Rating: 
Summary: Intense thriller
Review: I never saw the tv show, so the dvd set was my first contact with 24. The pace is intense, and the story line(s) very intriguing. The quality is far better than any other series I've ever seen on TV, and better than almost any film too. This series is very engaging, and the dvd format allows you to view it without commercials, and without waiting a week to see the next episode. Overall, this is incredible entertainment. I can't wait until next year, so I can buy season 2.
Rating:
Summary: Better than TV!
Review: I purchased this because I missed the TV season and subsequently heard how good the series was. While the DVD has a small amount of extras (actually, tiny would better describe it), avoiding commercials is a huge plus. Besides saving HOURS of time, the tension never rests.While missing Season I was unintentional, I'm purposely NOT watching Season II so I can wait for the DVD.
Rating:
Summary: It really is that good-really.
Review: After having watched in wonder the broadcasts of the first season of "24" I was curious as to whether the breathless excitement would evaporate in repeat viewings, stripped of the "first time" thrill. When the show aired I was held captive every Tuesday night for an hour, watching the realtime countdown clock tick away the minutes. I couldn't wait until the next installment, and marvelled at how deftly the writers, directors and actors handled something so raw and new. In what is a tired medium, this was a revelation. Let me tell you, the DVD set brings back the "out of control" joy I felt watching the original broadcasts- and more. I can study the detail and see just how on the edge the production is- twists and turns of plot are still exciting, and hindsight makes everything that is said and done resonate with doom.
Rating:
Summary: One of my TV favorites...
Review: Every television series has a dud episode every season. Whenever The X-Files focused on its central alien conspiracy plot, doldrums set in. Whenever The Simpsons made Abe Simpson the lead in an episode, there were more yawns than laughter (thankfully, this only happens maybe once a season). And majority of shows also have had their share of dull episodes that exist only as a filler for an entire season. But with 24, the case is different. Yes, a subplot that's introduced late in the season is there just for filler and it comes across as rather unlikely, but even at its weakest, 24 is still always thrilling and breakneck paced. Put it this way, this show offers every bit of the same adrenaline rush cinematic actioners such as Speed and Face/Off provided, but improves upon such films because of its great characters, complex script, and director Stephen Hopkins' surprisingly adept eye at mixing high-octane thrills and touching drama. In case you haven't heard much about 24, the plot revolves around CIA agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland, making a career resurgence) who, specifically, is one of the heads of CTU (counter terrorist unit). He's having a little trouble at home around midnight, when he finds that his somewhat estranged daughter, Kim (Elisha Cuthbert), has run off for the night. Before he and his wife, Teri (Leslie Hope), can search for her, he's urgently called to work, as it's believed within the next 24 hours there will be an assasination attempt on Senator David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert), a black presidential candidate who stands a good chance at becoming the next leader of the free world. Plot-wise that's all you really need to know. The joy of the series comes from the unexpected plot twists, the nail-biting situations and the ways Jack Bauer improvises upon these numerous dilemmas. Unlike most thrillers, 24 doesn't cop out; the clever script adds little nuances that'll put a smile on your face (when Bauer is desperate to interview a henchman alone, watch what he does). The central plot holds together amazingly well, and never bogs down in confusion. The final plot twist is a doozy, and while it might be a little puzzling at first, it makes sense after some careful thought. As stated before, the only time the script really stumbles is in that one subplot, but othewise, this is an unexpectedly well-written thriller that's both intelligent and thought-provoking. There's a lot of attention paid to characters (the villains aren't one-dimensional thugs) and detail, examining the interesting political structure behind a candidacy, as well as the people that make it happen. 24 is directed like a movie, meaning we get very crisp, often brilliant editing and outstanding cameawork. On a technical level, it's hard to fault the show, all the more impressive when you realize the series is in real-time. Such seemingly minor details as traffic lights are not ignored, and these little additions add extra tension, building upon an already unbearably suspenseful storyline. The musical score also adds another layer of suspense, and unlike most TV series, doesn't rely on a repeating theme that gets tiresome and annoying. As a thriller, 24 delivers an abundance of exciting action sequences. There are shootouts, chases, and nail-biting games of cat-and-mouse that that are set-up magnficently and feature equally satisfying pay-offs. The final episode is perhaps 24's most thrilling segment, featuring an intense gunfight that actually resonates dramatically. There's also an awe-inspiring, heart-pounding game of chicken between two passing cars that possibly represents the series' most compelling confrontation (and believe me, that's saying a lot). These action scenes work not only because of how well-choreographed they are, but because you actually care about the situations and the outcomes. Unlike most films about assasination attempts, the candidate whose life is at stake is a superbly developed character. As played by Dennis Haysbert in a compelling performance, we actually care about what happens to this man because he's a likeable, flesh-and-blood individual and not just some macguffin that drives the plot forward. A dilemma within this character's own family and campaign adds an intriguing extra dimension that a lesser film or series would have ignored. But the actor who truly makes the series gel is Kiefer Sutherland. The man has always been an underrated actor, delivering solid performances on a consistent basis. But this his best work to date. As Jack Bauer, Sutherland is riveting, creating a character that works as both a family man and as a tough man of action. With a magnetic presence and dramatic range, this is a wonderful performance that was entirely deserving of the Golden Globe Sutherland received. Leslie Hope, as his wife, adds warmth to the series in a performance that's often touching, and always believable. It's nice to see she's no damsel in distress, either. The rest of the cast is quite good, I especially loved the adding of Dennis Hopper as a villian, but honestly? What's NEW? HE IS The VILLIN ("Speed") The season ends on a surprisingly powerful note, as if though the creators made certain conclude the story with a bang and not a whimper. They certainly succeeded. The main story arcs are resolved, but each character has a price to pay. It's in the final scenes you realize 24 has transcended beyond the realm of great entertainment and into the pantheon of genuine masterpiece. Believe me, there's no better show on television today.
