Critic Doctor (Herb Kane) - DVD review by Peter Sobczynski: Alias (DVD)

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ALIAS (DVD)

Complete-season sets of television shows are now a big business on DVD-even failed shows such as the briefly-aired live-action version of "The Tick" are now getting the treatment. While it makes sense for some shows, such as the densely-packed "The Simpsons", I question whether the replay value of such shows as "Frasier" or "Dark Angel" is worth the cost for anyone other than a hard-core fanatic. "Alias", the cult hit spy adventure that debuted in 2001, is one of those rare shows that actually benefits from repeat viewings. While watching it for the first time, it is easy to get caught up in all the glitzy surface details-the humor, the gimmicks and the sexy outfits donned by heroine Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) to complete her missions (Luckily, every bad guy likes to hang out or hold meeting at wild parties and/or kinky nightclubs.) However, repeat viewing reveal that under all the flash is a story as complex and dramatic-filled with conspiracies, prophecies, romantic complications and the kind of family ties the bind and choke (and occasionally garrote)-as anything that you are likely to see on either the big or little screen. Holding all of it together is the astonishing lead performance by Garner, who is funny and sexy and physically graceful and (more importantly) she has the chops to handle the emotional heavy lifting required in the more dramatic moments as well. Without her, "Alias" would just be a goof; with her, it is simply the finest live-action show currently on television.

The six-disc set, containing all 22 episodes from the first season, is a perfect way for people new to the show to begin getting caught up before the 3rd season premieres this fall. Devoted fans will also find a lot to love as well-the bonuses include audio commentaries with cast and crew, deleted scenes, bloopers and featurettes on the stuntwork. For some, the best bonus in the set may be the little slip of paper announcing that the Season 2 set will be available on December 2-after watching these initial episodes, you will definitely be thirsting for more.

CREDITS: Starring Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Michael Vartan and Ron Rifkin. 2001. 1007 minutes. TV-14. A Buena Vista Home Video release. $69.95.

-- DVD Review by Peter Sobczynski

CRITIC DOCTOR DISCLAIMER

While the views expressed by Peter Sobczynski do not necessarily reflect the views of Criticdoctor.com, the Critic Doctor will occasionally examine Mr. Sobczynski's film reviews to bring forth an honest examination of those views expressed.

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