7.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Jonathan Ames, a young Brooklyn writer, is feeling lost. He's just gone through a painful break-up, thanks in part to his drinking, can't write his second novel, and carouses too much with his magazine editor. Rather than face reality, Jonathan turns instead to his fantasies — moonlighting as a private detective — because he wants to be a hero and a man of action.
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, Ted Danson, Heather Burns, Dick CavettDrama | 100% |
Comedy | 16% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
Spanish: DTS 2.0
English, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
It's not TV, it's HBO. I would add: unless it's a half-hour series, in which case there's no guarantee. While the premium cable network's hour-long, Emmy-darling dramas are nestled all safely and snuggly in their beds, its half-hour comedies and dramedies aren't afforded the same luxury. Quality may be higher, content may be more adult in nature, the writers' rooms freer to pursue their showrunners' visions, but the chance of cancellation? Cancellation can come just as swiftly on HBO as anywhere else, particularly when it comes to shows that clock in at thirty-minutes per episode. How to Make It in America: booted after just two eight-episode seasons. Hung: ousted after three ten-episode seasons. And now Bored to Death, one of HBO's finest and funniest, gone to the great city in the canceled series sky after three eight-episode seasons. Honestly, I was happy to see How to Make It in America shut down. Wasn't all that special anyway. Hung was growing on me, but its departure didn't stir up any emotion whatsoever. But Bored to Death? I'm going through the five stages of grief. Say it ain't so, HBO. Say it ain't so!
With The Case of the Mysterious Artifacting long solved, Bored to Death's third season 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation looks every bit as good as its second season counterpart, with nary a complaint to be had. Thin, almost negligible edge halos are still apparent from time to time, but nothing else struck me as out of sorts, even skintones, which weren't entirely consistent last go-round. Colors are both pleasing and lifelike, contrast is consistent, and black levels are straight out of a pulp detective novel. Not that anything is lost in the shadows, dark as they grow when the sun sets and Jonathan hits the streets. Detail is remarkable, with exacting edges, refined textures and a knockout string of closeups and midrange shots. Delineation doesn't falter, and there aren't any eyesores, inherent or encoded, to contend with. Like the series itself, Bored to Death's third and final Blu-ray release goes out on a high note.
Bored to Death remains a chatty, front-heavy series to the end, and its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track follows suit. The rear speakers are a bit more active than in previous season releases, but only just, making the soundfield less cinematic and immersive than what HBO junkies have become accustomed to. Dialogue is clean, clear and confidently centered, and Pat Irwin's music has its fun with every channel, LFE included, which is otherwise reserved. There's a bit more action this time out, making for a more exciting soundscape, but it doesn't translate to an exciting lossless mix. All in all, there's nothing wrong with the third season's DTS-HD MA track; there just isn't anything all that memorable or engaging about it either.
Farewell, dear friend. You'll not be forgotten. You gave me more than I ever asked for and made me laugh harder than I ever thought you could. You accomplished more in three eight-episode seasons than most have accomplished with far more, and you only got better as you soldiered on. You will be deeply missed. At least we have the Blu-ray release of The Complete Third Season to help us through this difficult time. Its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track isn't all that memorable, nor is its supplemental package as full and funny as it could be, but its video presentation is as polished and proficient as the third and final season itself. So goodnight, sweet neo-noir comedy, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
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