Few series capture the imagination and attention of viewers
quite like “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” did in its seven
years on the air. The brain behind the cult phenomenon, Joss
Whedon, has crafted a unique style of storytelling, evident in not
only “Buffy,” but also his sci-fi western hybrid
“Firefly.” Combining action, humor and science-fiction,
Whedon’s series stand out among the uninspired competition on
the air.

While the theatrical version of “Buffy” was less
than stellar, the television spin-off created a vivid mythology in
Sunnydale filled with vampires and other creatures of the night.
However, the strength of “Buffy” is in its
characterization and dialogue. The release on DVD of season five,
the final season that aired on the WB, shows the series at its
best. Season five featured seminal episodes like “The
Body” and “The Gift” that show the emotional core
that is found beneath the action and comedy that take center
stage.

With “Firefly,” Whedon attempted to create a western
set in outer space. Utilizing the same type of comedic wit that
prevailed in both “Buffy” and its spin-off,
“Angel,” “Firefly” takes a different
approach to the conventions of its genres. It’s the story of
a smuggling ship, “Serenity,” piloted by a captain
(Nathan Fillion, “Buffy”) searching for a true sense of
purpose amidst outer space. “Firefly” started strong
out of the gate, and with the addition of a few more seasons to
fully find its footing, it could have been a truly remarkable show.
FOX never gave the series a chance, airing its pilot episode at the
end of its run and showing all of the episodes out of order.

Both DVD sets feature clear transfers of both the video and
sound, but “Buffy: Season Five” is given a fullscreen
presentation even though a widescreen transfer exists. In regards
to extras, both sets have ample featurettes and commentaries, with
“Firefly” containing a few more documentaries about the
making of the show. For TV on DVD sets, the extras more than
suffice.

For the uninitiated, “Buffy” is a show that truly
deserves to be seen, but because of the continuity, season five
should be saved until after the four previous seasons have been
viewed. Even if that warning is not heeded, the fifth season of
“Buffy” is one of the best in the series, showing what
made the show so great.

“Firefly” is the first opportunity for the episodes
to be seen in the proper order, including an unaired episode, as
well as being a perfect chance for fans who missed the original
airings to catch this unjustly-cancelled gem.

“Buffy: Season 5”: 4 1/2 stars

“Firefly: The Complete Series”: 4 1/2
stars