It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since Joss Whedon’s now classic, short running TV series Firefly hit the airwaves. Possibly because so many of us discovered it years later. But with just 14 episodes and a movie (2005’s Serenity), the Firefly universe didn’t expand as much as fans might have liked – a fandom that has only grown with time – however a new home release may give them something to get excited about.
Celebrating the 15th anniversary, the three disc blu-ray set firstly comes complete with some brand new hard copy goodies. There’s a map of the Firefly universe, which may be further reaching than you realised, and “character cards”, for each of the 9 main characters. The cards give you a few key points about each character, a favourite quote or two and their home planet (which you can refer to on the aforementioned map). Collectors may find the design of the set a bit finicky, but it’s definitely the most elaborate release we’ve seen of the series so far – and will be the edition every fan wants to have in their collection. It’s great to see the sci-fi classic get the proper “collectable” treatment.
As for what’s on the discs, sadly there’s nothing that isn’t already available on the existing three disc blu-ray collection – but if you’re like me, who had only owned the DVD edition to this point, this is the perfect time to upgrade. The blu-ray edition is jam packed with audio commentaries on no less than 8 episodes. You’ll also find the Cast Roundtable, which features Joss with Nathan Fillon, Alan Tudyk and the late Ron Glass, who also recorded a new commentary for “Our Mrs Reynolds” when the Blu-Ray edition was first released in 2008.
Given the popularity of the series and the fact this is a 15th anniversary edition, the release did deserve some new features. For one, there was a Science Channel “reunion” in 2012 that would have been great to include, and for another, a tribute to Ron Glass, who passed away last year, would have been welcome. But with excellent packaging and hard copy extras, it nonetheless sits as the best Firefly package on the market, and a must have for any fan of the series – who doesn’t already own it.
The Firefly 15th Anniversary Collectors Edition hits DVD and Blu-Ray this Wednesday, 27th September.
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