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The Big Bang Theory Season 4 Blu-ray Review

The fourth season of “The Big Bang Theory” has its moments.

Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, Howard and Penny are back in the eventful 24 episode season four. Major plots include: Sheldon dating Amy, cats, vegetables, the return of Wil Wheaton, a New Year’s Eve costme party, apps, World of Warcraft, a science conference, Sheldon taking acting lessons, Bollywood, a fundraiser, Howard and Bernadette’s relationship, friends, Raj’s sister Priya, Raj taking an experimental drug, and Leonard and Priya’s relationship.

After three seasons of formulaic plots and recycled gags, the writers have wisely added some actual character growth in this season along with some well-developed romantic relationships. These new subplots certainly make the show more interesting from a character standpoint despite the fact that the episodes are still being bogged down by typical sitcom jokes, tired moments involving Sheldon insulting others, and predictable scenes of social awkwardness.

As with past seasons, however, the real highlights are the cameos by geek icons such as George Takei, Katee Sackhoff, Eliza Dushku, Wil Wheaton, Steve Wozniak, and even LeVar Burton. While the cameos may be gimmicky and pandering, they are easily the funniest parts of the series because their scenes provide a freshness that is lacking with the series regulars.

Summary: The fourth season of “The Big Bang Theory” has some genuinely enjoyable moments, but I keep wondering how much longer this schtick can go on for. The series is showing signs of slowing down and it needs something new to keep it from becoming stale in season five and beyond.

Video/Audio:

The 1.78:1 1080p picture quality is a little fuzzy, but the sharp colors more than make up for the video’s shortcomings. Another plus is that the hi-def image allows fans to notice more background details and set decorations.

The 5.1 DTS-HD audio track is solid. The dialogue, music, and laugh track sound quality should please audiophiles.

Extras:
* BD-Live capabilities.
* A 10 minute gag reel.
* “The Big Bang’s Theory Of Relativity: Actor On Actor- Kaley and Johnny”- Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki ask each other questions about their feelings on season 4.
* “The Big Bang’s Theory Of Relativity: Actor On Actor- Jim and Mayim” and “The Big Bang’s Theory Of Relativity: Actor On Actor- Simon, Melissa, and Kunal”- These two extras follow the same format as the Kaley and Johnny one only Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik do one together while Simon Helberg, Melissa Rauch and Kunal Nayyar do one together.
* The Big Bang Theory Theme Song Music Video.

* “Barenaked Ladies On The Big Bang Theory”- The band chats about the making of the video.
* “The Big Bang Theory Live”- A behind-the-scenes look at the live audience.

September 26, 2011 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Howard, Jim Parsons, Leonard, Penny, Raj, Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory Season 4 Blu-ray Review, The Big Bang Theory Season 5, Wil Wheaton