Project-Blu Dollhouse: Season One, by M. Enois Duarte

Dollhouse: Season One

By: M. Enois Duarte, 8.12.2009

The Movie Itself:
I will be the first to admit that I'm not a television person. When I was younger, I definitely watched more of the boob-tube than I do now. There's just something about modern programming that I haven't care for in the last 15 years. Whatever little interest I do possess has come by way of DVD or online streaming, never while the show is still on the air. That's how I discovered a love for Battlestar Galactica and Deadwood. Only in the last year, am I coming around to Lost and Heroes, which I do enjoy. I can only guess the problem is that so few shows convince me to invest much of my time past their initial season.

Then I read that the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly (two more shows I only discovered after their cancellation, although I care more for the latter) and Serenity was airing his latest television series. Needless to say, my interest was somewhat peaked. But as per usual, I did not watch while it was on the air and then word leaked that the show had been cancelled at the end of the first season. I figured that Joss Whedon must have some pretty bad luck, until Fox announced they were giving the show one last chance to find an audience. After sitting through the first complete season, I can honestly say that I hope the show finds the audience it deserves.

The series starts off interestingly enough off with a head-scratching conversation between two women talking over the greater good. It creates a nice air of mystery as we try to figure out the show's intentions and direction. Next thing we know, the same young woman is referred to as Echo (Eliza Dushku) and part of a kidnap/hostage situation which she diffuses rather expertly. By the time the seventh episode concludes, we finally gain a handle about her situation and how she came to be a part of a secret organization appropriately, maybe even affectionately, named the "Dollhouse". But the ride up to that point is on a bumpy road of casual episodes which only hint at a deeper, more crucial underlying stratagem.

The actual name of the underground outfit is never mentioned, but what they do walks a thin line between a specialty service for people with the right amount of money and a sinister agency with special skills for people with the right connections. The corporation houses what many call Dolls (properly known as an Active), a person with no recollection of their former selves and imprinted with the memories and abilities designed to satisfy the needs of those who pay the bill (a.k.a, engagements). In charge of the facility is Adelle DeWitt (Olivia Williams) along with head of security Laurence Dominic (Reed Diamond) and chief programmer Topher Brink (Fran Kranz), while Dr. Saunders (Amy Acker) attends to everyone's health. Everything was running smooth, until one particular Active named Alpha turned into a technological anomaly.

This is where much of the series' interests lays, this constant sense of uncertainty, apprehension, and even fear because of this rogue active turning into a killing machine as a result of his becoming self-aware. While the Dollhouse is being hunted down by a determined FBI agent Paul Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett), Alpha is an awful itch in the back of each character's mind, even though he's never seen, and surrounds the daily activities of each Active, even though they know nothing of his existence. Dreading another outburst much the last, those in charge begin to notice certain behavioral patterns in Echo. But for some strange reason, her relationship with her handler Boyd (Harry Lennix) keeps her somewhat stable.

As the plot thickens, so does Echo's oddity and seemingly intuitive talent for adjusting her character traits in practically any given situation. Though the season finale feels a little unsatisfactory, maybe even a bit of a letdown (watch the unaired episode "Epitaph One" for a more satisfying conclusion), the series maintained my interest. Well, let's call it more of a curiosity, since Whedon's newest creation tiptoes about some profound and intense philosophical concerns. Questions over the self, the abuse of technology, free will, identity, the subconscious, power and knowledge, a self-governing consciousness, and the illusion of reality all become great points of interest. So, I'm curious. Where will Joss Whedon take his show next?
Rating: 7/10

The Presentation:
Filmed in high definition for regular television programming, Dollhouse is sometimes jaw-droppingly gorgeous and sharp, exposing amazing lifelike texture in facial complexions. The AVC MPEG-4 encode, in its natural 1.78:1 aspect ratio, occasionally exhibits great dimension and superb clarity of various items in the background. In a couple of episodes, contrast runs a little too hot, causing some blooming and posterization in outdoor scenes, and also caught a few glimpses of ringing in some sequences. The picture is highly detailed, with objects in the distance clearly perceptible and nicely resolved. Primaries are bright and full-bodied, while secondary hues are rendered accurately, which give the picture a great hi-def presentation. Black levels are also rich and resolute, providing the image with clean gradations, and shadow delineation hides nothing in low-lit interiors. Aside from some negligible instances of chroma noise, Dollhouse looks great for repeat viewings.
Rating: 8.4/10

Given its origins, the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on this Blu-ray edition of the popular series is a very expansive sound mix, employing the surrounds on more than a few occasions. Dialogue reproduction is clear and precise, while the rest of the soundstage fills with a welcoming presence. However, there are a few instances where vocals sound dull and monotonous, but thankfully, this only takes place in a few minor conversations. As for the rest of the mix, the front three channels exhibit nice transparency with a clean dynamic range and imaging that's engaging, as off-screen action is heard convincingly. Atmospheric effects are plenty, extending the soundfield and pleasantly enveloping the listening area. And while low bass is heavy, it is not very responsive or refined, often sounding rather muddy. In the end, the lossless track offers a great presentation for a television program.
Rating: 8.0/10

Overall Presentation: 8/10

** 9 - 10 = Reference / 8 = Excellent / 7 = Good /
6 = Satisfactory / 5 = Average / 4 & under = Below Average **

The Extras:
Fox Home Entertainment debuts Dollhouse: Season One in a 3-disc package with the same bonus material as the DVD release. Although presented in high definition, the features are nothing to rave about but come with two unaired episodes that add enjoyment to the package.

Audio Commentaries
If you have to do a bit of a search to locate them, but when you do, you'll find the show's creator Joss Whedon chatting it up with star Eliza Dashku in one episode and writers Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen in another.
Making Dollhouse (21 min)
Typical behind-the-scenes look with Joss Whedon, featuring interview with cast and crew.
Deleted Scenes (30 min)
This collection of 22 scenes trimmed from certain episodes will appeal to fans.
A Private Engagement (6 min)
Cast and crew offer their thoughts on the technology explored in the series.
Coming Home (7 min)
This is a strange segment with crew glorifying Joss Whedon.
Finding Echo (5 min)
Whedon and Dushku talk about the series and each other.
Designing the Perfect Dollhouse (6 min)
A tour of the set with creator Joss Whedon discussing his vision.
Original Unaired Pilot
An opportunity to compare this rough-cut, entitled "Echo", with the official pilot of the show.

Rating: 5/10

Final Thoughts:
TV shows may not be my forte, but Dollhouse maintained my interest. It's entertaining and smart, while the fantastical plot is pure sci-fi gold. Since the demise of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon hasn't had much luck in finding an audience and hopefully people will respond better to this series. The Blu-ray package boasts a great looking video and very nice audio, while the supplements are about average. Fans will be greatly pleased with this Blu-ray edition of the first complete season.
Rating: 7/10