Customer Reviews

Smallville - The Complete First Four Seasons

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Since I'm much too lazy to attempt to review every season individually, I'm going to make a clumsy attempt to review the entire show at once. I have recently become absolutely obsessed with this show. For a long time, I just caught a stray episode here and there, and didn't really watch it religiously, but through the generous nature of a good friend, and the magic of DVD's, I was able to get ahold of and watch all of the first three seasons. After that, the decision to buy this set was easy.

"Smallville" is basically the next incarnation of the Superman mythology, but rather than just being another iteration of the same old thing, it manages to be a fresh and hip new spin on the concept. It centers on Clark Kent growing up in Smallville, and discovering his super powers and origins, all while trying to lead a normal life as a teenager. One of the best things about the show is how it brings so many more levels of emotional depth to the character. This was the beauty of Spiderman, for example, that he was also a kid in addition to having these amazing powers, which made him more relatable and more real to a young audience, and Gough and Millar have successfully brought that same quality to Superman. He's always been previously depicted as a nearly perfect character, and this is the first time we see him as a human with his own problems and inner conflicts, and I think that makes him that much more of an interesting and sympathetic character. Plus, it's great to see more of his relationship with his parents, and how they helped to shape him into the man he'll one day be.

Also, what they've done with Lex Luthor on this show is just remarkable. Rather than just having him as the quintessential super-villian, he starts out as a good guy, who befriends Clark, and becomes sort of a big brother/role model character for him. However, we see from the start that evil runs deep in the family, with his tyrannical, crime-lord father Lionel. Throughout the show, we see hints that Lex will eventually follow the same path, and that he's always trying to resist becoming his dad, even though we know that somehow he eventually will. When you put this, and his friendship with Clark into context with what kind of person he eventually becomes, it adds so much more to the concept than just the simple "Hero vs. Villian" thing. Also, Michael Rosenbaum is a remarkably talented young actor, who brings so many more dimensions to the character than ever before.

The show begins relatively simple, setting up for everything that will happen later on. The basic idea that we have to begin with is that the kryptonite from the meteor shower has infected a large number of the townspeople, and given them super powers. This provides Clark with a wide supply of foes to battle, to sharpen his skills as a superhero. And once again, we have a human quality here, that we've never seen in any past incarnations of "Superman". The villians are seemingly normal people, usually kids, with no costumes or anything. It adds a greater sense of realism, and I really like that.

Gradually, with each season, the plotlines have gotten more complex, with Clark slowly learning more and more about his abilities, and where he comes from, eventually leading up to the more "Superman"-like adventures we'll be seeing in season 5. Each season has been better than the last, and everything is really falling into place nicely. The pace of the show has been great, and the writers have done a great job of staying true to the mythology, while simultaneously taking it into new and interesting directions.

Technically speaking, the show is fantastic as well. The actors all have great chemistry, and all bring something special to their characters. Tom Welling is easily the best Superman since Christopher Reeve, so good in fact that I've almost forgotten how bad Dean Cain was. It's also great to see veteran actors like John Schneider, John Glover, and Annette O'Toole in there with the younger actors, as well as guest appearances from past "Superman" stars, like Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, and even Mr. Reeve himself. There is also a great deal of subtlety and detail in the show, as far as lighting and camera angles (watch the commentary to get an idea), and the subtle use of color to create just the right atmospheres for the scene. Also, the special effects are among the best I've seen on a television show. These guys really put a great deal of time and effort into putting everything together.

I really can't say enough about this show. Everything about it is just so wonderfully engaging, and masterfully executed. Those who deride it and compare it to "Dawson's Creek" just because it's on the WB are being far too superficial, and aren't giving it nearly a fair enough chance. "Smallville" is easily one of the best incarnations of Superman yet.

I have reviewed each of the four season sets individually, so you may read my specific comments and criticisms. But, overall, as a 4 box set, this is a great collection for new and old SMALLVILLE fans...of all ages (well, it def should get a PG rating).

The special features are pretty much negligible, aside from some interesting commentary tracks. But the deleted scenes prove that they were justifiably cut and the "Chloe Chronicles" are downright awful.

This is a great set to own just for the episodes...the way you would want to own a complete collection of comic books. Not every issue is as valuable as another, but you wouldn't want to have an incomplete set!

I know everyone's jumping on the bandwagon with how great this show is. Not alot of critique. Hmmm...maybe because of pretty boy Tom and princess Lana. This show could be so much better. It has its good episodes but in only half of all 4 seasons!! This is more like me pleading than me scorning. Come on, quit the 'I luv Lana,' 'I need Lana in my life' crap and get to some action, drama, thriller type Pre-Superman brawling. Even at the end of the sixth season he doesn't learn to fly. Why is it that the only time Clarke flies is when he is taken over by Jor-El, when he wears that retarded red ring or when he is cloned by that stupid phantom (season six)??? Enough with Lana. I wanted her to stay dead instead of Clark's dad. She's annoying and holding Clarke back from really moving on. Cloey's my choice. Clark never has a good fight.They should stage him in some good fist throwing action with some alien brawlers. It's simple...I WANNA SEE SOME ACTION!!!

