Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Movie Review

An entertaining sci-fi spectacle adapting the beloved sci-fi gem by Bong Joon Ho (Parasite)

Adapted from the critically acclaimed graphic novel and breakout feature-film by master filmmaker Bong Joon Ho (Parasite, Memories of Murder), Snowpiercer: Season 1 utilizes the exciting concept explored in the previous versions for something entirely new for the television-format. The series is developed by Josh Friedman (Terminator: Dark Fate, War of the Worlds) and Graeme Manson (Orphan Black, Cube), the sci-fi event series explores societal imbalance and class warfare.

Set six years after the events which turned the entire globe into a snowy landscape of never-ending frost, Snowpiercer follows the journey of Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly), who is both the head of hospitality and the commander over the train. Melanie will stop at nothing to make sure things will go according to plan – and her task is no easy one with many standing in her way. Humanity rests on her shoulders.

Meanwhile, the suave Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) is a former-detective who plays outside-the-rules with the first-class train citizens while simultaneously fighting for the rights of the disenfranchised populace at the tail-section of the train. Brought in to the first class lifestyle to help solve a murder, Andre is shown the glory – and horror – of being on top. As the series explores class divisions, can these characters – and structures – survive to see a future for humanity?

Snowpiercer: Season 1 sets itself apart from the Bong Joon Ho feature-film right off the bat. The story is not identical to the film version and the production makes no apologies for diverging from what has become a beloved modern sci-fi masterpiece. While the film is unquestionably superior – as one of the best sci-fi fables in years – the television series manages to find its own voice and create something that is compelling and worthwhile all the same.

Jennifer Connelly is exceptional in the lead-role. She carries the series with her unique and unwavering grace. Each episode is all the more compelling and entertaining because of her contribution to the sci-fi drama. Playing such a strong, complex, and intelligent character, Connelly delves in to her role with the kind of skill only an actor of her immense talent and pedigree could bring to a role. Joining her, Daveed Diggs is a little less consistent as a performer – sometimes impressive and sometimes less-so (as he has a unfortunate tendency to overact). The supporting cast of side characters are generally interesting as well.

Frosty?

One of the best elements of the production is the original music score composed by Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica, 10 Cloverfield Lane). McCreary, one of the best modern television composers, finds the perfect tone and balance for Snowpiercer. The score never simply duplicates the sci-fi realm that the composer has played in before – new themes and styles are added while retaining the signature sound of the composer.

Featuring cinematography by John Grillo (Westworld, Preacher), the head cinematographer on the series, Snowpiercer is a visually unique production. The bleak atmosphere is well conveyed with the cinematographic approach. As a dystopian series, Snowpiercer manages to convey the concept through its visuals quite well. The visuals match the bleak reality in which the characters reside.

The production design by Barry Robison (Hacksaw Ridge, Million Dollar Arm) and Stephen Geaghan (Another Life, The Outer Limits) is one of the highlights of the series. The train itself is a truly glorious visual. The sets and production aesthetics are compelling – and unlike what most would expect to find on any sort of modern-day train. The series builds on the core ideas from the feature-film and shows a myriad of locales within the train that are surreal and exceptional.

Director James Hawes (Black Mirror, The Alienist: Angel of Darkness) oversaw the pilot episode and the last two episodes of the season: the grand finale. Hawes sets the tone of the program well. While the first episode is not as impressive as the finale (as the series became progressively better written), Snowpiercer certainly benefited from having a top-notch director behind-the-scenes.

Alongside other high-quality directors – such as Frederick E.O. Toye (Alias, Westworld), Snowpiercer finds itself a clear voice. While not the best that television currently has to offer, Snowpiercer is a compelling sci-fi drama with potential to expand and develop even more. Hopefully season two hits a home run and helps to usher in the series as a future television classic. Snowpiercer has potential.

Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Warner Bros., Snowpiercer: Season 1 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. This is certainly a gritty looking production with a unique visual aesthetic that defies expectations. For a sci-fi drama set in the future, the production looks to the past with gray vistas and a style that conveys bleak dystopia.

The picture quality is impressive, though. There are no egregious issues to report with regards to compression artifacts and the like. The series maintains a reasonably healthy bit-rate and appears sharp, crisp, and visually stunning from start to finish. The digital cinematography is quite impressive and appropriate for the material. Colors are often subdued and overcast, but it fits the apocalyptic vibe perfectly.

Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound presentation. The lossless audio encoding is quite effective throughout the entire season. The sound design utilizes some creative components throughout the action-packed sequences. The music score by Bear McCreary is also implemented in to the sound design seamlessly and never seems overbearing in comparison to the dialogue. that level, dialogue remains crisp, clear, and easy to understand throughout the entire first season.

Optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing).

Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Includes an episode-guide for Snowpiercer: Season 1. Always a nice touch, Warner Bros.

On disc extras are as follows:

Overview (HD, 3:12) explores the concept of the series and features interviews with cast/crew members involved in the production behind-the-scenes.

Class Warfare (HD, 3:02) focuses on the class-divide element of the series and the manner in which Snowpiercer tackles such big themes.

Jennifer & Daveed Behind the Scenes Interview (HD, 2:09) features the leading cast members discussing their involvement in the series and the significance of the production.

The Train (HD, 5:56) focuses on the epic train and the myriad of set-designs crafted for different segments of the train (such as the dance club and other exotic locales one would never expect to discover on an ordinary train). Featuring interviews with cast and crew about the production design.

Behind the Curtain: Art of the Frozen World (HD, 4:09) explores the art design and the unique visual characteristics of the first season of Snowpiercer. Includes cast/crew interviews about the subject.

Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Snowpiercer is a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation of the mind-bending sci-fi thriller from Bong Joon Ho (Parasite). The television series is entertaining, action-packed, and mesmerizing. While the series takes a while to find its voice, Snowpiercer turns out to be one of the better programs to air on television in the past few years. Jennifer Connelly is outstanding in the leading role. The Blu-ray has strong technical merits and a nice selection of bonus materials. Highly recommended.