6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
What did the world look like as it was transforming into the horrifying apocalypse depicted in "The Walking Dead"? This spin-off set in Los Angeles, following new characters as they face the beginning of the end of the world, will answer that question.
Starring: Kim Dickens, Lennie James, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-CareyHorror | 100% |
Supernatural | 60% |
Melodrama | 24% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
AMC's spinoff of the hit show The Walking Dead enters the fray in a condensed six-episode season debut to, surprisingly, mixed-to-poor results. Fear the Walking Dead presents audiences with a different look at the zombie apocalypse, traveling across the country from rural Georgia to urban L.A. and backwards in time from a dead world to the point that the world first began to decay with the rise of the walking dead. And that's not all that's changed. Fear the Walking Dead seems only able to hint at the dramatic depth, complex characters, social commentary, and grisly excitement of the main show. While part of that comes understandably from both the change in venue and change in timeframe, Fear never finds more than a trace of that desperate intensity, that ever-waning hopelessness, that incredible characterization and camaraderie that has come to define big brother.
Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season's 1080p transfer isn't problematic. It's just bland. The 1.78:1-framed image leaves behind the grit and grain of the companion show and instead presents a fairly flat, nondescript sort of HD image that produces adequate detailing and color. Basic facial features and clothing textures are fine, though generally absent the sort of precision texturing and intimate, tactile features reserved for the best transfers. There's not much appreciable depth to the image, either, whether in lower light, amber-hued interiors; bright sunny exteriors; or darkened nighttime segments. Colors don't pop but aren't dull, either. The bland urban landscape doesn't offer much beyond some signage and graffiti, while clothing hues and shades around various locations, like homes and schools, are sufficiently robust and natural. Natural greens and bright blue pool water are amongst the highlights. Light noise lingers but banding, aliasing, macroblocking, and other bugaboos are absent. Technically, the transfer leaves little room for complaint, but the show's production design, lighting, and photographic stylings don't encourage a robust visual experience.
Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack capably handles the show's needs, even if it comes up a bit short when it's time for gunfire. Basic musical definition is excellent. The opening title notes are deep and haunting, with a wide front end spacing and good bit of non dominant surround immersion. Atmospherics are plentiful, both casual and chaotic. Basic school hallway din -- students shuffling around the building -- is effortlessly recreated. General street level sounds, like honking horns and passing traffic, don't dominate but do well to give shape to the bustling Los Angeles roadways. Some of the more aggressive elements find a great sense of sonic urgency and definition, including rowdy protestors and swarms of zombies in the final episode. Gunfire is never all that aggressive. A shotgun blast heard partway through episode three offers little more than a dull thud. A grenade explosion in episode five is likewise puny. Even the report of a .50 caliber rifle round isn't anywhere near as deafening as one would expect. Automatic weapons fire in the final episode offers a little more pop up close, and the rat-a-tat sounds heard in the distance nicely fill the back speakers. Dialogue is clear and well defined throughout, playing with a consistent center placement. Like the video quality, there's nothing all that exciting going on, but the track handles the show's requirements well enough.
Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season contains two featurettes on disc two.
Fear the Walking Dead works well enough as an isolated glimpse into the world from a radically different perspective, but it's a disappointingly flat entry that suffers under the burden of dull characters, a slow pace, and a dearth of emotional complexity. The series has its moments and flashes both potential and brilliance, but it has a long way to go before it can stand alongside its long established classic companion show. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season yields technically good, if not a bit underwhelming, video and audio. Supplements are sadly limited to two very brief featurettes. Worth a look as a rental or a purchase at a reduced price.
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