TV Show Info:
Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Danneel Harris, Lee Norris, Moira Kelly, Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, Barbara Alyn Woods, Bethany Joy Galeotti, Barry Corbin, Chad Michael Murray, Paul Johansson, James Lafferty, Antwon Tanner
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Warner Home Video

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: September 2003-present
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $38.99

The choice to review One Tree Hill was partly because someone needed to do it and partly because it was something new and I was feeling adventurous. Alright, I admit it. I also lost a coin toss. I wasn’t expecting to like One Tree Hill for a number of reasons. With the exception of Moira Kelly and a few others, the majority of talent on the show has not been in anything worthwhile. Sure, some are just starting out, but others have been in plenty of things, most of it unknown.

One thing I was excited about seeing was Kevin Federline, as he is a legend in his own right, and other than in Britney videos I have never seen him act. Besides, who would classify a Britney video as dancing anyway? I was surprised to find that this show really isn’t all that bad. Thanks to the switch from high school grads to college grads over a season break, it really wasn’t that hard to pick up who was who and what was what. In a sense, it was like starting things over for the first time with new goals.

The show may have new actors, but the writing is done well and the acting is handled with strength for the most part. I appreciated the growth that the characters went through rather than remaining stagnant and stuck in the same problems throughout the season. Instead, the characters took the time to learn who they are and what they want from life. For some, that means they want a baby and for others it may mean something else. Either way, One Tree Hill is handled with more grace than I expected.

My feelings for the show after watching the marital problems, family problems, and musical storylines that occurred this year are somewhat mixed. While I still don’t classify myself as a fan, I am not against watching this if I catch it on television. This isn’t ever going to be like a Criminal Minds or a Gossip Girl, where I am looking for spoilers and waiting for the next fix, but it’s a good time filler and I can honestly see why some people do love it as much as they do.

The One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season Plot
The fifth season of One Tree Hill offered close to twenty episodes. Airing on the CW, the show is now in the sixth season, with new box sets coming out soon after the season ends. Warner Bros released One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season on August 26, 2008. Information concerning all of the episodes in the fifth season are listed below.

“4 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days”: Flash forward as long as the title tells you and you will find that the Tree Hill gang have went through college and have moved in their own direction. Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) is now a published author. Brooke (Sophia Bush) is a fashion designer with a brand called ‘Clothes Over Bro’s’. Nathan (James Lafferty) and Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) are shown raising James and Peyton (Hilarie Burton – The List) is working towards a career in the music business.

“Racing Like a Pro”: Lucas and Skills (Antwon Tanner) prep Jamie (Jackson Brundage) to compete in a racing competition and Peyton gets a chance to meet Lucas’ new girl. Brooke has some problems at work. Meanwhile, Haley tries to make Nathan see that he needs to make a change for the good of everyone.

“My Way Home is Through You”: Peyton and Brooke are now back in Tree Hill. This is about the time when Lindsey (Michaela McManus) begins worrying that her relationship with Lucas will be threatened by their presence. Dan (Paul Johansson) is visited in prison by Nathan, who hasn’t seen him in four years. While Nathan is there he gives Dan a picture. Peyton and Brooke settle in, with Brooke opening a store in the old cafe and Peyton signing a band.

“It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”: Jason (KFed) refuses to work on his music despite the fact that Peyton tries to get Haley to help him with it. Nathan tries to help Quentin (Robbie Jones) as best he can. Brooke could also use a little help as problems arise for her as the store opening gets closer. Mouth (Lee Norris) has a thing with his boss.

“I Forgot to Remember to Forget”: Its flashback time with the Tree Hill gang. In flashbacks we see, Lucas heading to LA to surprise Peyton. While there he is shocked by the answer to something that he asks her. Next up, Nathan’s temper hits a high note when someone reminds him of the times that he would cheat during high school basketball games.

“Don’t Dream it’s Over”: A a confrontation of Lucas and Peyton about her behavior with Lindsey. Brooke confronts Victoria (Daphne Zuniga – Melrose Place), as well, though this time it is about her messing with Peyton’s record label. While Nathan and Carrie (Torrey DeVitto) get closer. Haley struggles with dealing with Quentin. When it comes to Mouth, it’s going to be time for him to take sides.

“In da Club”: It’s a party at Tric and The Honorary Title is playing. Carrie attempts to get closer to Nathan. Meanwhile, Brooke plays matchmaker and sets Mouth up with her assistant. Lindsey goes on the defensive and confronts Lucas about him and Peyton.

“Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want”: It’s obvious that Brooke wants Owen (Joe Manganiello) as she continues to pursue him. The same could be said of Carrie and her treatment of Nathan. Haley is still upset with both Peyton and Lucas for recent things that have come up.

“For Tonight You’re Only Here to Know”: There is a lockup of sorts in the Tree Hill High Library and Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Mia (Kate Voegele), and Lindsey are all stuck. Lucas and Nathan step up and realize they have to tell the truth about things they have done.

