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 | | Some of the government's best-kept secrets are waiting to be uncovered as Eureka: Season One arrives on DVD! Step into the quirky and seemingly perfect small town of Eureka, where the hidden work of America's brightest scientists can lead to innovation or utter chaos. Making sense of the mysteries is Sheriff Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson), a former U.S. marshal who is stranded in the surreal small town after a random car accident. Now fans can get in on his entertaining adventures with this 3-disc set packed with over 10 hours of bonus features and innovatively packaged in eco-friendly materials that were "Made in Eureka." Nothing is as it seems in the brilliant and with new series critics are calling "the most original new drama" (The Courier-Journal). | | | VIEW EPISODE GUIDE FOR THIS SEASON | |
| |  | Before Eureka premiered, I had been a fan of Sci Fi for less that two years. The genre fascinated me and Eureka looked a real treat when I first saw it advertised on television whilst on vacation in Greece. I wrote the name of the show down on a scrap of paper until I could get home and check it out. From the moment it started to the moment it finished, I was entertained by fun characters, clever storylines, top-notch acting, and a stellar performance from behind-the-scenes.
I knew Eureka would be an immediate success, and I am proud to say that this is definitely one of the best series on television.
This DVD set for the Complete First Season has been eagerly awaited by fans of the series. The date, which was finally announced at the end of March 2007, allowed fans to breathe a sigh of relief as they finally knew when they would be getting their hands on the DVDs. The 3-disc set was released on July 3rd, 2007 on Region 1 DVD.
Disc One (2hrs 50mins 31secs)
01x01 - Pilot (1hr 24mins 50secs)
01x02 - Many Happy Returns (42mins 40secs)
01x03 - Before I Forget (43mins 41secs)
Disc Two (3hrs 35mins 7secs)
01x04 - Alienated (43mins 37secs)
01x05 - Invincible (43mins 37secs)
01x06 - Dr. Nobel (42mins 47secs)
01x07 - Blink (41mins 36secs)
01x08 - Right as Raynes (43mins 30secs)
Disc Three (2hrs 51mins 23secs)
01x09 - Primal (40mins 53secs)
01x10 - Purple Haze (43mins 26secs)
01x11 - H.O.U.S.E. Rules (43mins 23secs)
01x12 - Once in a Lifetime (43mins 41secs) |
| |  | When I first saw the cover artwork for the DVD, I was quite astonished that a Sci Fi series would choose such a basic design. It was simply the fence with a little bit of sky and a few floating objects, with the Eureka: Season One logo and the Season One tagline ("Small Town. Big Secret") on top of it. The spine was also plain with just "Eureka: Season One" and the standard logos and codes. We were never shown the back.
I managed to view a few photographs of the set before I actually received it myself, and I was impressed when I found out the fence on the front opens to reveal our characters, floating about with Jack Carter giving a stern look right at us. The inner Digipak (as it is called) also appeared fairly basic, but it was stylish and I personally liked it. The discs, however, looked very basic.
Finally, my DVD arrived and I had a chance to look through it myself. The discs were very basic, showing only the Eureka: Season One logo, and the list of episodes on the disc, with of course all the Universal, Region 1, Dolby Digital etc. logos and pirate warnings - the usual. Inside the packaging you will find brief descriptions of all the episodes, listed underneath the disc number you would find the episodes on. Along with the little episode guides are boxes stating what special features you will find on each disk. Disc One had the most listed, including the Webisodes and Mock Infomercials. Disc Two contained only podcasts, and Disc Three had more podcasts and an outtake from the Season finale episode 'Once in a Lifetime'.
The most disappointing aspect of the packaging is definitely the hubs for the discs. Because they used recycled materials to create the disc slots, you will most likely find your discs dislodged from their positions when you first open your set. Fortunately, the material is unlikely to scatch your disc, but dropping it when you take off the wrapper might, so please be careful!! I found what I thought to be an easy way to get the discs to stay in place - I would push on the seperate parts of the hubs until the discs was secured. This proved unsuccessful when I needed to take the disc out of the box to play it, as the disc simply ripped the hub. I have since had to find an alternate way of keeping the discs into place by attaching little bits of plastic to hold it in place which can easily be pushed back to take a disc out.
