The Holiday season is once again upon us, and there is nothing that says, “I love you” better than the gift of Blu-ray. Our team has compiled a list of TV series that look even better with their 2009 HD release. We’ve dug deep within our fanbase to find all the shows that help bring out that warm fuzzy feeling inside. So, if you’re into Motorcycle Clubs, you’ll find Sons of Anarchy. Need a 101 class on the art of the Spy, check out Burn Notice. If historical fiction is your game, Rome and Mad Men will surely delight. While J.J. Abrams fans will find not one, not two, but several Abrams collections on this list from Lost and Fringe. Don’t think we left out the Anime fans. We’ve got one hot new Blu-ray set from Funimation that will make you gag with every blissful HD moment.
So kick back, grab a cup of egg nog, leave a cookie by the fireplace, and try to avoid running grandma over by a reindeer. These Blu-ray releases are sure to bring home some holiday cheer as we wave goodbye to another year. Check out the list and the comments from our staff on each set.
Mad Men - Season Two [Blu-ray]
Take a journey back in time with one of the best period shows ever made. Mad Men continues to alleviate the modern day blues with methodical pacing, superb drama and a touch of oh so dark comedy. Don Draper’s house of cards begins to lose balance as several changes take place at home and at the Ad world’s Tower of Babel, Sterling-Cooper. This blu-ray release is packed with loads of extended featurettes on the 1960s that will take you even deeper into the world of Mad Men.
Sons of Anarchy: Season One [Blu-ray]
If you’ve never heard of SAMCRO, you damn sure better find out. This adrenaline infused drama about a motorcycle club was created by Kurt Sutter (The Shield). The series stars Charlie Hunnam, Ron Perlman and Katey Sagal. By the time you’ve finished watching Season 1, you’ll realize that Sons of Anarchy is one of the grittiest shows on TV right now. And, you’ll be more than a little upset that you’ll have to wait until 2010 to watch Season 2 on Blu-ray. Katey Sagal redefines the word matriarch in this bold series and it is a must have on any Holiday gift list.
Lost: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray]
Who would have thought that one of the greatest SciFi TV Series ever made almost wasn’t made. “Lost” Season 1 finally makes its way to Blu-ray in 2009. In the special features you’ll learn about how “Lost” came to be and how J.J. Abrams initially rejected the project. The intense close-ups and mystery somehow don’t lose their momentum even when you watch it the second or third time. “Lost” is just that good. This blu-ray release is packed with special features and several Easter eggs that will have you feeling as though you were on Oceanic Flight 815.
Burn Notice: Season Two [Blu-ray]
If you’re going to watch a Spy show, watch it in HD. The explosions just look better… and so does Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar). The tag line of the show is: Spies don’t get fired, they get burned. After watching, you’ll wish you got burned, because Michael Westen is just one cool ass spy. The series just got picked up for a fourth season, so you can catch up on the series before the Burn Notice Season 4 2010 mid-year premiere (phew, was that a mouth full).
Lost: The Complete Second Season [Blu-ray]
What have we here? More “Lost?” Oh yeah! Season 2 also finally gets a Blu-ray release in 2009 packed with a Oceanic flight load of special features in HD. You’ll also find an entirely new set of survivors and the fabled Mr. Eko. In Season 2, the survivors step inside the hatch and learn more about the enigmatic Dharma initiative. Several “Lost” fans still debate whether season 2 is better than the first season. If you haven’t entered the debate, now is as good a time as any.
