Twin Peaks - The Definitive Gold Box Edition
All Twin Peaks fans everywhere, including me, are saying to themselves "well it's about fricking time!" I'm referring to the new DVD release of Twin Peaks: Definitive Gold Box Edition, an expansive 10 disc box set featuring every episode of the show's two season run. The biggest reason to celebrate this release is the inclusion of the pilot, which was not available in the U.S. before, other than as a bootleg or VHS copy.
Paramount does a tremendous job restoring this cult series, as the picture transfer is crisp and clear, and also features newly created 5.1 audio sound. This comprehensive box set was personally approved by series creator David Lynch, who's quoted as saying "I think this is a great definitive Twin Peaks gold set." This is what should have been released a few months back, instead of releasing the second season as a separate purchase. Since the first season has been long out of print on DVD, this boxed set makes perfect sense.
Of course, the pilot is the best part of the whole series, although certain other episodes hold up well too. The pilot originally aired as a 2-hour TV movie, introduced viewers to the murder of Laura Palmer, and brought people into the strange town of Twin Peaks. It was left open-ended in the U.S. in case the series was picked up. However, the international version of the premiere show strangely tied up any loose ends. Both versions are available to watch on the first disc, and again, the picture looks great for the pilot. I was so used to my worn-out VHS copy that it's nice to see the pilot restored.
The remaining episodes have their moments and highlights, and once again as on previously released DVD's, you have the option of watching each show with or without the Log Lady introductions. Christ only knows what she's talking about, but I've always preferred watching them. Season one's seven episodes are well-made and Lynch had a large hand in them. The mood, characters, and situations are all classic-Lynch. Season two, however, got bogged down by too many soap opera clich?'s, and featured an overabundance of characters and storylines. Viewers, like me, became confused and a bit bored as well. Lynch saved himself by directing the final episode, which was never resolved. By then it was too late, as ratings had dropped and the show got cancelled.
The special features are plentiful and are included on disc 10 (4 deleted scenes are also included on disc 9). In a Slice of Lynch, Kyle MacLachlan and Madchen Amick discuss the show and its impact on them over a cup of joe and a slice of cherry pie. How appropriate! There's a four-part documentary called Secrets from Another Place, which totals almost 2 hours when watched in full. Each season is discussed, as is the music that was composed by Angelo Badalamenti.
Current interviews with cast members are included in this featurette, including Joan Chen, Piper Laurie, and Sheryl Lee. Sadly missing, once again, is Michael Ontkean. Return to Twin Peaks examines how popular the cult show still is to some fans, and there's a cool Interactive Map that goes to the locations of Twin Peaks and shows what they look like today. Also included is a 1991 Saturday Night Live show featuring Kyle MacLachlan in a Twin Peaks spoof, and the "Falling" music video with Julee Cruise, which is the show's theme song.
Maybe one day there'll be a proper wrap-up of the final cliffhanger episode. Until then, we Twin Peaks fans have this fabulous box set to cherish.
Deleted scenes
A Slice of Lynch
Secrets from Another Place
Return to Twin Peaks
Interactive Map
Saturday Night Live featuring Kyle MacLachlan
"Falling" Music Video with Julee Cruise
TV spots and promos