The demonically possessed fans of Buffy who own DVD players will probably buy this regardless, but for a show that has inspired the most rabid fan base since Star Trek, this half-season DVD collection (it was a mid-season replacement) is surprisingly lacking in treats for the compulsive. Sure it looks better than any show shot on 16mm deserves to, and creator Joss Whedon's self-deprecating interviews and two-episode commentary are appropriately droll, but David Boreanaz (Angel) is the only cast member to make an interview appearance here. Surely the rest of the cast could spare a couple of hours for the show that made them all famous and rich? Apparently not.
As for the show itself, the first season struggles with the balance of action, comedy and drama that has made it "the best thing on television" (as any resident of the Buffyverse will tell you), but it reveals a well thought-out mythology already fully intact, and the core characters are completely fleshed out right from the beginning. But considering that every crappy teen comedy and kung fu flick around is getting a kitchen sink DVD issue, Buffy fans deserve better.
As for the show itself, the first season struggles with the balance of action, comedy and drama that has made it "the best thing on television" (as any resident of the Buffyverse will tell you), but it reveals a well thought-out mythology already fully intact, and the core characters are completely fleshed out right from the beginning. But considering that every crappy teen comedy and kung fu flick around is getting a kitchen sink DVD issue, Buffy fans deserve better.
