Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.5

Stargirl: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Movie Review

One of the best television series of 2020 and a must-see comic-book adventure

Stargirl is an imaginative and engaging original comic-book series about the super-heroic Stargirl and her journey to discovering the world of the Justice Society of America. The series was created and developed by the great talent Geoff Johns (The Flash, Young Justice) as based on his original comic book series (which was inspired by and dedicated to the memory of his departed sister). Starring Brec Bassinger, Luke Wilson, and Amy Smart, Stargirl is one of the best television series of 2020 and a big event production for anyone in dire need of something “awesome” to kick back and watch. This is a must-see slam dunk television series that will win over audiences of all ages with a creative blast of storytelling and action-packed adventure in each episode. Seriously: don't miss this DC gem.

The picture-perfect world of the smart and cool high-school girl Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) is tossed upside down when she moves from her up-scale life in the center of Los Angeles, CA to the (seemingly quiet) town of Blue Valley, Nebraska. Things are not quite as they seem in Blue Valley: Courtney discovers secrets held close-to-the-vest by her adoptive father, Pat (Luke Wilson). As it turns out, Courtney is from a family of super-heroes (or is she?) and Pat was once the faithful sidekick to the leader of the Justice Society of America. Whoa.

As the mystery unravels, Courtney learns of her own super-heroic role as Stargirl. Does Courtney (under the guise of the kick-ass hero Stargirl) have it in her to save the world from the villains of Blue Valley? Can Stargirl save the day alone (or will she need the help of other super- heroes along the way)? With enemies like the ruthless Brainwave (Christopher James Baker) in the way, danger looms around every corner. It is up to Stargirl (and friends!) to defeat the bad-guys and save Blue Valley.

One of the greatest things about the introductory season of Stargirl is the manner in which the story expands on the pilot episode and builds even more characters to work alongside Stargirl during the series. The supporting cast features some other budding superhero youths. Yolanda Montez (Yvette Monreal) appears as the badass Wildcat II (who has a cat-woman like ability to climb walls). Beth Chapel (Anjelika Washington) becomes involved in the gang as a super-smart do-good geek, Doctor Mid-Nite II (with the ability to wear goggles that give her some super-hero abilities). Meanwhile, Rick Tyler (Cameron Gellman) joins up at the super strong Hourman II and helps add some extra muscle to the mix. Each hero is determined to bring peace to those in need.

Time to shine a star.

Stargirl is a massive hit on so many levels (beyond mere viewership numbers and streaming data). As of this writing, 2020 has been shaping up to be a depressing cinema-going year with next-to-nothing to look forward to at the cinema (#2020-no-fun), and Stargirl managed to take me by surprise and fill a void I have felt the entire year. Even post COVID blues, audiences will be thrilled by the entertaining spectacle of Stargirl. The series manages to create compelling stories and deliver on action thrills at the same time.

The special effects are truly out-of-this-world. The production design by Eddie Matazzoni and Fred Andrews is extraordinary and complex. (Take a look at screenshot #4 and the great production design work – including the lovely showcase of vintage movie posters for Rebel Without a Cause and Dial M for Murder). When the action scenes become intense, the visuals are just as compelling as needed to generate lift-off: the robot design featured on the series is top-notch and so are the intricate details in each special-effects laden scene. Then there's the first-rate costume designs by Emily Gunshor and Laura Jean Shannon (which add a sense of charm and distinction to each super-hero character).

Then there's the cinematic landscape: the entire production was filmed in a stunning 2.20:1 aspect ratio. There is never a dull moment in the series where the visuals are not stellar -- with the vast landscape given to the production as a result of this altogether cinematic aspect ratio. Featuring exquisite cinematography by Michael Karasick, Scott Peck, and Chris Manley, Stargirl looks amazing. Everything about the visuals on the show shines. Slick, modern, and vintage all at once.

Another reason Stargirl is so cinematic is the music score composed by Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel). The score is top-notch and a blast from start to finish. Action-packed and full of adventure, the score also finds the right moments to give characters some extra depth. It hooked me from the beginning. (The score is dynamite and I can't wait to give it a spin on vinyl.)

As penned by Geoff Johns (and the other series screenwriters), Stargirl is one of the most engaging television productions of 2020. It also just so happens to be one of the most entertaining series I've enjoyed in years. The storyline is well-developed and each episode flows like a chapter in a comic: world building and finding moments to delve deeper into the ongoing mythology. What a thrill ride. There are twists and turns in store for audiences (as well as non-stop action when the moment calls for it). The actors are great in their respective roles and Johns crafted great characters for each performer to bring to life. Stargirl is must-see television.

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

Arriving on Blu-ray from Warner Bros, Stargirl: The Complete First Season features an impressive 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 2.20:1 widescreen. The Stargirl series far exceeded my expectations in the video department. The decidedly rich tapestry of colors was engaging to watch. The production has a super-sleek style: throughout the entire season the cinematography is crisp, clear, and downright vivid to watch. Outstanding. The special effects are also brought to life with stunning clarity and precision with a encode which never struggles throughout the run of episodes.

The robust visuals are never straining to impress (as they may on streaming) and are on instead consistently impressive from scene to scene. A magnificent presentation. The 2.20:1 scope ratio also gives the series a decidedly cinematic style that feels more in-line with a big-budget Hollywood film (rather than a typical television series). The series seems even more ambitious as a result. Kudos to the creatives behind-the-scenes who made this strong call.

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

The release features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound presentation. The series has a super crisp, clear, and clean sound-stage. The audio dynamics are remarkably impressive throughout the surround sound design. Unlike some television productions (where surrounds are less actively engaged), Stargirl has a robust surround-sound design that feels as entertaining as a blockbuster production. The surround sound fields are actively engaged and during the intense action scenes, the excitement and tension of the series is magnified by the exceptional sound design. Dialogue is also consistently clear and easy to understand. The music score is similarly well presented and integrated throughout the sound mix. An exceptional lossless audio sound presentation which is a perfect fit to the great video-presentation.

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

Alas, there are no supplemental materials to be found on the season one Blu-ray box set of Stargirl: The Complete First Season. One can't help but wonder if the events of COVID in 2020 (#2020!) are part of the reason. Unfortunately, no one will find a hidden menu with some audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and other such fare as one might expect. Better luck next time, folks (Season 2, perhaps). On the bright side, the first two episodes of the season are extended length episodes (compared to the rest of the season).

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

There was something magical about watching Stargirl: Season 1 unfold. The series far exceeded all of my expectations. Creator Geoff Johns hit a slam dunk with this action-packed superhero gem. It is filled to the brim with amazing special effects (isn't it awesome how far television CGI has come over the years?) and the production values are outstanding.

To make Stargirl even more of a must-see smash, the action scenes were brilliantly choreographed. The actors are also a perfect fit for each respective role (with Luke Wilson stealing scenes from time-to-time). The scripts are consistently great. The production is impressive from episode one to the non-stop season finale of the show. The Blu-ray features a top-notch video-audio presentation. Even though the set is lacking in the extras department (curses, COVID!), the set is essential viewing as an immaculate presentation of a must-see DC television epic. Don't miss it.