This DVD has been on store shelves for a month now, but since it arrived to me late I had to review it late, I am sorry for that. However I doubt any of the hardcore fans held off buying it, but for you that are on the fence maybe I can offer some guidance.
First off, the second season is far worse than the first, and let me say this - it frustrates me. As much as I hate to admit it, I really do genuinely enjoy this show. Where the first season seemed to add just about every conceivable accident or problem that could arise, it seems the second season was left with nothing but the soapy details and that is what happened. Thankfully I am not the only one that feels this way as you will also hear in the special features show creator, Josh Schwartz says, "We did so much last year we have nothing left for Season Two." He was obviously joking in his statement, but after watching this season it seems like the right thing to say.
Luckily there weren't any brain transplants or sisters sleeping with brothers... er, uh, wait, I guess that sort of happened. Either way, who is to say it won't happen? Then again, a brain transplant for Mischa Barton may be just what she needs for me to get any enjoyment out of Marisa as a character.
Let's get back on track. The DVD set comes with all 24 episodes of the second season on six discs along with a seventh disc with your bonus features, but trust me these aren't so bonus.
Aside from the couple of commentaries and an extended "creator's cut" of the episode "The Rainy Day," which are featured throughout the first six discs, the seventh disc offers very little. There is a regurgitation of the sappy TV special that aired called "The O.C. Obsess Completely" which offers up little looks back at the first season and a viewer party thrown in Hollywood, then there is a 15 minute featurette focusing on the costumes worn on the show followed by "gag" reels for the first and second season. While most of these speak for themselves, I will say that the gag reels are absolutely piss poor. There are really no gags and this turns into more of a highlight reel than anything else.
Overall, "The O.C." Second Season is a season I could have done without, and I honestly feel fans of the show could keep this one out of their collection and not miss a thing. The recap just before the third season should pretty much take care of it.