Fringe - The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray)

Written by Senora Bicho

The series finale of Lost would have left a large void in my television schedule were it not for Fringe. As the fall season gets underway it is the only show I am highly anticipating with lofty expectations. While I enjoyed the first season, the second season was outstanding and solidified their hold on me as a viewer.

The first season of Fringe followed FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) as they investigated cases involving strange phenomena and sought to uncover how the large global company, Massive Dynamic, fit into these events. We also learned about the existence of an alternate universe which Olivia is transported to in order to meet William Bell (Leonard Nimoy) the founder and chairman of Massive Dynamic.

Season Two is difficult to write about without giving too much away since there are big reveals throughout. It starts with Olivia being thrown from a car with no recollection of her visit to the alternate universe but with the knowledge that she must do something very important. As she tries to remember what happened, she is being hunted by a shape-shifting soldier sent by someone from the parallel reality seeking to silence her forever. Over the course of the season, the alternate universe is further explained and the team crosses over. Each of the main characters has a counterpart living in the other world and seeing how they differ creates an extra layer of intrigue. The strengthening relationship of Peter and Walter is another main storyline of the season along with the discovery of Peter's past that threatens to undo the bond that has formed between them. Peter and Olivia's romantic tension continues to tease viewers as well.

Like The X-Files, there are episodes that deal with the series' mythology and others with stories that standalone. That worked in the first season, but at this point the series is beginning to get so entrenched in its mythology with so much going on that to be able to catch an episode here or there and feel satisfied is hard to imagine. Character development, emotional connections, and relationships are more at the forefront which is what made the season so special. They have been able to find the perfect blend of science fiction and character-driven storytelling.

Along with all 22 episodes from the season, which are spread across four discs, there are many special features. Three episodes come with commentary tracks provided by the creative team, and "Peter" features John Noble and Blair Brown, moderated by TV Guide Magazine's Damian Holbrook. While the creative team commentaries are interesting, the "Peter" episode was my favorite of the season and it is wonderful to get more background, especially Nobel's thoughts since it centers on Walter's actions. "Beyond the Pattern: The Mythology of Fringe" is a comprehensive overview of the season that offers interviews of cast and crew providing additional insights. It is the perfect vehicle to prepare and excite viewers for the start of the new season. "Analyzing the Scene" provides in-depth details on the making of certain scenes from six key episodes. Also included is "Unearthed," a standalone unaired episode from season one that aired as a special during the break in season two. "In the Lab with John Noble and Prop Master Rob Smith" offers a tour of the lab set and a demonstration of some of the more notable props. There is also a gag reel and unaired scenes.

The 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer delivers a solid picture at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Colors have rich hues and skintones are realistic and consistent. Black is prevalent in the color scheme of the series' production design, regularly appearing inky although there is minimal noise on occasion. Detail sharpness seems dictated by the source.

The audio is Dolby Digital 5.1. Dialogue is clear and balanced well with the effects and music. Together they demonstrate very good dynamics. There is very good ambiance including the rear speakers. Sounds move across the system and are positioned throughout the soundscape. The subwoofer delivers a solid contribution.

I was a huge fan of The X-Files but am an even bigger fan of Fringe as it has more heart and characters I have come to love and root for, most notably Walter. John Noble's portrayal of this quirky and flawed scientist is one of the best performances on television these days.

Season Three starts on September 23rd and after reviewing this Blu-ray collection, I am even more excited for it.

Fringe - The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)

Written by Senora Bicho

Fringe is the latest creation of J.J. Abrams whose previous television work includes Felicity, Alias, and Lost. Being a fan of all of those shows, I was eager to see to check it out. Abrams doesn’t hide the fact that he is fan of the The X-Files and this show is clearly homage to it. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, writers of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, co-created the show and have worked with Abrams in the past on Star Trek (2009) and Mission: Impossible III.

FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) is assigned to the special unit that investigates strange phenomena. Her first case involves a mysterious fatal toxin that killed a plane full of people. When her partner, John Scott (Mark Valley), becomes infected she learns of Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) through the course of her research for a cure. Dr. Bishop is known for his work on fringe science, a classified U.S. Army operation focusing on things like invisibility, re-animation, and mind control. Dunham wants to meet with Dr. Bishop but the problem is that he has been locked up in a mental institution for many years after a lab accident and the only authorized visitors are immediate family. Therefore, Dunham enlists his son, Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), to arrange a meeting. Peter is estranged from his father and we learn early on that it is a difficult relationship.

Through the course of the investigation, Dunham learns that this is not the first case of its kind. These types of occurrences are happening all over the world and have come to be known as “The Pattern.” A large global company, Massive Dynamic, appears to be closely linked to all of these events. The bulk of the season involves the story arc involving “The Pattern,” Massive Dynamic’s involvement, and how the main characters fit in. There are also standalone cases. Abrams wanted a show that could cater to the serious fan who wants to dig deeper and look for the clues tied to the underlying story while also providing the opportunity for viewers to be able to come and go as well.

The cast was superbly selected. Torv is gorgeous but also brings a down-to-earth charm and vulnerability to the role. I was initially disappointed with the choice of Jackson since I was never a fan of Dawson’s Creek and wasn’t sure if he could pull off this type of role. I was dead wrong. However, he is perfect as the renegade genius trying to reconnect with his father. Nobel is the shining star, his character is complex and multi-dimensional. He is a real mad scientist with warmth and an innocent, childlike quality. In extreme moments, he provides comic relief that diffuses the tension. The supporting cast includes the fantastic and intense Lance Reddick as Phillip Boyles and Jasika Nicole is the adorable young assistant Astrid Farnsworth. Blair Brown has a recurring role as Nina Sharp the CEO of Massive Dynamic.

One of the big mysteries of the season was who was the head of Massive Dynamic. This revelation fell a little flat when they showed the actor’s name in the opening credits; why would they do this? He only shows up in the last minute of the finale but it could have had a much greater impact had it been a complete surprise.

I am happy to report to fans, that in addition to the 20 episodes, this collection is packed with bonus features. Exclusive to Blu-ray, “Fringe Pattern Analysis” provides an expert’s perspective on notes, photos, and diagrams from six key scenes. “The Massive Undertaking” offers episode-specific featurettes available on select episodes along with “Dissected Files/Deleted Scenes.” “Fringe: Deciphering the Scene” highlights a particular scene from each episode. “Evolution: The Genesis of Fringe,” “Behind the Real Science,” “Fringe Visual Effects,” “The Casting of Fringe,” and “Gene the Cow” are more in-depth featurettes on these various areas. There is also a production diary and gag reel.

The video is presented in 1080p at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The details are mostly very sharp and rendered with great texture. Occasional softness creeps in, but appears to be due to the source. The colors are solidly displayed with minor black crush. Also evident is grain and limited contrast adjustment, but nothing that should detract from the visual experience.

However, audiophiles will understandably be annoyed that the set only comes with one option: Dolby Digital 5.1 instead of a lossless soundtrack. The surrounds get some use, but don’t create an immersive experience for the viewer. The dialogue is understandable from the fronts. The LFE is serviceable, but should deliver more oomph to the action proceedings.

Fringe is a science fiction thriller that allows the viewer to decide their level of involvement. The show hooked me right away but almost lost me with a couple of really outlandish cases, such as being able to images off of a dead man’s eyeball. I am glad that I stuck it out because once the season settled in around episode five, it became intriguing and exciting. I am not sure how satisfying it would be to just catch an episode here and there. My interest in the show is tied to the growth and depth of the characters and their involvement in the grand scheme. I would highly suggest watching all of season one before embarking on season two.

But you had better hurry, the new season starts on September 17th.