DVD Corner

The Sopranos Season 1 Blu-ray Review

‘Sopranos’ fans should not hesitate to make the upgrade to Blu-ray.

GRADES:

Content: A

Picture: A-

Audio: A-

Extras: B

THE SERIES:

The 13 episode first season of the groundbreaking HBO series “The Sopranos” primarily sets up the main cast of characters. We learn about Tony Soprano and his family and relatives. We see Tony working through his personal issues by speaking to his therapist Dr. Melfi. Lastly, we get a glimpse into Tony and his crew’s life in the Mafia as well as the various complications and power struggles that occur in the biz.

Having seen the entire series from beginning to end, it is strange to revisit the show in its first season. Knowing how everything pans out, it’s truly mind blowing at how much Tony, Carmella, Meadow, Anthony, and the rest of the characters have changed over time. Then again, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering that the characters have always been “The Sopranos” strength. After all, the series has always been about Tony having two lives with his family and the Mafia.

Summary: After a decade since its premiere, what more is there to say about “The Sopranos”? Simply put, it’s one of the best television series of all time. It’s a brilliant twist on the family drama and a flat-out riveting series filled with humor, first rate writing, death, plot twists, and meaty characters.

PICTURE AND AUDIO:

It’s time to put away the season 1 DVD set and get the Blu-ray! From the opening credit sequence to Tony’s neighborhood and backyard, everything here (especially the colors) looks more refined.  This Blu-ray set is a DRAMATIC improvement over the fuzzy, pale colored picture quality of the DVD. The season is presented in 1.78:1 1080p.

Likewise, the 5.1 DTS-HD audio track is crisper and clearer as well. The music has never sounded so good.

EXTRAS:

* An informative, but dull commentary on the pilot by Peter Bogdanovich and David Chase.
* A lengthy 77 minute interview between Peter Bogdanovich and David Chase. Chase chats about the opening credits, metaphors, how the show came about, Chase’s previous work, the cast, technical aspects, etc. This is much more interesting than the commentary track.
* “Family Life”- A 4 minute featurette on the cast and characters.
* “Meet Tony Soprano”- A 3 ½ minute featurette that introduces the character.

December 17, 2009 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1, Blu-Ray review | Blu-Ray review, HBO, The Sopranos Season 1 Blu-ray Review