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| Xena: Warrior Princess Season 1 |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Just four minutes into "Sins of the Past," the first episode of Xena, you'll gladly follow the warrior princess anywhere. Taking on a gang of marauders, she leaps onto an upright spear embedded in the ground and, with a cry of "Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi," does a circular wall of death on their chests. A syndication phenomenon, this audacious 1995 series was a spin-off from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Lucy Lawless stars as Xena, dressed to kill in leather and breastplate. Her exploits are legend: "She came down out of the sky in a chariot throwing thunderbolts and breathing fire," remarks one awestruck boy in the first episode. Xena wants to bury her violent past, but there is no rest for the formerly wicked as she takes up arms (and feet) against any number of villains and mythological beasts. She is joined by Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor), a young peasant woman who "is not cut out for this village life," and runs away from home to join Xena in her adventures.
As the series evolved, speculation was rife about the true nature of their relationship. Playful and provocative teasers in several of these episodes give this first season an unexpected erotic charge, as witness "Altared States," in which the two skinnydip, and later, a drugged Gabrielle, revived by Xena, looks upon her and gushes, "By the gods! You are beautiful." Other memorable episodes include "Callisto," which introduces the vengeful female warrior who would further bedevil Xena in seasons to come; "Prometheus," in which Kevin Sorbo guest stars as Hercules; "Chariots of War," in which Xena wears a dress (!), and "Warrior...Princess," in which Xena trades places with her look-alike, a Princess named--yes--Diana, who is the target of assassins. By the gods, Xena is an absolute hoot whose pleasures--stylized action sequences, cheesy special effects, tongue-in-cheek anachronistic dialogue--are anything but guilty ones. Clumsy packaging, lack of commentary, and less than pristine picture quality are minor drawbacks to this otherwise thrilling set. --Donald Liebenson
Product Description
Make way for one of the fiercest and most dynamic woman warriors to ever grace the TV screen as all 24 Season One episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess come to DVD. Lucy Lawless is Xena: a smart, tough, and fearless fighter who travels the dangerous roads of Ancient Greece defending the innocent from the forces of darkness and seeking redemption for her cruel misdeeds of the past. Along for the adventures is her devoted friend Gabrielle (Renée O’Connor), a compassionate girl who hopes to be a warrior one day, and other legendary figures, including the formidable Hercules (guest star Kevin Sorbo). Combining impressive displays of mythology, fantasy, and martial arts, it’s an iconic show that set the bar for all female action heroes.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
111 of 117 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
"In a time of ancient gods, warlords, and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power. The passion. The danger. Her courage will change the world."
If you don't recognize the above, you've been in a distant land since at least 1995, and this review isn't really for you. But you should buy this collection immediately, because you're in for an entirely novel treat.
Xena: Warrior Princess is a spin-off series from "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys", which followed 5 "Action Pack" (don't ask) Hercules movies. The Hercules and Xena stories are revisionist tales of antiquity. Most of the names are right ("Hercules" instead of "Herakles", and the Roman "Cupid" instead of Greek "Eros" are notable exceptions), but anachronisms abound. We first see Xena sitting on her horse, complete with stirrups (1000 years before their invention) and saddle horn (2000 years early). Xena's sword is bronze, but steel implements abound in an era when Indian Wootz steel was a commodity valued above gold. The wet countryside of New Zealand doubles for the dry Mediterranean clime of Greece. And barbarian warriors look suspiciously like Maori. Obviously the emphasis is on entertainment rather than historical accuracy. It's a good thing, too, because the entertainment value is outstanding.
The premise of the series is that Xena was a teenager living in the Greek village of Amphipolis when it was attacked. She rallied her neighbors to mount a successful defense. Then she took the surrounding towns to have a defensive perimeter. One thing led to another, and Xena was a warlord terrorizing the countryside. But, true to her original intent, she spared defenseless women and children. When her underlings thought that made her soft she broke from them, and began an epic quest for redemption. Soon after this she met Gabrielle, a young villager whose community is raided. With ambitions exceeding her small town's reach Gabrielle decides to follow Xena on her travels.
Xena is a mythic hero. Lacking the godly strength of Hercules, she nevertheless matches him in battle by virtue of superhuman agility. Plus, as she says, "I have many skills" -- including tactics, strategy, eastern martial arts, horsemanship, medicine, and singing. Xena is at the top of her form when we first see her. In sharp contrast to this we watch Gabrielle as she transforms from quick-witted but unsophisticated villager to wannabe bard to reluctant warrior.
