Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Revolution: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie Review

I'm sorry for your loss. At least the show is in a better place now...

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown August 18, 2014

I can't say I'm all that sad to see Revolution go. Post-apocalyptic dramas aren't exactly in short supply these days, and the Eric Kripke-helmed series wasn't all that special. Drawing more inspiration from Lost and its meta-mystery clones than from its own gimmick-laced premise, the show dangled on the edge of cancellation for much of its second season, only to be pushed off prior to its season finale by a cost-conscious NBC alarmed by the show's dwindling ratings. (The Season One pilot pulled in 12 million viewers. The Season Two finale, a mere 4 million.) As with any cancelled series released on Blu-ray, three questions become more important than any other: does it end well? Do the showrunners wrap up the story in a satisfying way? Or does it all end on a maddening cliffhanger?

The short answer is "no." Kripke and his writers clearly had more in store for loyal fans, which leads to a rushed, anticlimactic, all too generic final arc that turns off the lights on Revolution too abruptly for its own good. But there's a bigger issue at play here. While the ending disappoints, the second season doesn't really improve upon the first. It's a bit better. More so for those who were already sold on everything Season One was selling. But it's still too clean-cut for my tastes. Too contrived. Too conventional. Too predictable. Too safe. Too... NBC. Oh, there's grit and gristle, but too often it's of the brushed on, neatly tailored, overly manufactured variety. There's death and consequence as well (and a ballsy move involving a nuclear attack), yet still the sort that artificially boosts the stakes skyward rather than tactfully ratcheting up the tension inch by nail-biting inch. Revolution is Post-Apocalypse Lite, and joins Falling Skies on a less-than-favorable list of television series blessed with a killer setup and cast but cursed by weak execution. Now if someone would just pull the trigger on Falling Skies, we could move on to a brighter future for darker post-apocalyptic television.

In creator Eric Kripke and executive producer J.J. Abrams' epic adventure thriller, a family struggles to survive in a post-apocalyptic American landscape: a world of overgrown cities, treacherous militias and heroic freedom fighters, fifteen years after every single piece of technology -- computers, planes, cars, phones, even lights -- suddenly blacked out forever. Seen through the eyes of a fiercely determined young woman, Charlie Matheson (Tracy Spiridakos), who lost members of her family in the blackout's tragic aftermath but gained a new family and a new purpose, the series follows a rogue band of rebels -- including Charlie's secretive mother Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchell) and estranged uncle Miles (Billy Burke), a former marine and militia leader -- as they face danger at every turn in an attempt to overthrow the Militia, and ultimately return power to the people.

There's no denying -- or diminishing -- the fact that the show had its fans. Even at four million, there was enough coursing through Revolution to bring a contingent of viewers back for more, week in and week out. The fact that its finer qualities allude me is perhaps my loss, and really more a reflection of everything modern television is able to accomplish. Like film, opinions will always vary dramatically, and like film, one man's junk is another man's treasure. It's difficult for me to critique an entire show when my criticism comes down to, "something's off." Or "it's just not for me." And ol' faithful, "it's not my cup o' tea." It's possible Breaking Bad and other sharply penned series have spoiled me, but Revolution's characters rarely register as real human beings, and often make decisions counter to internal logic, say things people in various situations wouldn't say, or take action because the writers demand it, not because it gels with the story being told or the world being forged. When a series doesn't strike you as authentic, it has a difficult time winning you over. Revolution doesn't ring true for me, nor has it ever managed to convert me to its fold. Ah well. So it goes.

Revolution: The Complete Second and Final Season features 22 episodes spread across 4 BD-50 discs:

