DVD Corner

Archer Season 2 Blu-ray and DVD Reviews

“Archer” is good in very small doses.

In the 13 episode season 2, plots involve: Archer protecting a teen, Malory selling ISIS to rival spy agency ODIN, Archer learning of a possible child of his, Archer and Lana trying to stop a eco-terrorist in Louisiana, Archer searching for a killer, a computer virus, an actress visiting ISIS to research a role, breast cancer, counterfeit medicine, Pam being kidnapped, Cheryl/Carol, a sex tape, Barry Dillon, Archer becoming a prisoner, and KGB agents.

After the lackluster first season, I was hoping “Archer” would improve in season two, but alas it’s more of the same. Malory and most of the other characters still continue to annoy, there’s still plenty of James Bond esque action sequences on various vehicles, and there’s still several bizarre plotlines that feel drug out in the 22 minute format.

On the bright side, there are some amusing moments here involving Archer’s butler, the gambling sequence in “Jeu Moegasque,” as well as some grin worthy jokes about Nutria, Gandalf, and ninjas.

Summary: “Archer” isn’t anywhere near as good as Adam Reed’s previous animated shows. To be honest, I thought the extras were more clever and more enjoyable than the show (read below for details). Note: The third season of “Archer” resumes on FX Jan. 19^th 2012.

Video/Audio:

The DVD transfer is solid, but the 1080p picture quality has sharper colors and cleaner looking animation. The series is presented in 1.78:1.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track on the DVD contains impressive sounding action and voice work, but the 5.1 DTS-HD audio track on the Blu-ray simply has more depth.

Extras:
* FX ads.
* “Archersaurus- Self-Extinction”- A bizarre mock bio of dinosaur agent Archersaurus.
* “Ask Archer”- An amusing 5 minute Q&A with Archer.
* “Semper Fi”- Archer gives a shoutout to a soldier.

* “L’espion Mal Fait”- An animated short with Archer getting the face of H. Jon Benjamin.

* “ISIS Infiltrates Comic-Con”- Footage of the cast/crew Q&A from the 2011 San Diego Comic Con.

The Blu-ray also has BD-Live extras.

January 10, 2012 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review, DVD review | Archer Season 2 Blu-ray Review, Archer Season 2 DVD Review, Archer Season 3, FX Network, James Bond