Product Details

• Actors: Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Taylor Wily
• Format: Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: Spanish
• Dubbed: Unknown
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 6
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Paramount
• DVD Release Date: September 20, 2011
• Run Time: 1030 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (176 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B003R4ZMNQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,872 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Hawaii Five-0: The First Season" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's possible that the popularity of Lost's tropical background played some role in resurrecting this slicked-down update of the famous cop show that ran for 12 solid seasons starting in 1968. There's certainly a strong travelogue element in the 2010 remix that includes glamorous tourist hot spots, rundown native shantytowns, and the sultry, photogenic wilds that make up most of the 50th state. The production team is careful to work in an amalgam of Hawaii's distinctive geography, along with enough stunt-filled action, pyrotechnics, and sexy style to make it appealing enough for an audience that probably doesn't remember Steve McGarrett, Jack Lord, or the inimitable drumbeats of the show's classic theme song. That rousing opening number, the beautiful backdrops, and the starring characters' names are pretty much all that's left over from the original Hawaii Five-0. Rather than the robotic, just-the-facts demeanor that defined Jack Lord's authoritative presence as the special cop squad's commander, the new Steve McGarrett (Aussie hunk Alex O'Loughlin) is an ex-Navy Seal who dives into foot chases, gunfights, and dangerous situations whenever possible, bringing a dreamy, heartthrob charisma that's the exact opposite of Jack Lord's steely, low-key magnetic charm. His number two, Dan Williams (a buff and tough Scott Caan), is a New Jersey transplant who plays dyspeptic foil to McGarrett's impetuous and often illegal whims in the name of crime fighting, telling him that he's crazy, but then backing him up all the way. Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim, a survivor from the Lost ensemble) is a disgraced cop brought back to the job by McGarrett, and Kono (Grace Park) has transformed from a hulking bruiser into a swimsuit model fresh out of the academy and with martial arts moves galore. This special task force has been designated by the governor (Jean Smart) as an elite major crimes unit that works outside the police chain of command, and often flaunts the rules to get their man. In an overarching plot thread, that man is the shadowy bad guy responsible for the murder of McGarrett's parents, eventually revealed to be Japanese yakuza leader and master villain Wo Fat (Mark Dacascos, who also played "The Chairman" on Food Network's Iron Chef America). When not focusing on Wo Fat and the elaborate mystery that reaches into the upper echelons of government, the episodes are based around the Five-0 team chasing terrorists, hostage takers, modern-day pirates, and a variety of desperate criminals. In nearly every situation McGarrett is given cause to go rogue by taking pretty much everything personally. Danny (or Danno, as in, "Book 'em, Danno!") is always there to remind him that he's crazy to cross so many lines, but also has his back in every tough spot McGarrett gets them into. In fact, the whole team is always there for each other with lots of interaction that teases out the personal lives of every character. It lends a touchy-feely tone to the show that was never, ever part of the Jack Lord-era Hawaii Five-0, but which helps this reboot by adding an emotional element that sometimes even bleeds into the action. And plenty of action there is. Shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, elaborate practical stunts, on-set special effects, and CGI enhancements all give the show a brisk and exciting pace, even if the scripts tend to rehash the same kinds of criminal setups. To keep it in the same high-tech league as other series such as NCIS, Criminal Minds, and the CSI franchise, Five-0 also has a command center filled with the latest computer gadgetry to keep them a step ahead in a world of state-of-the-art crime. The 24 episodes in this season-one set end with a fiery cliffhanger that clearly lets loose a big can of worms for the Five-0 team to track down in season two. Also included in the six-disc package are the usual outtakes and gag reel, commentary on two episodes, and a bunch of short pieces with self-explanatory titles like "The Story of Season 1," "Aloha Action!," "The Making of the Pilot," and "Re-scoring the Theme Song." They're a mixed bag, but the episodes themselves are consistently grade-A in bringing a contemporary, hyperbolic flair to a show that first came on the air more than 40 years ago. --Ted Fry

Product Description

Hawaii Five-O is a contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the Islands' sun-drenched beaches.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

111 of 118 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hawaii 5-0 is Hot! October 11, 2010

By Mykola

Format:DVD

To start off, Hawaii 5-0 has a stellar cast: Alex O'Loughlin, who is perfect as Steve McGarrett, Scott Caan is great as Danno, Daniel Dae Kim is wonderful as Chin Ho and Grace Park is excellent as Kono.

I was so excited about this show when I first heard about it, and it exceeded my expectations. What more could you want? It has the perfect blend of drama and humor, a brilliant cast who are not only talented but just as enjoyable to look at as the beautiful Hawaiian setting they are in - and the writing is smart, fun and witty.

I love the way CBS has been advertising the show as a "reboot", not a "remake", as so many people had been calling it. The whole story is new, the characters are new, and the writers are quickly letting you see the lives of the characters. You not only have an exciting case filled with lots of excitement and drama each week, but you are drawn into what is going on in the lives of the four characters and it leaves you wanting to know more about them and where they came from.
Hawaii 5-0 is sleek, sexy and exciting, and it is no wonder that it is the highest rated new drama on TV. I don't think it will take long before it is the highest rated drama on TV period.

Congratulations to Alex O'Loughlin for finally getting the success and recognition he deserves so much with this new show. I will be tuning in to watch each week - and then watching again after I have recorded it. Now I can't wait for the DVD to come out for the first season, and I hope it has lots of extras. Hawaii 5-0 is going to be on for many years to come, and I will be buying each new DVD as they come out.

