Project-Blu Lost: The Complete Fifth Season, by M. Enois Duarte

Lost: The Complete Fifth Season: The Journey Back

By: M. Enois Duarte, 12.8.2009

The Movie Itself:
My introduction to 'Lost' was more or less by accident rather than genuine interest. I had already known of the show by the time I heard a professor present his paper on it during a conference on philosophy, aesthetics and culture. I had never been much of TV person, but hearing him speak so admirably about the survivors of a plane crash marooned on a mysterious island was definitely a bit of a surprise. Needless to say, my curiosity suddenly peaked for the J.J. Abrams production. Unfortunately, it would be another three years and a Blu-ray release before finally buckling down to watch all four seasons of one of the most popular programs in the history of television.

In the fifth season of 'Lost', things pick up exactly where producers left off in the shocking final episode of the previous season. (SPOILER ALERT) The six survivors, affectionately known as the Oceanic Six, are still trying to regain a sense of normalcy since their rescue. Regrettably, Ben's attempt at moving the island has resulted in some unexpected effects in the time/space continuum. The other survivors still stranded on the island have difficulty trying to figure out "when" they are at. John figures out the only way to have things back to normal is to convince Jack, Kate, Hurley, Sun, and Sayid to return to the island. (SPOILER OVER)

'Lost' is an incredibly complex and thrillingly elaborate television program, seeped in a gripping and nail-biting mystery about a strange island and its native inhabitants. Any attempt to jump right into the mix of things is completely futile. The journey is extensive and exhaustive, one which must begin from the very first episode. Otherwise, the very driving force of the show will lack impact or leave neophytes more confused than the seasoned viewer. At the heart of the series is the dynamic and synchronistic relationship between the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, the island's strange residents referred to as "The Others", and the organization called the DHARMA Initiative.

Moreover, the serial production is a perfectly balanced blend of drama, mystery, suspense thriller, survival adventure, romance, and sci-fi fantasy. No one genre supersedes the other as the mix works exceptionally well for creating intrigue and absorbing the audience into the complicated plotlines. As if that weren't enough, the creators added a few more elements to push the boundaries of TV conventions. The entire series is steeped in ancient mythology and nonlinear storylines. This fifth season is especially rich and intense with themes of physics, philosophy and theology.

If characters aren't discussing issues concerning time travel, then viewers are challenged with ideas of Christ figures, blind devotion, predestination and allusions to the apocalypse. Most apparent are the names of several characters being taken from some of the greatest and wisest minds of history. From David Hume, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Jeremy Bentham, Michael Faraday, Stephen Hawking, 'Lost' is by far one of the most complex and original television programs to come in years. Added to that is the fact the series is also one of the most frustrating because each episode ends with very compelling and fascinating cliffhangers. The show is awfully addictive, and the only cure is to continue watching until the final sixth season starting in February.
Rating: 9/10

The Presentation:
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment unleashes more mysteries about the island in a highly-detailed AVC-encoded transfer that will make fans cheer. Presented in its original televised aspect ratio of 1.78:1, the video presentation is just shy of reference quality and pure perfection.

Without taking some intentional aesthetic decisions into consideration, the picture exhibits a few instances of high contrast levels that push whites to the point of blooming. However, it is comfortably bright and balanced for the majority of the show's runtime, giving the series an astounding and exceptional visual acuity. Details are resoundingly sharp and resolute while background and foreground objects are clearly discernible and precise. Even in low-lit interiors and nighttime scenes, the island's foliage, shrubs and other home decorations are plainly visible in the darkest areas. Facial complexions, especially in close-ups, are a true marvel with every pore, wrinkle and defect exposed in the faces of every actor. Although blacks can be deep and profound, there are often times when brightness levels lack some of the dynamic punch expected of demo material. Colors are the real showstopper of the image, with bold, richly saturated primaries and a strong, accurately rendered palette of secondary hues. Much like previous releases of the series, 'Lost: The Complete Fifth Season' is gorgeous in hi-def video and makes for an extraordinary watch on Blu-ray.
Rating: 9.2/10

The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack accompanying each of the episodes is equally astounding and highly effective for a television program. The sound design is much more active than initialed expected, creating an incredibly convincing and immersive soundscape which draws the viewer in.

Ambient effects are nearly consistent and fill the surrounds with a pleasant, believable jungle atmosphere that envelops the listener. Directionality is superb as movement between the channels is seamless, and the speakers simply seem to disappear as random sounds materialize from out of nowhere. Granted, a majority of the mix is centrally focused in the soundstage, but even there, the front speakers exhibit an expansive and persuasive imaging, strong, full-bodied dynamics, and a palpably robust and sharply responsive low bass. Even within its quietest segments, the lossless track displays a room-penetrating presence which maintains the audience aurally aware and delivers perfectly-pitched and biting dialogue reproduction amidst its loudest portions. The musical score also feels encompassing and steadily engages the viewer into the drama. Again, for a TV series, 'Lost' sounds superb on Blu-ray.
Rating: 9.0/10

Overall Presentation: 9/10

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

The Extras:
For this Blu-ray edition of 'Lost: The Complete Fifth Season', Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment packages a wealth of bonus material, spread across five BD discs. Most everything is presented in high definition and offers hours of entertainment once fans watch the entire the season. Each disc also comes Season Play, which is an option that allows to watch an episode from where they left off last.

Disc One

Audio Commentary for episode "Because You Left"
Lost Starter Kit (HD, 5 min)

Disc Three

Audio Commentary for episode "He's Our You"

Disc Four

Lost 100 (HD, 19 min)

Disc Five

Lost University
BD-Live feature which starts on December 8th. Enroll now at Lost University.
Mysteries of the Universe (SD, 27 min)
Making Up for Lost Time (HD, 14 min)
An Epic Day with Richard Alpert (HD, 12 min)
Building 23 & Beyond (HD, 12 min)
Lost on Location (HD, 18 min)
Deleted Scenes (SD, 14 min)
Lost Bloopers (HD, 4 min)

Rating: 7/10

Final Thoughts:
'Lost' has to be one of the greatest shows to ever grace the small screen, if not one of the most challenging, gripping, intelligent, and original programs. The fifth season really pushes the boundaries with topical themes on theology, physics, time travel, fate, and philosophy. Each episode simply builds and builds at an escalating rate until it ends with another shocking and frustrating cliffhanger. The 5-disc Blu-ray set is housed with a wealth of supplements and an exceptional, top-notch A/V presentation. Devoted followers will be more than happy with this Disney Home Entertainment release, and neophytes will want to purchase all five seasons and join the fun of talking about the show the next day at work. This is by far, the best looking television series ever released on Blu-ray.
Rating: 9/10