This recycled eco-friendly material may seem a good idea at first, but upon implementation it is proving to be a rather bad idea. For the Second Season DVD set, I would highly recommend Universal go back to standard disc holders, or perhaps they could use three slim-boxes like we are seeing in many Region 2 DVD releases.
Overall for the packaging - some good ideas, but sadly they were not as successful as Universal had hoped. |
| |  | Disc One
"Returns in July" Promo (37secs)
This promo is part of the previews when the disc is loading up. You can skip it at any time by hitting the menu button, but cannot view it again without stopping and starting the disc again. I love the music they've used, and the scenes and quotes were superbly chosen. You hear some of the things the critics said about Season One, mixed with Jack Carter's arrival in the small town. 
Outtake with Audio Commantary (1min 27secs)
The outtake comes from the Pilot episode where Carter finds Brian hiding under the seat. I won't spoil it and tell you what happens, but this is definitely one of the best outtakes I have ever seen. The f-bomb is dropped a couple of times in this Bonus Feature, but I'm sure anyone who doesn't mind the odd use of that language will admit that it adds to the humor of the outtake. In the words of Colin Ferguson: Oh my God, that was brilliant! The audio commentary is by Jaime Paglia, Andrew Cosby and Colin Ferguson.  - a short, but superb special feature.
Mock Infomercials (2mins 15secs)
Even though having seen these before many times, I still enjoy these. It is an extraordinary way to advertise a TV show. You've got the Kryo-Kennel and the Micro-Mitt to watch and rewatch as many times as you like. 
Webisodes (15mins 3secs)
Watching each installment every week, I wasn't really overly keen on Hide & Seek. I've since seen all 8 parts (7parts, + Prologue) together and I must say I enjoyed them a lot more. You'll find these are the same video and audio quality as the actual episodes on the DVDs, which is a step up from the web quality we previously had for these. They were a must for the DVD! 
Podcasts (2hrs 50mins 31secs)
For those that don't already know, podcasts are like audio commentaries that you listen to whilst watching the episode. Colin Ferguson was originally going to do a website and put podcasts on there, until Sci Fi caught wind of it and said they would do them and thus created the 'Lord of the Pod' - aka Colin!
A podcast for the Pilot episode was never made and released on SciFi.com like all the other episodes, however Colin made one for the DVD. The Pilot podcast is not listed under podcasts, though - it is listed underneath the Audio Commentary in the menu. You also get every other podcast for the episodes on this disc, and they act as audio commentaries. In the menus you choose whether you want to play the episode with or without the podcast playing. The volume on the episode is turned down so you can only really hear the podcasters talking.
I've never listened to the podcasts before - I know, shame on me! But after listening to the Season One podcasts on the DVD, I know I will definitely be listening to the Season Two podcasts as soon as they are released!
The podcasts are a superb way to learn some of the filming techniques and funky trivia for each episode. The actors and producers go into great detail about filming and whether they had fun or hated doing certain scenes. They're great to listen to, and you'll be surprised how quick they go over because you're enjoying them so much! 
Audio Commentary on Pilot (1hr 24mins 51secs)
The audio commentary on the Pilot episode was done by creators Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia, and Colin Ferguson. This is basically like the podcasts, only it was done about two weeks before they began filming Season Two, rather than each week as the episodes aired. They reveal a lot of interesting trivia about the series, even more so than other podcasts because this is the Pilot episode.
Deleted Scenes (17mins 51secs)
Deleted scenes / extended scenes available with optional commentary by Andrew Cosby, Jaime Paglia and Colin Ferguson. It is interesting to see what is going on in the characters' heads. We were also intended to be shown what happened to Warren King, but that never made the final cut. I won't spoil this either - you gotta buy the DVD and watch yourself! Some of the deleted scenes do drag on a bit, so it is understandable why they were cut - but that could just be down to the lack of music which always makes a scene come alive. We see quite a few deleted scenes from Blink, showing some of the scenes how they were originally supposed to be had the show been aired in the correct order. Definitely worth a watch though and just as enjoyable with the audio commentary as well. 
