DVD Corner

Babylon 5: The Road Home 4K UHD Review

“Babylon 5” fans, rejoice!

It’s been 16 years since the last “Babylon 5” feature with “Babylon 5: The Lost Tales.” For years creator/showrunner J. Michael Straczynski had shed doubt on whether he’d ever be able to tell more stories within that universe. Now, in 2023, JMS at long last resurrects the sci-fi franchise with a new animated feature titled “Babylon 5: The Road Home” 

Set after the Shadow War, ‘The Road Home’ finds President John Sheridan and his wife Delenn entering a new chapter in their lives. The two are departing Babylon 5 as Sheridan is set to take over the 12 world Interstellar Alliance. His transition doesn’t exactly go smoothly, however, as John undergoes a time distortion which thrusts him forward and backward into time and into alternate realities. Through his travels, he meets the Shadow, his parents, Zathras and even himself. Alas, this distortion could end up threatening the entire universe if he continues to be unstuck in time. Can he find a way out of his dilemma?

Given that “Babylon 5” is one of the greatest television series of all time, it was thrilling to be able to step back into that universe once again with “Babylon 5: The Road Home.” Since a large portion of the cast has tragically passed away, an animated feature felt like the right move for a new story. Not only is it more cost efficient, but you’re able to do things from a storytelling perspective that you otherwise could not in live-action. 

In many ways, this JMS scripted and Matt Peters directed feature is a love letter to both the cast and the fans. Even the overall message of the film involves love. It may not be the epic follow-up story fans might covet, but in these troubled times, it feels like the right story for now. Slight as though the story may be on the surface, it’s still a pleasant and surprise filled trip into the past and present of the B5 universe. Plus, who knows, maybe we’ll see more animated stories down the line if this does well enough? Perhaps even an alternate reality timeline? 

For those wondering, yes, many cast members return to voice their respective characters including Peter Jurasik (Londo), Claudia Christian (Susan Ivanova), Tracy Scoggins (Elizabeth Lochley), Patricia Tallman (Lyta), Bill Mumy (Lennier) and Bruce Boxleitner (John Sheridan). Boxleitner certainly has the most to do here as this is very much his movie. The veteran actor has no trouble stepping back into the beloved character. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 2160p. How does it look? The WB animation shines in 2160p with the space battles looking particularly noteworthy here. 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Despite the presence of a higher quality audio track for the 4K, the 5.1 track delivers a crisp audio experience (especially during the lively action sequences).

Extras include a Digital copy, a Blu-ray copy, a “Babylon 5 Forever” featurette on the Blu-ray which contains cast and crew interviews and discussions about the creation of this new film, and a commentary by J. Michael Straczynski, Bruce Boxleitner and Rick Morales.

August 11, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Babylon 5, Babylon 5 Animated Film, Babylon 5: The Road Home, Babylon 5: The Road Home 4K UHD Review, J. Michael Straczynski, Sci-fi