Customer Reviews

Babylon 5 - The Complete First Three Seasons

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection of the first three seasons is more expensive (by $25 at the time I'm writing this) than buying the first three seasons individually. Why should we buy this super-collection?

Still a great show; I'm just pointing out the price discrepancy.

1. Why is buying the first 3 sesons bundled more expensive than buying them seperately.
2. Why is buying them at Sam's Club cheaper (even with sales tax)
3. What are other's views on the poor transfer from tape to DVD? There are plenty of web sites out there that rip the DVD releases to shreds because of heads cut off due to improper transfer and artefacts on the CGI's...

Otherwise the story arcing is excellent :) Good effects, good characters (although I wish the mimbari weren't so damned goody goody)

Anyone who knows the babylon 5 universe, knows how great this novel that was not an actual novel is. I watched the stories many times esspecially now that it is in syndication. What is great about the dvds version is that we get soem of the back ground information that is helpful. Any sci-fi fan, or anyone who is interested in the future would love this series.

It's finally here! Finally, a Widescreen, complete collection of the first 3 amazing seasons of the best show on television! Fans are able to witness the development of their beloved characters, both personality-wise and physically, as makeup improves and actors become comfortable with their characters.
While Season 1's very first episode shows us the most awkward blocking of characters, directors quickly learn how to handle their characters and the environment of B5, and by the end of the first season, it has an entirely different feel to it altogether. At first Season 1 may seem like it has the danger of too much resembling Star Trek ... episodes - unconnected, independent stories, but these serve as character development pieces, placing the characters in sticky situations to show audiences how they will characteristically react (pun). As it progresses, however, we see returning characters (e.g., Sinclair's girlfriend, and Bester) as well as returning events and threats, and the hint of the ultimate danger to come: the Shadow War. The quality of Season 1 also isn't perfect on DVD, with odd lighting and less than good quality footage in some shots, but it doesn't detract one bit.
By Season 2 this Shadow threat is greater than ever and more real than anyone can ignore. The escalation of the Centauri-Narn War is maddening and moving, and we witness Londo's descent into darkness with the help of the ever-smiling Morden. Season 2's set of DVDs also offers us hilarious commentary by the cast and "God" (JMS) himself, as well as an informative data and character fact file in the "Special Features section", which should be watched only AFTER viewing the entire 6 discs, as it gives everything away that happened in that season and the season preceeding.
Season 3 IS the Point of No Return! And the point where you simply cannot stop watching or there was no point in starting. With the introduction of Marcus (sigh), why would you stop watching anyway? Some questions are answered, while JMS throws more at you in their place. The season starts off with a bang and that momentum is already enough to keep the high-intensity going throughout the rest of the season.
The introductory pieces by JMS are a treat. There's nothing better than hearing the creator's vision straight from his own mouth. Again, something to be viewed AFTER finishing the season - too many spoilers.
The behind the scenes documentaries don't spoil the fun of the show, however, and it's great to see what the actors look like out of costume; sometimes it's hard to remember they're not really aliens!
The best investment you'll make is in this set of DVDs. While it's great to have all first 3 seasons out on dvd, commercial free... The commercials DID add one thing: a chance to reflect on what just happened or was said. The fade to black is ok for that too, tho: Just hit pause there and get a snack!
Even if you've never watched before, take a look. I guarantee that even if you don't like Sci Fi, this series holds something more in store for you. It grows on you and offers you an unforgettable, meaningful story with unforgettable, loveable characters, even at their worst. Hard to pass up. I highly recommend that you don't. =) Happy viewing!

Babylon 5 is a five mile long space station. Located deep in neutral territory, it is designed to prevent intergalactic war by providing a place where peace can be worked out between the races. Run by Earth, it was built with help from the Minbari after our war with them when we were almost wiped out. Since it is also a trade station, it attracts allies of all kinds on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, it also attracts trouble. There are raiders in the area, the Narn and Centauri have at best a fragile peace, and someone is always trying to smuggle something on board. Even worse, an ancient enemy is rebuilding forces, and the effects of this will reach all the way back to Earth.

Babylon 5 is still unique in television. It set out to tell a single story that had been mapped out beforehand. As a result, it sucks you in and doesn't let you go until you've reached the end. Season 1 is the most uneven, but the beginnings of the story are there, and it lays the background on the races and cultures we will be dealing with over the course of the show. Season 2 brings a new captain and a storyline that is gaining speed, while season 3 brings surprises and increasing tension.

Of course, if you are looking at this page, odds are you are already a fan and looking for information on the sets. The picture, presented in widescreen, is hit and miss, with some dust popping up occasionally. It is clear and sharp most of the time, however. Sound is presented in full surround and has never sounded better. Each set contains two audio commentaries by series creator J. Michael Straczynski and a season intro by cast and crew. They also have some behind the scenes documentaries and encyclopedia entries introducing you to the world of Babylon 5. In addition, seasons 2 and 3 have one audio commentary each by various cast members.

Whether you buy the seasons bundled like this or individually, don't miss your chance to own this fantastic TV series.

In my opinion, this is the best season yet for action lovers. Along with more romance as well. The end of this one leaves on the edge of your seat and you just cannot wait for Season 4 to come out. To bad its so long away before Season 4 is released.