Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Fourth Season

The fourth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer brought a ton of new changes not just a new university setting, but also removing regulars Angel and Cordelia, and by adding a new cardboard cut-out love interest for Buffy in Riley. This was also the year that we really got to see the writers develop Spike, thanks to a chip planted into his cranium that prevents the vampire from attacking humans. Season four is a strong contender as the best year for the series, but not through the developing plot lines that lead us up to the "big bad" letdown. It's within the non-serial instalments that the episodes on this DVD really shine, such as "Superstar," in which social outcast Jonathan instantly becomes Sunnydale's most-popular resident, as well as Buffy's most famous episode, "Hush." The latter was the show's lone nomination for an Emmy in writing, which is amusing since it's almost entirely absent creator Joss Whedon's trademark quips. "Hush" was a key example of the risks staff took in their fourth season, and most succeed because of the intense chemistry his characters share. The DVD is also the frontrunner of the Buffy collection in terms of extras, thanks to five featurettes, including tributes to viewer favourite Spike (James Marsters) and the departure of rising star Seth Green. There's still no involvement from marquee players Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan, but with each season released on DVD, the Buffy collection seems to get sweeter. Extras: five featurettes; selected episode commentary and scripts; photo gallery; season overview. (Fox)