“The fifth season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ was quite interesting as the season garnered hype onscreen and off. The season may have started off with hokey, farfetched stories for the first half, but the series redeems itself in the second with solid storytelling. Definitely the most shocking and most entertaining season finale for the drama series thus far. Overall, another entertaining season on DVD and a DVD boxset that Grey’s Anatomy’ fans will definitely want to have in their collection!”
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DVD TITLE: Grey’s Anatomy – Complete Fifth Season – More Moments
DURATION: 24 Episodes (1032 Minutes)
DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spanish and French Subtitles, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
COMPANY: abc studios
RATED: TV 14 DSLV
RELEASE DATE:Â September 15, 2009
Created by Shonda Rhimes
Directed by Rob Corn, Jessica Yu and Randall Zisk
Written by Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoff, Stacy McKee, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Mark Wilding, Debora Cahn, Zoanne Clack, Allan Heinberg, Jenna Bans, William Harper and Peter Nowalk
Executive Producer: Betsy Beers, Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoff
Co-Executive Producer: Mark Wilding, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater
Producer: Tammy Ann Casper, Rob Corn, Linda Klein, Zoanne Clack
Consulting Producer: Debora Cahn
Supervising Producer: Jenna Bans
Associate Producer: Chris Van Dusen
Music by Danny Lux
Cinematography by Herbert Davis
Edited by Edward Ornelas, Susan Vaill, David Greenspan
Casting by John Brace, Linda Lowy, Will Stewart
Production Design by Donald Lee Harris
Set Decoration by Nicole Cramer
Costume Design by Mimi Melgaard
Starring:
Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey
Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepherd
Dr. Cristina Yang as Sandra Oh
Katherine Heigl as Dr. Isobel ‘Izzie’ Stevens
T.R. Knight as Dr. George O’Malley
Eric Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan
Justin Chambers as Dr. Alex Karev
Sara Ramirez as Dr. Callie Torres
Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey
James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber
Chyler Leigh as Dr. Lexie Grey
Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd
Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Denny Duquette
Live for the moment. The hottest show on television burns even brighter in its explosive fifth season. Dive deeper into the lives and loves of Grey’s Anatomy in this sensational seven-disc set.
Your favorite characters struggle and thrive as they enter uncharted territories of life. Discover what happens in the on-again, off-again world of Derek and Meredith, and witness the budding relationship between Cristina and Owen, Seattle Grace’s newest doctor.
Experience every heart-stopping moment of prime time’s sexiest, star-studded drama, complete with never-before-seen bonus features, including one extended episode on DVD. It’s a must-have for any Grey’s Anatomy fan!
In 2005, “Grey’s Anatomy” became a critically acclaimed television series that would become ABC’s top rated dramas and winner of two Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
Created by Shonda Rhimes (“Private Practice”), the drama series revolves around a group of interns and their experience at Seattle Grace Hospital. As well, as a few of the other doctors of the hospital. Throughout the first four seasons, we see these interns become residents and experience relationship problems and also the stress and challenges they had to become a resident doctor.
For season five, “Grey’s Anatomy” received its share of hype on entertainment magazines with rumors swirling of talent who were no longer going to be on the show and that tension was developing on the set. For this fifth season, the season did start off with stories that seemed a bit farfetched and a tad bit hokey, but for the most part, redeemed itself for the second half with solid storytelling.
“Grey’s Anatomy” Season 5 focuses on the following main characters:
Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo, “Daredevil”, “Old School”) – A resident surgeon Seattle’s Grace Hospital who has an on-and-off again relationship with Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). Best friends with Dr. Cristina Yang.
Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh, “Blindness”, “Arli$$”, “Sideways”) – A surgeon at Seattle’s Grace Hospital and a best friend of Dr. Meredith Grey, not afraid of confessing her emotions to her friends. In earlier seasons, she was dating Dr. Preston Burke who left her on the day of their wedding.
Dr. Isobel “Izzie” Stevens (Katherine Heigl, “27 Date”, “Roswell”, “Knocked Up”) – A former model who used the money to pay for her medical school. Izzue is a surgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital.  She lives with Meredith and earlier in the series, she falls for a heard patient named Denny Duquette.  Denny died and left millions of dollars to her, in which she went on to create a free clinic at Seattle Grace. She also had a brief romantic fling with Dr. George O’Malley and thus both are close friends. The fifth season focuses on Izzie as her relationship with Alex Karev grows and for some reason, is starting to see Denny again.
Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey, “The Practice”, “Made of Honor”, “The Practice”, “Freedom Writers”) – The head of neurosurgery and was married to Dr. Addison Montgomery (“Private Practice”) who had an affair with his friend Dr. Mark Sloan. Now has an off-and-on relationship with Dr. Meredith Grey. Known as “McDreamy” to the Dr. Meredith Grey and her friends.
