Glee
- The Complete Fourth Season (2012 - 2013/Fox Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: C Episodes: B-
What
started as a promising, quirky series that had elements of Freak
and Geeks mixed with pop hits of today and yesteryear; has
seemingly transformed over four seasons into shell of its former
self. With creator Ryan Murphy constantly proclaiming of the series
level of innovation and creativity it is interesting to see that it
has devolved into a predictable mess.
If
that wasn't enough, the series also manages to peddle the same level
of smut and raunchiness that is found on modern day MTV. Now I am no
prude or saint, but Glee started as a family friendly series
that had certain more mature themes that again made the series stand
out. The now predictable nature of the series has turned many long
time fans away and the somewhat inappropriate messages the series
puts forth has critics and parents alike questioning, what happened
to this once great series?
In
its Fourth Season, Glee splits time between McKinley High and
New York City as we follow some of the original New Directions off to
college, while we stay back in Ohio with both new and old talent.
The show kicked off with a host of bright, fresh talent (even as 30
year olds played 16) and felt real as we were treated to a cappella
renditions of a host of hits from a range of generations and genres.
Now in Season 4, the audience is experiencing overproduced
music numbers that appear more music video than Glee Club. Part of
the charm was that the audience somewhat believed these young talents
were on stage or in front of their class performing; now reality is
stretched so thin its embarrassing.
What
started as a band of misfits on an empty stage belting out Journey's
“Don't Stop Believing” has somehow transformed into elaborate
sets with full bands/orchestras that appear out of nowhere. Whereas
at times viewers are willing to suspend reality or allow a ‘dream
sequence’ this is now a constant occurrence of the series. The
series has strayed so far from its original concept that it even
pokes fun at itself at times; commenting on the costumes, sets, and
elaborate accompaniment. Though perhaps this is Ryan Murphy and crew
taking jabs at the critics, who knows?
The
new cast members fit the series nicely and show promise; but the
original cast is who viewers want to see. Ryan Murphy is somewhat
delusional as on one hand he wants to ‘keep reality in check’ by
making each season a year of these kids lives (meaning you must
graduate), but at the same time putting on a full Broadway show
between homeroom and lunch time. The series does split time between
New York and McKinley High pretty evenly, but I find myself caring
little for the new cast members. This can be mostly attributed to
the fact that when Glee started the cast was young and
endearing; allowing the audience see them grow and mature into the
monsters they have become. The new members are atrociously too
‘mature’ fashionistas that skip over the awkward years and jump
right into MTV Real World nonsense.
Somehow
the series has gotten off track and I hope Ryan Murphy can reel it in
and bring back what made the series so great; viewing Season 5
on television, however, I can say it doesn't get much better from
here.
Again
the picture on Glee is bright, colorful, and is in line with
the previous season release. The 1080p 1.78 X 1 image again is
crisp, clean and appears to still be on film; with hints of grain
throughout. The sound again is a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless
mix that is nice but I still manages to miss the mark somewhat as the
entire speaker range is not utilized. The series mostly comes from
the front, center and fails to fill the room. The rears are used,
but a bit unbalanced in terms of the transition from dialogue to
music number, but those who tune in just for the music will be
pleased well enough.
The
bonus features are a bit weak as they only give a brief look into
behind the scenes. I wanted to see Ryan Murphy explain the direction
of the series and how it evolved over the years; instead it was too
much fluff. Extras include:
-
Michael P. Dougherty II
