Young Rock: Season One Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

Young Rock: Season One Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman April 20, 2022

"To understand me, you’ve got to understand where I came from.” And such begins a uniquely presented biopic, or (bioTVshow?) about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who is just too big -- literally and figuratively -- for a two-hour film to tell his story. Exploring his childhood in Hawaii, his youth in Pennsylvania, his days at the University of Miami, and his campaign for president (yes, President of the United States) in 2032, the show explores Johnson's life and the legacy that has pushed him to the forefront of the public conscience and propelled him to frontrunner status. This is perhaps not a compelling show or much of a layered show, but it is a fascinating draw into the interesting life story of one of entertainment's biggest stars, presented in a unique way that tells his true past story against a potentially fictional future event in his life.

Official synopsis: From global superstar Dwayne Johnson and Nahnatchka Khan (creator of 'Fresh Off the Boat') comes 'Young Rock,' a single-camera comedy series inspired by Johnson's formative years. Every legend has a beginning. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson stars in a larger-than-life family comedy based on outrageous stories of his youth. This coming-of-age journey highlights the unforgettable moments and incredible relationships that took Dwayne from ordinary kid to extraordinary superstar -- revealing he's more like us than we know.

The show is anchored in fantasy but built on history. It's an interesting juxtaposition and a unique storytelling device to be sure, establishing through the presidential candidacy that Johnson is even more than a mere superstar, though certainly his stature says that the show didn't necessarily need to sell him even higher. There's a certain tongue-in-cheek quality to the "future" scenes that are less an important component of the show and more a fun and frivolous aside to the meat of the thing, which is, of course, Johnson's younger days. The show blends its time jumps nicely; it effortlessly moves between the Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Miami scenes and builds a compelling story of not just a person but also a family, a culture, and a way of life. The show is at once both touching and funny, at once both compelling and light. Fans of its star in particular, and of television Dramedy in general, should find this to be a wonderful watch.

The following episode comprise season one. Episode summaries are courtesy of the Blu-ray packaging.

• Working the Gimmick: As Dwayne Johnson runs for president 2032, he reflets on his surreal life that's helped shape him into the man he is today. From growing up in a resilient family surrounded by wrestling icons, to navigating rebellious teen years, to playing NCAA football at the U, this is how the boy became the man.
• On the Road Again: Pennsylvania, 1987: Dwayne pretends he's rich to impress popular girl Karen, but a date to Rocky's wrestling match at the flea market risks exposing the truth. Stressed about money, Ata takes on a wealthy new client.
• Foward, Together: Hawaii, 1982: When wrestlers start dropping out of Lia's Battle Royale, she suspects a rival promoter may be to blame; as Rocky's wrestling career skyrockets, Ata takes a leap of faith to pursue a musical dream.
• Check Your Head: Miami, 1990: Dwayne looks to crack the starting lineup as a freshman for the famed Miami Hurricanes football team and attract the attention of players, coaches and celebrities; however, an unexpected incident sends his season and life into turmoil.
• Don't Go Breaking My Heart: Pennsylvania, 1987: Ata's relationship with Dwayne gets tested after she makes a heartbreaking discovery about her son. With Rocky on the road, Ata must take matters into her own hands.
• My Day with Andre: Hawaii, 1982: Dewey spends a day with Andre the Giant that neither will ever forget. Lia and Rocky prepare for the huge Island Battle Royale where more than the title is at stake. in 2032, candidate Johnson reveals his running mate.
• Johnson & Hopkins: Miami, 1991: When Dwayne gets an on-campus job at the University of Miami, he goes on an epic adventure with his new work partner, Hopkins, Meanwhile, Lia returns to the United States after being deported to Samoa, where she was homeless. Rocky and Ata notice that something has changed.
• My Baby Only Drinks the Good Stuff: Pennsylvania, 1987: When Karen asks to come over to Dwayne's house for dinner, Dwayne panics -- he's been lying to her about being rich. Meanwhile, in 2032, candidate Johnson tackles an emerging public relations crisis.
• A Lady Named Star Search: Hawaii, 1982: While Ata prepares for her Star Search audition, Rocky takes an unorthodox approach to helping Dewey deal with some bullies. Meanwhile, Lia's conflict with rival wrestling promoter Greg Yao has her on edge, and she takes extreme measures to protect the family business.
• Good vs Great: Miami, 1990s: After a devastating injury his freshman year, we follow Dwayne as he strives to get his college football career back on track. As he fights for playing time against future Hall of Famers, he wonders if big dreams and hard work are enough to get him to the NFL.
• Election Day: As Election Day 2032 approaches, Dwayne Johnson reflects on the ups and downs his family endured during his childhood in Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Miami, and how the unpredictability of his family's story prepared him for this moment.

Young Rock: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Universal brings Young Rock: Season One to Blu-ray with a very high quality 1080p transfer. Whether the show is taking place in the past or the future, the level of clarity exactness and textural excellence never wavers. The image is super sharp, offering impeccable clarity to a variety of textural elements which include skin and hair and all variety of period clothing, whether distinctly 80s jeans and jackets or finely appointed suits seen in the future scenes. Location details are wonderful, too. The picture's effortless crispness and authenticity extends, again, through every point on the timeline, capturing not only essential details but also intimate support elements that bring each and every location to strikingly complex life. The picture never fails to offer a clear image of great technical superiority. Colors are likewise a standout for richness, depth, vibrancy, and accuracy. The palette never wavers through the parade of loud, but true, colors seen throughout. Bold clothes, bright accents, and natural skin tones are the chief color elements on display. Meanwhile, at the extremes, black level depth is terrific, and whites are crisp and brilliant. There is very little in the way of source noise or encode flaws. This is a tip-top presentation from Universal.

Young Rock: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack offers nothing remarkable or memorable, but it plays just fine within the somewhat basic sound design. Dialogue drives most of the series, and it is presented cleanly and efficiently from the front-center channel. Music spreads nicely with fine clarity and commendable surround and subwoofer extension. Various atmospheric fill elements are presented well, and while nothing is all that much immersive, it does well enough to slightly draw the listener into the locations, whether a densely packed family living room or a bustling college weight room. The subwoofer supports a few key effects, such as when Andre the Giant walks around. Again, there's nothing memorable here, but it gets the job done with no real flubs or flaws.

Young Rock: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of Young Rock: Season One features a lone supplement. A Christmas Peril Episode (1080p, 22:04) is a bonus episode that ran on NBC on December 15, 2021, with, of course, a Christmas theme, spanning several points on the show's timeline. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does not ship with a slipcover.

Young Rock: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Young Rock is different, and different is good. While it follows some basic biopic components, the material is allowed to flow more fully and comprehensively than can a film running 100-150 minutes. It might not be as elegant as the best biopics out there, but the material is compelling, the framing is cool, the acting is great, and everything about it just works. The Blu-ray is very good. Supplements are scant but the video and audio presentations are fine. Recommended.