5 for the set, 1/5 for the useless repackaging |
Of all 3 seasons of Roswell, the second is my favorite. The first was more of Dawson's Creek with a sci-fi twist and the third just got too weird, but season 2 was near perfection. The story arcs are wonderful, and the addition of Emilie de Ravin to the main cast might have been the best thing to happen to Roswell. Plus, the widescreen presentation gives a great theatrical feel to the show. The only thing that bugs me is that I don't get why Fox had to re-release these sets, other than being another way to suck money out of loyal fans. |
3 Rating
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