Synopsis
Cards on the table: I never watched the show, and so didn’t have the faintest idea what wasgoing on. Here’s the case summary: “It’s five years later and Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen and Jackare reunited in Capeside for Dawson’s mom’s wedding. But the celebratory mood comes to anend when they receive some heartbreaking news. As the gang faces a future more uncertain thanbefore, Joey struggles to come to terms with her true feelings for Dawson, Pacey and her currentboyfrie…d. When she finally does, she surprises everyone with her decision.” Turning for insightto a long-time fan of the series (who maintains that the first three seasons are television at itsfinest), I was informed that the finale is a comparative letdown, taking the maudlin way out.
Audio
The sound, as with most TV offerings, is in 2.0. The music sounds just fine, and there are afew more surround sound effects than I’ve encountered on many TV shows. Some of theenvironmental effects are, in fact, quite good (as in the television offices where Dawson nowworks). By and large, though, this is a dialogue-driven show, and the latter is crisp and distortion-free.
Video
The transfer is fullscreen, naturally enough, and is workmanlike. The picture is clear enough,but does feature some grain. The colours vary. Some of the night scenes are a touch on the murkyside (though not cripplingly so), and the flesh tones and orange hues are pushed a bit toomuch.
Special Features
Creator Kevin Williamson and executive producer Paul Stupin do the commentary, whichassumes the audience is intimately familiar with the series (but then, why else would you bewatching this?). They also provide optional commentary on the original pilot ending and 3alternate scenes from the pilot. All this is very nice, but would make a bit more sense on a discwith the pilot, rather than the finale. Finally, there are trailers for Charlie’s Angels: FullThrottle, Lone Star State of Mind, and Me Without You. The menu isbasic.
Closing Thoughts
Fans of the series should be fairly pleased with this release, containing as it does theextended cut of the finale and solid commentary.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentary
- Alternate Pilot Ending with Optional Commentary
- Alternate Pilot Scenes with Optional Commentary