24:Redemption shows how Jack Bauer spent his summer vacation

December 2, 8:16 AMTV on DVD ExaminerJohn Stahl

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Bauer doing what he does best

I was pleased to see in the opening minutes of the DVD of "24:Redemption" that, contrary to earlier reports, this made-for-tv-movie followed the show's format of running in real time. It tells the story of the efforts of Jack Bauer to help a group of schoolboys in Africa escape a rebel leader who wants to kidnap them and force them to serve as soldiers in his army. Bauer also fights the law.

I will not spoil the surprise regarding if the law wins. You can torture me all that you want, I will never reveal what I know.

The action takes place several months after the sixth season of the show ended in May 2007 and sets the stage for the seventh season, which begins Jan. 11, 2009. I followed the Redemption story well but would have liked the option of having a prequel that consisted of relevant scenes from the sixth season play immediately before the movie. The extras do include a four-minute recap of that season that provides some context for the movie.

The movie had a great deal of the trademark looming deadline, violent action, chase scenes, split-screen images, and torture of Bauer. There was also a nice dose of political intrigue. I would have enjoyed at least a clip of Chloe and the gang at the Los Angeles headquarters of the Counter-terrorist Unit  (CTU) where much of the show's action has been centered.

This two-disc set offers the options of watching the 87-minute version of the program that ran on Fox on November 23 or an extended 102-minute version. I watched the extended version but do not know which scenes were added or extended because I did not watch the movie on television.

I own every season of "24" on DVD and wanted this one to complete my set. I am glad that I have it and think that fans will enjoy it. I expect as well that the action will attract new viewers.

Please feel free to add any comments as additions to this entry or e-mail me at tvdvdguy@gmail.com.