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List Price: $55.98 | | Label: Paramount
Salesrank: 6174
Released: August 22, 2006 |
| Our Price: $37.96 |
| Used Price: $22.64 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
THRESHOLD is a suspenseful drama about a team of experts who are assembled when the U.S. Navy makes a chilling discovery: an extra terrestrial craft has landed in the mid-Atlantic ocean. Dr. Molly Anne Caffrey (Carla Gugino) is a government contingency analyst whose job is to devise response plans for worst-case scenarios. In a single instant, her life changes when one of those plans--THRESHOLD--is activated by Deputy National Security Advisor J.T. Baylock (Charles S. Dutton). Armed only with her hypothetical strategy to address the appearance of aliens on earth, Caffrey now finds herself thrust in the midst of a global crisis. She hand-picks a team of eclectic specialists to prepare for first contact: Dr. Nigel Fenway (Brent Spiner), a disillusioned NASA microbiologist; Lucas Pegg (Rob Benedict), a brilliant but neurotic physicist; Arthur Ramsey (Peter Dinklage), an expert in languages and mathematics; and Cavennaugh (Brian Van Holt), a highly trained covert operative with a mysterious past. Together, they decipher the intention of the craft, the fate of the ship's crew and begin preparations for the possibility of a crisis situation--an alien invasion.
Threshold - The Complete Series Reviews:
Very Derivative Series 
2009-10-31 - In the making-of featurettes on the dvd the creators of this show talk about how they really wanted to make something fresh and original, and they pat themselves on the back for doing it. Honestly though, how many times have we seen the "elite team assembled for a major crisis" idea recycled? The scene in which the Gugino character tells the government who she needs on the team is straight out of Armageddon--a montage of those characters being shown recruited in the midst of their eccentric lives while the good Dr. explains how brilliant they are. That idea was itself derivative of that movie Sphere, which had basically the same premise as Threshold--A scientist (Dustin Hoffman) had written a contingency plan in the event of contact with alien life and described the elite team of scientists that would be needed to handle the situation. If you're going to rip something off, at least have the sense to rip off something that was actually GOOD. This show represents the worst of formulaic network TV dreck, in this case the Brannon Braga vision of science fiction. His way of thinking is so dated now, he simply can't compete with newer thinkers who are more tuned in to fresh, stimulating ideas, like J.J. Abrams.
Great Series 
2009-09-17 - This is a very creative series. It is unfortunate that it was not picked up for another season and the story line further developed.
Well worthwhile watching 
2009-09-08 - Very engaging science fiction series that unfortunately did not survive a complete season of episodes. The 4-DVD set includes all 12 episodes made, including 4 that were not broadcast. The final episode concludes with a somewhat upbeat (though appropriate) scene that the producers where able to include when they learnt the series was axed. Carla Gugino (`Spy Kids', `Sin City') stars as a government contingency analyst whose plan for what to do in case of an alien encounter is activated, and she is put in charge of its implementation. The always attractive Gugino is excellent as the brainy and charismatic leader. And great to see Brent Spiner (`Star Trek: The Next Generation') as a scientist, but played straight (unlike, for example, as the kooky scientist in `Independence Day'). The scripts are very clever and witty. While it was very unfortunate that the series was canceled, what we have is well worth watching. Included in the extras are interviews with the series creators about where they were planning to go with the series.
"Beginning of a great concept that ended too soon"
2009-08-21 - "Threshold" is a sci-fi show about aliens but you never see them. What you have is the impact of an alien invasion. Once again, a T.V. show canceled too soon before it has a chance for an audience. It is a compelling series that introduces the threat of an alien invasion and the implementation of a government plan when it happens. Many times while watching, I wondered if our government really has a contingency plan for this scenario.
"Threshold" is comprised of a top secret team of experts led by Dr. Coffey (brilliantly played by Carlo Gugino)to investigate and contain the threat. Brent Spiner (well known for Star Trek: The Next Generation) is amazing as one of the scientists on the team. The writing is excellent and the story moves at a fast pace. It keeps your attention throughout each episode by the interesting characters, shocking moments and suspense. The special effects are also done well and are very realistic.
I recommend watching the extras on the DVD set-especially about the development of the series. The plan was for three years. The first year: the threat of aliens termed "threshold", the second year: the appearance termed "foothold" and the last year: the control termed "stronghold". What a shame the series didn't have a chance to finish its' course.
Great series
2009-06-01 - This was a great series that I enjoyed when it originally aired. I was very disappointed when it was cancelled but am very glad to find it available on DVD. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys good sci-fi storylines.
