24: Series 1 - 3 [DVD] [2002]

Watching Series One again recently, I felt it was just as good as the first time I rewatched it. Fair enough there are some bad moments, but overall this is the best series, for continuity, drama, and even action. It organically leads to its two final episodes (for want of a more accurate description) Episodes 13 and 24. The acting is brilliant from all seven main characters, and the storyline is all but flawless. This series is also much more enjoyable than the second, more shocking of the series.

Watching Series Two the first time was exciting, dramatic and entertaining. Watching it on DVD again, it was awful. It relies on shocks and twists, which once you know are coming, are obviously less effective. Secondly there is the decline in the story after midnight. Already a complex plot that makes sense, it passes into a complex plot that makes less sense, us never actually finding out who the end villain is. Unless you count Reiko Aylesworth (Listed as a Guest Star for some reason) there is no strong female lead consistent throughout the series due to Elisha Cuthbert having a very poor storyline this series, and the other two 'star' actresses appearing in short bursts only.

Series Three seems to want to shift Series Two under the carpet, a small reference at the start of the series towards last series terrorists being caught by the American government. The overall series sounds cheesy, but is actually very well handled- unlike last series, the storyline makes sense. In this series there are many strands to the main storyline, which work well together, as in the first series. The acting too, is very good. Though there are a few bad episodes, like Series one when you look at the series overall, it is good enough to withstand these. The only complaint I will make about this series is that there isn't really the big ending, but as I didn't like Series Two's artificial ending, I suppose I can't have it both ways.

Extra features vary.
In Series 1 they are awful, to be found on the episode menu for Episode 24.
In Series 2, there are two documentaries, one for the last two episodes, one for a very big stunt. They're both interesting, and show the many aspects of filming 24. There are also 45 deleted scenes, which vary in quality, and a multi angle analysis, which I don't find that interesting, but some people may.
The Series Three extras follow the same pattern The Series 3 main documentary, though less satisfying is also quite good, and the 'big stunt' documentary is better than the last one. The Extra scenes are better than series twos. Also on the Series Three DVD is an extra documentary on the subject of the series, which is half and half, due to the contributors. One in particular is like a USA PR officer.
One thing I would say against the extra features is that it's claimed that the Extra Scenes are able to be branched in seamlessly to the shows. On Series Two they are clearly not seamless, and those that are 'alternate' or 'extended' scenes are merely added to the show, rather than replacing the other scenes (In one show you could watch three versions of the same scene). Series Three handles them better.

Overall- If you've seen Series 3 and not the others, buy this. If you've seen them all, or a combination of two, buy this, but don't expect the same reaction when watching Series 2 as you first had, as looking back on it, it's a different experience (For me anyway)

Season 1 is obviously very good or I wouldn't have been obliged to watch the second and third. The storylines which are seemingly unrelated intertwine fabulously and there are so many twists and turns you'll be on the edge of your seat for the entire ride, but the twists are seldom unbelievable. The real-time formula is fresh and exciting, one of the things which had drawn me to the show in the first place. Emotional and thrilling, this is superb. And it's worth buying this boxset just for the shocker ending to this series.

Season 2 is perhaps weaker but still superb television. One storyline involving Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert) is detached from the rest of the story throughout the entire story and so reduces the quality a little. However the introduction of new, likeable characters and the welcome return of some old ones ensure the show is far from getting boring. The ending of this may be slightly disappointing and surely infuriating for those who were forced to wait months between the television air-dates of seasons 2 and 3.

Season 3 is a return to form, however, and the real-time formula is showing no signs of becoming old, even if it perhaps is less exciting than during the first season. There are, also, no cougars whatsoever in this series, fans will be delighted to know. With some more new characters and more old ones returning, this is similar to season 2 although the 2-part story is as exciting as ever. This season in particular has a body-count unsurpassed by any other television show. The climactic finale is excellent and the emotional final few minutes are so tense I defy you not to shed a tear.

Kiefer Sutherland is excellent as the near-invincible Jack Bauer, and there are endless exceptional performances throughout the series. Sarah Clarke is also a particularly good actress whose talents are shown clearly in the show.

In spite of the fact that logic is often ignored, no characters seemingly need toilet breaks or food and twists can sometimes be slightly too unrealistic, this is pound-for-pound exceptional entertainment. Beware, after the first few episodes you will be hooked until the very final minute. And the beeping clock sound will stay with you forever.

SEASON 1 - This DVD set was dissapointing although the actual series was in my opinion the best so far! The DVD features a season 2 preview, an alternate ending and timeline book with pictures. Synopsis - Government agent Jack Bower is about to live the longest day of his life. He is working with a spy, his wife and daughter have been kidnapped and terrorists are trying to kill the a presidential candiate.

SEASON 2 - This is a great DVD set. Features 7 discs with 1 disc of extras. Features over 40 deleted and extended footage, 3 amazing documentaries, commentary on almost every episode and again a timeline book with pictures. Synopsis - Jack is back and has to work with past mistakes as terrorists plan to explode a nuclear bomb over LA. New faces join CTU as things get a lot more dirty.

SEASON 3 - The features for this DVD have not been confirmed as of yet, but it is a 7 disc set so expect deleted and extended scenes, behind the scenes footage, a timeline book, commentary and rumoured interviews with the cast and a series of 5 special internet only q and a shows with the cast and producers. By far, the darkest series yet. Synopsis - Jack is back once again with even more new faces joining CTU. This time, terrorists plan to release a deadly virus into LA and Jack and his team have to stop it. There's one problem, to do it Jack needs to go undercover, lie to the President and his team, become a drug taker and most of all, once again, rely on old faces for help. This series was my joint second favourite becuase while it didn't have the same action as it did in season 1 or 2, it was full of suprises and a lot more suspence.

Keifer Sutherland stars as Jack Bower and Elisha Cuthbert as Kim Bower. Also staring Sarah Clarke as Nina Myers, Leslie Hope as Teri Bower, Karina Arroyave as Jamry Farrel,Sarah Wynter as Kate Warner, Carlos Bernard as Tony Almeida, Xander Berkley as George Mason, Sarah Gilbert as Paula SchaefferPenny Johnson Jerald as Sherry Palmer, Dennis Haysbert as President David Palmer, Reiko Aylseworth as Michelle Dessler, James Badge Dale as Chase Edmunds and a cast of hundreds more.
Acting from all the cast is A standard especially Elisha Cuthbert (Girl Next Door) and Sarah Clarke.

24 is gripping drama at its best a must for anyone. Your DVD collection would be naked without it.