Riverdale: Season 1 [DVD] [2017]

A three disc dvd box set containing all thirteen episodes of the first season of the tv show Riverdale.For the uninitiated:Archie comics, which have never been desperately well known in this country, are an American institution that have been running for over seventy five years. Set in the small town of Riverdale, they feature 'typical teen' Archie Andrews. A well meaning but clumsy young man who is a love triangle with nice girl next door Betty and glamorous socialite Veronica. The two girls are best friends. Archie's best friend is the extremely individualistic 'Jughead' Jones. A classic example of the 'just be yourself' type of character.Archie comics were mostly primarily humour publications for a long time. And are so well known in the states that a prime question to many American males as they grew up was if they preferred Betty or Veronica. They do have more of a supporting cast as well, though. Not least pop group Josie and the Pussycats, who did have a feature film a while ago and did feature in cartoons some may remember from 70's television.Even if you've never heard of the comics, you've probably heard the song 'Sugar, Sugar.' In the comics, Archie and friends play in a band called the Archies. They sung said song in an episode of a tv cartoon show based on the comics long ago. It got released as a single. And the rest is history.The comics have diversified of late. Moving into other genres with horror titles, and a successful relaunch of Archie making it more of a comtemporary style drama. It has often moved with the times, always looking at pop culture and popular gadgets.Riverdale does this. It is a new take on the characters and the show and the setting. All episodes run forty minutes approx. It looks at the characters as they are on the cusp of adulthood. All the kids having to make choices about their future paths in life. And how those might not be wht their parents want for them.On one level, it is a teen drama.But it's also a film noir style murder mystery. The show begins with the mysterious disappearance of Jason Blossom, son of a rich family. Star football player. And beloved brother of twin sister Cheryl. When he then turns up murdered, it becomes apparent to many that the town has secrets.For those familiar with the comics, and prepared to be broad minded about this - not just because it has violence and adult moments - this will work superbly. Some of the cast look exactly like the characters. Some don't. Some of the characters are exactly like they are in the comics. Some are the characters in name only. But they are all brought to life incredibly well by a very talented cast.It has some superb imagery to it, making it look like film noir. Also its narrated in the same way. And it's a show about generations. The kids and the grown ups all have their own approaches to things, which will often result in clashes. The characters are likeable - special mention must go to the writing and acting re Cheryl Blossom, who could be totally awful but has so many problems you feel so sorry for her. All the drama is at times amazingly good because of this, with some incredibly powerful emotional moments that will blow you away.And the murder mystery is utterly compelling with it.It does even acknowledge a couple of times that it's not the cosy world of the comics. With one really great scene in particular.A superb take on Archie results in a highly compelling piece of television. I would give it more than five stars if I could.The dvd has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English, Castilian Spanish, French.Subtitles: English, Castilian Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Norwegian, Swedish.It contains the usual flyer with code for downloading a copy of it onto a digital device.Extras are:Deleted scenes. Almost all of the episodes have one or two of these. If viewing via the episode menu, you can watch them individually there via an icon. Or in a row via the extras menu. In total the ones on disc one run for seven minutes. Disc two two minutes. Disc three five minutes. The latter are well worth watching because there are some interesting plot points that got cut amongst them.Other extras on disc one: The new normal. An interesting eight minute long feature about the creation of the show and the writing process involved.Disc two: I got you: a short less than one minute long deleted scene with Archie and Valerie singing together.Disc three: The ultimate sin. An interesting eight minute long feature about the darker elements of the story.2016 comic con panel. Seven minute long interview with writers and cast. This is very good thus it's a pity it's so short.These are moments I remember. A musical number seen in the season finale.Gag reel. Four minutes of outtakes. Very few of which stand out.

Who killed golden boy Jason Blossom? Riverdale will reel from secrets about to be uncovered, some of them shocking indeed. One thing for sure. The community's appearance of respectability was but a veneer. Teens Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead play a major part in discovering the truth.Riverdale itself is strongly depicted - a mixture of rich and have-nots. Dominant are the feuding Blossom and Cooper families - the parents control freaks (characteristics inherited by the Blossoms' horrible daughter Cheryl.)The murder mystery genuinely intrigues. (Well done, those, who deduce the culprit.) Well portayed are a range of characters, likeable Archie at their centre. Loyal to his mates and to his dad (whose business flounders), he is torn between them, football and music. Making impact is loner Jughead, he and his wayward father regarded by snobs as trailer trash. (The two's growing respect for the other is arguably the show's most moving storyline). Actually Jughead is also a budding reporter, his narrative helping viewers keep track of what is happening. Amongst other aspects worthy of note is a most welcome sign of our times: acceptance - without question, spite or ridicule - of gay schoolmates.All the way through there is much to entertain - football, cheerleaders, parties (not all going as planned), musical numbers, lots else besides. The death of Jason, though, dominates - reminder of very dangerous undercurrents and of other lives possibly under threat....(Thirteen episodes. Bonuses modest and rather disappointing. That Comic-Con section somewhat ludicrous - so many on the panel there were not enough seats, all quickly over with little of interest actually said.)Glowing reviews caused me to order, I quickly glad that I did. All was binge-watched in just two sessions, no doubt some viewers so hooked they completed in one.Not just for teens, believe you me.

I enjoyed this story of a mysterious death and the relationships of US late teens with their slightly odd mixture of sympathy and anger. The pacing is a bit strange at times especially the denouement which occurs in the penultimate episode leaving the last episode a bit of an anticlimax.Having said that the acting is good, the characters are fun and have an unusual way of avoiding being stereotypes by doing something contrary to the run of the mill.All in all it is good fun and I look forward to season 2!

Loved season one, Cant wait to buy season 2.Thanks to the seller. Very happy.

The one thing I don't like about this item is that there is only one disc with all the episodes of season one in the box. I wish there were more than one disc. But the quality is really good and the price is good.

Riverdale is based on the Archie and Jugg head comic books. It's set in a fictional town called....Riverdale.The first season focuses on the murder of a teeager called Jason. A group of teenagers work together to solve the mysteries and secrets beneath the surface of the town. And there are plenty of them. Once you get over the teen angst it's a good show

This show is a must for anyone who enjoys a teenagey show and people who love a good mystery. Every episode leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for what happens next. The acting in the show is above average from many other shows that are on tv. The series manages to balance a great amount of soapy drama with the mystery and murder that underlies the main theme of the show. A must watch.

Riverdale takes the characters from the fairly innocent Archie comics and presents them in a kind of teenage Twin Peaks.Should not work but does and is very entertaining.Looking forward to season two.