Product Description

Although these all-stars may be familiar with the show’s premise, a few things have been changed for the show’s eighth season in order to offer some change into the mix. Players were divided into three tribes named Chapera, Saboga and Mogo Mogo, and marooned on separate beaches off the Panama coast where they cope with the most unpredictable weather yet. Promising to be the most manipulative season yet, SURVIVOR: ALL-STARS would not be complete without a little conflict between the players, and this time around, there is plenty of that to go around.. Commentaries on 10 episodes by (variously) Rob Cesternino, Jenna Morasca, Rudy Boesch, Tina Wesson, Lex Van Den Berghe, Alicia Calaway, Kathy Vavrick-O’Brien, Shii Ann Huang, Rupert Boneham, Jenna Lewis, Amber Brkich and Rob Mariano

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4898 in DVD
• Brand: Paramount
• Released on: 2004-09-14
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 7
• Running time: 773 minutes

Amazon.com
Billed as "the greatest Survivor ever" when it launched following the Super Bowl in January 2004, Survivor All-Stars broke new ground for the hit reality series by bringing back 18 of its most famous (and infamous) characters from the previous seven installments to battle it out in a quest for affirmation or redemption (and, of course, the million-dollar prize). Half the fun was seeing who was picked to return, and there were many tasty selections: original winner Richard (natch) from Borneo; Colby, Jerri, and Tina from the Australian Outback; Ethan, Lex, and Big Tom from Africa; and the newest alumnus, Rupert from the just-completed Pearl Islands. (There were, of course, many omissions, such as Mike Skupin, who deserved a second chance after falling into the fire in Australia.)

Right from the beginning, it was clear that this Survivor was going to be different. Because people now knew each other (from sharing a previous game, watching on TV, or mixing at Survivor-related functions), some of the schemers were quickly sniffed out and snuffed out, and players were more aggressive about creating alliances (which sometimes overlapped, but hey, it's only a problem if you get caught). In addition, because no one wanted to see someone win a second million dollars, previous champions found that they had targets on their backs. As a result, there was an entirely new wave of power players. Along the way there were some surprising and very emotional developments (which had the unfortunate side effect of killing some of the show's action) and the first on-screen Survivor romance. In the end, Survivor All-Stars didn't live up to its billing as the best ever (that title would remain with season 2 in the Australian Outback), but it did bring a new twist and some genuinely memorable moments to a long-running series.

The DVD set adds significant value to the season, including some welcome behind-the-scenes info on the series as a whole. The bonus footage consists of much longer versions of each member's "confessional" after being voted out, and 57 minutes of scenes that are edited and scored like the regular episodes. Among those scenes are a tribal council that was never seen on TV and Rob Cesternino's dead-on impression of host Jeff Probst at a mock tribal council, which was seen during the season as new footage in the midseason "recap" episode. That episode is the only one not included in the set, but with the above-mentioned moment preserved, only the most hardcore fan would object to the loss of this dead spot in every season. Three different quartets of cast members recorded commentary tracks on a total of 10 episodes, including the final four on the last episode and the first reunion (the second is also included). They provide a lot of insight and fun stories, though there's a bit too much yelling over each other. There are also featurettes that should appeal to all fans of the show: how the challenges are created and tested, the casting process, behind the scenes at the final show, and TV promos for the previous seven seasons. The individual profiles of all 16 All-Stars consist of footage of their original appearances, which may help remind you why they were picked to return, and interviews before the the season started. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

1 STAR For Giving The Order Of Elimination Away On Each Front Disc
Who ever is the genius idiot who decided to put the faces of the people eliminated on the disc they are eliminated? Did anyone ever think that some people may not have watched the show and did NOT want to know who was going to win, which was clear from the order of the faces on each disc? Once you know this the element of surprise is gone forever.. How sad...

Don't look at the pictures on front of every disk if you want surprises. If you don't care then you'll know who exactly get voted off with each disc and worse, you'll know who wins when you see them on the last sole disc.

Otherwise, this show was GREAT!! and therefore gets 4 stars, but really zero stars for ruining the surprises. Fire that putz that decided to blow it for people that have not watched it. Me, one of them.

The only other thing that was pathetic was the commentary by Lex, Kathy and Alicia who spend their valuable audio time on the bonus commentary biggering like teenagers over Boston Rob. Making ridiculous statements that Rob betrayed Lex etc. and that people were lying. Duh!!! The game is about outwitting, betraying, lying, and outsmarting everyone. Their bitterness of not winning makes me sick. What did anyone expect? That they were going to hold hands all the way to the finish line?

