Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

( Max score: 100 )

90

Film Synopsis:

It all comes down to this. Television's most innovative and compelling series comes to a stunning conclusion in ABC's Lost: The Complete Sixth Season - The Final Season. The critically acclaimed epic drama will finally reveal the fate of the Oceanic 815 survivors and all who have joined their journey, and will uncover even more secrets with never-before-seen content available only on Blu-ray! In the aftermath of a monumental explosion, reality shifts for everyone associated with the mystical island. Discover their ultimate destiny on Blu-ray, complete with exciting bonus features and a fascinating recap to catch up up on everything you need to know about the celebrated series.

My Take:

When Lost debuted in 2004 we were anxious to see what it was all about. We were not disappointed as the show features intrigue, suspense, and character driven storylines that are captivating. The weekly entanglements/cliffhangers are addicting as we tuned in to see what the island had in store for the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. Character connection and development are strong, the writing is conceptually creative and the thrills/action is engaging. Not only do the survivors have to contend with the island and its unique brand of peril but the inexplicable nature of time travel, revolving doors, and a seemingly never ending phenomena that defies explanation. Amidst all of this we are treated to the continuing interpersonal relationships that ebb and flow among the survivors/others. This is where the show excels as the character base has excellent depth. Many questions loom, some unanswered, others, left up to interpretation but there's never any doubt that each episode has something interesting, exciting and entertaining in store.

The announcement that season six would be the last left fans disappointed but anxious to see how everything would come together. Season six returns to one of the things that I loved most about Lost, focus on its characters. I think that in order to bring any form of closure to the series it would be essential to reestablish an engaging and emotive connection especially with regard to the human condition. We got that in spades as the plotline refrains from excessively dense elements but in typical Lost fashion provides answers while raising new questions. The primordial good versus evil theme (light versus dark) feels appropriate and the manipulative nature of its subtle ambiguity is nicely integrated. Simultaneously the flash sideways segments present an enriching divergence that almost serves as a caricature to the events unfolding on the island. I personally liked its conceptual basis and significance within the series' construct but can appreciate the opinion of its dissidents. By far season six offers the most emotionally driven and thematically impacted scenarios, all of which culminate in a bittersweet finale that many feel fails to answer some very pertinent questions. While I share some of that frustration I couldn't help but have a sense of awe and satisfaction derived from the total sum of this spectacular TV show's parts as I gleaned the inevitability and full circle purpose in its conclusion.

Lost will be missed by those that loved it. Its blend of character driven drama, interpretative/open ended plotlines, science fiction and action/adventure made it one of the most original, enthralling, and entertaining television series ever. All 16 episodes and the bonus supplements are spread out over five BD-50 dual layered Blu-ray discs with disc 5 containing the final episode and bonus supplements, most of which are offered in high definition. If you're curious and haven't seen the show you needn't worry, there is a segment on disc one called Lost in 8:15 - a crash course which provides a quick but intuitive overview of the entire series to this point. I highly recommend watching it even if you have seen most or all of the series because it offers information that you may have missed. Great stuff indeed.

Parental Guide:

The rating is appropriate as the show contains violence, thematic material and some sensuality.

Audio: 90

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Video: 90

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Lost: The complete sixth season - The final season comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.5 Mbps.

I am happy with the quality of this video presentation as it appears reminiscent of show's broadcast elements which I always thought looked very good in high definition. Colors are visually stimulating with deeply saturated hues that easily convey the lush jungles, coastline vistas and landscapes on the island. Skin tones are beautifully rendered with excellent tonal quality, lifelike texture and diverse complexional highlights. Images are crisp with defining textural detail, stable sharpness and two dimensional perspective that enhances long range camera shots. Blacks are strong with good delineation and shadow detail offers visible gradational depth in dark backgrounds and low lit sequences. There is a thin veil of grain that permeates the video however rendering is natural and unobtrusive. This presentation appears faithful and has a polished and pristine quality that looks terrific in high definition.

The high resolution DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is superb. This mix generates an active sound field filled with discrete/directional effects that occasionally stimulate the senses. Solid dynamic quality and crystal clarity help enhance the sometimes tumultuous and fairly aggressive nature of the mix during action based sequences. The variable depth of the soundstage is appreciable as the sounds of the island create an immersive listening environment that envelops the sweet spot. Bass is deep and room penetrating as low frequency energy resonates with authority and tactile purpose. Sound effects are well placed and are executed with transparent precision that can sometimes be jarring. Dialogue is full bodied, well intonated and aurally descriptive throughout. This is a highly detailed, involving and fairly complex surround mix that I found to be quite impressive.

Bonus Features:

• Disc's 1-4:

  
  
• Audio commentaries with cast and crew on episodes: LA X, Across the sea, Dr. Linus, and Ab Aeterno
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• Lost in 8:15 - A crash course
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  Disc 5:

  
  
• Lost University Master Program - BD-Live enabled interactive feature - Superlative content that provides a multitude of courses and guides to the show's mythos as well as many answers to all things Lost
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• (HD) The new man in charge featurette - 12 minutes
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• (HD) Crafting a final season featurette - 40 minutes
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• (HD) Lost on location - 6 making of featurettes (totaling 30 minutes) for the following episodes:
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  2. LA X
     
  3. The substitute
     
  4. Recon
     
  5. Ab Aeterno
     
  6. Happily ever after
     
  7. The candidate
  
  
• (HD) A hero's journey - 9 minute featurette
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• (HD) See you in another life, Brotha - 9 minute featurette
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• 9 deleted scenes
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• (HD) 4 minute Lost Blooper reel
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• Disney's Season Play
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• BD-Live enabled

Final Thoughts:

For six seasons Lost engaged us by pushing the envelope with excellent writing, a core of strong characters portrayed by a cast who played well to their strengths and challenging its fans with a TV show that dared to be different. Whether or not you found the series finale wholly satisfying there is no denying that the journey was well worth it. Disney/Buena Vista's season six/series send off on high definition Blu-ray disc looks and sounds spectacular. The bonus supplements are rewarding and include the exclusive BD-Live powered Lost University - Master Program feature which is a fans delight. If you are a devotee of the show this set belongs in your collection and comes highly recommended. Enjoy!