Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

The Big Bang Theory: The Twelfth and Final Season Blu-ray Movie Review

One of the best sitcoms in television history goes out in style

The final season of any television series can be a difficult thing for fans to accept: it is never easy to let go and say goodbye to beloved television characters. The prospect can be even more difficult for long-running series as they can become such an integral part of the everyday lives of people. Reaching the conclusion of The Big Bang Theory is a little like reaching the end of a massively entertaining book. The characters went on a long journey and the final pages are full of satisfying wrap-ups and true farewells. Fans will miss the characters but cherish the journey taken.

The twelfth and final season of the long-running sitcom from series creator Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men) finds new ways to explore these beloved characters for one last time. Each character has managed to go through changes and experience major growth that had widened the canvas of the television series in surprising ways: Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch), Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), and Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) are all given a chance to shine before the fade out to black.

Some of the best elements of the final season of The Big Bang Theory revolve around the explorations of Sheldon and Amy's relationship as a newly married couple, Leonard and Penny's contemplation over whether or not to become parents, Howard's attempt at returning to his true passion: the art and craft of doing magic tricks, Bernadette's enterprising business ventures with Penny, Raj's attempt at an arranged marriage (and his romantic-at-heart questions that linger on in him), and Stuart's growth as he becomes a good boyfriend to a girl at his ever-growing comic book store.

Saying farewell... one last time.

One of the biggest story-lines of the final season revolves around the scientific collaboration between Sheldon and Amy on a project concerning super asymmetry and its role in the universe. The project ends up being a huge deal for both of their scientific careers and it ends up getting them both on the short list for the Nobel prize. The journey to this breakthrough pits them up against the bumbling duo of Dr. Greg Pemberton (Sean Astin) and Dr. Kevin Campbell (Kal Penn) as they fight to win the grand prize.

Another compelling storyline during the season centers upon the surprise appearance of Penny's ex-boyfriend Zack (Brian Thomas Smith) as he approaches Penny and Leonard about the possibility of borrowing Leonard's DNA in order to help him conceive a child. The question revolves around the big step of parenthood for both Leonard and Penny: could a child be in their future? The story-line leads to some big revelations.

Even the little moments in the final season of The Big Bang Theory matter – such as an epic paint-ball battle episode which hearkens back to the earlier seasons of the series while adding in the new cast members that have ultimately helped to shape the course of the series as it has transformed into something more mature (without ever forgetting its funny-bone). Then there's the superb episode entitled “The D & D Vortex” in which Wil Wheaton has a celebrity dungeons and dragons match that involves Kevin Smith, William Shatner, and other celebrities (much to the chagrin and jealousy of the guys).

Reaching the conclusion of The Big Bang Theory was an emotional moment. The series managed to make me laugh and cry over the course of its twelve seasons. I love the characters and the cast that brought these characters to life. The writing is dynamic and full of charm. There are few sitcoms as well made as The Big Bang Theory: it joins a short-list of gems like Friends, Frasier, and Seinfeld as truly essential sitcoms. Unlike many series in the genre, The Big Bang Theory didn't run out of steam towards the end and instead concludes on a high note. Fans will miss these characters but if the series had to end, it's a pleasure for it to go out with style.

Thanks for all the seasons.

The Big Bang Theory: The Twelfth and Final Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Warner Bros., the twelfth and final season of The Big Bang Theory has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The release looks stunning and far better than most television sitcoms broadcast today. The color palette is decidedly rich and rewarding. The image is crystal clear. The compression quality is superb and it doesn't feel as though WB has cut any corners for the final season of the hit-series. Fans will be pleased.

The Big Bang Theory: The Twelfth and Final Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release features an engaging DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track. As with most other sitcoms, the surround sound is minimally used at times and is more about adding a slight layer of ambiance to the track. The good news is that dialogue reproduction is crisp, clear, and easy enough to understand throughout the entire presentation. There are never any lulls in the track with audible distortion or other ailments to distract. The lossless audio sounds sublime and won't leave fans wanting. Bravo.

The Big Bang Theory: The Twelfth and Final Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc One:

The Big Bang Theory's Impact (HD, 7:33) features the cast and crew of The Big Bang Theory celebrating the first class of students awarded a scholarship in the sciences from UCLA during the Spring of 2019. Series creator Chuck Lorre gives a moving speech to the students about the importance of supporting the sciences and giving back. This was one of my favorite extras across the releases as it was a joy to see the series find a way to impact the real-world lives of those who aspire in the scientific community.

The Big Bang Theory Cast Visits Ellen (HD, 12:29) features the entire core cast of the series visiting Ellen on her talk show to discuss the final season of The Big Bang Theory and the significance of their twelve year run on television. There are some nice insights from the actors about their experiences with working on the final season and an entertaining Big Bang Theory themed quiz-show is held during their Ellen visit.

Best of The Big Bang Theory Comic Con 2018 Panel (HD, 39:25) features the writers and members of the ensemble cast gathering to discuss the series and to answer fan questions at the beloved comic- con convention. The group assembled includes moderator/actor Jerry O'Connell alongside behind the scenes players Steve Holland, Steven Molaro, Bill Prady, David Goetsch, Eric Kaplan, Maria Ferrari, Andy Roth, Tara Hernandez, Jeremy Howe, and Adam Faberman. Actors Kunal Nayyar and Mayim Bialik also join in on the fun.

Disc Two:

The Sweet Spot (HD, 12:42) introduces audiences to the man who helped warm up audiences at the live tapings of the Big Bang Theory series. The entertainer helped with the studio audiences before every taping of the 279 episode run.

The Last Days of The Big Bang Theory (HD, 14:11) features behind- the-scenes footage as the series writers, production crew, and beloved cast members say farewell to the classic sitcom that helped shape the lives of all of those involved: as well as the lives of the audience that tuned in every week for twelve seasons. The special gives a first hand look at the table read of the final episode and the emotional moments felt by the team behind The Big Bang Theory. This is an emotional piece to experience and fans should keep some tissue on hand (just in case).

Unraveling the Mystery: A Big Bang Farewell Special (HD, 21:17) features hosts Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki as the duo lead viewers through exploring the legacy of the series and the memorable moments from during the shows production. The actors explore some iconic aspects of the series and its twelve year run. Both Cuoco and Galecki are perfect hosts and make the special a breeze to watch. There are some great insights learned and the end result is a special worth its weight: fans do not want to miss it.

Gag Reel (HD, 7:05)

The Big Bang Theory: The Twelfth and Final Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's hard to say goodbye sometimes. The final season of The Big Bang Theory is one of those rare final seasons of a long-running sitcom that never outstays its welcome. The final episodes are some of the best in the series run and one gets the feeling the writers and cast gave it their all. The first episode premiered with abundant energy and the series finale concludes in the perfect way while leaving audiences wanting more: exactly as it should be.

Though so many sitcoms struggle in their final seasons, The Big Bang Theory proves this isn't always the case. Rather, the series flourished and evolved to become an even more special series than it was when it first premiered. No fan of the series should go without this superb final season. The Blu-ray release is essential and has a number of enticing extras for fans. Viewers may be saying farewell to Sheldon and the gang but the memories will last forever (and the Blu-ray ensures we can revisit the series for years to come).