• Born in the U.S.A.: In last year's finale, our heroes made the treacherous journey to the Tower and were able to turn on the power, but at what cost? The effects of this move prove to be catastrophic for everyone. Now, Miles, Aaron and Rachel have found themselves in a mysterious small town, in the great nation of Texas where Rachel unexpectedly encounters an important figure from her past. Charlie finds herself on a mission in the Plains Nation while Neville and Jason search a refugee camp for a lost loved one. Meanwhile, Monroe has discovered a gritty role in his new environment.
• There Will Be Blood: Miles's life is in grave danger as he finds himself in the clutches of Titus Andover. Charlie is determined to find Monroe, as Rachel and her father, Dr. Porter desperately attempt to revive Aaron. Meanwhile, Neville hatches a plan to infiltrate the Patriots.
• Love Story: Rachel makes a valiant attempt to rescue Miles and to escape with an ailing Tribesman's wife, while Neville and Jason are caught off-guard, assaulted by violent refugees. Charlie and Adam are at odds over what to do with Monroe. Legions of Tribesmen threaten all of Willoughby but with questionable leadership and Aaron faces death, yet again.
• Patriot Games: Monroe and Charlie's dynamic begin to evolve. Meanwhile, wounds of Miles and Rachel begin to heal, yet her curiosity and heightened awareness could be her undoing. Neville's manipulation of Patriot power brokers makes Machiavelli look like a cherub and Aaron's mind works overtime awake or asleep with mind-blowing effectiveness. Rachel and Miles begin planning a resistance to what they believe might be the Patriot occupation.
• One Riot, One Ranger: Aaron and Rachel speculate on the extreme effects of Nano technology, while he also confides in Cynthia. Meanwhile a figure from Miles's rugged past, Texas Ranger John Fry reemerges. Fry could be Miles' chance to bring down the Patriots in a big way, however Fry will need convincing. Charlie has a surprise for Miles and her mother, while Secretary Allenford holds a secret important to Neville.
• Dead Man Walking: As Charlie, Rachel and Gene question Monroe's true allegiance, Miles himself is weary of his former friend's intentions. Meanwhile, Aaron continues to have visions that lead to endless questions.
• The Patriot Act: When Rachel discovers some unsettling truths, Miles does what he does best to overcome obstacles before him and those he cares about. Meanwhile, Charlie shares a moment with her mom as Neville and Jason continue with their struggles between father and son.
• Come Blow Your Horn: As Miles and the gang try to escape the perils of their current situation, Rachel and Gene continue to struggle with their relationship, which affects Charlie. Meanwhile, Neville takes a gamble with the Patriots.
• Everyone Says I Love You: The relationship between Rachel and Gene remains strained as Charlie shows her mom how much she's grown. Meanwhile, Neville gives Jason a determined proclamation.
• The Three Amigos: When Miles leads Monroe and Rachel south of the border; they're met with much more than they bargained for as Neville and Julia dance a delicate dance. Meanwhile, Charlie and Gene continue their search for Aaron.
• Mis Dos Padres: Monroe finds himself in unfamiliar territory and must make a choice about his son, Conner whilst Neville and Julia continue to tango at Jason's dismay. Meanwhile, Gene leads Charlie to an uneasy discovery.
• Captain Trips: When Gene decides to assist the town of Willoughby, Rachel and Charlie feel compelled to help too as Miles and Monroe continue to join forces in order to survive.
• Happy Endings: Connor and Charlie are led onto a risky mission by Monroe. Miles and Rachel hold the fort in Willoughby. Aaron catches up with an old friend and Neville gets a new job.
• Fear and Loathing: The nano code continues to cause Aaron and Priscilla problems as it continues causing friction between the two. Miles isn't sure if he can trust who he has in mind to take down the Patriots. In New Vegas, a difficult decision that could mean life or death has to be made by Monroe and Connor.
• Dreamcatcher: When he wakes up, Aaron suddenly finds himself married to Priscilla and in a world full of power as he runs his company. He suspects somethings going on as a familiar faces soon appear.
• Exposition Boulevard: Upon returning to Willoughby, Monroe, Charlie and Connor find the Patriots' reeducation center is up and running; Rachel and Miles are at odds on how far they are willing to go to take down the Patriots; Neville and Jason find a new ally.
• Why We Fight: While Dr. Porter and Miles venture into Willoughby in search of allies within the town, Monroe seizes an opportunity to surprise the Patriots. Neville's political maneuverings put him and Jason in serious danger, as Aaron and Priscilla continue on their journey.
• Austin City Limits: Frustrated with Neville, Jason turns to Miles with crucial information about the Patriots' next steps for Texas. Determined to derail the Patriots' plans, Miles and Monroe rush to Austin with Jason, Charlie and Connor in tow. Meanwhile, Aaron grows suspicious of Priscilla's increasingly unusual behavior.
• S#!& Happens: As Miles, Monroe, Charlie and Connor rush to escape Austin, a confrontation with Texas Rangers separates Miles from the group. While out searching for Miles, Charlie is confronted by Neville who demands information on Jason's whereabouts. As a wounded Miles faces increasingly hopeless circumstances, Aaron learns that the nanotech has been busy.
• Tomorrowland: Truman, empowered with new authority from the President, launches a mustard gas attack designed to kill Miles and Monroe. To Rachel's disappointment, Miles agrees to join Monroe in a ruthless plot to beat the Patriots at their own game. As Neville faces his own challenge from the Patriots, Aaron grows increasingly alarmed by the power of the nanotech.
• Memorial Day: United by their desire to take the Patriots down, Neville and Monroe form an uneasy alliance. As Rachel comes face-to-face with the nano-tech while searching for Aaron, things don't go according to plan for Miles, Charlie and Gene when they try to steal the Patriots' supply of mustard gas.
• Declaration of Independence: Miles, Charlie and Monroe attack the Patriots, but must come up with a new plan to prevent war between California and Texas; Neville sets his sights on President Davis. Meanwhile, Aaron and Rachel's efforts to save Priscilla has unexpected consequences.

