Everything changed when that ship landed in the cornfield. Honestly, it’s hard to remember what TV was like before 2001. We didn't have the "Arrowverse" or a dozen different cinematic universes competing for our attention every weekend. We just had a kid in a red jacket who couldn't fly and refused to wear a cape. If you pick up the DVD Smallville Season 1 today, you aren't just buying a piece of plastic; you’re grabbing a time capsule of the exact moment the superhero craze actually found its soul.
It was a gamble.
The WB—rest in peace to that network—was mostly known for Dawson’s Creek and Buffy. Bringing Superman to the small screen without the suit seemed like a recipe for disaster. But they did it. They focused on the "Man" instead of the "Super." Looking back at these twenty-one episodes, the grain of the film and the specific 2000s color palette remind you that this wasn't some polished, CGI-heavy corporate product. It felt real. It felt like Kansas.
What’s actually on those discs?
Most people forget that the physical release of this season was a huge deal for collectors. Digital streaming might be convenient, sure, but it’s hollow. When you pop in the first disc of the DVD Smallville Season 1 set, you get the pilot episode exactly as it aired, with the licensed music that often gets stripped out or replaced on streaming platforms due to licensing nightmares. That matters. If you aren't hearing "Save Me" by Remy Zero over those opening credits, are you even watching Smallville?
The set usually spans six discs. It’s bulky. It’s glorious.
You get the pilot commentary with developers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, alongside director David Nutter. They talk about the casting process, specifically how they almost didn't find Tom Welling. He had turned down the role twice. Can you imagine? Some other guy in the barn? It doesn't work. The extras also dive into the "Smallville Interactive Map," which is a bit of a relic now but shows how much effort went into building the lore of the town. There are deleted scenes that actually add context to Clark’s relationship with Lana Lang and his growing, tragic friendship with Lex Luthor.
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The Lex Luthor of it all
Michael Rosenbaum. That’s the tweet, basically.
If you want to know why the first season works, look at Lex. In the pilot, Clark saves Lex after his Porsche flies off a bridge. It’s the "meet-cute" from hell. Throughout the first year, Lex isn't a villain. He’s a guy trying to escape his father’s shadow, trying to be a good friend, and genuinely curious about the miracles happening in this weird little town. Watching it back on DVD, you see the subtle nuances in Rosenbaum’s performance that you might miss on a low-bitrate stream. The way he looks at Clark—a mix of envy and genuine affection—is heartbreaking because we know where it ends.
Lionel Luthor, played by the incomparable John Glover, is the perfect foil. He’s the Shakespearean king who poisons everything he touches. The dynamic between the Luthors is arguably more compelling than the "Meteor Freak of the Week" formula that the first season leaned on so heavily.
The Freak of the Week "Problem"
Let’s be real for a second. Season one has a formula.
- Person gets exposed to Kryptonite (Meteor rocks).
- Person gets a weird power (Invisibility, freezing, electricity).
- Person goes a little crazy or seeks revenge.
- Clark stops them.
- Clark and Lana have a talk at the fence.
Some critics at the time hated this. They thought it was too repetitive. But looking back, it served a purpose. It established the world. It showed how high the stakes were for a teenager who just wanted to play football but had to carry the weight of the world instead. Episodes like "Hourglass," where an old woman can see the future, provided the heavy foreshadowing that kept fans hooked. She sees Clark’s future—a cape, a symbol, a destiny. She sees Lex’s future, too. It’s a field of blood and a rain of suits.
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It’s heavy stuff for a teen drama.
Technical specs and the nostalgia factor
The DVD Smallville Season 1 is presented in a 1.77:1 aspect ratio. This was the era where TV was transitioning from the old 4:3 "square" boxes to widescreen. The transfer is surprisingly clean. You can see the texture of the denim jackets and the rust on the Kent farm equipment.
The audio is Dolby Digital 5.1. It’s not going to blow your eardrums out like a modern Marvel movie, but the soundstage is wide. When the meteor shower hits in the opening minutes, the debris field sounds terrifying. The score by Mark Snow (who also did The X-Files) is underrated. It’s atmospheric and lonely, capturing that feeling of being an outsider in your own backyard.
Why you should own the physical copy
Streaming is a lie.
I know that sounds dramatic, but think about it. Shows disappear from platforms every day. Licenses expire. Music gets swapped for generic stock tracks. If you own the DVD Smallville Season 1, you own the show. Forever. You don't need a subscription. You don't need an internet connection. You just need a player and a rainy afternoon.
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Plus, the box art is iconic. It features Clark "strung up" like a scarecrow with the 'S' painted on his chest. It’s an image that defined a generation of WB viewers. Having that on your shelf says something. It says you value the origin story.
Key details for collectors:
- Release Date: Originally released in 2003.
- Episodes: 21.
- Special Features: Pilot commentary, storyboard-to-screen comparisons, deleted scenes, and a featurette on the casting.
- Packaging: Early versions came in a "digipak" fold-out style; later versions are in a standard plastic multidisc case.
Addressing the "Meteor Rock" in the room
We have to talk about the "Wall of Weird." Chloe Sullivan, played by Allison Mack, was the heartbeat of the show’s investigative side. It’s impossible to watch the show now without thinking about the real-world controversies surrounding Mack. It’s a blemish on the legacy for many. However, the character of Chloe remains a vital part of the Smallville mythos. She represented the fans—the people looking for the truth in a world full of secrets.
The first season is also remarkably grounded compared to what came later. There are no Phantoms, no Doomsday, and no Justice League. It’s just a kid in high school who realizes his parents have been lying to him about his heritage. The relationship between Clark and Jonathan Kent (John Schneider) is the emotional anchor. Jonathan isn't just a mentor; he’s a flawed man trying to protect his son from a government that would surely dissect him if they knew the truth.
Making the most of your rewatch
If you’re diving back into the DVD Smallville Season 1, don't just binge it. Savor it. Notice the lighting. Notice how often they use yellow and blue to signify Clark’s "Superman" colors before he ever puts on the suit.
- Watch "Pilot" and "Metamorphosis" back-to-back. They function like a two-part movie.
- Pay attention to the background characters. You’ll see early appearances from actors who went on to be much bigger stars.
- Listen to the commentary. It’s some of the most honest TV production talk you’ll hear. They admit when things didn't work.
The first season is about discovery. It’s about that moment in life when you realize you aren't who you thought you were. Whether you're a die-hard Superman fan or just someone who misses the golden age of 2000s television, this DVD set is a must-have. It’s the foundation of everything that came after.
Before the capes, before the flying, there was just a boy in Smallville. And honestly? That was enough.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check the disc surface: Older DVDs from the early 2000s can sometimes suffer from "disc rot" if stored in humid conditions. Ensure your discs are clean and scratch-free.
- Verify the music: Compare your DVD audio to the streaming version on the episode "Pilot" during the scene where Clark is in his loft. If you hear the original pop tracks, you have the authentic experience.
- Invest in a dedicated DVD or Blu-ray player: Modern gaming consoles are fine, but a dedicated player often handles the upscaling of SD (Standard Definition) content better on 4K TVs.
- Organize by release: Smallville had ten seasons. If you're starting with Season 1, look for the matching box set styles to ensure they look uniform on your shelf.