The Last Of Us Season 1 4K UHD Review
“The Last Of Us” is the gold standard of video game adaptations.
Based on the Naughty Dog/Playstation video game franchise, HBO’s “The Last Of Us” is a post-apocalyptic HBO series. The story starts off in 2003 where a parasitic fungus spreads across the world and takes over its host. These individuals become known as the Infected (although there are variations of them). In 2023, the story centers on Joel and his partner Tess who are living in a Quarantine Zone that is controlled by the Federal Disaster Response Agency (or FEDRA for short). Not everyone is a FEDRA fan as there are rebels known as Fireflies. To make a long story short, Joel and Tess become tasked with delivering a teen girl named Ellie who seems to be immune to the Infected. As such, she may be the best hope for a cure. In exchange for transporting her, Joel would get a truck so that he can reunite with his brother Tommy in Wyoming. Throughout the 9 episode debut season, there are subplots involving a a couple (Bill and Frank), supply runs, bandits, Infected, siblings Henry and Sam, a community in Wyoming, a deranged cannibal Preacher and his community, and pivotal flashbacks involving Ellie’s friend Riley and Ellie’s mother.
Written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (who wrote and directed the original video game), the now multi-Emmy nominated “The Last Of Us” is the perfect type of adaptation. Not only is it a faithful live-action take on the video game that offers some new elements, but it also perfectly caters to non-gamers. The show’s mixture of world building and deep characterization (including characters whose screen time may be limited to just an episode) really draws the viewer in. This is especially evident in the series best episode 3 (“Long, Long Time”) which takes a detour and focuses on the relationship between survivalist Bill and Frank (wonderfully played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett). It’s a deeply moving and bittersweet episode that ties back into the central journey of Joel and Ellie.
Speaking of Joel and Ellie, it is their dynamic that makes the show work. This isn’t a pandemic series that focuses on the creatures. This is a story about humanity. It can be moving, it can be touching, it can be heartbreaking, and it could be downright sickening. It shows all sides of humanity. True, you can argue the series is perhaps a bit too punishing, but we all know life isn’t fair. It is the journey of two lost souls connecting with one another that makes “The Last Of Us” resonate with viewers. Of course, that would not be possible without the performances of Pedro Pascal (who is rightly everywhere these days) and Bella Ramsey (who steals the show as the spunky Ellie). The duo have such great screen chemistry together. So much so that you will find yourself anxiously waiting for season 2 to see where this all headed.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1 2160p. How does it look? A crystal clear transfer through and through.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Whether you’re hearing a Clicker or echoes from a deserted building, this is an effective Atmos track.
Extras:
* “Inside The Episode”- Behind-the-scenes featurettes for all 9 episodes which include interviews, story and character discussions, set footage, and episode clips.
* “Ashley Johnson Spotlight”- An interview with the actress who portrayed Ellie in the video games who has a role in the series.
* “The Last Debrief With Troy Baker”- Troy (who played Joel in the video game and has a role in this series) answers questions in this 5 part extra.
* “Is This A Last Of Us Line?”- Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey and Merle Dandridge and Gabriel Luna. The 2 sets of actors play a game.
* “Controllers Down: Adapting The Last Of Us”- The title says it all.
* “From Levels To Live Action”- A look at adapting video game sequences into the series.
* “The Last Of Us: Stranger Than Fiction”- The science behind the series.
* “Get To Know Me”- 4 separate interviews with actors Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett and Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
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