Xena, Warrior Princess 5

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10.12.04
XENA, warrior princess:
SEASON 5
DVD Boxed Set Review

Suggested Retail Price: $79.98
Online Price: $55.99
Costco: Not Available

DETAILS:
* Region 1
* 9 Discs - 22 episodes
* 1056 minutes
* Full screen
* English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
* Subtitles: Yes
* Studio: Universal Television & Anchor Bay
* Unrated
* Format: Color w/closed caption

Stars: Lucy Lawless, Rene O'Connor, Ted Raimi, Kevin Smith, and Hudson Leick

Let's face facts that Xena and Hercules could be very cheesey series. That being stated both series were loaded with action and fun to watch.

Lucy Lawless was the perfect choice as the Warrior Princess. The actress is beautiful, athletic, and can really pull out some acting ability when she wants too. After five seasons we've seen Gabrielle mature and turn into a warrior herself as she stand next to Xena ready to fight the gods and demons that are heaped about the innocent.

Xena, Warrior Princess aired in syndication from 1995 to 2001. The series along with Hercules were number one in the ratings and controlled the top two syndicated air slots.

Season 5 brings in new adventures as Xena bears a child that could signal the end of the gods rein over mortal men and women. They want the child dead, and have sent their followers after them. In episode 13 Joxer is struck cut with a poison blade as the gods enforcers close in for the kill. A last second save by Xena turns the forces away and she is able to save Joxer. This is what the series is all about, protecting the innocent from evil.

PACKAGING

Anchor Bay is using a six section fold out style holder with a full box insert loaded with graphics. It's cardboard and subjective to easy damage from scraping or denting a corner if dropped. What's a collector to do. Most boxed sets are made of cardboard.

VIDEO

The video for Xena looks as great as it did for Highlander season 5. The digital transfer great. No pixel problems and very little debris throughout the 22 episodes. There's is very little debris and no pixelation problems in the episodes. The images are sharp and the colors vibrant. The animated menus look very cool and are easy to navigate, but the disc set doesn't have autoplay. A feature that is very nice.

AUDIO

It's nearly a waste of time doing the digital 5.1 transfer with the audio for television shows. It just doesn't come through that well. The audio is decent, but you just aren't getting the great mix you expect.

EXTRAS

Season 5 Special Features
* Interviews with the actors, producers, writers, directors, and costume designers
* Audio commentaries from cast and crew
* Actor, Director and Writers Bios
* Alternate Directors Cuts and Deleted Scenes
* Special Effects Featurette
* Original Production Sketches and Drawings
* Never-Before-Seen on Set Footage
* Character profiles
* Series Trivia
* Photo Galleries
* CD Rom disc

Like other Anchor Bay products the boxed set is loaded with fan friendly extras. You get what you pay for. While their seasonal sets can be on the expensive side they are packed with goodies.

SUMMARY

Anchor Bay has done an excellent job with the audio and video with Xena's fifth season. Fans of the series, and the franchise, are treated to an excellent boxed set. The entire Highlander series on disc has to be one of the best on the market today. Anchor Bay has ensured fans are getting everything they want.

DVD GRADE: "A"

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