Dexter: The Third Season [Blu-ray]
Dexter (Michael C. Hall) is the one guy who can send a shiver up your spine with his chilling voice. In Season 3, Dexter finds a comrade-in-arms to share his Dark Passenger with and even more victims to slay. Who knew serial killers could get involved in a bromance? Several changes arise in Season 3. Dexter breaks away from Harry’s rules, only to find out that he needs Harry more now than ever. Now Showtime’s number 1 show, “Dexter” continues to break records in its fourth season. The show continues to amaze, and remains one of BuzzFocus.com’s top TV picks.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Complete Season One [2 Discs] [Blu-ray]
If you thought Lucas was gone, you were wrong. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” brings to life the world that Lucas created in total CG glory. This is one series that you have to watch in Blu-ray. The CG experience is completely immersive and utterly spectacular. In the season finale, you’ll get introduced to Cad Bane, one of the deadliest bounty hunters without the name Fett. Ever since the middle of season 1, the thrill ride has been a non-stop addiction.
Fringe: The Complete First Season (+ BD-Live) [Blu-ray] (2009)
J.J. Abrams blu-rays are like roaches, you just can’t seem to get rid of them. Most people didn’t know what to expect from “Fringe” when it first aired. Hot on the heels of “Lost,” J.J. Abrams introduced this drug infused sci-fi mystery series that had people on the fence for the first half of the season. By mid-season, fans were fully on board and once again worshiping the genius that is Abrams. The series began to follow a more serialized structure, and one of Science Fiction’s greatest actors made a special guest appearance. The winter TV break is a great time to catch up on “Fringe” and see what all the hype is about. It’s worth it.
Supernatural: The Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray] (2009)
With each passing season, “Supernatural” just seems to get better. Although the HD translation isn’t what you call “excellent,” the story is still one of the most compelling stories out. The show finds a unique balance between scare factor and candid humor. The CW may be the home of teen drama, but “Supernatural” is in a class of its own. In this season, Dean escapes from Hell, rescued by an all-powerful creature he’s never seen before – an Angel – a warrior of God who recruits Sam and Dean into Heaven’s battle against Hell. Now if that doesn’t bring home holiday cheer, I don’t know what will.
Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection[Blu-ray]
“Wallace & Gromit” is simply a great series chock full of British humor. The comedy is slow paced, smart and always entertaining. This bumbling inventor gives new meaning to the term “Nutty Professor.” The cheese factor was enough to win the series an Oscar, and there’s no denying the worldwide fan adoration. If you haven’t hopped on the Wallace & Gromit bandwagon yet, then the 2009 holiday season is the perfect time. You can also check out the antics on video game adventures available on Wii Ware and Xbox Live Arcade.
Lost: The Complete Fifth Season [5 Discs] [Blu-ray]
“Lost” again? Yes, 3 seasons… one year. Ever since J.J. Abrams announced that “Lost” would be concluding in 2010, the series just seemed to get better. Season 5 had us on the edge of our seats with each episode. As more mysteries were resolved, new mysteries rose to the surface. What’s great about “Lost” is that this series isn’t textbook science fiction. The Sci-fi takes a backseat to the relationships that are utterly engaging and downright gripping. With the final season set to air in 2010, this is one blu-ray release you’ll definitely want to take home.
Lie to Me [5 Discs] [Blu-ray]
Tim Roth. Need we say more? “Lie to Me” is one series that just can’t help being awesome. You may try and lie, but the truth never does. Roth plays Dr. Cal Lightman, a scientist has built a business around the science of microexpression. The Blu-ray has some cool special features. You’ll find some great behind-the-scenes moments with Tim as well as an introduction to the art of microexpressions.
Rome: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]
If there’s one era of historical fiction to dive into, it’s the Roman empire. You just can’t find good-wholesome over indulgence in any other period. The series follows the lives of two soldiers who follow the path of historical events tied to the downfall of Rome. This groundbreaking series is now available in its entirety on Blu-ray, just in time for the holiday. This is definitely one of those TV series that you’ll want to watch, and when you do, you’ll wonder why you never heard of it.
