Smallville: Pilot Movie

 

 

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At first the idea of another Roswell/Buffy with a superhero twist doesn't exactly bode well for a genre that is already being done to death in the marketplace. So it was with no small amount of apprehension that I found myself viewing the pilot episode of Smallville one sunday afternoon on UK Television. Although familiar with the comics I was and am no big Superman fan yet within 20 minutes the show had me in thrall and I thought - Jesus, this is actually a good show. Sure the X-Files villian of the week idea couldn't work forever but that soon became secondary to the characterisation that the writers and actors bring to this show. Clark alone is a contradiction of Freudian proportions - strong yet insecure, handsome but lonely, secretive (out of necessity regarding his powers) yet warm and open. And then their are his parents - brilliantly portrayed by veterans Annette O'Toole and John Schneider who provide a caring and supportive backbone to Clarks 'different' adolescence. But out of all the characters none holds the show quite so well as Lex Luthor played by Michael Rosenbaum. In direct contrast to Clark, he is the one character that we all know will one day become the villian of the show and yet you cannot help but feel sympathetic to Lex. Michael Rosenbaum brings an overwhelming humanity to the show that stems from Lex being unloved by his father and the unenviable position of outsider as a result of this and the meteor crash that left him bald. My upbringing was similiar to Clarks but in one episode when you see Lex stare at Clark and his family hugging after a life threatening incident you can't help but feel his pain and envy. Yes it is that good a show - even the coldest heart will find comfort here. The DVD is a nice transfer and the extras a pleasant surprise considering Warner normally limit such things especially on TV Show DVD's (Babylon 5 The Gathering springs to mind!). The commentary is a bit dull though with little given away, instead the creators just rehash what the viewer could gleam from watching the pilot themselves. Perhaps if they release the first season as a box set (the smart money says they will) the actors themselves could do the commentary as I'm sure this would be more entertaining. Saying that its a nice little DVD and exclusive to canada as well. Recommended.

This disc containing the first 2 episodes of the series have been combined to play as a movie length episode which follows how it was played on television as a repeat. The advantages of watching this exclusive Canadian import - where the series is filmed - are the extra features and the pleasure of being able to watch it over and over without degradation. I'm interested in hearing the audio commentaries and would really like to see some outtakes or deleted scenes on the disc.

The fact that this DVD has come out so soon after the show first aired is something in itself, since the first season has only just finished airing on TV.

The cool thing about the show are the great special effects which are in ample supply in about every episode and the very likeable young cast. The first of which I had seen of 2 of it's cast members - Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Kristen Kreuk (Lana Lang). Michael Rosenbaum is also great as Lex Luthor. The Theme song "Save Me" by Remy Zero is also a great choice for such a show as Clark ends up saving at least 1 person in each episode.

After watching this movie it will be easy to get hooked to the show. One stand-out scene in particular involves the meteor shower at the start. All-in-all I think the mix of drama, humour, special effects and the great looking cast all combine to make this show one that will appeal to all age groups.

I'll be looking forward to when they have the whole series on DVD as I'll be one of the first people to buy it...

This is one of my favorite shows, but I am disappionted that they decided to put two inferior on the DVD. This show stars the always amazing looking Tom Welling as Clark Kent, Kristen Kruek as the sappy Lana Lang, Micheal Rosenbaulm as the furture nemasis Lex Luthor, and Allison Mack as the Lois Lane parralel Chloe Sullivan. In the first episode they put on the DVD, Pilot, it goes through all the basics, how the Kents found Clark, the meteor shower affecting everyone in Smallville (one of the things that did not happen in the comic book, but after you see the better episodes you forgive the wroters for putting in), Clark's crush on the pretty but oh so annoying girl-next-door with the jelous boyfriend played by Eric Johnson(she gets less annoying in later episodes),Clark saving Lex's life and consequently becoming his best friend(a courageous but greatmove by the writers)and of course the X-Files like villian trying to kill people in Smallville. The chram of the epsiodes make you forget all the glaring faults, except for Lana, about Smallville. The second episode a bug guy attacks Smallville. Frankly, Iwas very uoset when I lerned that they were putting these two episodes on the DVD because besides for Reaper and Drone these are the two worst episodes although the premeire provides information thet you need to understand the future episodes. If you can possibly see other episodes I highly recommend it, but as for these two don't waste your money.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible show for the whole family!
This show has such a great cast, especially Tom Welling as Clark Kent. He is such a talented and intelligent actor. So is Michael Rosenbaum as Lex, great acting! Read more

Published on May 6 2007 by D. Landry

4.0 out of 5 stars Before He Became A Hero
I must admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about the SMALLVILLE television series. After all, the story of Superman, has been done so many times on both t.v. Read more

Published on July 31 2002 by T. Lobascio

2.0 out of 5 stars My Veiw Of The Smallville DVD
This is one of my favorite shows, but I am disappionted that they decided to put two inferior on the DVD. Read more

Published on Jun 10 2002 by sarahdreamygirl239

5.0 out of 5 stars Does this mean "complete seasons of" DVDs?!
That would be great, even though "Smallville" has just ended its first season. I've seen every single episode of "Smallville" since Day One, so I can easily say that this was one... Read more

Published on Jun 2 2002 by Rebecca

5.0 out of 5 stars SuperShow!
Get this. It's grrrrrrrreat! (Tony the Tiger)
Witness superman as a troubled youth. Also, please click yes right below. Thank You.

Published on May 30 2002 by Alfonso A.

4.0 out of 5 stars Before the fight for truth, justice, and the American way...
WB's new top-rated show, Smallville, has finally hit DVD! For those who are a bit fuzzy on the details, the show revolves around the teenage years of Clark Kent, whose destiny... Read more

Published on May 30 2002 by Simon

5.0 out of 5 stars SOMEBODY SAVE ME!!!! Smallville on DVD!!!
You can only get this dvd here because its an exclusive to Canada release! You won't find it in the U.S.! This Dvd is Awesome! Read more

Published on May 16 2002 by Rita Wiltsey

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