Season 8 of Supernatural hits Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow (September 10), and if you’re thinking of getting it, our two-word review is this: Get it! But since you’re probably wanting to know a bit more about what is within, here’s a more formal review.
So let’s get started, shall we?
The Episodes: First things first: Season 8 is my favorite season since Eric Kripke left the show with Season 5. I think, although the sixth and seventh seasons certainly had moments and characters that I enjoyed, the show feels creatively rejuvenated under Jeremy Carver.
I will probably be roasted for this in the comments, because I know there are some fans who say they’re unhappy, but my feeling might come from the notion that I like the show’s main characters equally. Shocking idea, right — someone likes Sam and Dean and Cas just as much as one another?!?! It exists, and that person is me. I liked what each character had to offer, and support characters like Benny, Crowley, Charlie, and Kevin added to the mix.
I like that the show’s mythology keeps growing, and that by Season 8, with this creative recharge, the show seems better. I also can’t wait to see what happens next.
There are several episodes in Season 8 that I simply loved. One special shoutout has to go to “Hunteri Heroici,” simply because I was on set when the episode was filmed and to see it on Blu-ray is AMAZING. Places like Purgatory and the unique look they gave it also looked fantastic in high definition. Maybe it is because the producers say they were pretty sure the show would be renewed, but, I thought the storytelling was stronger with them knowing they’d be back for more later.
I admit, though: I still don’t like the found-footage episode. On the flip side, relating to other installments: I love seeing Felicia Day whenever she guest stars.
The Extras: Warner Home Video didn’t skimp on the extras here. There are multiple features that run about 20 minutes apiece. Even the gag reel is kind of long (and very funny). That gag reel, by the way, will greatly appeal to the slash fans, and I see the Tumblr gifs being made already.
My favorite of the extra features is a 20-minute history of Castiel’s time on the show, going all the way back to the fourth season. It’s probably also a good setup for the angelic Season 9 that we seem to be getting. In addition to that, they’ve got a behind the scenes look at the found footage episode, a 20-minute piece on the tablets arc and what it did for the show’s mythology, and deleted scenes for the episodes “We Need To Talk About Kevin,” “What’s Up, Tiger Mommy,” “Heartache,” “Bitten,” “Hunteri Heroici,” “LARP And The Real Girl,” “As Time Goes By,” “Everybody Hates Hitler,” “Trial and Error,” “Taxi Driver,” “Pac-Man Fever,” “The Great Escapist,” “Clip Show,” and “Sacrifice.”
But that’s not all – this set also has THREE commentaries! “Hunteri Heroici” has writer Andrew Dabb and producer Todd Aronauer; “As Time Goes By” has Executive Producers Robert Singer, Jeremy Carver, and Adam Glass; and “Everybody Hates Hitler” has Executive Producer/Director Phil Sgriccia and Executive Producer/Writer Ben Edlund.
Graphics & Sound: The picture on Supernatural is so crisp on Blu-ray; better, even, than the recent Vampire Diaries release. Some of the more effects heavy shots, in particular, look AMAZING. Additionally, it sounds great.
The Packaging: Full color disc art! This makes me happy, and reminds me of Smallville sets of yore. The artwork for this one is good, too, as is the menu art; though I can’t wait for some new promo shots to enter circulation so we get something newer.
Unlike some other Warner Bros. TV sets, this set is not a “Combo Pack” including both Blu-ray and DVD versions, so it’s in a pretty slim case.
Supernatural: The Complete Eighth Season hits Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, September 10! Get yours from Amazon.com at a discounted price and support this site!
3 Comments
I admit there were a lot of great scenes on the gagreel, but the one with Misha Collins basically forcing Jensen’s face into his (Misha’s) crotch while Jensen repeatedly said “NO, get off me!” made me very uncomfortable to say the least. I can only imagine the outrage that (I hope) would result if Misha had behaved this way toward a woman.
No means no to me, and I just can’t see something like this as funny.
Agreed Kelios. I too laughed and enjoyed the gag reel, and I get that the scene between misha and Jensen was made in fun. I do not believe and ill intentions were made by any one involved. That being said that particular crotch scene is awkward as he!! And easily taken out of context. I did not find it funny and I expect better from the show.
However im looking forward to s9 and s8 on DVD. Go SPN!
Well, a lot of the “humor” Jared, Jensen, and Misha seem to engage in comes across as “Animal House” or lockerroom and may not be as funny to some of us in the audience. However, I wonder if Kelios expressed her discomfort when we learned that Jared put his foot on Misha’s crotch or pulled his pants down during a scene. The Horror! Does she hope there would have been outrage at Jared if he had done the same to a woman?
And Craig, I think it’s great that you like Dean, Sam, and Cas equally as it likely makes your viewing experience much more pleasant. I also agree that support characters add to the show and I enjoy them in their own right. Glad you liked Hunteri Heroici and the Purgatory scenes as they were some of what I liked best about the season. I, too, wasn’t a fan of “Bitten”.
While I had some issues with the season, you are right that Carver is expanding the mythology and that means a lot of potential for awesome storylines to come. I hope the writers deliver.