It is surprisingly difficult to successfully reboot a long-running show in a way that can replicate a similar type of success. Take a look at failed projects in the last couple of decades, such as the doomed takes on properties like Charlie’s Angels and Knight Rider and The Bionic Woman and… the list goes on and on with the tears of crestfallen network executives staining that piece of paper. One show that bucked the trend in a substantial way was Hawaii Five-0 from 2010, which offered a new take on Hawaii Five-O (letter, not a number like the new one) which ran from 1968-1980 on CBS. While the show could not quite hit the twelve season mark like its predecessor, a ten-season and 240-episode run from any modern show is quite the accomplishment. Stemming from the minds of Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci, with showrunner Peter Lenkov guiding the ship, the duo took the approach that worked so well on their theatrical Star Trek reboot by foregoing a strict sequel to the original series and just harnessing the general spirit of it instead. The resulting show was one that provided pulse-pounding action steeped in a general sense of family and gentleness among the characters that set the show apart.
A self-proclaimed television junkie from way back, this reboot debuted during my sophomore year in college at a time where I was giving most scripted shows a shot. There were a lot of stinkers that I had to cut, but Hawaii Five-0 had something special about it that made it incredibly watchable. A steady procedural at its core, the show thrived beyond the impressive action sequences by providing a cast of characters that you would enjoy spending time with even if they did not have a case. Alex O’Loughlin confidently played decorated former Navy SEAL Steve McGarrett, the head of the Five-0 Task Force and son of retired HPD Sergeant John McGarrett. Steve has had some romantic relationships that have been quite lovely, especially with his main on-again-off-again sweetheart Catherine (Michelle Borth). The heart of the show, though, is his brotherly friendship with his partner Danny “Danno” Williams, played to perfection by Scott Caan. I say brotherly because they often annoy each other in only the way that siblings can, but they have each other’s back no matter what. The way in which Steve drives Danno up a wall or scares the daylights out of him injects some much needed levity into each episode.
While these two are the mainstays of the series, they are far from the only characters comprising this family. For the majority of the run, two personal favorites were Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly and Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua, cousins who worked on the Five-0 task force and had many deep story arcs of their own. Kono’s relationship with Adam (Ian Anthony Dale) often resulted in very perilous situations, but the heart wants what the heart wants. A salary dispute at the end of the seventh season forced the departure of these two, and the show never really felt the same afterwards, Sure, Meaghan Rath as Tani Rey and Beulah Koale as Junior Reigns were solid additions to the team, but the bond between the core four from the beginning was a huge selling point of the show for me personally. That’s not to say that new faces could not elevate the show ensemble. When Chi McBride popped up as Lou Grover in season four, his character became integral to the team for the remainder of the show. More tertiary characters such as Masi Oka’s medical examiner Max or Jorge Garcia’s helpful conspiracy theorist and consultant Jerry Ortega helped make this world feel fully populated with interesting and lovable characters we could return to again and again.
Every season, it is impressive how the show continued to find new ways to up the ante and deliver some truly thrilling sequences that rivaled what you might see in a major blockbuster. While many times these would be related to one-off incidents from perpetrators that would never be heard from again, the show was just as deft at fleshing out the mythology of particularly menacing characters. When certain major figures would pop up throughout the series, such as Wo Fat (Mark Dacascos), you could feel the weight of everything they had done previously. This show had some very memorable villains that made you genuinely scared that members of the team were actually in danger. The Five-0 task force experienced a lot of trials and tribulations throughout these ten years, and they always kept us rooting for them thanks to the strong characterization. The best part of each episode for me were the little moments where everyone would be together like a real family, or even smaller moments like those between Danny and his daughter, Grace (Teilor Grubbs). Without these moments every week, you would not be holding your breath when these characters are in their next perilous situation. These are the moments that made you care. When you reach the end of the series, you feel like you have been on a satisfying journey filled with a continuously growing family. The final episode of the show ends the journey on such a perfect note that I cannot see any fan of the series being disappointed. If you are not allergic to procedurals, this is one of the better ones I have experienced in modern times.