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars-Great! December 25, 2010

By KF in MN

Format:DVD

Was very skeptical when I first heard about this TV series - mostly because no one can replace Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett or any of the other cast members from the original episodes. I couldn't imagine how they could replace Dano either or have a female cast member. But, after watching several episodes, I would rate this the best TV watching out there, 5 stars. The plots are great, interesting and intense and the acting is wonderful - I enjoy the relationship and humor between Dano and Steve McGarrett. I don't try to compare the old with the new - just enjoy watching it as a new TV series that is just good crime drama.

49 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Five O Again! December 5, 2010

By D. Pauley

Format:DVD

No, this isn't the original show. If you compare the two and you are looking for the newer version to be a duplicate of the original show, you may be disappointed.

However, if you try to enjoy the new Five-O as a completely new show (with some similarities to the original), it's one of the most exciting new shows out there (IMHO) - along with Blue Bloods.

The scenery is great (plenty of nice shots of Hawaii, the cast works well together. I enjoy the banter between Danny and Steve. The plots have mostly been excellent and well executed. Looking forward to the DVD release of this new show.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I was wrong about this program! July 10, 2011

By Donald Dube

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I started watching this program, I intended to dislike it. This has got to be one of the few remakes (in film and television) that turned out well.

The old series was AWESOME! They shot it in Hawaii, back when the film had to be sent airmail back to LA to be shown on television. They hired Hawaiians, back when television was Caucasians only (with very few exceptions). Long before the over done buddy cop thing was all over television, they were doing it right. It was a serious program, with occasional funny parts.

The new series is very good. It is edited and paced for the FAR shorter attention spans of the modern audience. Like another good program NCIS, the crimes are secondary to the interaction between the characters. All the actors are very good, and it is a joy for me to watch the program. Danny's divorce is one malfunction after another, and you laugh because you are glad it isn't you. Chin Ho, is a very honorable man, who was accused of taking bribes, they couldn't find any proof, but that didn't stop his reputation from getting destroyed. Kono is not just a gorgeous woman and put there for window dressing, she is a inexperienced, but very intelligent woman who is more than capable of taking care of herself.... this is a rare thing on television! McGarrett is a very experienced SecOps soldier. He lacks subtlety, and tends to go at a problem head on, this drives Danny (who prefers to be quiet and subtle) nuts!

I also think it is funny that only in America can an Australian doing a very good American accent, plays a SEAL that was born in Hawaii... and the two 'Hawaiians' look suspiciously like Koreans! :)

There is very little about this series that I don't like. The new version of the theme is excellent, but they cut it too short.... I hope they will have a full length version on the DVD set, as a extra. Read more ›

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertainment May 10, 2011

By Julietsbb

Format:DVD

The thing about Hawaii Five-0, I think you either love it or hate it.

Now it isn't always perfect, and let's be honest, what show is - there'll always be episodes with weaker plots than others. And if you don't like explosions, gunfights, sunshine, bikinis and banter, this is probably not your show.

But even when you take away the pretty setting and the action Hawaii Five-0 still has a core that rings true. Because this show is all about family. The lenghts you'll go for your family, losing an old and acquiring a new and all versions of the term that excists. Ohana, as the Hawai'ians would say. It is the characters who carry the show.

Steve, who loses his father and tries to patch up his relationship with his sister.
Danny, who moves halfway across the world to be with his daughter.
And last but CERTAINLY *never* least, Chin and Kono, the pair of counsins, who will do and sacrifice everything for their family.
These four come together and find themselves thrown into their own kind of family, and this is where the show has its heart.

One thing I love about this show is that even though Steve is the main character with Danny at his side most of the time it never becomes the Steve McGarret Show or the Steve and Danno show. Chin and Kono are never reduced to 'lackeys' or 'helpers' of any kind. They have their own scenes, their own plot and they get to shine just as much as Steve and Danny. One could easily argue that some of the strongest scenes of the season were acted out by the amazing Grace Park and fantastic Daniel Dae Kim.

Another great thing is the team dynamic.... It's not just Steve and Danny's partnership that sends sparks flying across the screen - it IS a huge reason for why I watch this show, but it is far from the only reason why I enjoy it as much as I do. The team together is amazing. They tease and they jibe and they got each other's back no matter what. Kono and Danny has an awesome chemistry and Chin doesn't hesitate to call Steve and Danny 'ladies' when they need to be called down to earth. It's rare to have four leads who just work no matter which constallation you put them in.

Enough about the main characters, because the regulars and guest stars definitely deserve a mention, too. Danny's daughter is made of adorable, his ex-wife is a brilliant character, McGarret's sister is made of awesome and Kamekona is just made of win. The show also really lets local actors shine. Again, no show is perfect and not each and every guest star is equally good, but they definitely hit more than they miss, in my opinion.

Now, if this kind of action packed, entertainment minded, doesn't-pretend-to-be-something-it's-not show is not your thing, fair enough. If you don't like actor X's portrayal of character X, okay then, we all have different tastes. What I'm saying is: This show may sometimes seem ridiculous (and seriously, which promos saying things like "It's not just hot - it's explosive" it's unavoidable) and some may call it a disgrace to the original (I wouldn't know, I wasn't born), but it does have a lot to offer, even besides the pretty scenery and action, and definitely deserves a chance.

Personally, I'm enjoying it. Every single week. In different amounts depending on the episode, perhaps, but I NEVER leave thinking 'okay, this was a waste of time'! To the very much contrary. I've become invested in the characters. I smile, I laugh, I worry. I obsess. I melt every time Steve makes those eyes (you know the ones), I shout at the screen when an episode ends in a cliffhanger. I rewatch my favorite clips, promos and YouTube videos multiple times. Hey, I even have an iTunes playlist with Hawaii Five-0 themed songs.

In conclusion: Brilliant acting, engaging characters and definitely worth giving a chance. If you don't like it, don't see what I see, hey, that's okay. Read more ›