DVD Review

Life On Mars: The Complete Series

Official Synopsis:

Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking series that captivated fans and critics from coast to coast. With an irresistible soundtrack and one of the most celebrated casts on television, including Jason O'Mara, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol and Harvey Keitel, Life On Mars is smart, suspenseful drama with a finish that will blow you away. "It's one of those endings I believe will make you watch the series again," says Executive Producer Josh Appelbaum. There's a fine line between delusion and reality. NYPD detective Sam Tyler finds himself walking both sides of that line when he is suddenly hurtled back in time to 1973 after being struck by a car in 2008. Journey back to the '70s and uncover the secrets of Life On Mars. It's a "strange and exhilarating ride" raves The New York Times. Plus, with unique and exciting bonus features -- including an insider's view of where the show's concept began, a six-million dollar moment in which '70s legend Lee Majors steps back into the past with the cast and crew, and much more -- Life On Mars is unforgettable on DVD!

Our Take:

Let’s clear one thing up off the bat: I have never seen the original UK series Life on Mars and even if I did, I do not compare remakes to their originals. So, this review is about Life on Mars: The Complete Series only.

Life on Mars, like most engaging, well acted, and original American television shows did not last long on network television. Unlike many of those same types of shows, it was at least allowed a somewhat honorable death by allowing the writers to conclude the show, albeit prematurely. In fact, it was this premature ending that is the lone unsatisfying element to this otherwise excellent nostalgia flashback to 1970’s New York, but more importantly 1970’s cop dramas and film. Life on Mars is a television show steeped in the style of 70’s cinema, from the New York location shooting to co-star Harvey Keitel. For anyone that views 1970’s America with rose-colored glasses, this is the series for you.

In addition to Harvey Keitel, the show is anchored by Jason O’Mara, Michael Imperioli, and Gretchen Mol. All three fine actors that do enough with their characters to make them rise above standard sitcom one-note personalities. The show manages to create a realistic ‘70s milieu while it simultaneously dabbles in the supernatural idea that its lead star may be crazy, back in time, an alien, or just simply dreaming. The mystery angle driving the series is not as developed as some may like, but I would have been just as happy if Life on Mars was a straight 70’s police drama, so I did not mind. Life on Mars is not a typical police drama, so there will be no long drawn out crime scene investigations or desk job melodrama. Outside of the overarching mystery concerning Sam Tyler, the plots in each episode get wrapped up pretty neatly throughout the series. It is the fun, free-wheeling style of the show that makes it worthwhile to watch. It sheds the shackles of cold procedural nonsense, while being set in 1973 allows it to go back to a time when cops themselves and film/television about them need not be so sterilized. Barring the deus ex machina ending to the series that will leave most unfulfilled, Life on Mars is a wonderful change of pace and a treat for viewers that like a more cinematic styled television series.

Special Features:

Life on Mars: The Complete Series is unfortunately not available on Blu-ray, but this standard definition set still comes with a host of special features, as follows:

Episode Audio Commentaries
To Mars And Back – making of featurette
Sunrise To Sunset With Jason O'Mara
Flashback: Lee Majors Goes To Mars
Spaced Out – bloopers and outtakes
Deleted Scenes

Conclusion:

Perhaps my New York bias is shining through on this one, as familiar set locations (my own neighborhood for some episodes) and stars from favorite films and televisions shows (Keitel from Mean Streets and Imperioli from The Sopranos) made Life on Mars my favorite new series of Fall 2008 and my most highly anticipated TV on DVD release of Fall 2009.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Overall Picture:

Movie: A+
Extra Features: B+

- Matthew Orlando
Staff Writer