Sons
of Anarchy - Season Five (Fox Blu-ray) + American Horror Story
- Asylum (Fox Blu-ray) +
The Walking Dead - The Complete Third Season (Anchor Bay
Blu-ray/all 2012)
Picture:
B+ Sound: A- Extras: C/C-/C Episodes: B-/B+/B+
Whereas
most audiences (so I hear) are clamoring for more Sons of Anarchy
this reviewer feels that it might be time for this biker gang to
ride off into the sunset. For a long while I felt the series was
getting better and better (Seasons 1 - 3 that is), but with
the coming of Season 4 it was more than apparent that certain
story aspects were being recycled. The feuds seemed the same, the
characters were becoming all too predictable, and with the exception
of a few well-placed cliffhangers the series had become formulaic. I
would contest that the same trend continued into Season 5 under
review here.
Like
our superhero films of on today audiences seem to be gravitating
toward darker, grittier stories that seem realer and more intense.
Gone are the days of Leave it to Beaver (sorry June) as series
like Boardwalk Empire on HBO, Homeland Showtime, Mad
Men on AMC, and The Bridge on FX have taken over
audiences' creative attention. The latter two proving that dark,
gritty, and more adult focused television is no longer reserved for
the premium networks and (for a while now) has shifted over to basic
cable. Sons of Anarchy is no exception and is/was amongst
some of the best series on television today. The problem is, the
brighter the flame the quicker the burn. That is to say that these
wonderfully intense series have a shelf life and whereas series like
Breaking Bad had an exit strategy and knew to leave audiences
wanting more; other series hold on for a bit too long.
Whereas
Sons of Anarchy may be at the end of its chain, the other two
series under review here (American Horror Story: Asylum &
The Walking Dead: Season 3) are going strong. Below you will
not only find links that give you a chance to look back at previous
insights into those series, but a breakdown of what the most recent
seasons on Blu-ray have to offer.
Sons
of Anarchy:
Season
One
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/9096/Sons+Of+Anarchy+%E2%80%93+Season+One+(20
Season
Two
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/10403/Sons+Of+Anarchy+%E2%80%93+Season+Two+(2
Season
Three
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11354/Sons+of+Anarchy+%E2%80%93+Season+3+(2010
Season
4
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11803/Sons+Of+Anarchy+%E2%80%93+Season+Four+(2
Season
5...
Season
Five is the newest season of Sons of Anarchy to hit
Blu-ray and sadly is the worst yet. As previously mentioned the
series has been winding down creatively and perhaps it is time to let
it go. It has been implied that Season 7 will be the series
final outing (Season 6 is on television now), but even that
extends the series beyond its means. Sons of Anarchy has
repeatedly added onto its storyline/mythos with new characters, blood
feuds, and entangled plot points that have never been resolved. Like
plot points on LOST the series seems to imply that those
unanswered questions will be answered, but has yet to make good on
that promise; instead placing critical topics on the back burner for
over five seasons. In essence the creators/writers stretching
themselves too thin to give any true resolve. Season 4 was
hurdling down one path before taking audiences by complete surprise
with a change up right at the end; leaving many unfulfilled with a
copout of an ending (no pun intended) that was all too convenient
(plot wise).
Season
Five opens where Season 4 left off, but instead of truly
addressing the world changing issues Season 4 delivered the
boys of SAMCRO move forward. Since we are NOT a spoiler site I can't
divulge too much about Season 5, but can say that the series
continues down the path of piling on plot points without resolving
other established issues. The series is surely entertaining and a
good watch, but at this point audiences want answers and resolve.
This season has big time baddie Damon Pope (Harold Perrineau) going
after SAMCRO hard to avenge the death of his daughter. Pope creates
a host of messy situations for SAMCRO that not only pits Pope against
the gang, but splits the gang themselves. Jax (Charlie Hunnam) now
being the head of SAMCRO is pushed to the limit and this season puts
his leadership to the test with a variety of will he/won't he moments
that make for exciting episodes.
