Firefly - The Complete Series... Good Blind Buy?

SilverScreen · 12-07-03, 09:22 PM

Recently there have been a few posts in regards to dvd blind buys... in addition, there really isn't anything I wanted to buy this week, so I looked into the new releases I wasn't familiar with...

With that long winded intro, here's my question...

Firefly has gotten phenomenal reviews and it seems like a series I would enjoy.

Is it a good blind buy?

In regards to my tastes, the only shows I have valued enough to buy have been "X-Files" and "Star Trek - TNG"... I love futuristic shows based in outer space (I haven't bought Babylon 5 or Deep Space 9 though) and I enjoy some westerns (the only ones I bought were Sergio Leone's).

Now from what I read, Firefly is a combination of the two with a touch of "Alien - Resurrection" (which I liked).

I have also heard that due to the fact that the show was cancelled there were alot of loose ends which will never be tied up... if this is a huge issue and it causes a feeling of unfinished business I would like to know as well.

Thanks for the advice in advance

milo bloom · 12-07-03, 09:38 PM

Well, I like X Files, TNG and DS9, but I'm not really into westerns. I got into Firefly because it's by Joss Whedon of Buffy and Angel fame. My wife and I both loved this series, and have it at the top of our wishlists for family members to buy, though we may just get it Tuesday and let them get us something else. Even with the episodes shown out of order, and the pilot shown midseason, and three episodes unaired, we still thought this was one of the more enjoyable series on TV.

It was cancelled mid stride, but there have been rumors of a feature film. And frankly, an open ending is better than a rushed, half ass ending that they could have tried to force into the last five minutes of the series, like say ST Voyager's. Gah.

And I'm not sure about the Alien Resurrection reference. I guess you mean a rag tag crew on a rickety ship, then maybe. I also enjoyed Res, and think it's not given a fair chance.

GeoffK · 12-08-03, 01:07 AM

pilot · 12-08-03, 01:14 AM

I'd definately have to say yes as well, I watched the show from the beginning, and thought it was awesome as can be, just a shame they cancelled it. The movie will kick some butt tho I imagine

nemein · 12-08-03, 05:34 AM

If you hurry you still might be able to get in on the $20 deal at Suncoast (less likely) or Sam Goody. It seems they are taking pre-orders for this @ $5 and $14.99 due when it comes in. You have 1 day though (if it's still available at all, a friend of mine already received notice his copy was in and ready for pick up).

MrE · 12-08-03, 08:34 AM

Yes. Your interests suggest you'll like it.

DeputyDave · 12-08-03, 08:47 AM

Yes, and they are activly trying to get a DVD only release going as well. This may be based on how well the series sells so... buy two or three.

Flave · 12-08-03, 10:45 AM

You gotta ask yourself: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do you?

Plenty of people who are deeply into scifi were deeply out of Firefly. The main reason for this is the 'cowboy' aspect of the series; they just couldn't cope with the juxtaposition of a high-tech future and the western-themed environments in which our happy heroes often found themselves.

Myself, I had no problems with this and think it ranks right up there as one of the best scifi shows ever.

If you think you can deal with the delicious dichotomy that is Firefly, then I'd give you a big resounding YES -- go for it.

B.S.Preston,ESQ · 12-08-03, 10:48 AM

well i gotta say no.

JustInsane · 12-08-03, 10:50 AM

I would have to say No. I like most of Joss Whedon's stuff, but I think he really missed the mark on this series.

Philip Reuben · 12-08-03, 10:52 AM

I'm definitely going with yes on this one. This series had an excellent cast, an unusual but great sense of humour, and a unique take on the conventions associated with sci-fi. It's just generally really well written. There are loose ends, but I don't think the lack of an ending hurts the show so much that I wouldn't recommend the 15 great episodes that were made.

darqleo · 12-08-03, 12:08 PM

If you watch the series in it's proper order, it's really good. As it was shown on TV (out of sequence) it was just OK until the last couple of episodes (which were supposed to be the first couple of episodes) that helped explain everything, then it made the series pretty dang cool !!! My favorite part of the series is the build up of the Reapers. They do a lot of talking about them, but you don't really see them. It makes them that much more scary. (Trying not to spoiler it for those haven't seen it, you'll know what I mean when you see the series.) I hope the DVD sells well and that the movie does well and hopefully the series will be revived (not on FOX though, eff them).

Joss Whedon is the man now, dawg!

bboisvert · 12-08-03, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by milo bloom
but there have been rumors of a feature film.

More than just rumors, actually... it's a go:

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/...eut/index.html
http://hollywoodreporter.com/thr/art...ent_id=1969026

MrN · 12-08-03, 12:24 PM

I would say a 'must-see' if you're a Sci-Fi fan.

