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Bionic Woman - Series 1 - Complete [2007]


RRP: £24.99
Our Price: £10.42 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Unsurprisingly, eyebrows were raised when it was announced that the classic 1970s sci-fi television show Bionic Woman was being revisited. And those eyebrows shot even higher when it was confirmed that former EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan was taking the title role. But the fears, in spite of what some early word may have hinted, proved unfounded. For the new Bionic Woman is surprisingly strong.

The concept at the heart of Bionic Woman is similar, if not exactly the same as its predecessor. Ryan is Jamie Sommers, a woman leading an unspectacular life until she's caught in a horrific car crash. Saved by scientists, she's rebuilt with added strength and speed into the mix. And that proves to be just the start of the adventure.

The full series is included on this DVD set, and there's plenty to enjoy with Bionic Woman. Alongside an assortment of welcome guest appearances, the show boasts good action, strong effects and plenty of entertainment. Sadly, it wasn't enough to save it in the States, where ratings have led to its cancellation. And that's a real pity. Because while it's not perfect, and occasionally the pace is slightly off, Bionic Woman is good science-fiction television. And do you know what? Michelle Ryan is really very good too. In spite of it coming to a premature end, it's still a show worth picking up. --Jon Foster


not alot to it
Review date: 2008-10-17 Rating: 2 out of 10

It was not bad but only 8 episodes long, so not something to buy, need I say more?

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Reviews


Lacks oomph.
Review date: 2008-07-27 Rating: 4 out of 10

With so much real quality television around, I suppose it's inevitable that some just don't quite make the grade. And in an age when writing on television on TV is reaching such high standards, it's a shame that in the end it's the writing that lets this down.
It's also worth remembering that if you plan to purchase this, it is only EIGHT episodes - yes, that includes the pilot. So Jaime Sommers is in a car accident, gets her limbs, eye and ear replaced with superior bionic parts by a covert group who go around saving the world each week. Hangers on include her younger sister who lives with her and knows nothing of her secret life, and later, a boyfriend. And for character development, well, in 8 episodes, that's all we have time for, folks. Think of it as Alias, with added bionics, minus any of the charisma.
Acting is fine - Michelle Ryan hits the required notes of all American woman, and woman who you believe can throw a punch, but somehow never quite convinces of having the superior IQ of the character - again, mostly the writing and not her fault. Miguel Ferrer is the boss, to add Hollywood clout. Let's face it though, If Miguel Ferrer is who you turn to to add clout.. well. Need I say more. One of the highlights is a story arc with Isaiah Washington who turns out to be the most believable character in the series, and a delicious cameo over several episodes with Katee Sackhoff, from Battlestar Galactica. Since the producer of this series also brought that series to the screen, it is especially disappointing that it is on story and writing that this series stumbles.
So we have a fairly hum drum series which relies completely on its high concept, and lacks pazazz. All the same, it's worth remembering that 10 years ago this would have been a welcome addition to the TV schedule... it's not a bad series - it just has such strong competition these days, that why wade through sloppy scripting and lazy character exposition?


Not a patch on the original, but it's a completely different show anyway
Review date: 2008-07-14 Rating: 4 out of 10

I loved the original version of this show with Lindsay Wagner, whose character showed flaws, a really 'ordinary' persona and fought Bigfoot of all things. This is a deserved remake, and it did need some serious updating. To this end, the writers got it right in having Jaime as a bartender and not a skydiving tennis champ. The bionics have been updated too, so it's not all about actual mechanics, but things in the body that can be manipulated to make a person stronger etc. I was very surprised to learn that Michelle Ryan would take over the lead, but actually she was a bit of a revelation. A good American accent and an acting ability that wasn't always evident in Eastenders.

The problem is that the show is incredibly tedious in places. If you're going to do Bionic Woman, then it's fine to have a couple of episodes where she's coming to terms with what's happened to her, but then they stuck in a whole team of people, not all of which are believable or even understandable, a boss who provides a touch of brutal class, and the very annoying 'original' Bionic Woman, which makes a bit of a mockery of the folklore behind the whole thing.

And they don't give Jaime enough to do. The original fight between her and Corvus is well choreographed and effects are good. Then it's some very plodding storylines and not enough bionics. The inclusion of the sister was definitely not well thought out, as she is really just a bit of an annoying distraction.

I really wanted to like this programme more than I did. Having said that, the studio didn't give it enough chance to grow. It could have developed into a much better show, and this review can only be based on the very few episodes that were made.

Definitely a missed opportunity

Monotonous
Review date: 2008-06-28 Rating: 2 out of 10

Could have been so good - the pilot wasn't bad and neither was Michelle Ryan. In the end, it suffered from dire scripts, poor special effects and no imagination.

Loved the show....
Review date: 2008-06-25 Rating: 4 out of 10

... really was getting into it, lots of things they could develop on... Then it was canned post-strike with no proper ending or send-off.

Therefore even though I loved the show I can't bring myself to buy this DVD as it is pointless, and will just leave me hanging once more wanting to know what happens....

Why wasn't her sister allowed a computer hooked up to the internet? What's the deal with the ex's daddy? yada yada.....


Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Lucy Kate Hale
Will Yun Lee
Miguel Ferrer
Michelle Ryan
Molly Price

Creators:
Michelle Ryan (Primary Contributor)
Miguel Ferrer (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582549423
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-05-12
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 324 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007

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