DVD Corner

Hazbin Hotel Season 1 Blu-ray Review

You will either love or be annoyed by “Hazbin Hotel.”   

After debuting as a crowdfunded Pilot episode on YouTube (which is not included in the extras here), Amazon/A24 released an 8 episode debut season of the adult animated horror-comedy musical series “Hazbin Hotel” back in 2024. Created by Vivienne Medrano, the story revolves around Lucifer’s daughter Charlie who decides to open up the titular Hotel in Hell as a place to redeem sinner demons (think of it as a sort of rehab). Much of the season is devoted to the Hotel operations alongside a critical plot involving Angel leader Adam and his Lt. Lute prepping the annual Extermination Day against sinners in the overpopulated Hell. Other subplots here involve a commercial for the hotel, the Vees, Sir Pentious possibly redeeming himself, and Overlords. While it’s largely Charlie’s show, the series is more of an ensemble piece involving Alastor (a Radio Demon), Angel Dust (Porn actor), Husk (bartender/desk clerk), Vaggie (hotel manager/former exorcist/Charlie’s girlfriend), Nifty (a demon who does multiple jobs for the Hotel).

Since the original Pilot’s premiere on YouTube, “Hazbin Hotel” has gone on to have a rabid fanbase that eats up the songs (2 per episode), cosplays the characters, and so forth. It’s not hard to see the appeal of the animated series. Musical theater fans are overjoyed by the casting which features the likes of Broadway stars such as Erika Henningsen (“Mean Girls”) and Alex Brightman (“Beetlejuice”). Other fans are drawn to the world building, the wacky characters, the perversions, the gore, and the foul-mouthed dialogue. 

Alas, others like myself, may not be as enamored by the musical show. “Hazbin Hotel” suffers from what a lot of modern shows suffer from in that it is so frantic, bright, loud (why is everyone always shouting?), and full of exposition. There’s no breathing room here and it feels like an assault on the senses. It’s not my cup of tea (and I am generally a musical fan), but I can still appreciate its originality and artistry. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The Bento Box animation looks crisp and clear in hi-def.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Fans can expect loud and active 5.1 tracks (especially during the musical numbers).

Extras:
* Commentary on all 8 episodes by creator Vivienne Medrano, art director Sam Miller and animation director Skye Henwood.
* A mini-poster and trading card

January 10, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A24, Adult Animated Series, Hazbin Hotel, Hazbin Hotel Season 1 Blu-ray Review, musical