Halo: The Complete Video Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Halo: The Complete Video Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 23, 2017

Shout! Factory has released a desirable bundle of 'Halo' goodness to Blu-ray. This six-disc set, packaged in a standard case, contains four features and short series from the game's critically acclaimed and expansive universe, just as they were all previously released to Blu-ray, in addition to two bonus discs, one of which contains all four programs with four new commentary tracks.

Halo got its start way back when on the original Xbox console in 2001 and established Microsoft as a serious player in the video game business up against Sony and Nintendo and filling a void left by the departure of Sega following the failure of its Dreamcast console. The series has thrived since, spawning four direct sequels and a number of spin-off games, some of which follow basic first-person-shooter formula and some that veer a bit more off that beaten path. A number of novels, toys, and other media have saturated the marketplace, as have these few live-action shows and animated series and films. While Halo has yet to earn the expansive Sci-Fi big budget, big screen film adaptation it deserves (along with another Microsoft exclusive for that matter), the franchise has at least made some transition to screen, and generally to good results thanks in large part to absorbing and complex source material. As it stands now, this set is more or less a definitive collection of everything Halo home video. Click through the links below for reviews of what's included and scroll down to the supplements to see what Shout! has added to the set beyond four repackaged Blu-rays.

• Halo Legends
• Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
• Halo Nightfall
• Halo: The Fall of Reach

Halo: The Complete Video Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For full video reviews, please click through the appropriate links above.

Halo: The Complete Video Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For full audio reviews, please click through the appropriate links above.

Halo: The Complete Video Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Each of the four discs included in this set contain the same bonus features that were found on their respective original releases, linked above. What makes this set a must-buy for Halo fans, either returning to these releases or new to this content, are two discs worth of additional bonus materials that open up the game world like never before. Disc one offers a number of video-based extras, while disc two features four all-new commentary tracks for the four programs included in the set. This is a one-stop shop for all things Halo. Screenshots are of packaging and a few images from bonus disc 1.

Bonus Disc 1:

• Halo Nightfall: Launch Party Live Show (1080i, 53:56): This piece begins with a trailer for the Master Chief Collection Xbox One game compilation and cuts to a "live" presentation from "Halofest 2014" with Blair Herter, Freddie Wong, iJustine, and the iconic Xbox spokesman, Major Nelson. It also takes a look at Halo 5, builds up to the Nightfall premiere, shows players trying out the games, looks at Halo competitive play, features discussions about the Halo universe, interviews fans in cosplay, and so much more. Though it's an older program, fans will definitely enjoy exploring what this piece has to offer, even if it amounts to little more than an entertaining, extended add for all things Halo.
• Halo Nightfall: Photo Gallery (1080p): A number of interesting images from the making of the show.
• Remaking the Legend: Halo 2 Anniversary (1080p, 1:02:23): A fascinating in-depth exploration of remastering the classic Xbox game for the new generation. It explores not only the technical details like voice acting, new sound effects, enhanced visuals, and the like, but also the game's and series' production history, lasting legacy, fan base, the game's place in the franchise, and so much more. For Halo fans, this hour-long documentary alone is worth the price of this set's admission.
• Halo 4: A Hero Awakens (1080p, 10:34): A closer look at the Master Chief's character evolution. It also looks at human performances of characters in the game, character design, and more.
• Halo 5: A Hero Reborn Vidoc (1080p, 12:23): An inside look at the making of the game, including building for the Xbox One and the new opportunities that hardware afforded the creators. It also explores game design, character details, game narrative, and more.
• Halo 4: Forerunner Vidoc (1080p, 10:32): A closer look at the Prometheans and their introduction in Halo 4, including characters and weapons.
• Halo Forward Unto Dawn: Bloopers Reel (1080p, 4:05): funny moments from the shoot.
• Halo Waypoint: Heroes Never Die (1080i, 8:37): A look at what makes a hero in the Halo universe and a look back through some key moments in Halo history.

Bonus Disc 2:

• Halo Legends Commentary: With Frank O'Connor, Kevin Grace, and Bonnie Ross.
• Halo Nightfall Commentary: With Kiki Wolfkill, Corrinne Robinson, and Jeremy Patenaude.
• Halo: The Fall of Reach Commentary: With Kiki Wolfkill, Frank O'Connor, and Corrine Robinson.
• Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Commentary: With Frank O'Connor, Corrinne Robinson, and Kevin Grace.

Halo: The Complete Video Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Halo: The Complete Video Collection is another quality release from Shout! Factory, this time aimed at gamers interested in expanding their understanding of the Halo universe. The four features are of varying, but generally good-to-great, quality. They've all been released before, and this package simply repurposes them. The big draw, even for those who own the older releases, are two discs worth of added bonus content, including two hour-long features (one of which is, admittedly, one big Halo advertisement) and a number of excellent featurettes, all on top of four new commentary tracks. Highly recommended.