Video Quality
The complete series of Hawaii Five-0 comes to DVD with 240 episodes over 60 discs (plus an extra for special features), which offers a fair amount of room to avoid compression issues. Due to the limitations of the format, these episodes are not going to look as good as they do in high definition, but the presentation is strong within the DVD format. Even without the added definition, this is still a sleek show with fine details visible. The presentation gets stronger and clearer as the seasons progress. Skin tones look natural, and close ups look quite good. Black levels are a little more problematic here, as nighttime scenes lose some of the outlines of objects within the shot. Colors are rendered favorably, and there is a whisper of texture in the clothing. This is the type of show that would look exceptional with a Blu-Ray release since the cinematography of the show is simply stunning, but the DVDs get the job done well enough.
Audio Quality
This DVD comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track that once again feels a bit lacking compared to its potential, but it does solid work. Dialogue is rendered clearly with a focus in the center channel. Amongst all of the quippy banter, sound effects and the heroic score never overpower the dialogue causing lost information. The rear speakers create a dynamic atmosphere as the environmental sounds of the island come through to establish the location well. The mix has a good sense of directionality so that nothing ever feels like it is coming from the wrong place. The action scenes pack a pretty good punch, but they would feel even more bombastic with a lossless track. You know what to expect when you sit down to watch an action-packed network drama, and this track executes all of the key elements perfectly within the confines on the format.
Special Features
Season One
- Audio Commentary
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- Pilot: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov, Len Wiseman and Roberto Orci.
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- E Malama: A commentary track is provided by Alex O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park and Brad Turner.
- Deleted Scenes: Forty minutes of unused footage from Pilot, Nalowale, Ko’olauloa, Mana’o, Ke Kinohi, E Malama, Powa Maka Moana, Loa Aloha, Na Me’e Laua Na Paio, Ma Ke Kahakai, Ho’opa’l, Ho’ohuli Na’au and Oia’i’o.
- Legacy: A twelve-minute look at the legacy of the original show and the process of updating it to this new version. There are some very nice vintage interviews with Rose Freeman, wife of original series creator Leonard Freeman, that offers insight into that version.
- Picture Perfect – The Making of the Pilot: A 27-minute making-of featurette that goes into the development of the pilot, the cast chemistry, shooting obstacles and more. The best part of this is getting a look at the table read where the cast originally met one another.
- CBS On-Air Launch Promos: Four minutes of promotional footage is provided here.
- Eye Lab Online Launch Promos: Eight minutes of promotional and behind-the-scenes material is provided here.
- Grace Park’s Hawaiian Tour: A five-minute featurette in which the actress who plays Kono takes you on some of the beautiful and relaxing aspects of Hawaiian culture including hula dancing, food and more.
- Re-Scoring the Theme Song: A two-minute look at the recording of the new version of the iconic theme song with comments from the conductor and musicians playing on the track.
- Inside Comic-Con: A six-minute look at the cast and crew experiences at Comic-Con complete with an abridged version of the Q&A.
- Shore Lines – The Story of Season 1: A 31-minute look at what the cast and crew wanted to accomplish in the show and the trajectory they wanted to follow throughout the season. The participants discuss some of the big narrative swings they took throughout the season to keep the show fresh.
- Aloha Action!: A 15-minute look at the importance of action within the show and how they pull off all of the exciting sequences.
- Gag Reel: Nearly eight minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
- Inside the Box: A seven-minute featurette that takes a look at the mystery behind John McGarrett’s last words and how the contents of the box are unveiled throughout the season.
Season Two
- Audio Commentary
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- Hai’i’ole: A commentary track is provided by Alex O’Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park and Peter Lenkov.
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- Ki’ilua: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov and Paul Zbyszewski.
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from Hai’i’ole, Ua Lawe Wale, Ma’ema’e, Ka Hakaka Maika’i, Ki’ilua, Alaheo Pau’ole, I Helu Pu, Ha’alele and Ua hala
- Shore Lines – The Story of Hawaii Five-0 Season 2: A 31-minute look at the big changes that came about at the end of season one and how that impacted the story heading into season two. This traces the narrative arc that built throughout the sophomore year.