Lucy Lawless got an early entry into the Hercules/Xena universe; she played Lysia in "Hercules and the Amazon Women", the very first of the movies that preceded the "Hercules" series. In fact this earlier role was a strike against her when trying out for the part of Xena in the "Hercules" series. But hair dye, boots with lifts, and skin bronzer transformed Lucy Lawless (5' 10 1/2", light brown hair, pale skin) to Xena (6' tall, brown-black hair, olive complexion). Add in a passable American accent, and this native New Zealander carried off the role of an Americanized Greek mythic hero with aplomb. When you see Xena riding at the gallop or trading blows with a foe that's really Lucy Lawless; when Xena is tumbling through the air it's a stunt performer.
Renee O'Connor also got an early start; she played an earlier version of Deianeira, Hercules' wife, in "Hercules and the Lost Kingdom", the second Hercules movie, before landing the role of Gabrielle. In the first season of X:WP O'Connor is listed as "also starring", after the title; only Lawless gets "starring" billing.
Various continuing characters from "Hercules" appear in Season One of X:WP:
- Kevin Smith as Ares, God of War
- Kevin Sorbo as Hercules
- Michael Hurst as Iolaus (Hercules' sidekick); also as Charon
- Robert Trebor as Salmoneus, mercurial merchant
- Bruce Campbell as Autolycus, King of Thieves
- Erik Thomson as Hades, God of the Underworld
Season One of Xena introduced a number of new faces that would become familiar:
- Danielle Cormack as Ephiny, Amazon warrior
- Paul Norell as Falafel, food stand vendor
- Karl Urban, who would appear again in seasons 2+ as Julius Caesar
- Hudson Leick as Callisto, nemesis extraordinaire
- Ted Raimi as Joxer, bumbling would-be warrior
More notable one-shot guest stars from Season One included:
- Kate Hodge as Celesta, Goddess of Death
- Galyn G"rg as Helen of Troy
- Tim Thomerson as Meleager the Mighty
- Peter McCauley as Talmodeus
Season One of X:WP was shot on 16mm film to keep production costs down, so the DVD video transfer is no better than you'd expect. The audio is quite a bit better, including outstanding music by Joseph LoDuca. The Xena theme, in particular, is a wonderful mix of bouzouki, french horns, and strings to mix traditional Greek sounds with the stirring European classical melodies we've come to associate with inspirational themes.
The 7-disc Season One collection is remarkable mostly for what it DOESN'T have. There are NO extras in the Season One DVDs AT ALL. Each of the 24 episodes is 44 minutes 15 seconds or less. There are no DVD or CC captions. There are no extra chapter stops; each episode has 5 or 6 chapters. The 7th disc is a CD-ROM, with rather unremarkable content. There are no printed guides in the set.
6 DVDs, with 4 episodes each; 24 total episodes
1 CD-ROM:
- Screensaver
- Cast & Director bios
- "Scrolls" - episode cast lists, guest stars ("mortals" and "gods"), search through the scrolls text
- Season One trivia game
Xena: Warrior Princess is a fun, butt-kicking action series. It's a shame that the DVD collection of Season One is both low on extra content and high on price.
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By S. McCready
Format:DVD
I looked for some reviews before picking up Universal's re-release of Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One, and unfortunately couldn't find any, so I purchased the set even though I didn't know what to expect.
-- Packaging / Discs --
Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One is packaged in one of those standard sized cases capable of holding multiple discs. The previous release by Anchor Bay (AB) was one of those brick sized digi-packs where you had to unfold the entire thing to get to all the discs. The reverse side of the cover lists all the episdoes (by disc) and includes breif summaries. There is not mention of first air date for the episodes. The discs themselves are all single sided, double layered discs. The only artwork on the discs is the red outline of the chakram (the round throwing blade used by Xena) and the "Xena: Warrior Princess" logo.
-- Video Quality --
First of all, I'm watching the episodes on a 32" Vizio 720p HDTV. It's being played on a progressive scan DVD player at 480p.
I no longer have access to the AB release of Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One, and thus can't compare the video quality of that set to this new one. Based on my memory of last watching the AB release (which was quite a few years ago) I can say that the episodes on the Universal release don't look any worse. In some cases that look better.
The picture has grain, that's going to be unavoidable considering Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One was shot on 16mm film stock. It wasn't until halfway through the second season that the producers switched to 35mm film stock. I haven't noticed any of the compression artifacts or other problems that plauged the AB release of this season. It's unfortunate that Universal couldn't have made this a 6 disc release, because I imagine that without the additional compression needed to fit 5 episodes per disc the video quality could be a little better. Regardless of that oversight, I'm more than pleased with the video quality of this release.
