There’s nothing that disappoints me more than to be introduced to a really, really good show on DVD… only to have it cancelled before giving it a chance to build up an audience. Such was the case for “Terra Nova.”
A rather ambitious series originally airing on Fox last year, “Terra Nova” introduced us to the Earth of 2149, where mankind has stripped the planet of every last resource. The air is so bad that folks have to use re-breathers any time they step outdoors. Families are forbidden to have more than two children because of overpopulation (an idea that I’m actually rather keen on). But there is one hope… a breach in time that allows pilgrimages of people recruited and chosen by lottery to travel 85 million years into the past in order to begin again in the village of Terra Nova.
If you’d like to get the details of the show, I highly recommend checking out the website below. Even better, I suggest you pick up a copy of the recent DVD release of this highly underrated show. Critics might tell you it was simplistic and silly, but I am here to tell you the series offered solid entertainment in every one of its 13 episodes. And the storylines were far from simplistic. There is an underlying story arc that plays out throughout the episodes that is heartbreaking, frustrating and delivered some extremely hated villains. While I won’t put it at the top of the list as far as great TV, I certainly would have welcomed a second season to allow it some additional footing and a chance to solidify itself with fans.
When the DVD set arrived, we set aside some time to watch it, as it looked promising. I was already aware that the series had been cancelled and that it ended on a cliffhanger, but that did not deter me or my family. Even my 9 year old daughter loved it (and she is very picky) and was sad there were no follow-up episodes. The ‘sorta’ good news is that while the series ended on a cliffhanger, it was not a solid cliffhanger. Most of the storylines that had been started were brought to a close, a number of the villains you wanted to see ‘get it’… ‘got it,’ and the way the series left off, it was easy to write your own end to the saga. But again I recommend visiting the website as it offers a motion comic that gives somewhat of an ending…. Not as good as additional episodes…. But at least it is something.
The DVD set delivers a great transfer, with clear visuals and equally clear audio. AS a matter of fact I was rather disappointed the series wasn’t offered on Bluray. I can only imagine what the already impressive special effects on that would have looked.
Fortunately, despite the series rather abrupt cancellation, the DVD set does allow for a few special features. A Gag Reel and Deleted scenes start viewers off. Additionally there is a good commentary on the series season finale, as well as featurettes on the making of the first episode, the mysteries that surround the story and a look at the creatures in the series.
Those involved with “Terra Nova”, cast and crew alike, should be proud of what they accomplished with this series. Even though it only had a run of 13 episodes, they were 13 good episodes and they left most audiences wanting more, without leaving them completely hanging.
Starring: Jason O'Mara, Shelley Conn, Christine Adams, Allison Miller, Landon Liboiron, Naomi Scott, Rod Hallett, Alana Mansour, Stephen Lang
Extras: Deleted Scenes; Director’s Diaries – Making the Pilot; Occupation/Resistance Extended Episode; Mysteries Explored; Cretaceous Life – The Dinosaurs of Terra Nova; Audio Commentary on Occupation/Resistance by Stephen Lang, Brannon Braga and Rene Echevarria; Gag reel
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 9/11/2012
MPAA Rating: NR
