Outlander: Season One, Volume One

Adapted from the bestselling novels by Diane Gabaldon, this handsomely produced, critically-acclaimed show—the Starz channel's most successful original series to date—mixes historical drama, romantic adventure, and time travel. Caitriona Balfe stars as British nurse Claire Randall, who is reunited with her husband, Frank (Tobias Menzies), at the end of World War II for a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands—until a ceremony at an ancient Druid shrine sends her back to 1743. Claire lands in the midst of war between the occupying British army and rogue Highland clans, where she must depend on her wits and historical knowledge to survive and try to return to her 20th-century life, especially since both sides believe that this strong-willed British woman is a spy. Filmed on location in Scotland, Outlander is an intelligent, compelling series, full of historical and cultural detail, that manages to embrace the idea of magic yet remain grounded in a physical world where violence and death are ever present. Ronald D. Moore, who rebooted the award-winning Battlestar Galactica for Syfy, developed the TV adaptation, and Balfe gives Claire a courage and strength that makes her character matter to us. Compiling the first eight episodes from the debut 2014 season, extras include behind-the-scene featurettes (exclusive to the Blu-ray release are additional featurettes and deleted scenes). Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)