8.7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.9 | |
Reviewer | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.9 |
After a somewhat mysterious sequence of events, an oceanic flight from Sydney to LA crashes on what appears to be a deserted island. The chance of being found and rescued is fairly small, so the survivors have to cope with a set of challenges. They have to learn to survive on the island, a mysterious place with enough dangers on its own. Also, they have to learn to live with each other if any success is to be expected. And finally, they have to live with themselves and their pasts. Interwoven with the events on the islands are flashbacks to the pasts of 14 main characters. Step by step, we learn a little more about their diverse and unexpected pasts as the group's quest to survive takes shape.
Starring: Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Terry O'QuinnAdventure | 100% |
Sci-Fi | 72% |
Action | 63% |
Mystery | 60% |
Thriller | 45% |
Psychological thriller | 38% |
Supernatural | 25% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: LPCM 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Five-disc set (5 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, C (locked)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 5.0 |
I rarely make pronouncements as dramatic as this one, but “Lost” is, quite simply, the best television show in the history of the medium. That’s a bold statement with all of the quality shows that have graced the small screen over the last decade. The creative forces behind “Lost,” Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof, have created a show so rich with new ideas, exceptional character development and highly imaginative storytelling, that they’ve elevated each weekly episode of “Lost” into the same league as the finest motion pictures. In addition to the show’s evolved storytelling and production values, “Lost” has become a true pop culture phenomenon and has spawned a devoted legion of fans worldwide. Season four of “Lost” had the potential to be a complete disaster, like the ill-fated second season of competing show “Heroes.” The writer’s strike had taken its toll on both productions and both shows were in danger of presenting seriously shortened seasons that would have been unable to complete the story-arcs that both writing teams had been striving for. Rather than taking the rest of the year off after the writer’s strike was settled, as the creators of “Heroes” chose to do, the “Lost” crew soldiered on and managed to put together the show’s finest season yet. Season 4 of “Lost” is a true revelation that has cemented the show’s iconic status as a television masterpiece.
John Locke: The most enigmatic of all the show's characters
"Lost: Season 4" Arrives on Blu-ray in full 1080P in its original televised aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Disney has, as usual, chosen the AVC compression codec to do the heavy lifting and the results are simply stunning. "Lost" is broadcast in 720P on ABC and this Blu-ray set is a major upgrade over the broadcast version from a picture quality standpoint. In addition to its superior resolution, "Lost" is also encoded at a much higher bitrate for Blu-ray and the set is noticeably more film-like than its broadcast counterpart. "Lost" is one of the few shows on television that is shot with as much attention to cinematographic technique as most high budget films. It's really a stunning visual experience.
With the show's setting becoming more global, "Lost" was host to many more locations than ever before in season 4. In addition to the ubiquitous Island, the show visits Los Angeles, several Middle Eastern countries as well as various European locations. As a result, the show has adopted a more naturalistic approach to filming in each location. Colors are uniformly lush where appropriate and washed out and faded depending upon location. Similarly, various special filming techniques are used throughout the season to heighten the emotional and analytical impact of what unfolds on screen. I had never been as aware of the painstaking attention to detail that the production takes until I finally saw the show on Blu-ray. As such, this is a Blu-ray transfer that maintains an amazing sense of depth and detail throughout. Contrast is uniformly excellent with deep, satisfying black levels and exceptional attention to shadow details. Distracting picture artifacts are noticeably absent as well with the entire series of episodes achieving a very film-like appearance. "Lost" on Blu-ray is a must own title for fans of the show. For those not yet into the show, once season 4 rolls around for you, this set will not disappoint.
Disney has wisely utilized uncompressed PCM 5.1 sound for "Lost: Season 4". Along with the vast improvements in picture quality offered on Blu-ray, the show's audio is leaps and bounds better than that which is broadcast on ABC. While "Lost" does occasionally feature exciting action sequences that come across akin to a big budget action movie, the majority of the show is dialogue driven affair with the occasional atmospheric effect perfectly integrated for ambience. Of course, "Lost" is an inherently creepy show and the series' sound designers have apparently had a great deal of fun with loads of spooky rear channel activity that amps up the chill factor. Dialogue is also extremely well presented and overcomes the occasional shortcomings of broadcast Dolby Digital that crop up in the show's regular TV airings. "Lost" also features a remarkable musical score that is littered with the occasional dash of popular music. This is also well presented and placed perfectly within the mix. The show does a remarkable job of creating a spacial feel with its sound design. This helps to create an enveloping experience that transports the viewer into the lives of the characters within the show. It might not be a constantly flashy experience, but is is extremely effective.
Disney hasn't skimped on the supplements with the release of "Lost: Season 4."
Here's what's included:
-LOST in 8:15
-The Right to Bear Arms
-The Freighter Folk
-The Island Backlot: Lost in Hawaii
-The Oceanic Six: A Conspiracy of Lies
-Offshore Shoot
-Soundtrack of Survival: Composing for Character, Conflict and the Crash
-LOST on Location
-Course of the Future: The Definitive Flash-forwards
-LOST Bloopers
-Deleted Scenes
-Audio Commentaries
-SeasonPlay
-Course of the Future: The Definitive Interactive Flash-forwards
-More from the Symphony
Starting off the set is "LOST in 8:15." The featurette attempts to provide the novice "Lost" viewer with an 8 minute catch-up session for the entire series. It's a nice idea, with the caveat that no 8 minute clip could ever begin to explain the complexities of this incredibly detailed show in such a short period of time. Up next are featurettes that introduce the audience to the new characters appearing on the show, the guns used in the series as well as the show's intricate set design. of my favorite features is the "Soundtrack of Survival" clips that showcase the show's excellent soundtrack being performed in front of a live audience by the Honolulu Symphony Pops. Fans of the show will likely be impressed with the numerous deleted scenes contained within the set as well as the on-set bloopers and in-depth audio commentaries. Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof are always passionate, funny and enlightening when discussing their show, and they are equally impressive here. This Blu-ray set also includes the SeasonPlay feature that keeps track of which episodes you've watched, just in case you happen to forget. It's a nice feature that really helps those viewers who don't view the show in long marathon sessions to keep track of their progress through the season. All told, this is a comprehensive and entertaining set of supplements that serve as an excellent backdrop to this groundbreaking series.
In its 4th and most engaging season, "Lost" has established itself as a show for the ages. It never ceases to be continually engaging, groundbreaking, emotionally grounded and fascinating. By focusing a show that deals in heavy science fiction, horror and suspense into an in-depth character study, the show's creators have achieved the impossible: they've made a genre show into something for the masses. "Lost" storms onto Blu-ray sporting a first rate video transfer that is superior in every way to the broadcast versions of the show. Sound is equally impressive and helps to enforce the spooky nature of the show. Finally, the supplements are in-depth and provide a well rounded look behind the scenes while simultaneously building on the aura of the show. "Lost" on Blu-ray is a must own title and easily earns my highest recommendation.
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2009
Dharma Initiative Orientation Kit
2009
Collector's Edition with Bonus Disc and DHARMA Luggage Tag
2009
The Final Season
2010
Collector's Edition with Bonus Disc
2010
2020
2013
2007
2009
2009
Movie Only Edition
2012
Director's Cut
2009
2009
2018
1991
2004
1993
2004
2001
1997
2013
50th Anniversary Special
2013
2015
2014
Collector's Edition
2013