7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
<i>Defiance</i> is the first of its kind. A convergence of television and multi-platform videogame featuring an interconnected world that evolves together -- series and videogame -- into one story. The year is 2046 and more than three decades have passed since aliens arrived, changing life on Earth forever. In the frontier town of Defiance, a drifter-turned-lawkeeper, Nolan (Bowler, <i>True Blood</i>), and Mayor Rosewater (Julie Benz, <i>Dexter</i>) attempt to lead the human and alien residents through the prejudices and politics that threaten the fragile peace they’ve fought for.
Starring: Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime MurraySci-Fi | 100% |
Action | 71% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
UV digital copy
BD-Live
Mobile features
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
It's more than possible television fans and gamers twenty years from now will look back on Defiance as a transmedia experiment decades ahead of its time. If, that is, Defiance is even remembered twenty years from now. With a story that spans an ongoing SyFy series, a multi-platform MMORPG, and future interconnected TV seasons and next-gen videogames presumably to come, there's no denying the saga's breadth, its creators' ambition or the ever-expanding mythos' potential. Unfortunately, such grand scope, scale and aspirations will all be for naught if the series can't find a way to escape its own generic trappings. Defiance is a mashup of so many instantly familiar science fiction movies and shows that very little of it feels original, much less inspired. And it's more than an inability to strike Galactica gold. Despite the first season's notably character-driven scripts and intriguing 21st century melting pot milieu, despite its densely realized post-visitation Earth and compelling neo-terrestrial conflicts, the series' first thirteen episodes are paint-by-numbers sci-fi, complete with thin, watery social commentary and a limited dramatic palette.
There's no mistaking Defiance for a big budget sci-fi extravaganza. Shot on a relative shoestring, the series isn't backed by HBO millions, approaching both its production design and semi-decent visual effects with frugal care. Even so, the show's computer-generated vistas, large sets, makeup and costumes look quite good in high definition; more so via Universal's 1080p video presentation than they did during Season One's HD broadcast. With thirteen episodes spread across three BD-50 discs, the encode doesn't exhibit any sign of significant macroblocking, banding, aliasing or ringing, other than the occasional blip or eyesore inherent to the series' modestly budgeted CG effects. Color and contrast are strong as well, with convincing skintones (insofar as the stark lighting of the newly terraformed planet allow), nicely saturated primaries and wholly satisfying black levels. Detail also impresses, with crisp edges and revealing fine textures. All told, fans and newcomers will be most pleased with the results.
Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track doesn't disappoint either. LFE output isn't exactly aggressive but it is assertive, lending weight and power to the series' future tech, alien hardware, weapon discharges, and more explosive encounters. The rear speakers are just as engaging, with notably effective directionality, smooth cross-channel pans and enough immersive know-how to make our visit to 2046 an absorbing experience. Dialogue and dynamics are on point too. Voices are clear and naturally grounded in the mix, prioritization rarely falters and Bear McCreary's score rounds out the soundscape beautifully. In fact, the only shortcoming worth mentioning -- budgetary constraints are apparent, even when it comes to the show's sound design -- doesn't really have anything to do with the mix. It's a solid lossless experience, and there isn't much of anything to complain about.
As a transmedia experiment, Defiance may very well be years ahead of its time. As a sci-fi series, though, it's stuck squarely in the past, taking its cues from the genre greats of recent television past. It has its moments, and gains nice momentum by season's end, but suffers from too many fundamental flaws to give it an enthusiastic recommendation. There's potential. Let's leave it at that. Universal's Blu-ray release is better, if that is you look past its anemic supplemental package. Fortunately, a strong AV presentation makes Season One that much easier to digest and the series that much easier to enjoy.
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