The Robfather permutation . . .
When he decided to bring back 18 former contestants for Survivor All Stars, creator Rob Burnett thought he had another winning idea. The all star contestants picked were, Amber Brkich, Rob Mariano, Genna Lewis, Rupert Boneham, "Big" Tom Buchanan, Shiii Ann Huang, Alicia Calloway, Kathy Vavrick-O'brien, Lex Van Den Berghe, Jerri Manthey, Ethan Zohn, Colby Donaldson, Sue Hawk, Richard Hatch, Rob Cesternino, Jenna Morasca, Rudi Boesch, and Tina Wesson. One may quibble with some of the selections, but these players were for the most part, among the more memorable or successful players of the game, including four past winners. Despite some memorable twists and turns, All Stars turned out to be the `Rob and Amber' show. The alliance turned romance not only `survived", but produced a live on air proposal, with Amber then being named the sole survivor.

Familiarity with the contestants makes All Stars a whole new game for both the players and the audience, with past winners targeted for early elimination. Things proceed without any major bumps until Jenna M, in probably the most poignant Survivor moment ever, decides to bow out in order to be with her dying mother. Then another surprise, when Sue also decides to quit, after being `traumatized' by Richard during a challenge. Some pretty emotional stuff.

The physical group challenges as usual, are very exciting and competitive. It is painful to watch survivors get smacked down during the block puzzle. The boat building challenge was another fun event. The flag capture on the balance beams produced a number of thrilling spills, and fortunately no one was seriously injured.

Other notable events include Richard's shark encounter, the very improbable tribal switch, where Amber was joined by all the members of the opposing tribe, the shelter building contest where Rupert encounters an immovable tree root, and Shii Ann's immunity challenge win.

As the game progressed, Boston Rob and Amber formed more than an alliance. Opportunities to breakup the power couple were not taken, and the pair took control. Rob was criticized for his backstabbing ways, but he was not alone. Colby was ousted thanks to Ethan's ploy, with Ethan in turn done in by his buddy Lex. Richard was `bamboozled" and sent packing, and "Big' Tom was steaming mad after being completely blindsided.

Like them or not, when the money was in `smelling' distance, Rob and Amber showed their true determination to win. Rob M won the final immunity challenge, and Amber the second to the last. Genna slit Rupert's line, only to have the shifting of her foot cost her a chance at a million dollars. All this, leading up to an emotional final tribal council with the jury, where the sparks did fly. The customary reunion show provided the platform for Rob's proposal to Amber, the announcement of the winner, and the usual recap. The new twist was that the festivities were extended to a second program where Rupert was also awarded a million bucks, based on votes cast by the public.

What really adds spice to the proceedings on DVD are the commentary tracks, which are quite revealing and inflammatory at times. Early exiters Rob C, Jenna M, Rudy and Tina contributions are rather light hearted and fun. The fireworks start when Lex, Kathy, Shii Ann, and Alicia get together with Boston Rob in their sights. Their dislike for the `Robfather' is almost universal, with Genna L and Amber also on the hit list. It's refreshing that we are allowed to hear some real shots taken. Got to love the honesty.

The final four of Rob M, Amber, Genna L and Rupert provide commentary for the last few episodes. They have little to say about those they have outplayed, mainly focusing on themselves. If you disliked any of them, the commentary probably won't change your mind, except maybe for Rupert. Mr Tie Dye was clearly steamed with Genna after being voted out, but winning a million bucks in the popular vote transformed a fierce competitor into a satisfied pussycat, who has very little to say.

Survivor has continued to be successful by evolving and keeping the game interesting. Some may find that they way things played out this time, somewhat disappointing, but Survivor is after all, just a game.

Best Season yet
This was the best season. The only con is the fact that they ordered the pictures on the front in how they were voted out. Terrible idea. If you have forgotten the order then hide the cover for at least some surprise to remain. Whoever decided to do the cover like that needs to bring me their torch!! Having said that, it is risky to do an all stars. It's kind of like the risk Amazing Race took with the Family Edition. The AR special edition season did not pay off. Fortunately Survivor's risk did. It paid off big time. This is the only season I actually own on DVD and that is because it is good enough to watch it over and over again. The main reason for that is because of Rob Mariano. He is a hoot. I think he's the best player of the game yet. If you don't like Rob then don't buy this season. This DVD could be more aptly titled the Mariano edition. I would not have necessarily picked all of these individuals to be considered "all stars" but a lot of that has to do with who agreed to actually put themselves through this one more time. Rob was only slightly memorable from the first time he was on the show but this time he was ruthless. If you are the type that watches Survivor in hopes that no one will actually "play" then you'll hate this one!! People you loved last time may become villains. Those who were masterful before are easily voted out. This is truly full of surprises. No matter how many times these people play the game of Survivor the outcome is going to be different every time.