Reviewing 'Lost' University on Blu-Ray
As promised last week, I'm back with a review of "Lost University," a feature only available in the "Lost" Season 5 Blu-Ray extras. While it's not worth the cost of going out and buying a Blu-Ray player if you don't already own one, I will say it's a slick, fun, and often funny way to get deeper into the main themes of the show.
While I vowed to never go back to school unless I absolutely had to do so, "Lost University" made doing so pretty painless. I popped over to the "Lost University" website, got myself a "Student ID" card, and was able to use that information to log on via the interface on my Blu-Ray player. (Incidentally, I'm "Zap2itRyan" in Lost U., should you need a study buddy or just need someone to hop in a Dharma van and make a beer run with you.)
From there, I got to choose what courses in which I could enroll. There aren't a lot of options per say, but I chose a mix of topics, from history ("Ancient Writing on the Wall") to philosophy ("I'm Lost, Therefore I Am") and science ("Jungle Survival Basics"). Once enrolled, you can navigate through a series of slick menus in which you can select a subject, take a class, get assigned homework, and ultimately take exams. I know: sounds riveting. But here's the trick: it's actually a load of fun.
During my initial review of the extras on the Season 5 Blu-Ray release, I bemoaned the lack of insight into the various components of the show I felt needed explication. Topics like hieroglyphics and time travel were barely touched upon by the cast and crew. "Lost University" fills in those gaps, presenting insightful commentary without the risk of spoiling fans on upcoming events. Go on: take the course in Egyptology and TRY to not take another look at the warning sign inside The Swan computer room. I dare ye.
The idea of taking classes, doing homework, and taking exams might sound laborious and about as fun as watching Nikki and Paulo-centric episodes of "Lost." The classes themselves are short, well-produced, and informational without being overwhelming. A lot of the "homework" assignments are merely suggestions on par with "Go to the library and read up more on this topic!" However, some are more involved, such as my homework for "Jungle Survival Basics." I'm not making this up: this was my homework assignment.
"Now that you've got the basics of how to survive in a jungle, let's put your skills to the test. You will need to gather the following materials:Two quick thoughts: 1) I'm not MacGyver. 2) What, no maids-a-milkin'? In terms of exams, they are "open book," which means you can consult the Binder on the "Lost University" website that automatically gets synched to your work on the Blu-Ray interface. I know, slick. So far, I've only passed one exam, but I feel confident that the writing outside The Temple actually is telling me how much money I can save by switching to Allstate. (Who knew Dennis Haysbert was an Other?)
9 drinking straws, cut down to 7 inches each
4 wooden toothpicks
3 lengths of twice, cut to 12 inches each"
I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the loading screens as you navigate throughout "Lost University." They are all missives from the student newspaper, The Lamp Post, and are almost guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Whether they praise one of the student body's a cappella groups (Live Together, Die Alto), or promote the pep rally for the big game against Hydra College this weekend. It's one of the many little touches that makes what could have been a dry, academic exercise into something both intellectually stimulating and quite enjoyable.
How many of you have enrolled in "Lost University"? How are you enjoying the experience? Leave your thoughts below!
Ryan invites you to join the hundreds already in Zap2It's Guide to Lost Facebook group.
Related:
'Lost' Season 5 Blu-Ray review (sans Univesity)
Zap2it's Guide to 'Lost'
Photo credit: ABC
Just for the record, DarkUFO has put up YouTube videos for about half the courses for those of us who are still Blu Ray-less. I'm not sure if all of it's up there, and it's lacking in collegiate camaraderie and all that, but it's better than nothing!
not fair to put this only on Blu Ray! :(
also not fair that all the extras are on a seperate packaging gimic, they're mch too expensive. :(
One of the problems with Blu-Ray is that the studios are focusing on less-than-popular TV shows at the expense of shows people actually watch in droves.
To wit: Lost is available and being pushed on Blu-Ray while NCIS or The mentalist are not available at all.
If Hollywood wants Blu-Ray to succeed, why does it withhold its best (or at least most successful Lost fans ;) ) product?
There's lots of reasons. For the first time, blu-ray sales are exceeding DVD sales. Younger people were the early adopters of blu-ray and Lost fans tend to be younger. Lost is a serial show and demands repeat viewings along with the fact that the major story lines have yet to be resolved. It's not a show where the case is rapped up in 40 minutes. It also allows new viewers to catch up with what they've missed, which at this point is essential to understanding what's going on. And it's not a show that's easily syndicated. Lost screams blu-ray more than just about anything else on TV. Now that blu-ray sales are exceeding DVDs, more of the standard primetime dramas will start to trickle in.
Depending on whether or not I get this for Xmas, my "semester" hasn't started yet. I'm totally going to ace Otherology though :)
LOST is "not a show where the case is rapped up in 40 minutes."
Not sure if the "wrapped" typo was intentional or not, cms, but either way thanks for the laugh!
(I never watched Cop-Rock, but even I might be tempted to tune into a "very special episode" of L&O where everyone -- even the lawyers -- has to rap all of their lines.)
Just in case there are still people that don't understand why this is on Blu-Ray and not DVD, well, because it is technically impossible to present Lost University on DVD. DVD's are not internet capable. Ok, now that that is cleared up...
Blu-ray has done a very good job in picking the TV shows it has released. Generally, picking quality over quantity. Really, do people want to watch Friends over a show like Rome on Blu-Ray? You pick a show like Rome because of the production value, because it is going to look beautiful in HD on a 42" or 50" TV. Does it really matter if Dancing w/ the Stars ever comes out on Blu-ray. You know once in a while the studios make good choices.
Do I need a Blu Ray computer drive to use LOST University? OR, if I just have a Blu Ray player for my TV, will I be able to access all features?