Disc Two
Podcasts (3hrs 35mins 7secs)
Podcasts for episodes 4 thru 8. Colin stepped out for two of the podcasts in the first Season, so we have Jaime and Andrew running the show with staff writer Johanna Stokes and Ed Quinn joining them.
Disc Three
Podcasts (4hrs 18mins 32secs)
Podcasts for the final four episodes. This disc sees addition podcasts for both 'Purple Haze' and 'H.O.U.S.E. Rules.'
Outtake (1min 41secs)
Every sci-fi television series has it's practical joker on set, such as Christopher Judge who plays Teal'c on Stargate SG-1. From what I've heard, Matt Frewer is that joker. A really nice, funny guy all the time. This outtake, or alternate take, shows how Matt just keeps going, and going, and going, and going and goi........... Commentary is also available on this with Jaime, Andrew and Colin. |
| |  | Eureka is shot using HD cameras, broadcast in standard definition on Sci Fi (as they don't have HD) but the HD is used internationally where possible. This results in a very clear picture on the DVD set. Season One is presented in Color Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1).
On the main menu you get a play all option, but you are also able to play all when viewing the "Episodes Index."
The audio is superb; speach is clear and the music is awesome. You are given an English Dolby Digital 5.1 track. English SDH subtitles are available. |
| |  | I really enjoyed sitting listening to podcast after podcast back to back the last couple of days, and viewing the various other special features on this set. The only feature I felt was missing was a behind-the-scenes feature, which is something I love to watch on a DVD set.
One thing I noticed whilst listening to the podcasts was the actors / producers repeatedly mentioning something they would put on the DVD, and that never actually made it onto the DVD. In most cases, it is a real shame that they never - but this does not make the set any less enjoyable.
I voiced my opinions about the packaging earlier which is definitely the most disappointing aspect of this set.
Aside from that, the DVD is overall a really good set. It looks good, it is filled with quality content, and for me it was like a book - for about a week after I got it, I just couldn't put it down. I'm a big television watcher, and I ended up watching nothing but Eureka (and 'The Lost Room' because that was delivered same day as Eureka) for three days. Podcasts, special features - everything. That is how enjoyable this entire set is. Another marathon for me tomorrow (Tuesday, July 10) of the entire first Season to lead me into the Season Two premiere at 9/8c.
If you haven't already grabbed your copy, head over to Amazon where they are selling it for $29.99! It is SO worth it!
Eureka - Season Two premieres 9/8c on Sci Fi Channel, July 10. |
| | Written by Ian Mullen - July 9, 2007
Opinions of the author do not represent
the overall opinions of VisitEureka.net.
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 | 301 - Bad to the Drone
Written by Robin Nason
You know, I understand why they have to show scenes from previous episodes. What with the way each episode builds on another, it only makes sense. But I have to confess that being a vigilant Eureka fan, I wish they could can those. Now to the premiere episode!
Jack is openly having angst about his little girl growing up. Waitressing at Café Diem is a big step in his opinion, and he doesn't hesitate to hash this out with Zoe. He contends that the Café isn't safe. The ... READ MORE |
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 | 109 - Primal
Written by Robin Nason
Jack and Jo are walking through Global Dynamics with an injured LoJack. Jo is carrying the dog and they assure the dog that he is going to be fixed up. Apparently his tendency to run in front of cars has finally caused him to get hurt.
Dr. Stark is in his office with Fargo. Fargo has created the "Mental Mouse," a device that transmits thoughts directly to the computer. Its only evidence is a small glowing button behind Stark's ear. Stark comments that it looks like a melanoma. S... READ MORE |
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 | 309 - Welcome Back Carter
Written by Ian Mullen
TEASER
FADE IN
EXT-LOS ANGELES, CAL., USA
[We see an aerial shot of the Los Angeles office of the Department of Homeland Security]
DHS MAN: This is a very impressive resume, Mr Carter.
INT-DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
[Carter is in a job interview]
DHS MAN C'TND: You've had a long career in law enforcement.
CA... READ MORE |
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