Life on Mars: The Complete Series | 
| Director: n/a
Actors: Jason O'Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol, Jonathan Murphy
Studio: ABC Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.99
Buy New: $22.75
as of 2/9/2010 18:10 EST details
You Save: $17.24 (43%)
New (34) Used (8) from $18.96
Seller: bsrmedia
Rating:  98 reviews
Sales Rank: 2112
Format: Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number Of Discs: 4
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.7
MPN: 10135600
UPC: 786936789614
EAN: 0786936789614
ASIN: B001XRLWLU
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 09/29/2009 Run time: 731 minutes
Amazon.com
Life on Mars wallows in glorious 1970s fashion and music as it follows Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara), a police detective who gets hit by a car in 2008 and wakes up in the same spot in 1973. The local police precinct, headed by Lieutenant Gene Hunt (Harvey Keitel, who fits seamlessly into the period surroundings), is expecting Tyler, but Tyler doesn't know why or how he's there--or why he's receiving messages from his previous life, as well as mysterious phone calls from the beyond. Life on Mars blends this science-fiction premise with story lines that would fit in some classic '70s cop show, but Tyler's future knowledge (and his past life) are essential to solving every case, even if it features a missing rock star groupie or a murdered newspaper columnist. Many episodes focus on the mystery surrounding Sam, including meeting his own mother, father, and childhood self, as well as tiny robots, strange men on TV screens, and a hippie chick who speaks in ambiguous koans. The supporting cast includes Michael Imperioli (rocking a serious '70s 'stache) and Gretchen Mol (fetching in Farrah Fawcett wings); guest stars range from Wallace Shawn to Gina Gershon to an uncredited Whoopi Goldberg. It's regrettable that, in adapting the original British version of Life on Mars, the producers replaced its understated focus with swagger and overstatement; a fantastical premise is more persuasive if the moment-to-moment story makes sense--regrettably, the narrative logic here owes as much to 1970s cop shows as does the production design. Everyone twinkles to excess, wooing the audience and undercutting any sense of grit. The cast is a charismatic bunch who don't need to spend so much time with rueful smiles and approving looks. The producers knew they'd been canceled in time to resolve the mysteries in the final episode, which diverges significantly from the British version. Also included are a number of cheerful audio commentaries and featurettes, including a tour of the set with '70s icon Lee Majors. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 98
 Great Show February 6, 2010
C. B Reyes (Baltimore MD)
This is a great show which ran 2008-2009 season and based on a British show by the same name. I've watched both versions (I saw the American version first) and think they are both exceptional shows. It (US version) was cancelled too soon due to lack of vision by the network.
I love this series! February 6, 2010
S. New (Bartlett, TN)
If you grew up in the 70's you will love this series. Everyone else will enjoy it too.
You have to see it to see what I am talking about.
 Life on Mars. Life on Planet Imagine. February 6, 2010
Philippe D. (London)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Life on Mars. Yet another US version of a popular UK show which acquired wings of its own and flown away from the constraints of its british nest. And kudos to that. Although still faithfull and at times almost fac-similed plots, the US version has unique characteristics of its own. Casting Keitel and Imperioli's superb performances along a beautiful Gretchen Mol's presence set the series with a typical all American fantastic acting flavour. Not unlike the UK's version, this series is heavily dependant on a strong lead character, which finds O'Mara at a disadvantage here. On the technical side of things, Photography and Characterization, are flawless. The storyline is at first anemic but grows well if you let your imagination drive you. This is afterall a dream, or life in another Planet? Overall a good television series that has not survived the market test.
This DVD was in excellent shape. The price was very reasonable. February 5, 2010
Camielle Michele Stanley
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My son wanted this DVD. He thought the television show was great and wanted to be able to watch it whenever.
It's deja' vu' all over again! February 5, 2010
R. F. Welburn (Jackson, MS USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm 57 years old. You need to know that because much of the comedy in this show depends upon your recollection of the 1970s. My wife & I watched this short lived series on US tv and I got her the DVD for Christmas. (One of my best gifts ever, as she has watched it about 5 times already). Any who, the show orginated in the UK and was adapted for the US market. I've seen some of the UK series episodes and while well done, don't resonate with me as much because i grew up in the USA. This is a delightful drama/comedy from beginning to end. Poor ole NYPD Detective Sam Tyler gets hit by a car in 2008 & wakes up in 1973. He is being reassigned to another precinct, so when he arrives no one expects he is from the future. Sam doesn't even know what is going on. The plot if very fertile soil for jokes grounded in the juxtaposition of the time differential. (At various times, Sam asks for things which don't yet exist, e.g. DNA sample, Rape Kit, computer, which draws laughs from his 1973 co-workers). My two favorite moments are when he does the "moon walk" at a Christmas party and when he ask for a cell phone. Harvey Keitel (who as usual is perfectly cast), his Precinct boss, is incredulous. "What's a cell phone", he asks. Sam explains its a mobile telephone that you can carry with you. To which his boss replies, "Who the hell would want to carry a 'phone around with them all day"? So...you generally get the picture. There are subplots invovling Sam's residual memories, and mysterious messages about how he can return to the future and insightful takes on how police work has changed as well as social norms, such as womens' limited career opportunities in the 70s. Finally of course, the big payoff is the last episode, where everything is explained. It's too good to give away. This series also has a great musical score that will put you right back in the 60s/70s groove. If you remember the 70s and have a shred of humor, you will love this show. Very highly recommended.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 98
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