THE DEAD ZONE {1st. Season} (DVD Review) - 3/7/06

Having been a fan of the original film version of "The Dead Zone" starring Christopher Walken; I thought the film version was probably one of the best adaptions of Stephen King's writing to the big screen, so having time to spare I've decided to pile into the TV Production to gauge just how far it reflects the film. Surprisingly enough the answer is - very well - and very well on most points not only do they manage to transcend the end of the film but expand on the whole intriguing themes and still manage to add sections lovingly from the original source novel and elements of the film. The feel of the first series has a strong theatrical feel in style with excellent quality effects and good production values. The 2-hour unaired TV pilot doesn't feature in this boxset we just get the first 13 episodes following that with a slight change in cast. More or less every episode in this first season follows the human condition in one way or another - But stand out episodes include Episode 7 "Unreasonable Doubt" and in particular the extremely thought-provoking Episode 10 "Here be Monsters" - The final 2 episodes "Shaman" which is an extension across time tale and "Destiny" really show what this series is capable of. This is quality TV in the making - In 20 or 30 years time this stuff will be TV legends. The boxset itself lists it as Science Fiction - But as a genre I think it hard to pin down - It isn't sci-fi, supernatural or even paranormal - Just a very clever reflection of man and his attempts at understanding. Spread across all 4 discs of this boxset the Special Features cover a diverse range from a featurette on how the "Dead Zone" came to be, a vast selection of interviews with cast, crew and what have you, to featurettes on the Writing, Visual Effects and Music. There is also a final featurette on the many guest stars that cropped up with various interviews with them and behind the scenes stuff. Also there is a Production Commentary on all 13 episodes and a whole selection of storyboards. Special Features not rated. Rating: Not Rated. Runtime: Approx 507 Mins. Colour - Region 1 (USA) NTSC. Close Captioned/Subtitles. 2001/2002 - Lionsgate Entertainment.VM83420/ ISBN # 057373160947.