V is a re-imagining of the 1980's miniseries about the world's first encounter with an alien race. Simultaneously appearing over every major city in the world the Visitors (or V's) promote a message of peace. Through their generous offer to share advanced technology the V's build a following that may actually hide a more malevolent agenda one that twists a very deep component of human nature: devotion. V stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols Joel Gretsch as Father Jack Lourdes Benedicto as Valerie Logan Huffman as Tyler Laura Vandervoort... as Lisa with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker. [show more]
In a time where remakes are almost more prolific than original ideas, the reimagining of 'V' was hardly welcomed with open arms. Originally appearing on screens over 25 years ago in 1983, 'V' became a cult classic and one of the pioneers of 'event television.' As such, it made sense to capitalise on a well-known science fiction franchise. The critical and commercial success of J.J. Abrams' modernisation of 'Star Trek' in 2009 proved that a great idea, widely loved by many over a number of years, can be developed while remaining true to the source material. Remaking a television series or movie is always a difficult move to make. Some remake shot-for-shot and end up being a pointless exercise (see 1998's 'Psycho') while others stray too far and end up as a shadow of their former selves (I'm still trying to forget 2004's 'Thunderbirds'!). On paper, using an already established brand may seem like a sure-fire hit, but as many have found out before, it's never quite that simple.
Arguably the new series of 'V' owes its existence to the success of 'Battlestar Galactica,' another show reimagined for a modern audience. Ronald D. Moore developed a show that brought the same characters into a modern style with a few twists added in. The names may have been the same, and the ideas similar, but no doubt it was a show of its own. It alienated some old viewers, but gained many more. The key was simply to be a good show, with a strong and believable script, and a unique visual style. Over time, it came out of the shadows formed by the 1978 Glen A. Larson series, and became its own entity. It proved that it is possible to be creative and unique even if you are borrowing from an existing idea, and paved the way for others to learn how to use a 'reimagining' in an innovative way, rather than in a sloppy and lazy fashion.
One of the main stumbling blocks for bringing 'V' up-to-date was the message that the storyline represented. The allegorical references to Nazis and the Master Race in relation to the 'Visitors' in 'V' have been known for years, and even though it took place many years after the war, 1983 was a far different time to 2009. The tone and conflict should be something that hits home no matter when it's shown, but the underlying subtext would not necessarily translate after so much time had passed. To that effect, people have speculated the recent series has taken on the form of representing such events as Obama's presidency and the heightened fear of terrorism post-9/11. This certainly isn't a show that would have succeeded in 2001. There is always a danger of over-analysing a media piece though, and so whether in 1983 or 2009, a story about visitors from space will always be fascinating to a lot of people. Not as a deep thoughtful piece, but as sheer entertainment.
It's the storylines that carry the episodes - granted, there's some impressive visuals that look spectacular in HD but this is by no means a shallow series carried by special effects. Whether you are familiar with the original or not, you can jump straight in. That's the beauty of a reimagining - for some, it may feel like an old friend returning, yet a whole new audience is welcomed too. The core of the show is driven by a simple idea of a collective of spaceships appearing all around the world, controlled by supposed peace-bringing aliens. As expected, nothing is quite how it seems, and in a succint 12 episode season we watch everything unravel at a slow burning pace. You're put in the middle of the action, trying to work out what the truth truly is, and unlike other shows you feel you will eventually get answers.
I can't speak highly enough of the cast, made up of true veterans of genre television, and some of the best new young talent coming through the ranks. Elizabeth Mitchell (straight off her heartbreaking performance as Juliet in the sorely missed 'Lost') plays Erica, an FBI agent at the forefront of exploring the true motives of the 'Visitors.' She is joined by Joel Gretsch ('The 4400') as a priest just as suspicious of the new arrivals, and Scott Wolf ('Party Of Five' and 'The Nine') taking on the role of a news anchor caught between his own humanity and exploration of the unknown.
The 'Visitors' are lead by their Queen Anna (Morena Baccarin - 'Firefly' and 'Stargate SG-1'), with her daughter Lisa (Laura Vandervoort - Kara in 'Smallville'), and supported by many characters - both those clearly alien and others who work undercover as humans to infiltrate Earth including Doctor Pearlman (Lexa Doig - 'Andromeda' and 'Stargate SG-1'). The dialogue is powerful, with an uneasy yet intriguing dynamic between the 'Visitors' and the human race. Without spoiling the show too much, there are many shifts and unexpected twists and turns, and you truly have to have your wits about you to know who is on which side by the end of the season.
Having been renewed for a second season (starting soon after this release), viewers can enjoy the first season knowing there'll be a definite continuation. With episodes directed by familiar sci-fi faces such as Jonathan Frakes (Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Robert Duncan McNeill (Star Trek: Voyager), 'V' has a breakout first set of episodes which truly benefits from the talent in front and behind the camera. I can highly recommend this to fans old and new, and would certainly suggest picking up the Blu-ray if possible for maximum visual pleasure.
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The complete first season of the US sci-fi drama. When 'Visitors' from outer space land on Earth, their leader, Anna (Morena Baccarin), explains that they will offer medical information and cutting-edge technology in exchange for supplies. FBI agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) soon realises the Visitors' true intentions are to take over the world. She joins a group of fighters that are determined to protect their planet. Episodes comprise: 'Pilot', 'There Is No Normal Anymore', 'A Bright New Day', 'It's Only the Beginning', 'Welcome to the War', 'Pound of Flesh', 'John May', 'We Can't Win', 'Heretic's Fork', 'Hearts and Minds', 'Fruition' and 'Red Sky'.
They arrive. Earth's first alien encounter begins when huge motherships appear over 29 major cities. The visitors - the Vs - are human-like beings who know our language and bring awesome gifts of healing and technology. People everywhere welcome them as saviours, but a fledging resistance is on the rise, determined to reveal the shocking truth. The 2-DISC, 12- EPISODE SEASON ONE of this amazing series combines sci-fi thrills with dazzling technical virtuosity. Adventure awaits. Actors David Richmond-Peck, Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Lourdes Benedicto, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort, Morena Baccarin & Scott Wolf Certificate 15 years and over Year 2009 Screen Widescreen 16:9 Anamorphic Languages English - Dolby Digital (5.1) Subtitles English
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