Yes, the western theme is unusual (and maybe blunt), and some didn't like it thanks to Fox messing up the episode order. But the show was really well written and the episodes were really improving and in fact the last 4 they aired are my favorite.

Rypro 525 · 12-08-03, 12:25 PM

i think the dvd does put the episodes in propper order.

Londo · 12-08-03, 01:57 PM

If you have taste, can appreciate good writing, quirky characters and understand the real 'economics' of what outer world settlements would really be like... then a hearty YES!

RobCA · 12-08-03, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrN
I would say a 'must-see' if you're a Sci-Fi fan.

What if you're not a sci-fi fan? Personally, I'm not a fan of sci-fi or westerns, but I'm still thinking I might like this show. I never thought I'd love a show about vampires either, but Buffy and Angel quickly won me over with their intelligent, frequently hilarious dialogue, and well-developed characters. I've put Firefly on my Christmas wish list; I think I'll like it, but if I don't, I can always sell it on eBay.

Rob

speedy1961 · 12-08-03, 04:19 PM

My business partner thinks that it was pure shiite but I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I pick my sets up.

CheapBastid · 12-08-03, 07:32 PM

My taste? I never got into Buffy, Angel, Xena, Hercules, Star Trek (any of the incarnations).

I have a buddy who's a big Buffy Fan and who raved about Firefly. He talked me into watching a few episodes.

I saw the first two episodes and thought it was an 'OK' series, but I saw Our Mrs. Reynolds (episode 3) and was very, very impressed.

I can recommend based on 3 episodes.

SilverScreen · 12-08-03, 09:04 PM

Thanks for all the input peeps, I'm ordering it right after this post...

Muchas Gracias

otmetrud · 02-20-04, 08:13 AM

Just finished watching the episodes in this set (haven't gotten to the supplements yet). I have to say, I enjoyed the hell out of it. I bought it blind just on the Joss Whedon brand name, and with the thought that if it is turned into a feature, I'll want to see the series before I see the movie. But I'll admit I was skeptical going in.

This show was outstanding. As is becoming Mutant Enemy's trademark, it did start out a little slow and underwhelming. But it started picking up a head of steam sometime during the second disk and never let up. How disappointing it was that it ended just as it seemed some of the character stories were picking up steam!! Here's hoping there is indeed a feature and we get at least some answers to some dangling questions.

Anyone who has considered picking this up, I say go for it! You won't be disappointed. Just keep in mind that there is no resolution to some burning questions that emerge, but simply because Joss and Co. weren't given the chance to answer them.

Highly entertaining and compelling.

DeputyDave · 02-20-04, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by otmetrud
Just finished watching the episodes in this set (haven't gotten to the supplements yet). I have to say, I enjoyed the hell out of it. I bought it blind just on the Joss Whedon brand name, and with the thought that if it is turned into a feature, I'll want to see the series before I see the movie. But I'll admit I was skeptical going in.

This show was outstanding. As is becoming Mutant Enemy's trademark, it did start out a little slow and underwhelming. But it started picking up a head of steam sometime during the second disk and never let up. How disappointing it was that it ended just as it seemed some of the character stories were picking up steam!! Here's hoping there is indeed a feature and we get at least some answers to some dangling questions.

Anyone who has considered picking this up, I say go for it! You won't be disappointed. Just keep in mind that there is no resolution to some burning questions that emerge, but simply because Joss and Co. weren't given the chance to answer them.

Highly entertaining and compelling.

Yes, I agree. By far the best sci-fi shows on TV. I easily place it in my top 5 favorite series of all time. I actually felt sad when the last episode ended, knowing that was the end for good.
For people who only caught a few episodes on Fox and say they didn't like it, I ask you to try it again. I thought the show was just OK when it aired, but after watching it IN ORDER, with the missing episodes I think it excelled.
Not a big spoiler but one episode ends up with them having a cargo hold full of cattle, the next episode begins with them trying to sell the cows and trouble that follows. These needed to be shown in order to make sense, plus dozens of other little touches. Not to mention the overall story arch that gets almost completely lost when it was aired.

Nuff · 02-20-04, 10:25 AM

I watched I think two episodes when it originally aired and recently borrowed the dvd's from a friend. I have to say that watching the pilot first literally changed my feelings on the series 180o. I would definitely recommend it, the only downside IMO is its open-ended nature as a result of its cancellation.
-Nuff

otmetrud · 02-20-04, 01:20 PM

And how cool was it to see Ron Glass again? His character was my favorite on one of my favorite TV shows from my youth, Barney Miller. Hadn't seen him anywhere since until now. That was a treat!

