DVD Review: Gossip Girl: The Complete First Season

Want to know a secret? A really juicy secret? Look no further than the latest message from Manhattan’s notorious blogger Gossip Girl. She keeps tabs on the city’s most elite teens as they make the rounds from the preppiest school events to the most lavish, decadent parties. And between Serena and Blair’s explosive friendship, Dan and Serena’s budding romance, Nate and Blair’s fairytale relationship (or is it?), Chuck’s escapades and Jenny’s introduction to the glamorous life, there’s a lot to track! In this 5-disc, 18-episode Season One, friends, lovers, rivals and enemies abound. Even the darkest secrets don’t stay hidden for long. You know you love it. XOXO!

Review:
Mind-blowingly inappropriate, as it has been deemed, is a pretty good summary of the series. Take Josh Schwartz’s hit series The OC and move it to New York City and you have CW’s hit Gossip Girl. Based on the popular book series by the same name, Gossip Girl was a hit in its first season bringing a spotlight to the lives of New York’s young social elite.

Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), once the Upper East Side’s most notorious party girl, is back in town. Everyone learns about Serena’s return the way they learn all the important news in their lives – from the blog of the all-knowing, albeit ultra-secretive, Gossip Girl. While no one knows the identity of the Gossip Girl, she manages to keep everyone well informed about what’s happening on the Upper East Side. Everyone is surprised to learn that Serena has returned, even her closest friend Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester). As the series unfolds, friendships shift, jealousy arises, and drama ultimately ensues.

Fans of the late great OC seem to have taken a liking to this series. It’s a guilty pleasure, peering into the world of the ultra-wealthy and privileged. What’s great about this series is that Josh Schwartz seemed to apply what he learned from The OC. Viewers aren’t overwhelmed by drama coming from every angle as they were in The OC, the character development is strong and conflicts between the characters get adequate attention before too many sources of drama are introduced.

The series boasts new talent such as Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford, and Penn Badgley just to name a few. Faces that we will surely being seeing more of over the next few years. With a cast full of attractive fresh faces and tauntingly naughty storylines to boot, Gossip Girl is without doubt the hottest teen drama on television.

The Season 1 DVD’s are loaded with more than just the juicy series itself. Unaired scenes, a gag reel, and several featurettes such asGossip Girl Couture and The Beginning, XOXO: Concept to Execution also grace the release. Still not enough for you? There’s also a free audiobook download of the original bestselling novel read by Christina Ricci. Be sure to catch up with the Season 1 DVD set and be ready this September for another dose of gossip with Season 2!

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: A-
Official site: http://warnervideo.com/gossipgirltvondvd/
Buy on Amazon: Gossip Girl: The Complete First Season