Revolution: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Regardless of whether you love or loathe the series, it's hard not to respect Warner's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Although the studio has elected to stick with four discs (even though Revolution's episode count has increased from twenty to twenty-two this season), there aren't any significant compression issues of note, making the presentation less than ideal but more than serviceable, and, really, that much more impressive. Colors are lovely and beautifully saturated, with warm, natural skintones, able-bodied primaries and deep black levels. Contrast is consistent too, as is detail, which rarely fails to deliver. Edges are crisp, without anything in the way of serious ringing or aliasing, and textures are refined. Moreover, the image remains pristine and proficient throughout. I didn't notice any macroblocking, banding or other troubling anomalies. Only a bit of crush and noise, both of which trace back to the series' photography rather than Warner's encoding efforts. All told, Revolution's second and final season looks every bit as good as its first.

Revolution: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

As was the case with the series' first season, Revolution's second season features a strong DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. There's just one catch. Aggressive as it can be when forces clash and battles rage, there are a few too many scenes per episode that sound a bit too flat and front-heavy. It's by no means a glaring issue, and almost certainly a product of the show's sound design, but let the audiophile beware. Otherwise, there isn't much to complain about. Dialogue is clean, intelligible and believably grounded. LFE output is powerful and potent, lending weight and heft to anything that calls for low-end oomph. The rear speakers hold their own too, delivering a fairly immersive soundfield that only disappoints on occasion. Directionality is generally precise, pans are smooth and ambient effects help create a nice sense of a living, breathing world. Even when it doesn't live up to its potential, the exchange is minimal, and hardly a concern. I'm probably nitpicking.

Revolution: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Revolution: Heading West (HD, 23 minutes): Creator Eric Kirpke and his writers discuss story developments, arcs and possibilities with Jon Favreau, and touch on the evolution of the series, the problems of the first season (Kripke's candid criticism of Season One was a welcome surprise), and the need for a new direction and focus with Season Two.
• Impact Revolution: Conversations with the United Nations (HD, 12 minutes): Kripke talks research, reality, credibility and authenticity, then moves on to the U.N.'s unique partnership with the show.
• United Nations: The Mission Continues PSA (HD, 5 minutes): A United Nations PSA that details the benefits of micro-hydro power plants in Nepal and their impact on local communities and peoples.
• 2013 Comic-Con Panel (HD, 28 minutes): A Comic-Con Q&A with key members of the cast and crew, including Kripke, Tracy Spiridakos, Billy Burke, Giancarlo Esposito, David Lyons, JD Pardo, executive producer Rockne O'Bannon and writer Ben Edlund.
• Deleted Scenes (HD): Deleted scenes are spread across all four discs and are available for the following episodes: "Love Story," "Patriot Games," "The Patriot Act," "Three Amigos," "Mis Does Padres," "Captain Trips," "Happy Endings," "Fear and Loathing," "Dreamcatcher," "Exposition Boulevard," "Austin City Limits," "S#!& Happens," "Tomorrowland" and "Declaration of Independence."
• Gag Reel (HD, 3 minutes): The cast members break character and have a few good laughs.

Revolution: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Revolution obviously isn't for me. Will it appeal to you? If you enjoy Falling Skies and other sci-fi dramas of its ilk, probably so. Either way, the series' second season is its last, so proceed accordingly. It's clear the showrunners had far more up their sleeves than this season allowed them to reveal or explore. Warner's Blu-ray release is at least a fitting send-off, with a confident video presentation, capable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track and a decent assortment of special features. (There aren't any commentaries, but that's not entirely unexpected.) So take the plunge if you feel the urge. I would just recommend sampling a few episodes before committing serious cash to what might strike you as two seasons of "meh."