- Aloha Action! – Season 2: A nearly 24-minute look at how the team sought to top the action they pulled off in the inaugural season.
- Hawaii Five-O’ahu – An Interactive Guide to Season 2 Filming Locations: Explores various locations featured throughout the season by clicking on areas which reveal behind-the-scenes footage with the cast and crew. Locations include Waimea Falls, Kualoa Ranch, Halawa Prison and many more.
- Becoming a Seal – An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Toughest Training: A nine-minute look at the intense physical and psychological training that Navy Seals have to endure.
- Gag Reel: Ten minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Three
- Audio Commentary
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- Hookman: A commentary track is provided by Peter Weller, Glen Olson, Rod Baker and Joe Halpin
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- Pa’ani: A commentary track is provided by Alex O’Loughlin, Grace Park and Peter Lenkov.
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from La O Na Makuahine, Kanalua, Lana I Ka Moana, Mohai, Huaka’i Kula, Kapu, Olelo Ho’opa’i Make, Hookman, Pa’ani, Ho’opio, He Welo ‘oihana and Aloha. Malama Pono
- Alternate Endings: An unused ending is provided for Kapu.
- Hookman From the Original Series: The full version of the episode Hookman from the sixth season of the original series is provided here as a fun bonus.
- Shore Lines – Season 3: A 24-minute look at the arc of the third season from the introduction of Steve’s mom to new relationships that expand certain characters and losses that the team suffer.
- Aloha Action! – Season 3: A 21-minute look at the stunts of the third season.
- Script to Screen: An eight-minute look at how material from the script evolves during the production and how different departments work together to make these words come to life.
- Hawaii Five-Over the Whole Wide World: A five-minute look at the fans that support the show all around the world.
- Gag Reel: Nine minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Four
- Audio Commentary
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- Akanahe: A commentary track is provided by Alex O’Loughlin and Chi McBride.
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- Ho’onani Makuakane: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov, Ken Solarz and Larry Teng.
- Hana lokomaika’i: A commentary track is provided by Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park.
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from Aloha ke kahi l ke kahi, A’ale Ma’a Wau, Ka’oia’i’o ma loki, A ia la aku, Kupouli, Akanahe, Ho’onani Makuakane, Pukana, O kela me keia manawa, Pale ‘la, Ku I Ka Pili Koko, Pe’epe’e Kanaka, Makani ‘Olu a Holo Malie and O ka Pili ‘Ohana ka ‘Oi
- The Reunion: A nearly three-minute look at the mini-Lost reunion between Daniel Dae Kim, Jorge Garcia and Terry O’Quinn.
- A Celebration Like No Other: A three-minute look at the huge celebration in which the cast and crew participated in Hawaii in honor of the fourth season premiere complete with appearances from the Jonas Brothers.
- The Making of Ho’onani Makuakane: A nine-minute look at this very special episode that takes a look at the internment camps around WWII.
- Plan of Attack: A two-minute look at before-and-after shots of visual effects in Ho’onani Makuakane.
- From the Fans to the Fans: A four-minute look at how fans shaped a special episode during this fourth season which led to Chin Ho’s backstory being developed a bit more.
- Shore Lines – Season 4: A 26-minute look at the storyline for the fourth season from developing relationships to uncovering some mysteries with the characters. This also takes a look at the first storyline to take the action outside of Hawaii.
- Aloha Action! – Season 4: An eighteen-minute look at the stunts of the fourth season.
- Designing Five-0: A nine-minute look at how the crew constructs the various settings in the show.
- Captain Lou Grover: A six-minute look at our newest main character within the story played by Chi McBride and his contentious relationship with Steve.
- Gag Reel: Ten minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
- King’s Oh So Sweet Hawaiian Recipes: Get step-by-step instructions on how to make delicious treats like Maui Burger, Shrimp Roll, S’mores and more.
Season Five
- Audio Commentary
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- A’ohe Kahi E Pe’e Ai: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov, Bryan Spicer and Peter M. Tassler.
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- Ina Paha: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov and Larry Teng.