As
stated again and again, the series is wonderful; but this reviewer
feels it has had its time. Now is the time for Sons of Anarchy to
cleverly wrap up all the open ended storylines that have kept on
audiences on the edge of their seats. If it takes two additional
seasons to do that, so be it; but let this great series go out on its
own terms, just like SAMCRO would want.
Many
of the extras are altered/extended episodes as well as deleted
scenes. I didn't find that they added too much to the series, but
for hardcore fans this will be a welcome addition. Extras include:
Deleted
Scenes from a variety of episodes
Sovereign
Creator's Cut
Stolen
Huffy Creator's Cut
Commentary
on Sovereign
Small
World Creator's Cut
J’ai
Obentu Creator's Cut
Gag
Reel
Opie
Winston
Kurt
Sutter: Creating Anarchy
Fan
Concert at the Club House
Commentary
on Darthy
American
Horror Story:
Season
1
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11846/American+Horror+Story:+The+Complete+First+Sea
American
Horror Story is unlike any other series on television today.
Whereas it does contain the aforementioned grittiness and shock
factor that audiences have begun to crave, it also has a premise
unlike other series.
Apparently
though the creators did not know this is how the show's premise would
develop, America Horror Story hosts a completely different
plot ever season. This is to say that each season acts like its own
mini-series; where the events of the first season DO NOT continue
into the following season. Season One had audiences aghast at
the ongoing events of a haunted mansion in old Hollywood; those who
went in never came out, or least never came out the same. In Season
Two entitled American Horror Story: The Complete Second Season
- Asylum we are taken to a mind, body, and soul altering insane
asylum.
Set
in the 1960s, the Second Season ramps up the insanity from
Season One. This season is off the padded wall chaos and
crazy. Whereas at times during the First Season I felt like I
myself was trapped in the murder house, as some episodes dragged
along; this season I was nearly scratching off my skin to see what
would happen next. The basic premise centers on an insane asylum run
by the Catholic Church in the 1960's. Sister Jude ( Jessica Lange)
is the head of Briarcliff Manor (the asylum) where the question
quickly becomes who is crazier the patients or staff? A man by the
name Kit Walker (Evan Peters) is admitted under the suspicion that he
is the serial killer Bloody Face. Oddly enough, Kit is a cool, calm,
collected, mild manner gentleman who couldn't possibly be a deranged
killer. Could he? Then there is ‘super sleuth’ reporter Lana
Winters (Sarah Paulson) who is dead set (no pun intended) on
revealing the atrocities that the staff of Briar Cliff Manor are
committing. Sadly for Ms. Winters she is committed to the
institution herself before any such revelations can be made.
From
here the entire season travels down the rabbit hole as we are treated
to carnage, mayhem, and debauchery. The line between reality and the
paranormal/mind altering is skewed to the point where it is hard to
describe what is actually occurring. The writers continually throw
curveballs that will have the most savvy viewers’ heads swimming.
The series oddly and nearly flawlessly manages to incorporate Nazis,
demons, aliens, serial killers, and so much more that it boggles the
mind.
Viewers
of the First Season will recognize many familiar faces, but in
totally different roles. This is part of the charm of American
Horror Story as it will attempt to reinvent itself each season;
using the same cast, but a completely new premise as it continues to
scare the bejesus out of us.
All
extras are pretty standard, but worth a look. Extras Include:
The
Walking Dead:
Season
1
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/10864/The+Walking+Dead+%E2%80%93+The+Complete
Season
2
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11804/The+Walking+Dead:+The+Complete+Second+Seas
Season
3...
The
Third Season of The Walking Dead picks up directly
where Season 2 left off and is horrifically good as ever. The
epic series based on the comic/graphic novel series of the same name
has hit world at full force, managing the pull in audiences from all
walks of life (no pun intended). That is to say that it seems
everyone is watching this ghoulishly violent, gory series without
discrimination. At a time where we still have protests raging about
violent on TV and in movies, you would be hard pressed to find a week
go by without a Facebook, Twitter, or Text Message stating something
to the extent of “OMG can't wait for The Walking Dead!”
