Serenity, The DVD review

Forget what you’ve read about Serenity. Forget the fact that it’s based on Firefly. Forget that Joss Whedon even writes comic books. This film is the real thing. Watch it. Enjoy it. Remember, it’s not just a sci fi film, it’s not just a western set it space, it’s one amazing production that is sure to become a classic.

My son and I watched Serenity tonight, the day before it’s video release, and to his 13 year old imagination, it was magical. To my 40 plus year imagination, it was stunning. The great thing about this film is that the special effects do not overwhelm the story, they help it. This film could easily be placed in Monument Valley, with stage coaches and run away horses and renegade Indian tribes. The setting does not define the story here, it makes it more contemporary.

I can imagine a young John Ford growing up in the world of our technology. With the complete arsenal of computer technology and cgi, his films would be spectacular. Sure, with his techniques and equipment, films like Red River and his early serials were something to behold, but, if he could direct a space film, it would probably look like this.

Joss Whedon, meet John Ford. Duke, meet Nathan Fillion. And so on, the introductions would go. Until the story...it is pure action all the way. The Reavers, the six rebels on Serenity, and a young psychic being pursued by the Parliament, make this cast very interesting.

At what cost peace? That is the question that the crew of the ship asks. When they arrive at the city Miranda, their peace had been their undoing. With a chemically induced nullifier, peace was attained, but it was to their detriment.

So peaceful in fact, that they forgot to go to work, to breath, to do anything. What cost peace? What method peace? With the ‘ideal’ being a farce, the exposure of the lie becomes the quest of the Serenity Crew. Along they way, they battle forces loyal to Parliament, and death is the ultimate reward for heroism. What cost peace? What cost the truth? Very topical considering the world situation right now, wouldn’t you say?

Joss Whedon has created a wonderful film that screams out HOME THEATRE!
Rent it, buy it, enjoy it.
Find it at better video stores or online at www.udvd.ca or at www.universalstudiohomeentertainment.com .
Perhaps we will yet see Firefly and Serenity fly once more.