24 (Season Four) (DVD)

Last year I had the pleasure of being introduced to the world of "24" for the first time as I reviewed the third season DVD set. I had problems with the third season. The fact that so much went on in a span of only 24 hours and, yes, the show takes its liberties and fudges around with how long it may or may not take to do things, but for the most part I found it "satisfying". On top of that I also said, "I may have to change my policy on waiting for television shows to hit DVD." So did I break my policy?

Hell yes!

As I began watching the season four set I quickly remembered I had already seen the first four episodes and I remember that after those four I decided to go back to my policy. "Why?" you might ask, assuming you actually care that much about what I am doing. Well, the show was too good. I didn't want to get the DVDs for review and already know what happens. Getting a good season of TV DVDs for review is one of the perks of this job and season four of "24" is certainly no exception.

The fourth season starts off with Jack Bauer now retired from CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) and mixed up in a hot and heavy relationship with the daughter of U.S. Secretary of Defense James Heller (William Devane) and that relationship is quickly tested as Heller is kidnapped by a group of terrorists who seem hell-bent and executing the Secretary, which only fuels Jack's fire. The season gets tossed into high gear as cast members thought long gone return and the fate of the world is placed in the hands of a few.

Season four is far better than the third season and those liberties I mentioned before are still there, but they just don't seem to be stretched as thin. While I have not seen season one or two I have heard from loyal "24" followers they consider season four the best of the bunch and I can certainly concede it is better than season three. I was glued to the TV for every adrenaline induced minute.

As for the DVD set itself it is just as impressive as the third season was when it comes to extras. From several cast and crew commentaries to a slew of deleted scenes offered up as the season goes along this set has just the right amount of goodies to keep fans happy without overwhelming them.

The most enjoyable feature for most will undoubtedly be the season five prequel, which is a ten minute action sequence that throws us back into the life of Jack Bauer giving people more than enough reason to tune in when "24" returns to Fox in January with what looks like what will be the furthest departure from the show's tradition to date as Jack looks more like a bum than a government agent.

Just in time for Christmas this is a fabulous set to give anyone who loves this show. Packed with all 24 episodes and even the "24: Conspiracy" mobisodes, which originally aired only on cellular phones this one has it all. Most of the time the price tag on these bad boys is somewhere around $70 but as of the time I am writing this it sits at $45.48 over at Amazon. So whether it is for you or will be offered as a gift this is definitely not a season to overlook.