DVD Review: ‘Terra Nova: The Complete Series’ Hints At What Could Have Been

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CHICAGO – I really wish “Terra Nova” had worked. I not only wanted to like it more myself but it’s the kind of unique program that I wanted audiences to hook on to so its creators could iron out the problems and deliver true sci-fi greatness on network TV. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, and “Terra Nova: The Complete Series” merely serves as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

HollywoodChicago.com DVD rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

What would you do if you were forced back to the time of dinosaurs? Instead of jumping on the post-apocalyptic bandwagon, the creators of “Terra Nova” went in the other direction, crafting a show about how people survive when modern tools haven’t just been taken away, they won’t be invented for thousands of years. The show never quite worked for me but I liked the inventiveness of its concept and its high level of production values. We also need to support more risk-taking on network TV or they’ll simply stop taking chances.

Sadly, the DVD release of “Terra Nova” is a bit disappointing as well. First, it’s just silly to have a Steven Spielberg-produced show with millions of dollars behind it available in standard-definition only. This should have been released on Blu-ray. And the DVD transfers, which are truly mediocre, make that oversight even more depressing. The special features are also a bit lackluster. They are clearly comprised of little more than EPK footage shot to promote the show. Only a commentary on the series finale will be a true draw for fans.

Terra Nova: The Complete Series was released on DVD on September 11, 2012
Terra Nova: The Complete Series was released on DVD on September 11, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
It is the year 2149, and humanity is in the final throes of extinction. Those fortunate enough to escape are allowed to travel back in time 85 million years to an outpost known as Terra Nova. For the Shannon family, it’s a chance to reunite and start over. But once there, they face giant, carnivorous dinosaurs, and mysterious forces conspire to destroy the entire experiment - and everyone involved in it!

Contained in this 4-disc set is the entire groundbreaking series, including all-new exclusive behind-the-scenes content, a gag reel and much more!

StarClick here to buy “Terra Nova”

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Director’s Diaries - Making the Pilot
o Occupation/Resistance Extended Episode
o Mysteries Explored
o Cretaceous Life: The Dinosaurs of Terra Nova
o Audio Commentary on Occupation/Resistance with Stephen Lang, Brannon Braga and Rene Echeevarria
o Gag Reel

“Terra Nova: The Complete Series” was released on DVD on September 11, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Sadwolf's picture

The big problem was that FOX

The big problem was that FOX did´nt even try, They put the show on mondays when there´s crowded with other programs on TV (=a LOT off those that watched and loved the show complained that it practically crashed with other programs like monday night football), They might as well have pulled the plug right there and then!
Sad that Terra Nova was never given the chance especially considering that Netflix offered to bye the show and renew (there have been some rumors that they MAY be looking to somehow revive it) but FOX´s indecision practically scared Netflix away!
Terra Nova though have been largely apreciated after it´s cancellation since Fandom for the show seem to have soared now that more people have a chance to watch it !
Even MORE sad is the constant “bashing” by so called “hardcore sci fi fans” wich only show the maturity(or lack thereoff) off this group!
Most who loved the show are people that usually don´t even like sci fi at all!

No Terra Nova will be another in a long list of cancelled shows by various networks if they aren´t going to finish a story they should´nt even bother with it at all !

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