Rating:
Summary: The best series I've ever watched.
Review: Nothing else can match 24. 24 has provided some of the most tense episodes of any show. Sopranos, Oz, and the Dead Zone are great, but nothing can touch 24. Go Keifer!
Rating:
Summary: The reason they created 'complete season' DVDs
Review: In a time when 'Survivor' ruled the ratings board, '24' emerged as a truly innovative idea. A real time TV show. An entire day in one season. The idea was critically acclaimed, but so was 'Monster's Ball'. What does that tell you? Each of the six discs has four 48 minutes episodes (the other 12 minutes were taken up by commercials in the original broadcasts) that chronicle Jack Bower as he tries to unravel the truth behind the planned assassination of the first black man with a real shot at the White House. Jack must contend with moles, kidnappings, ransom demands, and even a CTU sniper that blames Jack for the incarceration of his old partner.
I was skeptical at first at the idea. While it was imaginative, it sounded very technically taxing, and most TV writers buckle under that kind of pressure. But the plot kept moving by throwing in twist after twist. The cast was extraordinarily talented, and the speed with which the plot moves makes you anxious to see what's going to happen once something's resolved. All the lies, secrets, illusions, double-agents, and wrong-place-wrong-time scenarios make '24' an indespensable title for espionage libraries.
The last disc, which features a pointless introduction by Keifer Sutherland, contains an alternate ending which is very dissapointing in its feeling (or rather lack thereof). The commentary that went with it summed up my feelings when it said "I think we sort of sabotaged ourselves [to get the ending we really wanted]." The original ending is superb, though a little predictable. Oddly, the ending is the only part that you can see coming, when even the most predictable movies can have a totally surprising finale. THat's what this feels like, a movue, not a TV show. Buy this for the story, not the special features. Without a doubt, it's a TV history-maker.
Rating:
Summary: Watch It In 24 Hours!!
Review: Each of the episodes is about 45 minutes long, so it's really an 18-hour action movie giving you 6 hours to sleep, plus there are 20 seconds of credits at the end of each episode giving you time to go to the bathroom or to grab food from the fridge. As you can tell, I've been totally immersed and addicted to '24' and you will too, especially if you watch it over 24 hours or over a single weekend. For fans of action especially that with elements of political intrigue and family drama, this is a wet dream come true. In terms of quality of acting/action, I would give it four stars. Keifer Sutherland is perfect for the role of director of counter-terrorism who frequently departs from department protocol. His associates, as well as the first-family-to-be and the terrorists all do a fantastic job. The plot is filled with all kinds of twists and subplots while managing for the most part to be believable to a CNN-conscious audience. The subject matter and the themes in the '24' are extremely relevant to our time. It gets a fifth star because it's such a great value. Although [it] might seem a bit pricey at first, what you're getting is the equivalent of 12 movies for the price of 2. And it has replay value beyond watching it in one weekend or lending it to friends. See it the first time for the suspense, the second time as a mystery to look for clues with the ending in mind, and a third time just to see the action again. The only reason I did not follow the entire series when it was on TV was because I don't like cliffhanger endings in between episodes, but that's why '24' was made for DVD because then you don't have to wait a week to see what happened next. You can experience events as Jack experienced them--with a lack of sleep and rest and driven entirely by adrenaline and caffeine.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Incredible, Blown Away
Review: Alright, all I have to say is buy this set. I bought it and watched all "24 hours" in 3 days. A 24 hour movie that will blow you away, this show is like no other. I lent it to my friend after I had watched it, and now him and his sister are addicted too. They watched 5 hours in a row last night!
It's hard to explain why it's so good. Kiefer Sutherland is outstanding. The plot is outstanding. Everything is just so freaking good! I had so many reactions to this show it was funny. From biting my nails, to "hell yeahs!" to "damn how he gonna pull this off?", 24 puts the audience through an emotional roller-coaster.
The picture quality is anamorphic widescreen and just looks pretty. A few white spots here and there in some scenes, most people won't notice it. The sound is very good quality and used well considering it is only dolby digital.
I recommend this DVD set without hesitation to everyone. This is film making at its best.
Rating:
Summary: CAUTION: This show is highly addictive!
Review: I hadn't watched one episode during the season; didn't even know what the premise was until I heard the promos in Blockbuster. Then I thought I'd try it out. I rented disc 1. Then I raced back for disc 2. They were out of disc 2 FOR A WEEK! I was going through SERIOUS withdrawal before I finally got hold of disc 2. I watched about half of the series on my portable DVD player on the plane. I was so hooked that at one point I was hurrying to set up so I could watch the end of an episode at a pay phone in O' Hare airport between flights! This isn't like the complete season of "Friends", or "SG-1", or even "The Sopranos". It's more like a 6 disc, 24 part, 18 hour MOVIE. You can't just stop in the middle.
Rating:
Summary: Best Television Show Ever. Period.
Review: I don't know what else to say. I've never seen a more riveting, intense, interesting television show. I've never jumped up and down at a television show pumping my arms in the air with frustration or glee before. Buy the DVDs if you missed last year's season. Buy them if you saw it and watch it again. Amazing television.
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