Review: ‘Twin Peaks: From Z to A’ is the ultimate mystery collection (Includes first-hand account)

When Twin Peaks premiered in 1990, it was one of the strangest mysteries to takeover network television. Created by Mark Frost and David Lynch, the series drew on elements of detective fiction, as well as daytime serials and the horror genre. However, as with Lynch’s other projects, it had a quirky sense of humour, countless moments of surrealism and a distinguished look. Although it only lasted two seasons, the show gained a cult following and a permanent place in the pop culture zeitgeist. Consequently, it also produced a prequel movie, Fire Walk with Me, which was accompanied by nearly 90 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes titled, “The Missing Pieces,” and a 2017 limited event series (or third season) written by Lynch and Frost, and promoted as Twin Peaks: The Return. Now fans can own all of these narratives in one attractive boxset called Twin Peaks: From Z to A.

The series follows the inhabitants of a quaint northwestern town who are stunned after the homecoming queen Laura Palmer is suddenly found murdered. The investigation that follows engenders an eerie chain of events with cataclysmic results felt across the entire town. The follow-up movie, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, focuses on the seven days leading up to Laura Palmer’s death. The 18-episode limited event series is set 25 years after the original and follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper’s (Kyle MacLachlan) return to Twin Peaks, though the story also travels to Las Vegas, South Dakota, Philadelphia, and New Mexico.

Though Lynch was permitted to bring his bizarre style of storytelling to the small screen, it’s not entirely surprising the series only lasted two seasons with broadcasters demanding certain narrative concessions in the final chapter, but the first installment is pure in its conception. As in Blue Velvet, Lynch once again attempts to pull back the curtain concealing the seedy underbelly of a small town.

As demonstrated by the uniquely designed 2014 home entertainment release of “The Entire Mystery” (at the time, at least), this franchise’s personality permeates every aspect of its presentation. This collection, limited to 25,000 copies worldwide, takes it a step further. The 21-disc set is housed in a collectible cube that folds open to reveal the Red Room Gallery. Inside, fans also find a die-cut acrylic figure of Laura Palmer and Special Agent Dale Cooper engaged in a kiss; two fold-out books containing most of the discs; a separate sleeve holding the 4K ultra high definition transfers of both versions of the original series pilot from 1990 (domestic and international), and Part 8 of the Limited Event Series – both overseen by David Lynch; a curated set of 25 5” x 5” printed cards; and an individually numbered, collectible certificate of authenticity.

The release from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment includes all existing special features from the previous release of the original series, movie and “The Missing Pieces,” as well as two standalone Blu-ray discs packed with new special features: “A Talk with Kyle MacLachlan and Sheryl Lee”; “Behind The Curtain”; “On the Couch with Kimmy and Harry”; and “Roadhouse Music.”

Similar Posts

  • Review: TIFF 2019: ‘Kuessipan’ is about the strength of female friendship (Includes first-hand account)

    Based on historical circumstances, groups of people are pigeonholed into certain types of narratives. That’s not to say those stories aren’t true, but there’s also an argument to be made that other tales are equally true. For Indigenous people, movies often focus on the difficulties of maintaining their traditions, injustices perpetrated by the government, the impact of residential schools, the disproportionate rates of addiction and suicide, and other “problems.” But they’re also just people with jobs, families, relationships, dreams and regular stories to tell. In Kuessipan, two young women from the same Quebec Innu community find they have less in common the older they become.

  • Review: ‘Captain Underpants’ wears a cape of silliness (Includes first-hand account)

    Stunting a child’s creativity is considered a crime by many people. After all, their imaginations are a source of fun as well as a means of understanding the complicated world around them. Thus, in a lot of adolescent or children’s fiction, the villainous adult is trying to keep the protagonist kids from having fun through pretend or invention. In Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, the two boys at the centre of the story decide to teach their super strict principal a lesson when he destroys their latest comic.

  • Junk World review: TIFF 2025

    ‘Junk World’ is a striking stop-animation prequel that time travels through a post-apocalyptic world populated by genetic mutations.

  • Review: ‘The Jesus Rolls’ barrels down the fast and loose lane (Includes first-hand account)

    As supplementary characters and supporting artists fill the screen, it’s uncommon for them to become the centre of attention. After all, their role is to help the protagonist(s) propel the story forward, not lead the way. But as actors prepare for these parts, no matter how big or small, it’s possible they create an extensive back story and character arc. Consequently, they may develop an attachment to this personality they nurtured even if their overall contribution to the film is minimal. Twenty-two years ago, John Turturro played an unhinged bowler with a foul-mouth and perfect form. He’s now returned to that character, writing and directing The Jesus Rolls.