This is the best show on the WB for sure. All the season premieres and finales are amazing. Admittedly it is flawed such as how they "solve" the mystery of how the Freak of the week got his powers. But that is completely unimportant. First of all the character's relationships are done extremely well. You understand why Clark decides to be good rather than evil because of his parents. You see how they help him and he doesnt abuse his powers. Season 3 is the best for sure. Seasons 2 and 4 are tied at second. An last is season 1. It's not a bad season its actually VERY good. HOwever the "freak of the week" format gets a bit repeatitive ( well if you finish season 1 in 4 days like me). The frist four episodes transit really well. The show flows and you just dont want it to end. The season finale "Tempest" was unbelievable. And the followup "Vortex" and "Duplicity" made season 2's begining connect really well to season 1. It only gets better. Some of the episodes are COMPLETELY RANDOM and a FEW are bad. But over 95% are mind boggling. A must buy for anyone who likes Superman or good action/fantasy show. I hated superman the movie and the cartoon. However i LOVE smallville and i look at superman with a new perspective. It is masterfully done. 5 stars w.o a doubt. I recomend you you watch like 2-3 episodes so you get an idea. You either love it or hate it. Hope this review helped.

At 50 years old, I'm probably one of the older fans of Smallville and I just love it! But I also have the somewhat unique experience of having read DC Comics -- Superman, Superboy, Legion of Super Heros, etc. -- on a regular basis as a kid. What impresses me about Smallville, as much as all the other outstanding qualities of the show such as those very well stated in some of the other reviews, is how true the show is to the original comic book story, so much more so than any previous incarnation of the story of Superman, whether it's the orignal TV series starring George Reeves or the series of movies starring Christopher Reeve. I'm sure that most of Smallville's younger fans don't even realize that they're "getting an education" on the real "story of Superman" as first read in DC Comics decades ago.

Smallville is extremely well done by any measure and is truly a class act. I'm delighted to be able to own the first four seasons in one collection.

I love Smallville; I knew very little about Superman from comics or movies, so I don't have much of a base of comparison, but I love this show! I've seen maybe half of season 5 and none of season 6, but everything up to that point was riveting and clever, in my opinion. Michael Rosenbaum is fabulous as Lex, Kristen Kreuk is hot and vulnerable and sweet as Lana, and Erica Durance brought in some great new "blood" and personality as Lois.

Why then, do you ask, did I give it only 2 stars? Because this set of the first four seasons is grossly overpriced when compared to buying the seasons individually. At the time of this writing, the first 5 seasons are all available for less than $25 each, and this set is $165!

If you wanna catch up on smallville from the begining this is the best way to do it. Also good as a Gift

For the few of us still into hero worship get your daily fix with this marvelous series. The brilliance of the show is that it focuses on the growth and development of our superhero from the beginning. We get to explore all the glory and pitfalls of this journey as Clark Kent walks the path of self-discovery in an attempt to find his destiny. It is not an easy calling to be a hero especially when you do not have a choice in the matter. Sometimes superheroes just want to have fun and Clark quickly discovers that his gifts can be very burdensome at times as when he wants to play football with his peers. Clark's attempt to reconcile the huge responsibility of his gifts with the need to fit in with his friends is a struggle those of us who are different can relate to. Tom Welling could not be better in the role of Clark Kent with his clean cut good looks and innocent charm. We must not, however, neglect the excellent foil Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luther is as the conflicted villain who wants to do good but is the spawn of Satan. Lex is the budding power monger and water would freeze in his mouth he is so cool and sophisticated. He draws a sharp contrast to the hayseed innocence of our hero. As Clark tries to come to terms with his destiny we see Lex trying to overcome his. This makes the interactions between Lex and Clark some of my favorite. For the ladies we must not forget the always appealing Savior archetype which Clark embodies. There is nothing like a damsel in distress and a hero arriving at the nick of time to rescue her. Personally, this never gets old for me and the show executes these scenes like no other. Kristin Kreuk, as Lana Lane, is the quintessential Princess whose beauty does not impede her from being compassionate and kind. John Glover as Lionel Luther is the Anti-Christ trying to seduce his son into accepting his immoral code as simply the price of doing business. He exudes power and cunning and electrifies the scenes he is in. We are always left wondering who will win Lex's soul his father or his friend, Clark. Annette O'Toole and John Schneider as Clark's parents are the parents most of us wished we had. Allison Mack as Chloe is the consummate truth seeker and must balance her need to know Clark's secret with the need to simply trust and have faith in someone who has always come through for her. Sam Jones III as Pete quickly finds out that knowing Clark's secret carries a huge responsibility of its own and at times can be physically dangerous and injurious. The special effects are extremely well done and contribute significantly to the emotional drama and excitement of the show. Smallville's theme song, Remy Zero's Save Me, sets the stage for each episode beautifully. In this day and age where women are referred to as female dogs and farming implements and men are proud to be referred to as pimps it is nice to have Smallville as a haven to escape to where good is still good and evil is still evil and there is no mistaking what team the players are on. Okay, I confess, I'm a Smallville fanatic.

A definite must see for comic hero lovers. Smallville is not just focussed on the male audience but also include some characteristics of a soapie. What is great about Smallville is that events in the movie build up and progress through the programs and seasons. I can not wait for Season 5 and eventually, the metamorphis into Superman.

I have just recently been invited to the superman mythology and I think this TV show Smallville is one of its best stories. The cast are superb in this show. From the first episode I was hooked I wanted to watch more so I bought all four seasons on dvd in one day and I have watched 2 seasons of it so far in just 3 days its so addictive. I now really understand the man behind superman before he was even superman. Each year the show had been maturing and that is what I liked about it. I just can not stop watching the show. But now I have a show to watch now that charmed is over. But this show is much more then buffy and charmed I suprised even myself for liking this show. Buy these first four season it is worth your supernatural adventures.