Teen Titans: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.5

Teen Titans: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie Review

An outstanding season in the impressive Teen Titans animated series

Teen Titans returns and its as entertaining as always: Season 3 of the series features another exciting and exceptional run of episodes in the beloved DC animated universe line-up. The third season of the program delivers more action, adventure, and comedy that makes up the DNA of the series. The production was a fan-favorite when it aired for a reason: Teen Titans has it all – lovable characters, outstanding animation, and a hip theme song (by Puffy AmiYumi).

The teenage superheroes Robin (Scott Menville), Starfire (Hynden Walch), Beast Boy (Greg Cipes), Cyborg (Khary Payton), and Raven (Tara Strong) once again band together to fight villains while juggling their daily lives as (not-so-average) average teenagers. Robin maintains an attitude (and remains badass all the same), Starfire is a bubblegum air-head, Beast Boy remains vegan, Cyborg continues to be obsessed with video games, and Raven has no time for any of this mumbo-jumbo.

The third season has many exceptional episodes which bring the series into new territory. “Betrothed” is one of the most comedic episodes of the season and focuses on Starfire heading back to her home planet for an arranged marriage (she doesn't want to have any part in). The episode has a number of hilarious scenes and it further explores the relationship do-they or don't-they between Robin and Starfire.

“Haunted” is one of the best episodes in the series five-season run. The episode brings back Slade as the Teen Titans arch nemesis but there is one dilemma causing problems for them defeating him this time: Robin alone can see him. How will the team band together to defeat and take down their most evil foe? The storyline is intense and the course direction is full of surprises.

Titans: Assemble!

“The Beast Within” was an excellent episode which explores the way in which teenage growth can be something that causes problems during adolescence: an obvious metaphor-driven episode (about the changes one sometimes experiences during puberty), the story centers on Beast Boy as he has a big transformation of character after a chemical alters him into something different from what he used to be. A tougher, meaner, and less lovable guy (for one thing). Luckily it's only temporary and the story keeps things entertaining as it plays with the concept.

The production continues to have outstanding animation at every turn of the show. The art work is exquisite and the character designs are true to the personalities of each of the lead characters. The supporting players (and villains) are also well animated and have distinctive aesthetic character designs. The entire effort of the animators leaves a solid impression. Combined with the great performances of the voice-actors, Teen Titans is a true joy to watch. Voice-director Andrea Romano (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond) always brings the best out of the cast and finds new ways to keep the series entertaining. The original music score by Lolita Ritmanis, Kristopher Carter, and Michael McCuistion delivers high-octane energy in spades.

As each season focuses on a certain character more-so than the others, Cyborg gets a nice spotlight in season three and there are multiple episodes in which his character has a big focus to the over-arching plots. It's nice to see Cyborg get some due in the season as he is one of the best characters on the show. His character has brains (and brawn) and the silly comedic hi-jinks also keep things interesting.

The set truly manages to keep a level of energy going that is impressive and each episode finds a new way to keep the series fresh and engaging. One can easily marathon the entire season and have a total blast. Teen Titans is one of the best of the DC animated universe and the episodes in the third season remind one why with ease. Don't miss the third season.

Teen Titans: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The third season of Teen Titans arrives on Blu-ray from Warner Archive with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in a 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The animation has never looked better and the third season episodes are some of the most impressive looking in the entire complete series set. The line art looks remarkably detailed (and there are only a few minor scenes where the edges are a little sharp in appearance). The animation is generally outstanding and looks modern: one could easily mistake the presentations to be for a newly produced animated series and not an early 2000's production.

The colors are vivid and robust and practically leap off the screen with rich hues that pull one in to the animated world with relative ease. Though the series originally aired in a standard 4:3 full frame aspect ratio, the remastered widescreen presentations are naturalistic and do not have any detrimental framing issues to tear apart: there were never any moments whatsoever that seemed poorly framed. The entire show looks as though it was designed to be seen in widescreen. Longtime fans will find the Blu-ray presentation to be essential.

Teen Titans: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 audio track. The lossless sound quality is robust and energetic throughout the entire third season. The action scenes have creatively utilized sound effects which pull one into the world of the animation with ease. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional and voices are always crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The track has no audible distortion or any annoyances to report. The music shines. The track truly excels.

The release is presented with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 audio track. The lossless sound quality is robust and energetic throughout the entire third season. The action scenes have creatively utilized sound effects which pull one into the world of the animation with ease. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional and voices are always crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The track has no audible distortion or any annoyances to report. The music shines. The track truly excels.

Teen Titans: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Know Your Foes (SD, 14:54) is a featurette focused on the myriad of villains highlighted on the series (throughout the episodes). Producer David Slack, series story editor Amy Wolfram, series story editor Rob Hoegee, and voice-casting/voice-director Andrea Romano discuss the "big bad" of Teen Titans at length. Delving in to the Teen Titans arch nemesis Slade, the production team discuss why the villain was of such importance to the program (as the team break down his enhanced strength, recovery, and skills). Voice director Andrea Romano explains why casting Ron Perlman for Slade was so important and why his voice was so effective for a villainous character.

As the featurette unfolds, the production team also discuss some of the other "big bad" villains of the series: Red X, Blackfire, Brother Blood, Mumbo, and the Hive Academy Graduates gang of villains (also known as the "Hive Trio.")

Teen Titans: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The third season of Teen Titans is almost as impressive as the second season of the show. The fun animation, engaging voice-acting, and clever writing make it an enormously entertaining series. Everything about the show excels and there is never a dull moment in the third season. Warner Archive again delivers an exceptional audio-video presentation. The Blu-ray presentation is without-a-doubt the best way to experience the show. Even having watched Teen Titans as it aired, it's almost like seeing it for the first time. Highly recommended.