“Running to Stand Still”: While Brooke and Owen are in NYC they run into someone that Brooke knows. Nathan and Lucas try and protect Jamie from Dan. They also make sure to attend his hearing. Haley and Nathan’s marriage problems hit an all time high and Mia receives some potentially good news when a record label offers to sign her.

“You’re Gonna Need Someone On Your Side”: Lucas and Lindsey might be about to get married, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to save their friends’ marriage before they get hitched. Brooke plays matchmaker when she sets up Peyton and an old boyfriend. More arrivals make it back to Tree Hill. This time it’s Rachel and Dan who return.

“Hundred”: It’s time for the big day for Lucas and Lindsey. Haley refuses to listen to Nathan and his chance at reconciliation, no matter how he tries. Peyton sees the wedding as a last chance opportunity. The intentions of Dan and Carrie are revealed.

“Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace”: Nathan and Haley decide to go to counseling and begin to see some sort of results. Lucas takes the abandonment at the altar incredibly hard. Dan has a hard time adjusting to life on the outside. Brooke is not sure that she likes all the tough questions she receives in the adoption process.

“What Do You Go Home To?”: Nathan and Haley spend time trying to find a nanny to no avail. Brooke continues her attempt at adoption and is pleased to learn that she will get a second chance with the agency. Mouth and Millicent (Lisa Goldstein) have to evaluate their relationship when he learns that he will have a better job opportunity in Omaha.

“Life is Short”: Nathan and Haley decide to throw a party for Jamie’s birthday. Deb hires a clown though that doesn’t fly too well with Haley. Lucas receives hope when he learns that Lindsey has returned, even though it’s just for Jamie’s birthday party. Brooke and Peyton arrive at the party with the new baby, Angie.

“Cryin’ Won’t Help You Now”: Lucas struggles with an attack of conscious after determining that Dan is telling the truth about his heart condition. Haley isn’t sure that it’s right to let Dan into Jamie’s life. Most of all, Peyton feels bad about her part in the breakup of Lucas and Lindsey. Mouth’s day finally comes and it is time for him to sink or swim as a sports anchor.

“Hate is Safer Than Love”: Lucas loses it when he receives some shocking news from Lindsey. This makes team issues even harder to deal with, so when the star of the team is messed with by the opposing team, Lucas goes off the hook. Dan learns that he is second on the donor list. Brooke’s baby is forced to go through with emergency surgery.

“What Comes After the Blues”: Dan turns over a new leaf and Brooke is forced to make a decision that will be harder than anything she’s ever done before. Haley goes through a career change and Peyton receives a visitor from her past. Lucas is still unable to handle his feelings about Lindsey dumping him at the altar.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
One Tree Hill is a newer show so I would expect there to be a fairly decent quality that is offered in terms of both audio and visual qualities. For the most part, this is a show that does not disappoint. Offering an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with anamorphic widescreen, you will notice bright colors, a good level of contrast, and a fair transfer overall. There are brief moments of compression errors, but it’s so rare that it’s not real important and it’s certainly not bothersome.

Audio is handled with Dolby Digital 5.1. Things sound good with the music playing a more dynamic part in the sound and the dialogue remaining centered throughout. The volume does not change from high to low enough to have to play with your remote during viewing. The sound is consistent and things work well. In addition to the lone audio transfer there are subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

Visual:
Audio:

Bonus Features:
It’s obvious that this set of One Tree Hill had a lot of thought put into it. There are numerous bonus features here that include a digital copy of the entire show. You are given a code that allows you to download the show to your Itunes or Windows Media. Audio commentaries are included for two episodes, “Don’t Dream it’s Over” and “For Tonight You’re Only Here to Know.”

Unaired scenes have been paired with the episodes they were meant to go in, which is nice as you do not have to wonder where the scene was meant to be placed. A gag reel is included and offers a number of various bloopers and outtakes. Otherwise you end up with a music video of Kate Voegele singing, “Only Fooling Myself,” and a few special featurettes.

The featurettes include “One Tree Hill Fast Forward,” which talks about the decision that was made to move the show ahead nearly five years in time and “One Tree Hill Musical Stars,” which talks about guest stars KFed and Kate Voegele. “One Tree Hill at 100” is also included, offering interviews and some retrospective to commemorate the 100th episode of the show. There is a lot here for fans to look at and most of it is interesting and worthwhile for fans.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
I never watched One Tree Hill because the previews always gave me that bubblegum pop, Gilmore Girls or Dawson’s Creek kind of vibe. Granted, I have never seen these shows either, but the promos all look too similar for me to gain interest. Needless to say, I discovered that One Tree Hill isn’t so bad. Fans of the show will definitely want to pick this up. Non-fans would want to rent the first season and go from there to determine if this is their cup of tea or not.

Overall Rating:

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