The Flash Season 1 Blu-ray Review
When it comes to live action comic book TV adaptations, “The Flash” is THE most fun.
The story: After a particle accelerator accident, forensic scientist Barry Allen is bestowed with super speed powers. Barry learns that there are other people out there with powers known as metahumans and that not all of them are friendly. Wanting to use his powers for good, he teams up with Dr. Harrison Wells (the man behind the ill fated particle accelerator), his adopted father Detective Joe West, Cisco (a brilliant young scientist), and Dr. Caitlin Snow to help defend Central City from evil.
Throughout the first season’s 23 episodes, there are numerous story arcs involving Caitlin’s boyfriend who becomes Firestorm, Cisco Ramon, the career of Iris West, Detective Eddie, Detective Joe West, the Harrison Wells mystery, time travel, Barry learning about his mother’s death, Barry’s hero journey, the “Arrow” cross-overs (which are better than the “Arrow” series itself), General Elling’s missions, and Reverse-Flash. As one might expect there are noted villains that are firmly established in the comic books such as The Trickster (with Mark Hamill reprising the role once again), Captain Cold, Heatwave, Gorilla Grodd, and villainess Golden Glider. Last, but not least there are the usual freaks of the week (AKA metahumans/comic villains of the week) such as The Mist, Weather Wizard, Multiplex, Plastique, Girder, Blackout, Pied Piper, and Everyman
After episode one, it was abundantly clear that everything was clicking with “The Flash.” Not only was there a lot going on with the story and characters (which I will get to in a bit), but the cast was just so perfect. Grant Gustin was born to play Barry Allen/The Flash. You can’t imagine anyone else in this role. The supporting cast is equally impressive here. Carlos Valdes (who plays the jokester brainiac Cisco Ramon) seemingly came from nowhere and yet manages to steal the show with the most humorous moments. TV veteran Tom Cavanagh seems like an unlikely comic book series actor, but he excels at playing Dr. Harrison Wells. Well, to avoid spoilers, he’s playing more than one role here. You’ll have to see what I mean for yourself. Wentworth Miller (best known for “Prison Break”) is back and better than ever as the infamous villain Captain Cold. He is so good, in fact, that he will be starring on the upcoming spin-off “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.” The rest of the cast (namely Danielle Panabaker, Peyton List, and Jesse L. Martin) are equally noteworthy as well. It’s just downright great casting all around.
Cast aside, the comic book material simply translates well to the screen. Sure, there are a few nagging problems early on with Barry keeping secrets from Iris and Barry being in love with Iris even though she’s in love with another, but those issues are thankfully addressed later in the season and will hopefully cease to exist in future seasons. For the most part, the show simply gets better and better with each passing episode. The cliffhangers and action never cease to get your heart racing. Just watch episodes such as “Out of Time” (which is so good it feels like a season finale), “All Star Team Up” (Atom and Flash team up!), and the season ending action-packed episodes 22 (“Rogue Air”) and 23 (“Fast Enough”) to see what I mean.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? Great! The exterior sequences really shine in hi-def.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the thrilling action to the rocking score, this track delivers the goods.
Extras:
* Digital copy.
* Deleted scenes from episodes 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, and 23.
* Commentary on the pilot by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Geoff Johns.
* “Behind The Story: The Trickster Returns!”- A featurette on Mark Hamill reprising the Trickster character.
* An amusing 8 ½ minute gag reel.
* “DC Comics Night At Comic-Con 2014 Presenting Gotham, The Flash, Constantine, and Arrow”- Same extra that’s on the “Gotham” season 1 set.
* ‘The Chemistry of Emily and Grant Screen Test”- A nearly 4 ½ minute screen test between Grant Gustin and Emily Bett Rickards that contains interviews with crew members about Gustin’s casting.
* “The Fastest Man Alive!”- A half-hour extra about the story and characters of “The Flash,” the comic books, and more. Interviews with cast and crew members are included.
* “Creating The Blur- The VFX Of The Flash”- The title says it all.
Overall Thoughts: Shows don’t get much more entertaining than “The Flash.” I cannot wait until season 2 airs next week (October 6, 2015 to be exact).
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