True Blood: The Complete First Season (HBO Series) [Blu-ray] (2009)
“Sookie is mine.” And, she could be yours. This is not a vampire series. “True Blood” is much more than your run of the mill vampire series that enthralls teens (sorry Twilight fans). The series follows Sookie Stackhouse, a barmaid who can read minds and her love interest Vampire Bill. The is filled with sexual tension, drama and some gratuitous violence ‘to boot.’ Each episode ends with a cliffhanger that will raise your desire for another glass of blood. So instead of drinking egg nog, try out a nice room temperature cup of True Blood. You won’t be disappointed. Just make sure the kids are asleep because this is HBO and gratuitous sex and violence is an understatement.
24: Season Seven [Blu-ray]
The big news in “24” season 7 was the return of fan fav, Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard). I still can’t believe I suspected him of working for the other side in season 1. Conspiracies run amok in the United States, as “24″ returns with one of the best seasons to date. The season was filled with twists and turns, perhaps one too many, as well as several jaw-dropping moments. Every time you think “24″ can’t get more exciting, Jack Bauer does something off-the-wall to make you realize he is truly America’s Last Action Hero. Just don’t watch this season if your paranoid about government security, because some of the things they do this season will have you twittering the message, “WTF?!”
Shigurui: Death Frenzy Complete Box Set [Blu-ray]
“Shigurui: Death Frenzy” is one grotesquely good Anime series. The series starts off with two crippled samurai who meet for one final dual. The tale then chronicles the events that lead to this fated moment. The animation is filled with blood and has a very “Sin City” style feel to it, with several black and white pictures, that allow the red blood to pop out of the screen in glorious HD. This is one Anime series that deserves to be watched in Blu-ray. It doesn’t get much better.
The Unit: Season Four [Blu-ray]
Boyz II Men said it best when they said, “It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.” We’re still sad that The Unit was cut short in it’s fourth season, but we’re showing our support for more Snake Doctor (Dennis Haysbert), Dirt Diver (Max Martini) and Cool Breeze (Scott Foley) in Blu-ray. The unfortunate demise of The Unit rippled through the Internet like a virus as fans were outraged that this excellent drama saw on untimely end. The fourth season didn’t compare to the first three overall, due to the series’ immanent cancellation.
The Sopranos: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray]
“Every time I try and get out, they pull me back in.” The Sopranos family drama may now be a distant memory, but it doesn’t have to be. Season 1 has just been released on Blu-ray, so you can see the rise and fall of Jersey’s best in HD. The series received several Emmy awards and was the hot water-cooler topic of discussion for several years. Fans may still wonder what happened in the end, but the first season was without a doubt superb.
Weeds: Season Four [Blu-ray]
Many fans didn’t agree with the new direction creator, Jenji Kohan, took “Weeds” in during its fourth season. However, after “Weeds” season 5, those same fans were upset they doubted Kohan. Mary-Louise Parker continues to amaze audiences with her straight delivery of a soccer mom drug dealer. This season may have jumped the shark, but the laughs are still there. The Blu-ray comes with some fun featurettes that will entertain any fan of “Weeds” … or just marijuana in general.
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] (2004)
“Battlestar Galactica” came to a close in 2009. While many fans debate on the creative choices made during the finale, there’s no denying that the ride there was awe inspiring. This gift box packages the the complete series. Unfortunately, it does not include “Caprica.” The packaging lacks something to be desired, but you do get a nifty Cylon Centurion figurine, which is sure to bring a smile to any Battlestar fan. After all, you’ve got to love a show where phrases like “Holy Frack” and “What the Frack” are used in anger.
Lost makes the list 3 times? It’s season 1, 2 and 5? Okay then, sound perfectly justified to me. Another good holiday list. Except for 24. What a terrible season. I really need to pick up that Wallace and Gromit Collection.
The ending of Battlestar was terrible. I haven’t watched Caprica or the plan because it was so bad. They really let me down.
They should never have cancelled THE UNIT. CBS sucks. So does ABC Family for cancelling Kyle Xy. And so does NBC for cancelling THe Black Donnellys.
Supernatural and Sons of Anarchy are by far the best shows on this fall! I’m happy that you have Supernatural on this list and not Smallville even though you seem to cover more Smallville