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24: Complete Season 5 [2005]

RRP: £49.99
Our Price: £23.58 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

The adventures of Counter Terrorism Unit agent Jack Bauer have rarely been dull. Yet after four series of battling the bad guys in real time, some could rightfully wonder whether 24 had lots its edge, and its ability to surprise. The fifth season should put any such doubts to shame.

Set eighteen months after the dramatic finale to Season Four, things get off to a shocking and pulsating beginning. You won't find plot spoilers in this review, yet it's as if the writers realised they had some serious carpet-pulling to do to keep the show's audience intrigued once again. Set, as usual, over the course of one single day, there's then a slight lull in the first third, before things spring ferociously into life. Make no mistake: if you can overcome the usual need to suspend elements of your disbelief, this is the best series of 24 since the first, and as it winds near to its equally dramatic conclusions, it's simply hard to take your eyes off it.

Joining the usual cast too is a procession of familiar names. Peter Weller (Roboocop), Sean Astin (The Lord Of The Rings) and C Thomas Howell (The Hitcher) are among those doing their curriculum vitae no harm, but the acting honours are taken by the wonderful combination of President Logan and his first lady, played by Gregory Itzin and Jean Smart.

With a denouement that sets up a sparkling sixth season, this fifth series of 24 is a genuinely significant achievement. It's packed full of surprises, isn't afraid to take a few risks, and as all good thrillers should, it keeps you on the edge of your seat for far longer than is comfortable. A superb show, very much on top form.--Simon Brew

Terrible letdown in the 24 series (contains spoilers)
Review date: 2008-06-15 Rating: 4 out of 10

Having been gripped by this intense courtroom drama since season one back in the late nineties, I was obviously very excited about the prospect of season five. Kiefer Sutherland (son of Ron and Mindy) steps up to the role of Jack Bauer and for the first time looks tired in the role.
I would perhaps attribute his weak performance in season five to personal problems he was experiencing offscreen. Sutherland was going through a messy divorce with his wife (Helen Hunt) and he was also working on the film Navy Seals 3-Back In The Water (which never made it to DVD to due lack of demand).
The plot of season 5 is similar to the other seasons, involving terror threats, but I could see lots more interesting subplots surfacing, which many viewers probably missed.
The relationship between Bauer and Edgar Stiles had been simmering for some time and in this season it is aloud it flourish. The underlying erotic tension between the two was almost unbearable at times; I kept waiting for them to have that much needed romantic clinch but it didn't happen. Maybe producers will consider it for the next series.
There is a welcome return for the character of David Palmer (Denzel Washington) who strides through the role of the president with considerable ease. Washington delivers his lines with accuracy but still looks unsettled in the role. I was shocked and saddened to see the producers killing off this character though. The president's death scene was very lowkey. Having him choke to death on an applecore was a little disappointing, but nonetheless a memorable way to bow out.
The other surprising thing about series five is that producers only made 23 episodes, due to budget restrictions. This was not reflected in the title in the programme though, as it was felt changing it to '23' would confuse viewers.
I felt the characters were all getting quite stale by this point, as was the plot. There had been talk to base series 5 around some of the background characters at CTU and axe the character of Bauer, but at the last minute he was kept on and used as the main character again.
Fans should note the DVD comes with a 6 hour interview with Sutherland (only the last five minutes are any good, where Sutherland cracks a joke and smiles) and also a set of fridge magnets. I don't have a fridge, so I had to take back the DVD after I bought it.

Reviews

Just brilliant
Review date: 2008-04-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

If you've got this far you're a 24 fan.
This set is the best so far, with far tighter story lines and less of the credibility issues in the earlier series.
All the other series had that '24 factor' that keeps you on the edge of your seat and wanting 'just one more episode'.
This season is even more so.
Don't wait. Buy or rent it, but watch it. You won't be disappointed.

IT'S GETS BETTER BY THE SEASON!!!!
Review date: 2008-03-13 Rating: 10 out of 10

For me the best season so far by a mile the story was gripping from the opening frame to the final word totally brillant. I didn't really take to President Logan in season 4 but in this season he stole the show he played the part with ease. I hope season 6 is as good the odd review I have read say the same that this is the worse season of all. There is only one thing to do to see if those reviews were right and that's to watch it I will let you know!

Not just the best 24, but the best TV drama in years
Review date: 2007-12-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

After 4 years of watching Keiffer Sutherland avert disasters it was hard to imagine where 24 and particularly Jack Bauer could go. The series remained consistently entertaining, action packed and addictive but I couldn't help feeling that it was never going to match the achievement of the first season. Season 5 blew me away. It has everything. The high lights for me were a truly explosive opening episode (the best the show has ever achieved) to the incredible performance by Gregory Itzin as the president. The DVD extras do not disappoint either, but leave them alone until you're watched the episodes for `here be spoilers'.
If you're new to 24 then do yourself a favour and watch the previous 4 seasons first. If you're interest in the show has waned in recent years then season 5 is the perfect place to jump back on.

I love 24!!
Review date: 2007-11-14 Rating: 8 out of 10

Ever since I borrowed a friends copy of season 1 I have been hooked on this show. I have also managed to get my whole family hooked on it. You do have to suspend your belief to a certain extent otherwise you will find yourself picking holes in it on what would/wouldnt happen.

It loses none of the high adrenaline suspense experienced in the other series and I found myself getting so emotionally involved!

All in all, another great series!

Product Details/Specifications

Actor(s):
Mary Lynn Rajskub
Kiefer Sutherland
Gregory Itzin
Kim Raver
Roger R. Cross

Director(s):

Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036026130
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 7
Format: Box set, Colour, Dolby, PAL, Subtitled,
Release date: 2006-11-06
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 1003 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005
Language: English (Original Language)

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Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV

24: Complete Season 5 [2005]

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