The
computer-hacking, conspiracy-exposing Lone Gunmen (played by Bruce
Harwood, Tom Braidwood and Dean Haglund) are always looking for
that next big government cover-up that would bring their
newsletter, The Lone Gunman, national attention. Whether
in their
secret underground office or in the back of their VW bus, this
bumbling and often socially inept trio is routinely laughed at by
their peers.
Now with a young, idealistic new member and a mysterious and
exotic female who is always one step ahead of them, the Lone
Gunmen are double determined to protect millions of Americans by
exposing truths that some would rather keep hidden.
THE VIDEO
Fox presents The
Lone Gunmen in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors look clean
and well saturated. Print quality is quite good except for some
specks and a little bit of grain in more than several scenes.
Optional subtitles include English and Spanish.
THE AUDIO
Fox presents The
Lone Gunmen in English Dolby 2.0 Surround. Dialogue is clear
and easy to understand, with the front speakers delivering noise
free audio. A 2.0 Spanish dub track is also available for the
episodes.
THE EXTRAS
First up is audio
commentary on the Pilot, Bond, Jimmy Bond, Tango
De Los Pistoleros, All About Yves and Jump the Shark
by key crew members and the three Gunmen actors (each track
features a combination of people). The Pilot commentary is pretty
good while the other tracks are quite decent with good information
and ideas. The enjoyment of these tracks comes down to whether the
reader enjoys the show.
The third disc (side
B) carries the bonus material. The Making of The Lone Gunmen
retrospective documentary (39:15), titled "Defenders of
Justice," features interviews with the creators/writers and cast
and focuses on several good topics such as casting and stories.
Even though I didn't find this show to be all that good this doc
does a good job covering the show.
Lastly, there is the
"X-Files" episode Jump the Shark (which ties up
loose ends and features the last appearance of the Gunmen) as well
as four TV spots (1:48).
OVERALL
The Lone Gunmen
can be funny at times but I didn't find much quality in most of
the stories to entertain me. The pilot episode is quite
interesting, actually, so I was looking forward to more mystery
and some of the comedy. However, the show became a little too
comedy-like, the majority of the stories were too minimal and the
supporting characters didn't work for me. The Gunmen characters
were probably better off making appearances on The X-Files
than having their own show, but the effort of the production here
is appreciated, especially with fine cinematography and perhaps
two or three good episodes. I'm recommending this DVD to fans of
the show and people who like The X-Files. Anybody else,
rent it.