Peep · 02-20-04, 01:40 PM

I wanted to really like this series but never warmed up to it. I bought it for $20 at Suncoast because it seemed like I'd never get a chance to purchase it at that price again. I still haven't had the urge to open it. I may end up gifting it if I can find a friend who likes the show - so far I haven't.

12-07-03, 09:22 PM	#1
SilverScreen Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 346	Firefly - The Complete Series... Good Blind Buy? Recently there have been a few posts in regards to dvd blind buys... in addition, there really isn't anything I wanted to buy this week, so I looked into the new releases I wasn't familiar with... With that long winded intro, here's my question... Firefly has gotten phenomenal reviews and it seems like a series I would enjoy. Is it a good blind buy? In regards to my tastes, the only shows I have valued enough to buy have been "X-Files" and "Star Trek - TNG"... I love futuristic shows based in outer space (I haven't bought Babylon 5 or Deep Space 9 though) and I enjoy some westerns (the only ones I bought were Sergio Leone's). Now from what I read, Firefly is a combination of the two with a touch of "Alien - Resurrection" (which I liked). I have also heard that due to the fact that the show was cancelled there were alot of loose ends which will never be tied up... if this is a huge issue and it causes a feeling of unfinished business I would like to know as well. Thanks for the advice in advance __________________ "Lighten' Up Francis"

12-07-03, 09:38 PM	#2
milo bloom DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 2001 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 10,059	Well, I like X Files, TNG and DS9, but I'm not really into westerns. I got into Firefly because it's by Joss Whedon of Buffy and Angel fame. My wife and I both loved this series, and have it at the top of our wishlists for family members to buy, though we may just get it Tuesday and let them get us something else. Even with the episodes shown out of order, and the pilot shown midseason, and three episodes unaired, we still thought this was one of the more enjoyable series on TV. It was cancelled mid stride, but there have been rumors of a feature film. And frankly, an open ending is better than a rushed, half ass ending that they could have tried to force into the last five minutes of the series, like say ST Voyager's. Gah. And I'm not sure about the Alien Resurrection reference. I guess you mean a rag tag crew on a rickety ship, then maybe. I also enjoyed Res, and think it's not given a fair chance. __________________ OAR (Original Aspect Ratio) is not about more image, or less image. It's about the right image. DVDAf Spinehunting - picking up used Criterion DVDs.

12-08-03, 05:34 AM	#5
nemein Moderator Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: 1bit away from total disaster Posts: 33,293	If you hurry you still might be able to get in on the $20 deal at Suncoast (less likely) or Sam Goody. It seems they are taking pre-orders for this @ $5 and $14.99 due when it comes in. You have 1 day though (if it's still available at all, a friend of mine already received notice his copy was in and ready for pick up). __________________ "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism, but under the name of liberalism, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program until one day America will be a socialist nation without ever knowing how it happened." -- Norman Thomas, Socialist Party of America God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference. My Countdown Counting down to: End of the countdown clock 2752 days 12 hours 32 minutes

12-08-03, 08:47 AM	#7
DeputyDave DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,608	Yes, and they are activly trying to get a DVD only release going as well. This may be based on how well the series sells so... buy two or three. __________________ DVDSpot, RIP

12-08-03, 10:52 AM	#11
Philip Reuben Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 464	I'm definitely going with yes on this one. This series had an excellent cast, an unusual but great sense of humour, and a unique take on the conventions associated with sci-fi. It's just generally really well written. There are loose ends, but I don't think the lack of an ending hurts the show so much that I wouldn't recommend the 15 great episodes that were made. Last edited by Philip Reuben; 12-08-03 at 12:18 PM.

12-08-03, 01:07 AM	#3
GeoffK Registered Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Marblehead, MA Posts: 6,944	YES!

12-08-03, 01:14 AM	#4
pilot Administrator Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 6,194	I'd definately have to say yes as well, I watched the show from the beginning, and thought it was awesome as can be, just a shame they cancelled it. The movie will kick some butt tho I imagine

12-08-03, 08:34 AM	#6
MrE DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,956	Yes. Your interests suggest you'll like it.

12-08-03, 10:45 AM	#8
Flave DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: On a little blue planet, third from the Sun. Posts: 1,344	You gotta ask yourself: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do you? Plenty of people who are deeply into scifi were deeply out of Firefly. The main reason for this is the 'cowboy' aspect of the series; they just couldn't cope with the juxtaposition of a high-tech future and the western-themed environments in which our happy heroes often found themselves. Myself, I had no problems with this and think it ranks right up there as one of the best scifi shows ever. If you think you can deal with the delicious dichotomy that is Firefly, then I'd give you a big resounding YES -- go for it.

12-08-03, 10:48 AM	#9
B.S.Preston,ESQ Banned Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tech-Noir Posts: 429	well i gotta say no.

