Plot: What’s it about?
As the hit reality show “Survivor” entered the double digits (season 10), the Producers of the show felt that it was in need of a change. There had been twists every season since Africa and though the show was far from old, there was a surprise in store for the castaways of “Survivor: Palau”. For the first time ever, there were twenty people vying for the million dollar prize, but two wouldn’t even make it until Day Three. In a schoolyard pick ‘em, the tribes were allowed to pick their own and the two left over would be out of the game before it really even began. “Survivor: Palau” was better-known as a season of firsts and though I won’t give away too many details, let’s just say that things happened this time around that haven’t happened since and most likely won’t happen again. The backdrop for the season was one of the most beautiful ever, the Rock Islands of Palau out in Oceania. The scenic nature gave many of the challenges a unique look and feel to them, something that was the polar opposite of the next season: Guatemala.
Naturally, the show wouldn’t be the same without the cast of characters and we’ve got some characters in this season, for sure. Naturally, the cast is composed of a veritable cross-section of the United States, but somewhat skewed towards the more “beautiful” people (or maybe I’m just jaded because they haven’t picked me yet)! Among the standouts this season are Tom Westman, representing the New York City Firefighters, Janu Tornell, a Las Vegas showgirl and Angie Jakusz, perhaps the most interesting-looking female the show has ever seen. Naturally, alliances are formed, Immunity Challenges won and lost and an ultimate winner has to be decided. Who will it be? Every season of the show is always a bit different depending on locale and the cast, but “Survivor: Palau” actually ranks up there with some of my favorite seasons. While Paramount has offered no rhyme or reason as to why they’re releasing the seasons in no particular order, it’s nice to get any season of the show on DVD. Next up, by the way, “Survivor: Vanuatu”.
Video: How does it look?
As with previous editions of the show, “Survivor: Palau” is shown in its full-frame format as it aired on television. The colors are bright and vivid and the abundant turquoise of the water really makes some of these episodes sparkle. There’s hardly any artifacting to speak of, edge enhancement is non-existent and colors are warm and natural. Obviously, most any video element that is presented on DVD will look great and “Survivor: Palau” is certainly no exception.
Audio: How does it sound?
The Dolby Surround mix is all that we have here and it’s more than enough to get the job done. Again, this is how it’s presented on television. For the most part, it’s a dialogue-driven show with confessionals and strategizing being the meat of the spoken word. During the challenges and rewards, Russ Landau’s fantastic score can be heard and it sounds great, booming from all of your speakers. There’s not a whole lot else that can be said, like the video it’s just as it was presented on TV and sounds just as good – if not better.
Supplements: What are the extras?
What die hard “Survivor” fans want on these sets are more supplements, behind the scenes footage and some more insight as to what these twenty folks went through for six weeks of their lives. We get a little of that, but there’s still room for so much more. Included are five commentary tracks on some key episodes, and by various members of the cast. Naturally these folks know each other inside and out (due to the amount of time they spent with one another) and the tracks are pretty jovial in nature. There wasn’t a lot of hatred this season and it’s reflected in the tracks. There are four featurettes: “Welcome to Palau”, “Playing the Game”, “Down to the Wire” and “Battle for the Sole Survivor”. Each of these featurettes contains interviews with the cast of the show, though they’re all pretty much the same folks as they comment on the locale, the challenges and of course – the strategizing. As I mentioned before, die-hard fans want more perhaps with some scenes not aired on the show (if you watch “The Early Show”, they show a “secret scene” which might have been a cool feature to add on here). Still, it’s nice to have another set on DVD and this fan is waiting for more.