Dr. Mark Sloan (Eric Dane, “Marley & Me”, “X-Men: The Last Stand”, “Charmed”) – Once a best friend (and almost like family) to Dr. Derek Shepherd but had an affair with Derek’s wife, and definitely help lead towards their divorce. Specializes in plastic surgery and often looked at as arrogant. Has had sexual relations with Dr. Callie Torres. Known to the female doctors as “McSteamy”.
Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers, “Lakeview Terrace”, “Cold Case”, “The Wedding Planner”) – A doctor at Seattle’s Grace Hospital. Abrasive towards the new interns and has an interest in Dr. Isobel Stevens.
Dr. George O’Malley (T.R. Knight, “The Last Request”) – An intern at Seattle’s Grace Hospital who was married to Dr. Callie Torres but had an affair with Dr. Isobel Stevens. He is a good friend with Izzie and has failed his residency exam several times and is preparing to take it again.
Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez, “Baseball Wives”, “Chicago”) – A former chief resident at Seattle Grace Hospital and an orthopedic surgeon. Was married with Dr. George O’Malley. Later, she has a sexual relationship with Dr. Mark Sloan (in order to prove to herself that she is heterosexual) but is now starting to understand her feelings that she has for cardiothoracic surgeon Erica Hahn.
Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson, “Philadelphia”) – A resident surgeon in charge of five interns (now residents). Known for her tough love and blunt comments.
Dr. Richard Webber (James Picken’s Jr., “Curb Your Enthusiasm, “The Lyon’s Den”, “Six Feet Under”) – The Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital. In earlier seasons, it is learned that he had an affair with Meredith’s mother. Because of Seattle Grace’s ranking starts to suffer, he enforces tough rules on his doctors.
Dr. Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh, “The Practice”, “Girls Club, “That ’80s Show”) – Dr. Meredith Grey’s sister (both are not really close to each other). An intern at Seattle Grace Hospital and known for her photographic memory.  Has a sexual relationship with Dr. Alex Karev and is interested in Dr. George O’Malley.
Dr. Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith, “Crossing Jordan”, “Weeds”, “Law & Order”) – A cardiothoracic surgeon and workaholic doctor at Seattle Grace Hospital. Becomes romantic with Dr. Callie Torres.
“Grey’s Anatomy – Complete Fifth Season – More Moments” features 24 episodes on six discs. Included are (spoilerless summaries):
DISC: 1
- EPISODE 79- Dream a Little Dream of Me (Part 1) – Meredith and Derek try to work out their relationship, meanwhile Cristina is stabbed by an icicle.
- EPISODE 80 – Dream a Little Dream of Me (Part 2) – With Seattle Grace Hospital falling in rankings, Dr. Webber has tough rules in place for the doctors.
- EPISODE 81 – Here Comes the Flood – Dr. O’Malley retakes his residency exam, meanwhile the hospital is having major leak problems.
- EPISODE 82 – Brave New World – Meredith is shocked when Derek discovers her mother’s diary. Meanwhile, Callie and Erica begin their sexual relationship.
DISC 2:
- EPISODE 83 – There’s No “I” in Team – Dr. Bailey heads a group of surgeons for a “Domino Procedure”. Lexie is dismayed that George never recognizes her. Meanwhile, Callie goes to Dr. Sloan for help.
- EPISODE 84 – Life During Wartime – Dr. Owen Hunt becomes the new head of trauma and has problems with the methods of the doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital.
- EPISODE 85 – Rise Up – Derek feels that Cristina is interfering with his relationship with Meredith. Meanwhile, the chief announces a contest for the residents.
- EPISODE 86 – These Ties That Bind – Meredith’s old friend Sadie (Melissa George) becomes an intern at Seattle Grace. And a new surgeon, Virginia Dixon (Mary McDonnell) tries to bring order to the OR.
DISC 3:
- EPISODE 87 – In the Midnight Hour – Lexie and Sadie have a problem during surgery and thus Meredith, Cristina and Bailey try to help them out.
- EPISODE 88 – All By Myself – Cristina is award the contest for first solo surgery but the excitement is cut short as she has to give it up. Meanwhile, Callie is getting a vibe that Sadie is flirting with her.
- EPISODE 89 – Wish You Were Here – An admittance of a death row inmate (played by Eric Stoltz) infuriates Dr. Shepard. Meanwhile, Dr. Bailey teams up with Dr. Arizona Robbins, the new pediatric surgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital.
- EPISODE 90 – Sympathy for the Devil – Derek’s mother is in town and she meets Meredith for the first time. Owen and Cristina go out on a date.
DISC 4:
- EPISODE 91 – Stairway to Heaven (Extended Episodes) – Izzie starts to see more and more of her deceased boyfriend Denny and comes to a full realization that something may be wrong with her.
- EPISODE 92 – Beat Your Heart Out – Derek plans to propose to Meredith and a cross-over with the characters of “Private Practice”.
