Whedon’s visionary program has never looked better
Fox is notorious for killing good shows, and Joss Whedon’s Firefly was one of those wonderful programs that seemed to get the short end of the network’s stick. However the show, which went on to spawn one of the best science fiction films in decades, has steadily been growing in popularity thanks to its release on DVD. Now, Firefly is a phenomenon, and Fox Home Entertainment’s gorgeous Blu-ray release of the program should only fuel the continued growth of the Serenity’s fire.
Set long in the future, after a great civil war has torn apart the galaxy, leaving it in the control of the Alliance, Firefly follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity, led by the rebellious Captain Malcom Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), who will take on any job, legal or not, to keep his mates afloat. Of course their dealings only seem to attract the attention of the Alliance, sending the crew of Serenity on a crash course for adventure!
After the whopping success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel, Joss Whedon’s science fiction epic was met with rave reviews and television awards. However the one ingredient the show’s success was missing was ratings, which served to ground the Serenity‘s television career after only one season. But what a hell of a season it was! Wowing viewers with its special effects and its great writing and performances, Whedon’s intriguing take on the genre, mixing science fiction with western locales and themes, was a refreshing departure.
Now on Blu-ray, Whedon’s visionary program has never looked better. With gorgeous picture, and even better, lossless audio, there has never been a better time to experience Firefly. While most of the special features are retained from the original DVD release of Firefly, there are new interviews with Whedon and star Nathan Fillion that are sure to keep the ravenous fan base happy.
While network politics and awkward theatrical marketing hindered Firefly and Serenity from reaching the mass populace, the continued growth in popularity is a testament to just how incredible the show truly is. One thing is, and forever will be true, you can’t stop the Serenity
Actors: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 3
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: November 11, 2008
Run Time: 665 minutes
Russo Rating: 8/10
Robin says
Now if only I could afford to buy a Blu-Ray player and replace my entire DVD collection for twice the price I originally paid for them. [/bitter]
Joe says
Robin, BluRay players are getting to be cheaper then you think. Industry insiders are predicting you can pick one up for 150-185 on Black Friday this year. Disc prices are also starting to fall as well. Plus BluRay Players are backwards compatible, meaning they will play all your old DVDs.
Robin says
That’s still kind of a lot of money, but I take your point. And backward compatibility is all well and good, but what’s the point of having a Blu-Ray player if I don’t buy the Blu-Ray editions of the things I love (and therefore already own on standard DVD)?
Joe says
Well, not only is it backwards compatible, it upconverts DVDs to project at 720p or 1080p (Depends on your television). When prepping for The Dark Knight by rewatching the 1989 Tim Burton Batman, my fiance thought that the film must have only come out a few years ago! DVDs look that much better on BluRay players!
TallGrrl says
It’s going to be a long, long…long time before I can afford a NEW player…AND replace the DVDs I already have with Blu-Ray ones.
AND get a new TV because my 10 year old one won’t do if I get all of the other stuff.
I’ve had enough. I’m jumping off of the “gotta-have-the-newest-thing” bandwagon.
I just hope they don’t stop making regular DVDs for those of us who don’t roll like that, financially speaking.
That having been said…if anyone out there wants to GIVE me a new TV, DVD player that plays Blu-Ray…I won’t turn it down! LOL!!
Scott says
I LOVE this series. The only problem is I have a Sharp Aquos blu ray player and it will not play the third disk of this series. The first 2 play fine but there’s something odd about the third disk. Anyone else have this issue? On what players?