Lost: Complete Series

In 2004 it looked like so called reality shows were poised to take over television. An increasing number of prime time slot were filled with series purporting to be unscripted using real people instead of professional actors. The typical shoe of this ilk had those involved traded their dignity for cash prizes and that much sought after yet elusive fifteen minutes of fame. Then in reaction to this inexpensive form of entertainment was changed by a network willing to take a reactionary step back to scripted television. ABC began launching a series of dramas that quickly became hugely popular; ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ lead the rating but one series remained their new flagship and instant cult classic; ‘Lost’. For six seasons this series redefined television by bewildering, perplexing and intriguing audiences around the world. Every episode was brilliantly albeit frequently confusing mystery crafted by a master story teller, J.J. Abrams. Even when the audience was left completely baffled they still couldn’t wait for next week. It always seemed that just when one mystery was explained another couple took its place. The ratings did wax and wane over the years but the fans remained loyal. When the announcement was made that season six would be the series finale there was an amazing sense of anticipation hoping at last everything that mystified the fans would at long last be made clear. Now with the series formally concluded ABC has pulled out all the stops by releasing the ultimate full series DVD and Blu-ray box set to commemorate this piece of television/pop culture history. Currently all six seasons are available in both formats as individual season sets. The Blu-rat versions came later only backfilling the early seasons last year but now is the time to get them all in one swoop. A lot of ‘complete series set; are nothing more than all of the previous individual seasons clear taped together with nothing added in the way of value. This is definitely not the case here. I have a lot of discs in my collection including a sizable number of complete series special editions and this is by far one of the most elaborate, well thought out and fan oriented I have ever seen. it is at the top of the list of such collectable case spectaculars as ‘The West Wing’, ‘The Gilmore Girls’, ‘The Man from U.N.CLE.’ and a perennial favorite, ‘Charmed;. There is no doubt at all this box set will immediately garner a prized spot in your display case.

Before getting into the plethora of features and extras here it should be noted that this kind of series is best enjoyed in marathon sessions. I took the opportunity to get into the early episodes again and it revealed an incredible continuity to observe the incredible continuity established and diligently maintained throughout the show’s run. One notable example ties the first and last episodes of the series together. In the initial episode John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) is teaching the young boy Walt (Malcolm David Kelley) how to play backgammon he explains that it is one of the oldest games known pitting white pieces against black, relating it to light and darkness. In the last season the precursory game of senet is played between the ultimate forces for good on the island, Jacob versus his fraternal brother the infamous man in black. This is fundamental to the underlying premise of the series and is represented nicely in this box set.

Every Episode in the Series (Seasons 1 through 6)

• Over 30hrs of Season 1-6 Bonus materials (previously released materials from Season 1-5 and the all-new Season 6 bonus material)

• A unique series of featurettes that takes viewers on very personal tours of Oahu where the series was created, with key cast and crew as they reflect.

• Exploring the global phenomenon that is Lost, bonus showcases events ranging from the series cast and crew at San Diego’s famed Comic-Con convention to international voice recordings, local events and even fan parties, all of which helped make the show into a worldwide favorite.

• A closer look at some of the props with cast, writers and producers, exploring their significance, stories and emotional ties to the characters.

• Humorous yet emotional look at every character who died on the series

• 16 hilarious Lost "Slapdowns" featurettes showcasing celebrity Lost fans who confront Executive Producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse to ask press questions about the final season, including the Muppets and cast members Nestor Carbonell, Michael Emerson, Rebecca Mader

 "Letting Go: Reflections of a Six-Year Journey" - A unique featurette that takes viewers on very personal tours of Oahu where the series was created, with key cast and crew as they reflect.[1]

 "Swan Song: Orchestrating the Final Moments of LOST"

 "Planet Lost", an extra that explores the global phenomenon that is Lost, bonus showcases events ranging from the series cast and crew at San Diego's famed Comic-Con convention to international voice recordings, local events and even fan parties, all of which helped make the show into a worldwide favorite.