12-08-03, 10:50 AM	#10
JustInsane Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hollywoodland Posts: 471	I would have to say No. I like most of Joss Whedon's stuff, but I think he really missed the mark on this series.

12-08-03, 12:08 PM	#12
darqleo DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: My chair Posts: 2,156	If you watch the series in it's proper order, it's really good. As it was shown on TV (out of sequence) it was just OK until the last couple of episodes (which were supposed to be the first couple of episodes) that helped explain everything, then it made the series pretty dang cool !!! My favorite part of the series is the build up of the Reapers. They do a lot of talking about them, but you don't really see them. It makes them that much more scary. (Trying not to spoiler it for those haven't seen it, you'll know what I mean when you see the series.) I hope the DVD sells well and that the movie does well and hopefully the series will be revived (not on FOX though, eff them). Joss Whedon is the man now, dawg! __________________ "Well... this is how the world works. All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet. What a fool I was to defy him." - Raoul Duke, FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS "Why do they call it 'full-screen' anyway, when it's only two-thirds of the stupid movie?" Rosenstein asked. "****ing bullsht aspect ratio!"

12-08-03, 12:24 PM	#14
MrN DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: B.W.I. Posts: 3,699	I would say a 'must-see' if you're a Sci-Fi fan. Yes, the western theme is unusual (and maybe blunt), and some didn't like it thanks to Fox messing up the episode order. But the show was really well written and the episodes were really improving and in fact the last 4 they aired are my favorite. __________________ "Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man." My DVD Collection My CD Collection

12-08-03, 12:25 PM	#15
Rypro 525 DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: a frikin hellhole Posts: 26,350	i think the dvd does put the episodes in propper order. __________________ Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheChewDefense

12-08-03, 01:57 PM	#16
Londo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 592	If you have taste, can appreciate good writing, quirky characters and understand the real 'economics' of what outer world settlements would really be like... then a hearty YES!

12-08-03, 04:19 PM	#18
speedy1961 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a small pocket universe hoping to someday become a Moderator Emeritus at DVDTalk.com! Posts: 9,298	My business partner thinks that it was pure shiite but I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I pick my sets up. __________________ Stuck in Trucker's Hell says it all. My Countdown Counting down to: Birthday

12-08-03, 07:32 PM	#19
CheapBastid DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,544	My vote... My taste? I never got into Buffy, Angel, Xena, Hercules, Star Trek (any of the incarnations). I have a buddy who's a big Buffy Fan and who raved about Firefly. He talked me into watching a few episodes. I saw the first two episodes and thought it was an 'OK' series, but I saw Our Mrs. Reynolds (episode 3) and was very, very impressed. I can recommend based on 3 episodes. __________________ indianajdp "^ Listen to CheapBastid! ^"

12-08-03, 09:04 PM	#20
SilverScreen Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 346	Thanks for all the input peeps, I'm ordering it right after this post... Muchas Gracias __________________ "Lighten' Up Francis"

02-20-04, 08:13 AM	#21
otmetrud Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 351	Just finished watching the episodes in this set (haven't gotten to the supplements yet). I have to say, I enjoyed the hell out of it. I bought it blind just on the Joss Whedon brand name, and with the thought that if it is turned into a feature, I'll want to see the series before I see the movie. But I'll admit I was skeptical going in. This show was outstanding. As is becoming Mutant Enemy's trademark, it did start out a little slow and underwhelming. But it started picking up a head of steam sometime during the second disk and never let up. How disappointing it was that it ended just as it seemed some of the character stories were picking up steam!! Here's hoping there is indeed a feature and we get at least some answers to some dangling questions. Anyone who has considered picking this up, I say go for it! You won't be disappointed. Just keep in mind that there is no resolution to some burning questions that emerge, but simply because Joss and Co. weren't given the chance to answer them. Highly entertaining and compelling.

02-20-04, 10:25 AM	#23
Nuff Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 295	I watched I think two episodes when it originally aired and recently borrowed the dvd's from a friend. I have to say that watching the pilot first literally changed my feelings on the series 180o. I would definitely recommend it, the only downside IMO is its open-ended nature as a result of its cancellation. -Nuff

02-20-04, 01:20 PM	#24
otmetrud Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 351	And how cool was it to see Ron Glass again? His character was my favorite on one of my favorite TV shows from my youth, Barney Miller. Hadn't seen him anywhere since until now. That was a treat!

02-20-04, 01:40 PM	#25
Peep DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 7,332	I wanted to really like this series but never warmed up to it. I bought it for $20 at Suncoast because it seemed like I'd never get a chance to purchase it at that price again. I still haven't had the urge to open it. I may end up gifting it if I can find a friend who likes the show - so far I haven't.