Lost: The Complete Fourth Season — The Expanded Experience (Blu-ray Review)
13 Jan, 2009 By: John Gaudiosi
Disney
Drama
$59.99 five-DVD set, $79.99 Blu-ray.
Stars Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway, Terry O’Quinn, Michael Emerson, Jorge Garcia, Daniel Dae Kim, Henry Ian Cusick, Emile de Ravin, Elizabeth Mitchell, Naveen Andrews, Yunjin Kim, Harold Perrineau.
Even when “Lost” veered off course in the third season, the show was the best way to show off the high-definition picture on my HDTV. Fortunately, the fourth season really turns things around, making for an even better Blu-ray experience.
As crisp and clear as those blue skies are on ABC HD, this BD collection actually improves the picture quality with a 1080p view of the action presented in 1.79:1 widescreen. Watching those waves wash up on shore is like being on an Oahu beach. Even the menu screens are impressive. Unlike with traditional TV series, being able to make out details in the background is especially important to fans of this show, as the creators often hide things in the scenery.
There are plenty of great extras packed into this collection, which loyal fans of the show will dive right into. Even the packaging offers an Oceanic Airlines “For Your Safety” foldout that includes “what to do in the unlikely event of an electromagnetic blast.” The back of this foldout lists the episodes and bonus features on the five discs.
Extras exclusive to the BD include a “Course of the Future” interactive feature that unlocks an introduction by executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse that plays with the idea of flash forwards — the creators are sent to the future during the course of this humorous extra.
All of the DVD extras have been upgraded to HD for this collection. Highlights include some humorous behind-the-scenes footage and a faux-documentary about the conspiracy surrounding “The Oceanic Six” that sheds some light on a key storyline.
Rounding out the extras are four entertaining commentaries.
Blu-ray really is the best way to experience a show such as “Lost.” But for those who can’t wait, season five begins Jan. 21.
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