Burn Notice Season 1: DVD Review

Burn Notice is an action comedy from USA Network revolving around government spy Michael Westen (portrayed by Jeffery Donovan). While in the middle of an operation in Africa, Westen learns he has been kicked out of the spy world (i.e. burned). After barely escaping with his life, he wakes to find himself in Miami with his ex-girlfriend (Gabrielle Anwar) and a number of questions including trying to figure out who was behind his burn notice. He finds himself constantly tailed by the government, his bank accounts frozen, and having to deal with his mother (Sheron Gless) who let's just say has a number of issues of her own. That's not to mention the fact that one of his only friends in Miami Sam Axe (ably played by Bruce Campbell) is spying on him to the FBI.

There are probably many reasons for Burn Notice's appeal. It could be the great writing of Matt Dix or the ability to walk the line between being an action series and a gallows comedy (Boston Legal does a good job of doing the same thing between dark comedy and legal drama). The chemistry between the cast members definitely makes the show enjoyable. Or it could just be the presence of Bruce Campbell and his cult following fans who would probably watch him on DVD even if it was a documentary on how to make a sandwich better.

The Season I DVD set covers every episode on four discs. Discs one through three contain the first ten episodes of the show from the pilot episode through to False Flag. Disc four contains the two part finale Loose Ends along with special features which include several montages. The character montage has some classic scenes. There is also a very funny gag reel. Also included is footage from Jeffery Donovan's as well as Gabrielle Anwar's audition for their roles as Michael and Fiona

Included with each episode are subtitles in Spanish and French and also scene specific commentaries involving the show's four main characters (Jeffery Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, and Sharon Gless) as well as creator Matt Dix. This is a feature that some DVD box sets include but many still do not.

While not necessarily a deterrent to hardcore fans of the show, the biggest disappointment with the DVD set could be the price. A retail list price of $39.99 for just twelve episodes seems high even with all the features that the DVDs have. For a longer season, $39.99 would seem more fitting but for twelve questions it becomes more questionable.

Overall despite the price the DVD set itself does have a lot of features and is a must have for the die hard fan of the show and if they can stomach the price the casual viewer as well.