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from A’ohe Kahi E Pe’e Ai, Ka Makuakane, Ka No’eau, Ho’oma’ike, Ina Paha, Ka Hana Malu, Wawahi Moe’uhane, Poina ‘Ole, E’imi Pono, Nanahu, Kuka’awale, Pono Kaulike, Ua Helele’i Ka Hoku, Luapo’i and A Make Kaua.
- Five-0 x 100: A seven-minute look at the celebration of the 100th episode with the cast and crew.
- Directing with Daniel Dae Kim: A nearly 13-minute look at Kim jumping into the director’s chair with interviews with the cast and crew discussing the process.
- “Sweet Disaster” Music Video featuring Freelance Riot: This two-minute video does not offer much in the way of excitement.
- Shore Lines – Season 5: A 28-minute look at the storyline for the fifth season including developing Kono and Adam’s relationship, Chin Ho’s trouble with internal affairs, McGarrett’s questions about his family and more.
- Five-O Music: A six-minute look at the music in the series with the talent and creative team.
- Aloha Action! – Season 5: A twenty-minute look at the stunts of the fifth season.
- Gag Reel: Nine minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Six
- Audio Commentary
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- Mai Ho’oni I Ka Wai Lana Malie: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov and Peter M. Tassler.
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- Malama Ka Po’e: A commentary track is provided by Peter Lenkov and Chi McBride.
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from Mai Ho’oni I Ka Wai Lana Malie, Lehu A Lehu, Ua ‘O’oloku Ke Anu I Na Mauna, Ka Papahana Holo Pono, Na Pilikua Nui, Na Kama Hele, Piko Pau ‘lole, Hana Keaka, Ka Makau Kaa Kaua, Kuleana, Ua Ola Loko I Ke Aloha, Umia Ka Hanu, Ke Koa Lokomaika’i, Ka Pohaku Kihi Pa’a, Malama Ka Po’e, I’ike Ke Ao, Pilina Koko and O Ke Ali’I Wale No Ka’u Makemake.
- Pirates & The Palace – The Making of the Premiere: A ten-minute look at the grand spectacle of the premiere episode of the season.
- “One More Day” Music Video: A nearly three-minute video for the ukulele song in episode 22.
- Aloha Action! – Season 6: A nineteen-minute look at the stunts of the sixth season
- Shore Lines – Season 6: A nearly thirty-minute look at the storyline for the sixth season including how they looked to open up arcs for characters rather than wrapping up any storylines.
- Casting Five-0: An eight-minute look at the casting process for the show including character chemistry and the benefits of having two different casting directors.
- Behind the Scenes with Alex O’Loughlin: A six-minute featurette in which the series star takes you to several different areas of the set to pop in on different departments.
- Gag Reel: Thirteen minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Seven
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from Makaukau ‘Oe E Pa’ani?, He Moho Hou, Hu A’e Ke Ahi Lanakila A Kamaile, Ke Ku Ana, Ka Hale Ho’okauweli, Ka Makuahine A Me Ke Keikikane, Elua la Ma Nowemapa, Ka Luhi, Ka ‘Aelike, Ua Ho’i Ka ‘Opua I Awalua, Ka Pa’ani Nui, E Malama Pono, Puka ‘Ana and Waimaka ‘Ele ‘Ele
- Watch! Magazine Photo Shoot with Alex O’Loughlin: A minute-and-a-half look at a on-location photo shoot with the series star.
- Shore Lines – Season 7: An eighteen-minute look at the storyline for the seventh season including how they wanted to bring back Jack Ward through technology, leaning into the fun of the Halloween episode and more.
- The Chun Family Legacy: A nine-minute featurette which honors the legacy of original series star Kam Fong.
- Teilor Grubbs Video Diary: A seven-minute look at the actress who plays Danny’s daughter, Grace. Grubbs shares a bit about being cast in the role as a child and provides some behind-the-scenes footage from her work on the set.