-- Soundtrack --
Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One is presented in a Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. That's just a fancy way of saying it's the orginal broadcast audio. Some people have complained because Universal choose to include the orginal audio rather than the upmixed 5.1 soundtrack that was created for the AB release. Most home theater systems are capable of upmixing 2.0 audio into 5.1 audio anyways.
-- Subtitles / Captioning --
Universal has included english subtitles for all 24 episodes. This was a feature that wasn't included on the AB release.
-- Extras --
Other than a handfull of trailers on the first disc, there are no special features included on this set. The AB release was also light on extras (it included a CD-ROM with some extra content for your computer). Universal owns the rights to the Xena: Warrior Princess tv series, but all of the special features included on the AB releases were produced and are owned by Davis/Panzer and the only way Universal can included these featues on their DVD's is if they license the right to them. Considering that this re-release of Xena: Season One is pretty much a budget release, I don't see Universal spending that kind of cash.
-- Conclusion --
Until a proper comparrison of the video quality of the AB release to the Universal release is done, I don't think it's fair for me to reccommend that people who have purchased the AB set, go out and replace it with this release. I will say that if you don't have the AB sets, or are one of the many hearing impaired Xena fans who held off on purchasing the previous sets because of the lack of subtitles/captioning then you really can't go wrong with this release.
-- Packaging / Discs --
Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One is packaged in one of those standard sized cases capable of holding multiple discs. The previous release by Anchor Bay (AB) was one of those brick sized digi-packs where you had to unfold the entire thing to get to all the discs. The reverse side of the cover lists all the episdoes (by disc) and includes breif summaries. There is not mention of first air date for the episodes. The discs themselves are all single sided, double layered discs. The only artwork on the discs is the red outline of the chakram (the round throwing blade used by Xena) and the "Xena: Warrior Princess" logo.
-- Video Quality --
First of all, I'm watching the episodes on a 32" Vizio 720p HDTV. It's being played on a progressive scan DVD player at 480p.
I no longer have access to the AB release of Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One, and thus can't compare the video quality of that set to this new one. Based on my memory of last watching the AB release (which was quite a few years ago) I can say that the episodes on the Universal release don't look any worse. In some cases that look better.
The picture has grain, that's going to be unavoidable considering Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One was shot on 16mm film stock. It wasn't until halfway through the second season that the producers switched to 35mm film stock. I haven't noticed any of the compression artifacts or other problems that plauged the AB release of this season. It's unfortunate that Universal couldn't have made this a 6 disc release, because I imagine that without the additional compression needed to fit 5 episodes per disc the video quality could be a little better. Regardless of that oversight, I'm more than pleased with the video quality of this release.
-- Soundtrack --
Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One is presented in a Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. That's just a fancy way of saying it's the orginal broadcast audio. Some people have complained because Universal choose to include the orginal audio rather than the upmixed 5.1 soundtrack that was created for the AB release. Most home theater systems are capable of upmixing 2.0 audio into 5.1 audio anyways.
-- Subtitles / Captioning --
Universal has included english subtitles for all 24 episodes. This was a feature that wasn't included on the AB release.
-- Extras --
Other than a handfull of trailers on the first disc, there are no special features included on this set. The AB release was also light on extras (it included a CD-ROM with some extra content for your computer). Universal owns the rights to the Xena: Warrior Princess tv series, but all of the special features included on the AB releases were produced and are owned by Davis/Panzer and the only way Universal can included these featues on their DVD's is if they license the right to them. Considering that this re-release of Xena: Season One is pretty much a budget release, I don't see Universal spending that kind of cash.
-- Conclusion --
Until a proper comparrison of the video quality of the AB release to the Universal release is done, I don't think it's fair for me to reccommend that people who have purchased the AB set, go out and replace it with this release. I will say that if you don't have the AB sets, or are one of the many hearing impaired Xena fans who held off on purchasing the previous sets because of the lack of subtitles/captioning then you really can't go wrong with this release.
48 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By Laurel
Format:VHS Tape
The 1st Season of Xena was addictive, mindblowing and, like all beginnings, had some kinks to be worked out. The casting of Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor was phenomenal from day one; Lawless (as most of you probably know) plays a profound, regretful, blue eyed, powerful former warlord who, thanks to help from Hercules, sets out to thoughtfully atone for her past reign of terror.
