Primeval Series 5 [DVD]

Ok so I've just finished watching the last episode and I have to say it was incredible. Having been with Primeval since the very first episode, I, like many other fans can probably say that it is different to how it was then. This series not only bought closure to Primeval as a whole but also left it open for what (HOPEFULLY) will be a sixth series.
For those who were disappointed with series 4, then I suggest you check out what is probably the last series as it was a definite improvement over it, moving the plot forward and so forth.
The special feature(s) on this disk is similar to that on the fourth series DVD, so it should be quite interesting. I will be getting this the day it comes out and I hope everyone else, like me, has enjoyed 4 fun years of Primeval : )

Though it's called series 5, this is series 4 part 2 of Primeval. You can tell from the story arc, and there are some giveaways in the 'making of' feature- the scripts refer to these episodes as, for example, "series 4 episode 9" instead of "series 5 episode 2". It was clearly filmed as one thirteen-part series, and then split into two 'series' between filming and broadcast.

This makes a difference to the series as a whole- rather than having its' own original developing plot, it picks up where the previous seven episodes left off and if you haven't seen series 4, series 5 will make very little sense. So only buy this if you've already got or seen series 4.

The episodes themselves are great. Moving the show's production to Ireland gave it a new lease of life and it ends up being a very polished, confident drama. The special effects are mostly excellent and the acting is strong. It's a bit more predictable than something like "Doctor Who" but it's still good all-round family entertainment sci-fi.

The 'extras' (or rather, 'extra'- singular) is disappointing, as it's really the leftover bits from the 'making the new primeval' documentary that appeared on the series 4 disc, which feels like it's more aimed at trying to persuade new audiences to watch the show, rather than giving existing fans any real behind-the-scenes interest. Some more in-depth extras featuring longer interviews with the cast, or the writers, would've been very welcome.

As I write this the latest news is that "Primeval: New World" will be the next time we'll see Primeval on TV. It'll be American-made, feature a mostly or completely new cast, it'll "start fresh" plot-wise, and they haven't started filming it yet so it won't be on TV for quite a while. So while you're waiting, enjoy these last six episodes of the original Primeval.

Series Five of Primeval is outstanding. This is a great series. It is easily the best of all five seasons of this science fiction series. Also this series is the best British science fiction series for many years.
The whole production is excellent. The production, the scripts, the acting, the sets and the special effects are all first class.
This series five makes up for the weaker series one and two in so much as it brings all of the elements to a seemingly climactic ending. It makes the whole story from series one to five seem worthwhile. We get to understand all of the simplicity and un explained factors of series one and two through to the more developed series three to five.
Each series has improved on the last one because each has no ultimate conclusion. This series brings everything to a sort of conclusion. Any of the earlier series are incomplete without this one.

Each episode has its own uniqueness and theme except the final two episodes that are effectively a two part story.

This series five and the earlier series four are in fact a new beginning for Primeval. This series five is a continuation of series four. ( It is a bit like series four part two). And both series are distinctly different from the previous series one-three.

Priveval is a British Science Fiction series originally produced for ITV by Impossible Pictures. The first two seasons saw scientists investigate the appearance of temporal anomalies across Britain. Pre historic and future creatures came through the anomalies causing terrible havoc. Both seasons were successful in the UK and both did reasonably well in America when transmitted through BBC America.
Feedback from America influenced the decision to change the cast and improve the production values and season three became a transition series.
This led to further interest and a deal between ITV, BBC Worldwide Watch, Impossible Pictures and German ProSieben companies to produce a new era of Primeval.
The need to improve script, acting and production together with more financial backing and better development of the whole concept resulted in the improved series four and now series five.

Actor Alexander Siddig (also from Star Trek Deep Space Nine) is a great additional actor to season four and now five. His character of Philip is brilliant and this is one of the things to add weight to the plot line.
The special effects are as good as ever and in some ways are actually even better.
There is plenty of action and a good pace to the production. There is room for a series six and I hope there will be one.

The DVD set is the best way to see this show. At the time of writing this review the show has not been screened on ITV like the earlier four seasons. This DVD set may be the only way to see the series. But with out a doubt it is better to see the series on DVD without the adverts and where you can watch each episode closer to the next than you would on TV.

This is a great DVD set of six episodes and I highly recommend it.