Blu-ray Review: Variety of FOX Dramas in ‘Bones,’ ‘Alcatraz,’ ‘Touch’

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CHICAGO – What do a multi-year procedural like “Bones,” a tragically canceled show like “Alcatraz,” and a struggling new show like “Touch” share other than the fact that you’ll find their most recent (or only) seasons the New Release shelf at your DVD & Blu-ray store? Not much other than the fact that all three are strong examples of how FOX has had difficulty finding an identity in recent years. “Alcatraz” was highly promoted but missed its audience. “Touch” was a surprising renewal that has now had its second season delayed. Only “Bones” has remained a reliable hit for the network that really needs a new one.

Given the loyal audience for “Bones,” one could presume that “Bones: The Complete Seventh Season” is probably the cream of this crop. It is telling that FOX even releases the show on Blu-ray given that many of their programs are standard-DVD releases only, including “Touch.” They know that fans are loyal to “Bones,” and with good reason. This isn’t a show that breaks any rules but it’s one that has been strong for the better part of a decade, thanks mostly to its incredibly engaging leads, David Boreanaz & Emily Deschanel. The Blu-ray even includes the kind of bonus material — commentary, deleted scene, etc. — that’s typically not included on later seasons.

“Alcatraz: The Complete Series,” on the other hand, includes no commentaries and no deleted scenes. It feels like a rush job although the HD transfer courtesy of Warner Bros. is the best of the three.

At least “Alcatraz” got one. “Touch” only gets the standard treatment, an unforgivable decision in today’s HD TV world. It’s telling what FOX thinks of the show, one that has struggled to find an audience and was met with muted critical response. Kiefer Sutherland is talented enough that one hopes that the show turns around and this becomes the “growing pains” season that fans can look back on and marvel at how the show has grown by its seventh season. Maybe then it will get a Blu-ray release.

(Note: The eighth season of “Bones” is currently airing on FOX and the second season of “Touch,” which was scheduled for October 26, has now been pushed to January.)

“Alcatraz” was released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 16, 2012
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“Alcatraz: The Complete Series”

Synopsis:
In 1963, all prisoners were transferred from Alcatraz Island Federal Penitentiary. Or so we were told. Now America’s worst criminals - known as the 63s - are returning to the streets of San Francisco to repeat their grisly crimes. It’s up to top-notch Detective Rebecca Madsen and Alcatraz expert Diego “Doc” Soto to work with FBI Agent Emerson Hauser and Dr. Lucy Banerjee to learn why the 63s are back and to uncover a much larger, more sinister threat. Get locked into The Complete Series of this suspenseful, mysterious and action-packed drama from executive producer J.J. Abrams (Fringe, Lost).

Special Features:
o Alcatraz: Island Of Intrigue - This Fascinating Look At The Notorious Prison Includes Archival Footage And Photos Plus Interviews With Cast, Creators, And Former Guards and Inmates
o Unaired Scenes
o Gag Reel

“Bones” was released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 9, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

“Bones: The Complete Seventh Season”

Synopsis:
Experience People’s Choice Awards nominee Bones in a whole new way with never-before-seen footage not available anywhere else! While she tackles some of her most gruesome homicide cases yet, Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) also faces the delicate demands of motherhood, and a deepening relationship with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz). The thrills escalate this season when a pastor’s wife goes missing, shipping clerks go postal, and the squints go Hollywood. But the biggest shocker of all comes when clues left by a deranged cyber genius tag Brennan as a murder suspect. Here are all 13 Season 7 episodes with plot twists, mystery, romance and humor to die for!

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes From The Memories In The Shallow Grave
o Creating The Suit On The Set
o Bone Of Contention: On The Red Carpet
o Audio Commentary On The Past In The Present
o Deleted Scene From The Past In The Present
o Gag Reel

“Touch” was released on DVD on October 16, 2012.
Photo credit: Fox

“Touch: The Complete First Season”

Synopsis:
Kiefer Sutherland (24) makes a triumphant return to TV in this smart and hopeful drama about the ties that bind all of us together. Single father Martin Bohm (Sutherland) struggles to raise his emotionally challenged son Jake. But Martin soon discovers that Jake possesses an amazing gift: the ability to see the hidden patterns of numbers that connect every life on the planet. With the help of a brilliant professor (Danny Glover), Martin learns to communicate with Jake and help people around the world. Blending science and spirituality, this unique series will touch you in ways you never thought possible.

Special Features:
o Fate’s Equation
o Touch the World
o Extended Pilot Episode
o Deleted Scenes

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com