"Nothing you can do can erase the shame you've brought onto your kinsmen," Xena's mother exclaims. "Probably not," Xena admits sadly, eyes dropping, "but I'm going to spend the right of my life trying." And does she ever! In one of her first attempts at being "good", the warrior princess lays eyes on Gabrielle, a spirited and selfless village girl who, after seeing Xena's heroics, wants to "join up with Xena" and "wants to be a warrior like her" As all fans know, Gabrielle is instrumental in reforming Xena by sharing her unconditional love & showing her how much good there is to be done. Xena, of course, has a renewed purpose & reason to live while gladly ready to die for Gab. Like most 1st seasons, the characters are a little shaky, the acting is new & unsual, & the plots are somewhat undefined & experimental & therefore not as soul pinching, action packed and heartpounding as the seasons that so bravely followed. Also, while X & G's relationship grew dramatically over the years, it was only "friendly" at this stage of the game. At least they wised up in the 2nd season.
"Nothing you can do can erase the shame you've brought onto your kinsmen," Xena's mother exclaims. "Probably not," Xena admits sadly, eyes dropping, "but I'm going to spend the right of my life trying." And does she ever! In one of her first attempts at being "good", the warrior princess lays eyes on Gabrielle, a spirited and selfless village girl who, after seeing Xena's heroics, wants to "join up with Xena" and "wants to be a warrior like her" As all fans know, Gabrielle is instrumental in reforming Xena by sharing her unconditional love & showing her how much good there is to be done. Xena, of course, has a renewed purpose & reason to live while gladly ready to die for Gab. Like most 1st seasons, the characters are a little shaky, the acting is new & unsual, & the plots are somewhat undefined & experimental & therefore not as soul pinching, action packed and heartpounding as the seasons that so bravely followed. Also, while X & G's relationship grew dramatically over the years, it was only "friendly" at this stage of the game. At least they wised up in the 2nd season.
Still, it holds a special place in the hearts of all Xena fans as the noble beginning of a timeless legend of pursuing the things that matter: love, sacrifice, the greater good, nobility, triumpth, loss, life.
There are 24 great episodes but HIGHLIGHTS include:
"Sins Of The Past" -pilot episode
Xena journeys homeward determined to atone for the sins of her past, but her efforts to begin a new life are challenged by the vengeful warlord Draco. A betrothed village girl, Gabrielle, takes to the warrior princess immediately.
"Dreamworker"
Xena must enter the magical realm of the Dreamscape to rescue Gabrielle after she is kidnapped by an unlikely god.
"Altared States"
Xena & Gab intervene to save young boy from being sacrificed to a "one God" by his own father
"The Greater Good"
When Xena is hit with a poisoned dart, Gab must disguise herself as the warrior princess in a plan to save Salmoneous and a town from an evil warlord
"Callisto"
Xena must battle the fierce woman warrior Callisto, who is bent on revenge for the burning death of her family by evil Xena years ago. One of my top ten faves of all times...
"Is There A Doctor In The House?"
Xena attempts to end the Mitoan-Thessalian War while trying to use her medical knowledge to save the lives of numerous casualties, including the critically wounded Gabrielle
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Xena season 2
Excellent series start will not be disappointed getting this one. You can get hooked into the rest of the series.
Published 4 days ago by Movieman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than described!
The quality was as good as my VHS tapes if not better!! The picture was NOT grainy as others stated. Many praises!
Published 15 days ago by Stephanie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleased
The product came on time and there were no problems with it. I bought this to replace some bad discs that came with an anthology I bought from China.
Published 16 days ago by annieL
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really 4.5 stars
Gave Xena: Warrior Princess - Season One to my wife as a gift, and we have spent the last couple of weeks watching it. We have really enjoyed it for the most part. Read more
Published 2 months ago by golden age superman
5.0 out of 5 stars
great
good good enjoyed it very entaining brought back memories I can't wait to buy more good good good good good
Published 3 months ago by Kenitha Pearson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful blast from the past!
I used to watch this show when i was younger and hercules. my grandmother loved this show too so to find the first season and get it delivered on time for her birthday was great. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Crexis Geichi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love Xena
Title says it all. Great to watch on my kindle and my tablet. I bought all that they had. Would buy more if they had them
Published 4 months ago by shayna
5.0 out of 5 stars
Always been a fan of Zena
I enjoy the fact that I can download tv shows, and movies. It's relaxing when on a long ride to be able to view a tv show or movie.
Published 5 months ago by Derrick L. Ford
5.0 out of 5 stars
miss Xena
was delighted to see this DVD set at such a reasonable price. Sure miss Xena on TV. Set was in great shape and arrived sooner than predicted
Published 6 months ago by S. Peterson
1.0 out of 5 stars
never receved this item
i dont order all the time but sometimes do, never have i had a problem. this item was never receved
Published 12 months ago by sarah
