The Sandman Season 1 Blu-ray Review
Lost in translation.
Based on the acclaimed Neil Gaiman DC comic book series and Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg, the debut season of Netflix’s “The Sandman” runs 11 episodes and covers the first 18 issues of the comic book series. The series revolves around Morpheus (AKA Dream) who is the ruler of the Dreaming realm and one of the Endless. At the start of the story, Morpheus is being held captive for 106 years by Roderick Burgess who wanted to obtain Dream’s powers. His imprisonment has huge consequences in that the Dreaming realm falls apart and people develop sleep sickness. Morpheus does manage to escape and begins an adventure to retrieve 3 of his items (ruby, sand pouch and helm). Other key subplots this season involve a Baby Gargoyle, Hell, Lucifer (no connection to the previous TV season here even though they are related in the comics), Constantine (who is a woman named Johanna in this incarnation), John Dee (who possesses Dream’s ruby), Dream’s family members (Death, Desire, Despair), Corinthian (a dangerous escaped nightmare), Rose searching for her brother Jed, Rose’s powers, cats, the former wife of Morpheus (Calliope).
It’s no secret that the fantasy saga “The Sandman” is one of the most beloved comic series, but how does it fare in TV form? The fact that Neil Gaiman is involved (and developed it alongside David S. Goyer and Allan Heinberg) certainly helps. He ensures a faithful adaptation that is star-studded and visually engrossing (the production design and physical props are especially noteworthy). With that said, there’s something missing here. Not only does it miss the vivid artwork and flow of the comics (pacing is everything), but this rich world feels a bit too scattered when translated to TV. Some comics (and especially manga) just don’t work well in other mediums as they were tailor made for the page. Now, that’s not to say that this is a weak series. It’s not. It’s a fully realized, imaginative, and heady tale. It’s simply not on the level of the comic nor is it as artistically done.
Going back to the cast, this show is absolutely loaded with talent such as Tom Sturridge, David Thewlis, Jenna Coleman, Gwendoline Christie, Arthur Darvill, Stephen Fry, Charles Dance, Ian McNeice, Mark Hamill, Boyd Holbrook, John Cameron Mitchell, Vivienne Acheampong, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Derek Jacobi, Patton Oswalt, and so much more. Sturridge and Thewlis are the clear stand-outs here.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? In a word- pristine.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? A deeply effective Atmos track.
Extras:
* “The Sandman: Behind-The-Scenes Sneak Peek”- Neil Gaiman and cast members talk about the source material over set footage, art work, comic art, and more. A very brief extra that runs under 2 minutes.
* “The World Of The Endless”- A general overview of the story and characters of the season.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment