Prison Break: Season 2 DVD: Review By Dodd

Mixed things have been stated by fans and critics alike about the series Prison Break. In its first season, it followed Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) as he broke into a maximum security penitentiary to rescue his brother Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) for a crime he didn't commit. This daring escape plan is what gave the series its fitting title. Then something happened that the Fox Network and writers perhaps did not expect; the series was a success and the season ended with the boys officially breaking out of prison. Being that the second season did not involve breaking out of prison, harsh things were said. However, unlike many followers of the show, I had the fortune of picking up the series during its second season. With no memories of an entire season wasted within the walls of a prison, the series grabbed me by the throat for the entire second season run and had me begging for more. This particular season is soon to be available on DVD from 20th Century Fox.

Picking up where the last season left off, Michael and Lincoln have officially broken out of prison with some fellow inmates in tow. There is mob man John Abruzzi (Peter Stormre), the lovelorn Sucre (Amaury Nolasco), and pedophile/murderer T-Bag Bagwell (Robert Knepper) among other escapees. The second season follows the various convicts as they work together, split ways, and double cross one another in their pursuit for freedom and a hidden stash of money. The series goes from Prison Break to something more along the lines of Prison Escape.

Of course what would a series be without the introduction of new characters to stabilize ratings and keep things interesting? Enter William Fichtner. The character actor better known for playing mean ball-breakers in film steps in as FBI Agent Mahone. Mahone is the type of man who knows obsession, and the corrupt powers that be use him to their advantage to round up Lincoln, Michael, and the prisoners who know too much. Of course, his orders also consist of silencing the men and making it look like an accident.

The second season of Prison Break received harsh criticism for breaking out of the walls and into a cross-country chase. I cannot speak for fans of the series who stuck out the first season, which is probably why I was so vulnerable to the fast-paced, serialized storyline. The series does a wonderful job of jumping from convict to convict, and assuring that no one stops for an ounce of fresh air. Every time the good guys get what they want, another problem occurs which sends the men running into a cliffhanger for the next episode. Thanks to the technology of DVD, I was able to progress immediately to the next installment without waiting out a week.

Another thing that stands out in this season is its performances. William Fichtner was clearly brought in to chew up the scenery, and he successfully does so. Agent Mahone is the ultimate anti-hero who is the most difficult to judge. It becomes clear that the reasons he does what he does are for deeper motivations than just being a jerk, and his two-faced qualities are really brought out. Another commendable performance is from Robert Knepper as T-Bag. Knepper's vicious murderer is so terrifying that he makes Peter Stormare look innocent. And I think all entertainment buffs know how hard it is to make Peter Stormare seem less creepy.

*The following is based on a limited screener copy. It is possible that some special features are not covered here.

Reinvention of a Series

Creators and actors of the show go into detail on how much the program shifts between Season 1 and Season 2. It is indicated that the penitentiary was originally the prison, but the entire United States serves as a sort of prison in its second outing. The bulk of this really consists of the actors discussing their characters, and what direction they end up taking as the season progresses.

Turning Dallas into America

Ten minutes are dedicated to the discussion of why the creators chose to shoot most of this season in Dallas. Due to unpredictable weather conditions in areas such as Chicago, the right look could always be achieved down south. This is pretty much the gist of this piece.

Prison Break Theme

This is a remix of the theme song with techno beats put in along with visuals from the show. I also call this a huge waste of time that is DVD filler.

Widescreen. This day and age it is difficult to tell a movie from a television series. Prison Break is like an action movie that never ends, and the direction is right on top of everything.

5.1 Dolby Surround. The intense score accompanies the show well as the characters jump to place to place and problem to problem.

I was not provided with the appropriate casing for the store version of this DVD.

Some fans may have been underwhelmed by the second season of Prison Break, but I will admit to being quite a sucker for it. Not once does the show slow down. Numerous characters are either chasing or being chased, and the thrills are simply nonstop. I must express disappointment in the season finale that does not bring me much hope for the third outing. I only hope that the series creators keep the twists coming and the action aplenty.

Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com