DVD Review: Lost - The complete second season

Lost, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. Ok, that may be going a little far but not by much. I remember hearing about the new show coming up on ABC's fall 2004 schedule and thinking that it sounded less than intriguing. A fictional Survivor? I don't think so. That couldn't possibly be good. I would not be making time for that. However, one evening I found myself in front of the television with little to watch when a repeat of the pilot episode aired. Hmmm, actually kind of interesting, but where could it go from there? Two seasons and several Emmy's later it has gone further than I ever thought possible in a network television show.

You see, I've been one of those people that wasn't sure any of the big three networks was capable of producing a truly thought provoking, intelligent show anymore. In fact, outside of Alias, 24 and The X-Files (though two of those are on Fox), most intelligent television has been relegated to HBO and Showtime. After enjoying such shows as Carnivale, Big Love and Six Feet Under I really wasn't sure if network TV could stand up to the bar HBO had raised. That's one reason why it was such a delight to find a smartly written show with genuine mystery and wonderful characters in Lost.

So, all that being said, who is a season of DVD's really for? I envision two basic customers. First, the Lostophiles who have been eagerly awaiting the chance to examine every little scene for clues they might have missed the first showing. Lost is like watching a television puzzle so for those with the patience and interest, multiple viewings are enjoyable. I would put myself in this category, especially with the first season so far, I've watched it several times over. I find re-watching the show like visiting old friends. There are many comments that I'd forgotten about, odd things in the background that I'd missed etc.
Secondly, the DVD's are for those that missed a show here and there or never started watching at all. For those that are buying or renting the DVD's because you keep hearing so much about the show, I envy you. You are about to embark on a fascinating journey/mystery and you don't have to wait a week between episodes. You can satisfy your 'what happens next' curiosity immediately... until you catch up that is. Ahhh, and no 4 month wait between the first two seasons either, I truly am jealous.

What can you expect from the season 2 DVD's? There is one full disc of bonus materials plus 5 of the 24 episodes have optional cast/writer/producer commentaries. The commentaries I found to be unusually forthcoming, hinting at and confirming several theories without divulging too much. There is a feature that covers one full episode from concept to writing to pre-production all the way through shooting and post-production. It's very informative on several levels giving a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a network television show. There is a feature showing the different connections between the characters as well. I found it to be a bit clumsy and time consuming but interesting.
All things considered, this DVD collection is a must-have for Lost fans that can be delved into as deeply as you would like. From just having the episodes at hand to looking at the various easter-eggs that give you a deeper Lost experience. For those of you who have heard about the show but have never watched it, I urge you to give it a chance. I think you'll find that it is one of the highest quality, best written shows on television. Whatever your experience with Lost, I highly recommend your giving this collection a look.

Kyle Morris