- EPISODE 93 – Before and After – Continuing the cross-over with “Private Practice”, the doctors from Los Angeles: Addison, Naomi and Sam bring Archer to Seattle Grace Hospital.
- EPISODE 94 – An Honest Mistake – Continuing the cross-over with “Private Practice”, Derek and Addison collide over a pregnant patient who is dying. Special Guest Star: Faye Dunaway.
DISC 5:
- EPISODE 95 – I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Izzie finds out the results from her health test while Dr. Shepard has problems after the death of a patient.
- EPISODE 96 – Stand By Me – Meredith does what she can to get Derek to come back to work. Cristina has her first major solo surgery.
- EPISODE 97 – Elevator Love Letter – Derek has his first major surgery after his breakdown. Meanwhile Owen seeks help for his post traumatic stress.
- EPISODE 98 – Sweet Surrender – Despite her receiving cancer treatment, Izzie wants to plan Derek and Meredith’s wedding.
DISC 6:
- EPISODE 99 – No Good at Saying Sorry (One More Chance) – Meredith and Derek prepare for their wedding, while Izzie receives a medical visit from her mother.
- EPISODE 100 – What a Difference a Day Makes – Meredith and Derek prepare for the big day but as they get ready for their wedding, a group of college students are injured in a major car accident during their graduation day. But the day becomes a significant day for another couple.
- EPISODE 101 – Here’s to Future Days – Izzie must decide whether or not to undergo a risk surgery for her brain tumor, but the removal of it can lead to major problems.
- EPISODE 102 – Now or Never - A man gets hit by a bus while trying to save a woman and the person who is hit, is someone everyone is familiar with. Meanwhile, Izzie recovers her memory but something bad happens to her. The doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital try to rescue both the man and Izzie.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“Grey’s Anatomy – Complete Fifth Season – More Moments” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 televisions. When it comes to television drama series, “Grey’s Anatomy” is one of ABC’s highly rated dramas that although filmed in a hospital setting for the most part of the series, season five definitely indulges in beauty during a major wedding scene which featured solid cinematography. And speaking of the wedding, that was one of the most enchanting wedding scenes that I have seen in a drama series. Absolutely beautiful!
For the most part, the series looks good on DVD, nice good closeups and skintones are natural and during low light scenes, I didn’t see any major noise or compression artifacts.  For the most part, the fifth season does look very good on DVD.
As for audio, the series is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and the series is primarily dialogue and music driven. Dialogue is clean and understandable, while the music has always played a major part for the series and definitely enhances certain scenes. Personally, I found it much more appealing to have my receiver set at stereo on all channels.
The show is presented in English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“Grey’s Anatomy – Complete Fifth Season – More Moments” includes the following special features:
DISC 7:
- Dissecting Grey’s Anatomy – Unaired Scenes – A total of eleven unaired scenes with optional commentary with Creator/Executive Producer Shondra Rhimes and Executive Producer Betsy Beers.
- In Stitches: Season Five Outtakes – (4:03) Season five bloopers.
- 100th Episode: Tales from the O.R. – (18:30) The crew and talents talk about working on the show and how grateful they are to the fans. Staff talk about the making of the series and keeping the medical segments factual and also the big wedding scene.
- Heaven Sent – (9:30) For fans of Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), this featurette focuses on how Creator/Executive Producer Shondra Rhimes and Executive Producer Betsy Beers hired Jeffrey Dean Morgan for the role. Jeffrey talks about how he auditioned for the role and the audience reaction and more.
I have to admit that when “Grey’s Anatomy” season five started, I thought the series has lost its vibe and was becoming another “ER” like-clone where stories would simply become to farfetched and hokey. But during the second half of the season, things simply changed. We started to get solid storylines that built-up to the best season finale for “Grey’s Anatomy” ever.
I think part of the mystique about the series this season was the hype and gossip about what was going on behind-the-scenes. Who is leaving the show? Who isn’t leaving the show? Would we even care for Izzie due to Katherine Heigl’s behavior off-set? The lesbian storyline. The brain tumor storyline. Who is disgruntled? Who isn’t being utilized all that much in the show. So, many things that could have gone wrong… but in the end, it was the writing for the series that managed to win viewers all over again.
From the cross-over with “Private Practice”, the return of Denny, a wedding, many new characters and so much more… But personally, it was those final four episodes that made viewers remember why we stuck with over 100 episodes of this drama series. Although, I can do without the icicle impaling or the interns surgically experimenting on each other (which to me was just too campy).
As or the DVD, I was expecting episode commentaries (it would have been wonderful to hear commentary for the 1ooth episode and the season finale) and something a bit more for the special features section but for the most part, what is featured is quite satisfactory.
Overall, “Grey’s Anatomy – Complete Fifth Season – More Moments” may have started out a bit hokey and farfetched but the season redeemed itself right at the end and had its most significant season finale ever. If you are a “Grey’s Anatomy” fan, one again, another DVD box set worth adding to your collection.