- Gag Reel: Four minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Eight
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from A’ole e ‘olelo mai ana ke ahi ua ana ia, Kau pahi, ko’u kua. Kau pu, ko’u po’o, Kama’oma’o, ka ‘aina huli hana, Mohala I Ka Wai Ka Maka O Ka Pua, Make Me Kai, O Ka Mea Ua Hala, Ua Hala Ia, He Puko’a Kani ‘Aina, E Ho’Oko Kuleana, He Lokomaika’I Ka Manu O Kaiona and Ahuwale Ka Nane Huna.
- Directing with Alex O’Loughlin: A seven-minute look at O’Loughlin as a director in this Danny-centric episode with interviews from cast and crew members.
- Shore Lines – Season 8: A 23-minute look at the storyline for the eighth season including big action set pieces, new characters, the white-hot premiere and more.
- Meet the Rookies: An eight-minute look at the new characters played by Meaghan Rath and Beulah Koale and the energy that brought to this season.
- Animated Cargument: A four-minute look at creating an animated version of these characters for a special sequence.
- Gag Reel: Four minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Nine
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from Ka ʻōwili ʻōkaʻi, Aia I Hi’Ikua; I Hi’Ialo, Lele pū nā manu like, Mai Ka Po Mai Ka ‘oia’i’o, Pio ke kukui, poʻele ka hale, Hala i ke ala o’i’ole mai, Ka hauli o ka mea hewa ‘ole, he nalowale koke, Ikiiki i ka la o Keawalua, Hapai ke kuko, hanau ka hewa, E’ao lu’au a kualima, Ho’okahi no la o ka malihini and Hewa ka lima.
- Five-0 at 200: A six-minute look at the throwback episode that brought something special to the 200th episode that dealt with a long-unsolved missing persons case.
- Giving Thanks: A 55-minute featurette in which Chi McBride and Peter Lenkov discuss the Thanksgiving episode that served as McBride’s first writing gig.
- Shore Lines – Season 9: A 21-minute look at the storyline for the ninth season including hitting the milestone of 200 episodes, remaking the pilot of the original series, expanding the scope and more.
- Gag Reel: Five minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Season Ten
- Deleted Scenes: Unused footage is provided from Ua ʻeha ka ʻili i ka maka o ka ihe, Ka la’au kumu ‘ole o Kahilikolo, O ‘oe, a ‘owau, nalo ia mea, He kauwa ke kanaka na ke aloha, Nalowale i ke ‘ehu o he kai, E ho’i na keiki oki uaua o na pali, He puhe’e miki, A ʻohe ia e loaʻa aku, he ulua kapapa no ka moana and Aloha.
- Shore Lines – Aloha: A 24-minute look at wrapping up this show with a satisfying final season including adding another great new character to the team, pushing characters out of their comfort zone and more.
- Reflections on Five-0 – An Interview with Alex O’Loughlin: An eleven-minute conversation with the star of the show in which he discusses his passion for keeping the show going at the best quality, the arc of his character and more.
- Gag Reel: Four minutes of flubbed lines, goofing around, messed-up takes and more are provided here.
Bonus Disc
- Looking Back – The Cast Celebrates 10 Seasons: A 53-minute special that takes a look at the series season by season to trace the developments of the characters and the actors that played them. This is a great way to wrap up the series for the fans.
- “All For One” Music Video: A four-minute music video from John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting) featuring behind-the-scenes still from the show.
- “Ohana” Music Video: A five-minute music video from Shawn Mokuahi Garnett that features some interviews with cast and crew members interspersed throughout the song.
- Celebrating 50 Years of Hawaii Five-O: A two-minute sizzle-reel created in 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original series.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii Five-0 is an action-packed show that is really about the importance of family and love for one another. Most episodes stand alone as a mini-blockbuster movie every week, but the characters offer up a little something extra to keep you invested in the journey. Not every episode is a homerun, but the majority of the run is quite a bit of fun if you get down with procedurals. CBS Home Entertainment collects all 240 episodes on 61 discs in one surprisingly bargain-priced package. The lack of an HD option is a bit of a bummer, but the A/V quality is pretty decent and there are a ton of extras that should appeal to fans.
Hawaii Five-0: The Complete Series is currently available to purchase on DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the DVD.
Disclaimer: CBS Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.