Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #757 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-08-11
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 7
• Formats: Box set, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English, Turkish
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 7
• Running time: 1013 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Jack Bauer is having another one of his "very bad days" in the second series of the ground-breaking real-time thriller 24. Once again the hours are ticking by with more guaranteed cliffhangers than a convention of mountain climbers. Holed up in a Los Angeles condo and estranged from his daughter, Jack is no longer on the government payroll; unfortunately for him, this small fact doesn't seem to matter to President David Palmer and the NSA who call him back in to the CTU and give him 24 hours to infiltrate a terrorist organisation who are planning to detonate a dirty bomb in the city of angels. All Jack wants is to get his daughter out of the city, unfortunately Kim's new employer, the abusive father of the child she is nannying, has other ideas.

Fans of the original won't be disappointed, as there are more than enough shock moments in the first few hours to hint at the climactic build-up to come, while newcomers can quickly get involved in the lives of Jack and his family. There are some new characters to bolster the veteran cast and, interestingly (although not surprisingly given the outcome of the first series), Jack's character has taken an altogether darker, more psychopathic turn. The danger the characters find themselves in also has a much more global impetus, grounded as it is in the war against terrorism. Although the territory is more familiar this time around, this second series is just as much a high-tension, taut, adrenaline-fuelled ride as the first series, and one that will have you glued to your TV for the next 24 hours. --Kristen Bowditch

DVD Description
Eighteen months after the assassination attempt on his life, Senator Palmer (Dennis Haysbert, Far From Heaven) has been elected to the White House. Enjoying a relaxing day at his country retreat, he is informed by agents that there is a potential threat to national security. The L.A. Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) are informed of the threat and told to be on high alert. Department head George Mason (Xander Berkeley, Gattaca) finds himself reluctantly having to call upon the services of retired Special Agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland, Phone Booth). CTU have been tipped off that a nuclear bomb is set to detonate somewhere in Los Angeles within the next 24 hours.

Special Features

• 45 Deleted Scenes which can be viewed independently with or without commentaries or branched into episodes
  
• Two-part documentary 24 Exposed (96 mins)
  
• Featurette On the Button -- The Destruction of CTU
  
• Episode commentaries from the cast and crew including Kiefer Sutherland, Dennis Haysbert, Sarah Wynter, Sarah Clarke, Xander Berkeley, Penny Johnson Jerald, Michelle Forbes, Joel Surnow, Bob Cochran, Jon Casser and Howard Gordon

DVD Technical Information:

• 7 disc set
  
• Original A Aspect Ratio: 16:9 FF
  
• Dolby Digital 5.1
  
• Language: English
  
• Subtitles: English for the hard of hearing
  
• Total running time: 1080 minutes approx.

Customer Reviews

Jack's Back
I enjoyed season one of this inventive show. When I found out it had been picked up for another season, the only question left in my mind was "Will they be able to match the first season?" When this season started, I had my answer. They surpassed it with flying colors.

Season two picks up a year and a half after season one. Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is estranged from his daughter Kim (Elisha Cuthbert), who has moved out and is working as a nanny. Jack has also quite his job at the Los Angeles branch of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU). That doesn't matter to now President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert). When the President gets news that there is a nuclear bomb in Los Angeles, he calls Jack to personally ask him to help prevent the disaster. Reluctantly, Jack agrees to go back to work for CTU to find the bomb before it goes off. But first, he calls Kim and warns her to get out of LA in case he can't find it in time. Meanwhile, Kate Warne (Sarah Wynter) is busy getting ready for her sister's wedding. But something about the groom to be doesn't feel right to her.

One idea discussed at the end of season one was going to more self-contained stories. Fortunately, the producers decided to keep their one day per season real time. I have seem some argue that the real time format isn't followed as closely this season, but if so, I found no evidence of it.

This show builds on the returning characters from season one and even manages to bring back villainesses Sherry Palmer (Penny Johnson Jerald) and Nina Myers (Sarah Clarke) in believable ways. The story is mostly self-contained, so you could jump in here is you wanted to, but watching season one will help explain all the relationships and increase your enjoyment of the show. The new characters help build the story of season two, although the Kate sub-plot seems out of place until at least a third of the way through the season when you begin to understand how it fits with everything else. Kim's sub-plot of trying to leave LA starts out believable, but grows increasingly ludicrous as the day goes by. The main storyline, however, moves quickly with lots of twists and turns. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger that will make you want to keep watching.

After the success of season one and the DVD release of that season, the producers had more time to plan this DVD set, and it shows. The twenty-four episodes are preserved on six discs. Each episode is shown in sharp wide screen and presented in surround sound. Removing my complaint from season one, the "Previously on 24" recap is included, although you can skip over it if you so desire. Chapter breaks and a play all feature are also included on these discs. Each disc includes one audio commentary with a member of the cast and crew as well as deleted scenes from the episodes.

If that's not enough to make you happy, check out the seventh disc. It includes all 44 deleted scenes in one place with optional commentary. In additional, there are two featurettes on the production and post-production of the show. A third featurette goes into behind the scenes detail on the bombing of CTU from early in the season.

Not only did the producers step up the plate with a better over all second season, but the DVD set is better as well. A few minor sub-plot complaints can't hamper the enjoyment of the thriller that is 24 season two.

The 24 Phenomenon
This series of 24 sees Jack Bauer, an American CTU agent, trying to single-handedly prevent World War 3.

OK, so the plot sounds a bit far-fetched, but the paradox of 24 is that although it is so implausible, it is also so watchable. Its originality and creativity are not marred by the irrelevent subplots and ridiculous action sequences due to the outstanding performances by the cast and the gripping production values. This is the only television show I have ever been addicted to - the desire to watch the next episode is almost unbearable for me.

To compare this show to soaps such as EastEnders or to other American dramas such as The West Wing or E.R. would be unjust - 24 is vastly more entertaining thatn anything else on TV.

To those of you who refuse to watch an episode because you think it is "unrealistic" or just "another piece of Hollywood garbage" or that you've missed the start - DON'T deprive yourselves! Reserve your judgements until you have actually seen it.

I cannot wait until Jack Bauer returns to our television screens with his third adventure. Worth the licence fee alone in my opinion!

Very Addictive
Ignore any negative views to 24! This is probably the best thing that has happened to television!

I've watched the first series of 24 and that was just the best thing I have ever seen. Nothing has ever got me to get very impatient to see the next episode.

I have seen series 2 on tv, and I was not disappointed. Again the makers of 24 have done it again. Thats why I have bought it on DVD!!

Bring on Series 3!!!