And that ranges from housewives to militia; The Walking Dead
hitting a cord with audiences across the board. Could it be that
zombies are just “in” right now? Sure. Or perhaps the series is
just…that…good.
As
previously mentioned Season 3 picks up where Season 2 left
off; with the survivors abandoning their now zombie overrun,
idealistically ‘utopian’ farm. Once a safe haven the farm being
overrun meant the crew had to come up with a new plan; the end of the
season teasing audiences with a prison in the distance.
As
alluded to in the Season 2 review, much of that season was
spent bickering on the farm instead of zombie stomping like audiences
wanted. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) was attempting to be a decisive
leader, but often times floundered as he fought against farm owner
and old timer Hershel (Scott Wilson). The survivors were trying to
set up a “safe life” on the farm, but the odds were against them
and before the end of the season trouble was afoot. We lose some key
characters, others separate and we as an audience are dragged into
Season 3 to find out what will happen next. Season 3 (aptly
deemed “the prison season”) has our former farm crew held up in a
prison, while we are concurrently introduced to a small town called
Woodbury. Woodbury seems like the perfect small American town
straight out of the 1950s. In Woodbury we find Andrea (Laurie
Holden) and new comer Michonne (Danai Gurira) taken in by the town’s
‘leader’ The Governor (David Morrissey). Though pleasant at
first it becomes more than apparent that The Governor rules with an
iron fist; meaning it is his way or the highway, the highway not
really meaning the option to leave. The episodes go back and forth
between the events at the prisoner and Woodbury, up until the point
where the two worlds intertwine. There is much foreshadowing (and at
times direct indication) that the meeting will not go well; but
audiences will have to experience for themselves the catastrophic
events that occur once The Governor and Rick square off.
Some
fans have closely compared Seasons 2 & 3 suggesting that
they are equally draining and drawn out as not much happens; pointing
out that one season traipses around a farm while the other mindlessly
wanders the corridors of a prison. I would completely disagree with
this as Season 3 definitely ups the ante with the added threat
of Woodbury coupled with the already constant fear of zombie
annihilation.
Again
in Season 3 we see some long standing characters make their
exit; which is no surprise. The show runners have never been afraid
of letting go of the main cast and so closely following the comics
make this all the easier. Some characters will be missed and others
you will go FINALLY and then there are those that we had just come to
know.
This
season is wonderful and now being on Blu-ray gives audiences
everywhere the chance not to miss a moment; along with the ability to
quickly pause and rewind when you say “did that just really
happen?!”
Most
extras are short tidbits, but the deleted scenes and audio
commentaries are key. Extras Include:
Technical
Features:
Surprisingly
though these three new to Blu-ray television series are from two
different studios (FOX and Anchor Bay) the technical features are all
superbly on par with one another. The picture on all three Blu-rays
is presented as a 1080p AVC encoded MPEG-4, 1.78 X 1 Widescreen that
all hold solid color, contrast, and fine detail. Varying in style
each of the series uses a different palette of grit, grime, and color
distortion to bring its own brand of harsh reality to life.
Concurrently all three series seem to suffer at the darker/shadowy
moments as delineation begins to breakdown, but by no means
atrocious.
Whereas
the both Sons of Anarchy and American Horror Story are
presented in a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio which sounds great; The
Walking Dead is a Dolby 7.1 True HD that is SURPRISINGLY just on
par with the other two. The audio on all three series is engaging as
the action packed atmosphere of Sons of Anarchy and creepy yet
catastrophic aura of Walking Dead and American Horror Story
project with ease. The full speaker range is utilized from all
surrounds and the series truly come to life. Prioritizing is solid
and even the softest moments are discernible; certainly emphasizing
the creepier moments of Dead and Horror Story.
- Michael P.
Dougherty II
