Breaking Bad: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

It might break the bank, but it's worth it.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman November 29, 2013

Sony has released the entire run of the mega-hit AMC television program 'Breaking Bad' in one super-box Blu-ray set. It includes the primary discs from each of the individual season releases and houses every season in its own clear magnetic case, all of which are stacked inside a collectible container that miniaturizes one of the barrels that play a critical role in the series' final episodes. A couple of extra goodies are housed in the lid, including an all-new bonus disc with hours of content, headlined by a two-hour documentary covering the making of the series' final eight episodes.

Fried chicken not included.

This set includes the following seasons. Please click each individual link for a detailed content review.

• Season One.
• Season Two.
• Season Three.
• Season Four.
• Season Five, Part One.
• Season Five, Part Two.

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For complete video quality reviews, please click through the links above.

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For complete audio quality reviews, please click through the links above.

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series rolls onto Blu-ray in a collectible barrel casing meant to replicate, on a much smaller scale, of course, one of the seven "money barrels" that play a critical role across the series' final few episodes. It's a sturdy, highly collectible piece, attractively but simply presented. It features a few nice added bonuses alongside the actual discs. The barrel measures 9" tall and about 19" in circumference. The barrel ships inside a plastic tube that houses a basic Breaking Bad front label and a fairly detailed back, complete with series summary paragraph and a listing of all the goodies inside. The barrel is a rather sturdy collection piece, made out of a durable, smooth plastic that looks great both up- close and from a distance. It's all black, save for some trim work on the removable lid, and it features the "Br" and "Ba" logos on the front, again in black, simply raised above the main barrel body.

The barrel's lid doesn't really stay on so take care not to try and pull it out of the box or pick it up off the shelf by the lid. Under the lid is just enough room for the included "Los Pollos Hermanos" apron (wrinkled to within an inch of its life upon opening) and collectible double-sided "challenge coin" designed by series Creator Vince Gilligan. The bottom side of the lid contains the exclusive bonus disc, reviewed below. The bulk of the content -- the season sets -- are housed inside the barrel. It opens up from the middle by way of a pair of discrete hinges. Inside the door is a glossy, full color episode listing and summary booklet alongside a code for a UV digital copy. The season discs do not come in standard cases but are instead loaded into clear plastic circular trays that snap together by way of three small magnets situated around the edge. This separates each disc from the next and proves a rather ingenious method of storage. Each season "disc" is adorned with layered artwork. The hinged door seals shut with its own magnet. All supplements from the individual seasons carry over. Note that this collection does not include the Mythbusters bonus disc found in the "Final Season" Blu-ray box set. The Breaking Bad bonus disc is available with optional Spanish subtitles.

• No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (HD): This two-part supplement is divided into Beginnings (13:19) and The Final Eight (2:02:13). The former begins with a look at the last day of shooting the series and moves backwards to look back at series origins, casting the leads, cast and crew camaraderie, looking for the series' direction following the pilot, the initial modest ratings, season two additions and dynamics, season three's darker air, awards, and the decision to end the series. The latter takes a two-hour look at the process and pressure of building the final eight episodes to series standards. It focuses on preparations for shooting the first of the final eight, technical happenings on the shoot, photographic style and different directors, the in-depth analysis and thought processes that are involved in each episode, finding the series' heart in its intimate character moments, the defining aspects of the cast's work, Cranston's presence on the set, cast departures, the rigorous editing and post-production process, the changing dynamics of the penultimate episode, Cranston's and Paul's cold read-thrugh of the final script, the theft of Cranston's script, emotions and farewells on the last shoots, working in the last major set piece, shooting the last scenes in the series, and working on the final day of shooting.
• Bryan Cranston: Director (HD, 5:10): A closer look at the Breaking Bad lead actor's work behind the camera.
• Bad Memories (HD, 6:05): Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston remember some of their fondest memories from the series. The piece was recorded in January 2013.
• Scene Envy (HD, 5:14): Actors discuss their favorite scenes and scenes in which they did not appear but in which they would have enjoyed participating.
• The Transformation of Walt to Heisenberg (HD, 2:29): A montage showing the character's progression through the series.
• Shocking Moments (HD, 1:13): The cast remembers memorable moments from seasons four and five.
• More Shocking Moments (HD, 1:09): The cast remembers memorable moments from seasons two and three.
• How Will it End? Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn and Dean Norris (HD, 1:02): The three actors theorize how the show will end.
• How Will it End? Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, Bob Odenkirk and RJ Mitte (0:59): Four more actors take a shot at predicting the series' ending.
• A Look Ahead to the Final Season (HD, 2:08): The cast shares a few thoughts on the final eight episodes.
• Jesse's Journey: Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman (HD, 9:10): A thoughtful discussion of Paul's performance and his character's place in and arc through the show. It also looks at the character's highlight moments throughout the series.
• Avenging Agent: Dean Norris as Hank Schrader (HD, 8:06): A detailed look at Norris' character throughout the series.
• Scene Stealer: Betsy Brandt as Marie Schrader (HD, 7:19): A closer look at Hank's on-screen Wife and the actress who portrays her. Emphasis includes her relationship with the character's husband and her sister.
• A Criminal Attorney: Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman (HD, 7:18): This supplement brings viewers closer to the series' sleazy attorney character and the actor who portrays him. It offers a lightly comedic tone.
• Skyler Breaks Bad: Anna Gunn on Season Four (HD, 6:37): A look at the character's motivation and arc in season four.
• Growing Up in the White House: RJ Mitte on Walter, Jr. (HD, 5:09): Cast and crew speak on the character, Mitte's performance, and the character he shows outside of the program.
• The Ultimate Chess Match (HD, 8:44): This supplement takes a closer look at the Walter White-Gus Fring season-long battle.
• Ted's Wipeout (HD, 4:34): An examination of one of the series' more important tertiary characters.
• The Truck Attack Storyboard Comparison (HD, 5:46): A closer look at making one of season four's most ambitious moments. The piece features storyboards against the final scene from the show.
• Walt and the Challenger Storyboard Comparison (HD, 4:57): Another look at making a critical season four scene followed by a storyboard/final version comparison.
• Looking Back: A Season Four Retrospective (HD, 9:57): Cast and crew reflect on the season's best moments, including Jesse's arc through the season, Skyler's character progression, an intense moment between Jesse and Walt, and the build-up to the explosive season finale.

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Simply put, this set is a must-own for the super Breaking Bad fan. It also makes for one heck of a collectible for the Blu-ray fanatic, and there's no better way for newcomers to jump right into what is one of the best series in television history. Even for those who already own the individual seasons, this set is really a must-own. The bonus disc is terrific, the apron is a great collectible, and the coin might even make for a neat conversation piece. The packaging is well done, too. In its total, this is one epic collection and easily one of the year's most exciting releases. Breaking Bad: The Complete Series earns my highest recommendation.