Firefly: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)

21 Dec, 2008 By: John Gaudiosi

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Fox
Sci-Fi
$89.98 three-disc Blu-ray set
Stars Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron Glass.

“Firefly” was a great show that was never quite given a chance on network TV. Only 11 of the 14 produced episodes even aired in the original run, and if that weren’t bad enough, they were shown out of order. That oversight was corrected on the DVD release a few years ago, and this BD version offers a few more tidbits for fans.

There hasn’t been such a unique blend of sci-fi and western storytelling done quite like this series, which was created by Joss Whedon of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fame.

The 1080p high-definition picture quality (in 1.78:1 aspect ratio) is clear and blemish free. The one issue that’s evident throughout the series, but extremely obvious in the pilot episode, is the low-resolution CGI effects. Whedon had a smaller budget to work with, but the show’s effects improve over time. HD exposes this flaw more than the standard-DVD version.

Fox has also upgraded the sound quality for BD from Dolby Surround to DTS HD Master Audio. The new lossless track really brings the effects to life.

Fox has taken the original bonus materials from the DVD release and added two extras exclusive to this BD collection. “Firefly Reunion: Lunch with Joss, Nathan, Alan and Ron” is a 24-minute walk down memory lane with Whedon, Fillion, Tudyk and Glass set up over lunch on a Hollywood soundstage. This conversation explores episodes that don’t already have commentary tracks.

The second exclusive feature is a new commentary for the episode “Our Mrs. Reynolds,” bringing the total episodes covered by audio commentary to eight. Whedon, as usual, provides entertaining insights.

Thanks to the picture and sound upgrade, “Firefly” is worth the price of admission for anyone who didn’t purchase the DVD, and die-hard fans will definitely want to pick up this BD set.

To round out their collections, fans can pick up the follow-up movie Serenity on Blu-ray Dec. 30 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
 

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