DVD Reviews

Gossip Girl - The Complete First Season – DVD Review

By June L. Oct 14, 2008, 10:53 GMT

Juicy, spicy, over-the-top drama and angst, and this is just the high school years for the elite teens of Manhattan’s East Side! Take a revealing peek into the lives and loves of the privileged group of kids whose every move is fodder for the anonymous blogger known to them all as “Gossip Girl.”

When rich Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) returns as quickly and as mysteriously as she left, the text messages are flying along with blog info thanks to the all knowing Gossip Girl. Blair (Leighton Meester) onetime best friend of Serena is less than thrilled at the news, as S has a history with B’s boyfriend Nate (Chace Crawford). Will old flames rekindle? Why is Serena back, and where did she go? Siblings Dan (Penn Badgley) and Jenny (Taylor Momsen) may not have the money the other kids enjoy, but they have a better sense of themselves, and a leaning towards decency and fair play. Will association with the others destroy their genuine personalities, and turn them into copies of those around them? As Blair says “If you want to be part of this world Jenny, you need to realize that people will talk, and you need to decide if all of this is worth it.” Gossip Girl began as a novel by Cecily von Ziegesar, and is brought to sizzling life by talented young actors and actresses. It is chilling to think that this much anger and manipulation as well as emotional disruption could exist for those who by all appearances should be carefree or at least having fun. Blair’s mother encourages her to “take advantage of this time, as you will never be as young, as thin or as happy as you are right now.” If this is happiness, no wonder teen suicide rates are high. Heaven forbid they would have to include school work and plans for the future into the already dismal mix of who is going to be with whom and whether or not they can maintain an “A-list” standing. Still like Peyton Place riveted audiences in the past with dirty secrets and underhanded dealings in a small town, it is hard not to become caught up in the craziness of the lives of these people.Gossip Girl - The Complete First Season is presented on five discs, containing all 18 episodes and nice collection of special features. The episodes are presented in widescreen format, with a playing time of 753 minutes. Special Features include “The Beginning, XOXO: Concept to Execution;” “Gossip Girl Couture,” “A Gossip Girl Wedding,” “LOL: A Gag Reel,” “The Pierces Music Videos: Boring and Secret.” An illustrated booklet provides episode notes and additional information. Also, there is a download of and audiobook from the original novel, read by actress Christina Ricci. Have fun watching, but don’t do as they do, or else Gossip Girl might be blogging about you, XOXO. Gossip Girl - The Complete First Season is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK. Visit the DVD database for more information.