Bel-Air: Season One Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Bel-Air: Season One Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 27, 2022

There is certainly not enough evidence, or enough examples, to label what's happening with Bel-Air a "trend," but with this show and Young Rock (season two is on its way to Blu-ray) there certainly seems to be at least a semblance of an appetite to craft TV shows not just about personalities or around personalities but to take something of a Biopic route in the TV format to explore the lives of today's most dazzling stars as they were just as their careers were about to reach the stratosphere. Young Rock explores Dwayne Johnson's youth and growth and maturity in the prism of a near-future presidential run. Bel-Air, on the other hand, is something of a hybrid that is once both a re-imagining of Smith's The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the show that propelled him to stardom, and a historical document exploring his life within and outside the show, but set today, not decades ago. It works a good bit of the time, but it's certainly removed from the cheerful, playful roots that defined the show back in the 90s.

Official synopsis: Set in modern-day America, 'Bel-Air' imagines the beloved sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' through a new, dramatic take on Will's complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he's ever known. Executive produced by Will Smith and inspired by Morgan Cooper's viral trailer that reimagined the iconic, culture-defining '90s sitcom, 'Bel-Air' takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration, while exploring Will's complex journey through a current lens. The series features an ensemble cast that introduces Jabari Banks as Will and a creative team that includes Cooper, who serves as director, co-writer, and executive producer, and co-showrunners and executive producers T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson.

The show is not set in the 90s, and that much is clear in the opening moments: cell phones and wireless headphones give away the contemporary setting. There’s a mention of Kobe Bryant’s death, so one of the biggest re-imaginings is the timeframe, but another is the more grounded and sometimes gritty realism. The show builds its own tone with more narratively contemporary stylings as well as its timeframe novelty, offering not just a fresh face for the Fresh Prince but also a fresh spin on the Fresh Prince. The cast is terrific with everyone falling into character – even if many of them feel stock – and blend into the high society Bel-Air world with ease. There’s a certain captivation on this side of the screen, too, as the audience likewise experiences the new world with Will, soaking in the glamour but, more importantly, coming to understand the truth and the internal characteristics that truly drive outward appearances beyond the ritzy façade. This may not be compelling TV, but it’s a good watch, and not just for Will Smith fans: there’s enough raw human drama here to make this a worthwhile show.

The following episodes comprise season one. Summaries are courtesy of the Blu-ray packaging.

Disc One:

• Dreams and Nightmares: Will Smith, a talented West Philadelphia teenager, is sent to live with family in Bel-Air; upon his arrival, he quickly discovers how different things are and that this is his chance at a new beginning.
• Keep Ya Head Up: Will finds he doesn't fit in at his new school in Bel-Air and realizes he'll need to rethink how he navigates this new world; the Banks family starts to adjust to life with Will.
• Yamacraw: Attending Uncle Phil's Black fraternity event helps Will find his groove with his family and peers as it becomes clear that his stay in Bel-Air will be more permanent.
• Canvass: The Banks family rallies around Uncle Phil to ramp up his campaign; Will's past starts to catch up to him, and he finds help in an unexpected place.
• PA to LA: When Will's friend Tray visits, his loyalty to Philly is put to the test; the Banks family supports Hilary by hosting an influencer event.

Disc Two:

• The Strength to Smile: The Banks family supports Lisa when they host an event in memory of her mother at the mansion; Will puts his feelings of mistrust aside and steps up to the plate for the Bankses and Lisa.
• Payback's a B*tch: Will and Carlton throw a house party at the Banks mansion; when Phil unexpectedly shows up at Viv's art event, their relationship is shaken by a lack of trust; Hilary stands up to Kylo after he posts a video of her without her consent.
• No One Wins When the Family Feuds: As the Banks family celebrates Will's birthday, his mom comes to visit, causing unexpected tension; the adults consider whether it's time to tell Will about his father.
• Can't Knock the Hustle: The Banks family goes to church; Will considers taking the opportunity to find his father, unknowingly driving a wedge between Phil and Geoffrey.
• Where To?: Will's father shows up unexpectedly and tells the truth about where he's been, exposing a long-buried lie that the adults have told Will.

Bel-Air: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Universal brings Bel-Air: Season One to Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer. The image is not spectacular by any definition, but it meets expectations for a new release digital network TV show production. The picture is appropriately clear with well managed textures and color, meeting Blu-ray capabilities and characteristics. Overall clarity satisfies, whether looking at intimate character close-ups, Philadelphia streets, or the more lavish appointments out in Bel-Air. The image also defines clothes quite nicely, capturing essential fabric textures and seams with capable realism. Colors are not vivid, but they are stable with good contrast and a natural temperature grading. Clothes do pop to satisfaction in bright lighting, and flesh tones are healthy and accurate. White balance is good and black levels generally hold deep. There is a bit of noise, even in brightly lit outdoor shots, but this is not a deal-breaking problem. There are no other major source or encode issues of note. This is not a stunning image, but it is a solid image that should please fans.

Bel-Air: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Bel-Air: Season One bursts onto Blu-ray with a prolific DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack which just about reaches pinnacle best case scenario for a network TV show on physical media format. The track is excellent. Universal has really been cranking out rock-solid TV show audio lately if this and La Brea are anything to go by. The track offers expansive stage engagement and superb bass. Everything is wide open, and the track shows its worth right in the opening moments during episode one with immersive basketball game din, extreme musical bass, and seamless immersion into more causal street level atmosphere. The listener always feels engaged with the show, aurally, and planted right in the middle of the action, whether intense sports play; high class parties; or heartfelt, intimate dialogue. Music is special for width, depth, and low-end dominance, with every note forcefully implemented while maintaining superior clarity. Dialogue remains grounded in the center with natural clarity and solid prioritization. This is an excellent track!

Bel-Air: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of Bel-Air: Season One includes no supplemental content. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does not ship with a slipcover.

Bel-Air: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bel-Air's first season delivers nothing that is high concept, but it does offer an interesting intersection of biopic and fictionalized retelling of the story of a Hollywood icon. The show should enjoy some boosted relevance in the wake of Will Smith's Oscar night sucker punch, but even with that noise aside this is a fairly compelling look at life's movement not just across a country but across the spectrum of one's own humanity. This featureless two disc set does offer solid video and fantastic audio. Recommended.