Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar" demonstrates a commendable effort in delivering high-quality video presentation, albeit not in 4K UHD. Encoded on a dual-layered disc, this edition bypasses some of the encoding limitations that typically constrain similar releases, although traces of banding and pixelization can be apparent on larger displays. The animation's digital roots allow for a precise and sharp image, with excellent attention to detail and definition particularly in background elements. The aspect ratio of 2.35:1 complements the rich visual tapestry while maintaining strong shadow detail and deep blacks.

Color reproduction is a standout feature, providing vibrant contrast through a diverse palette including browns, greens, reds, and purples. Although the visual style incorporates a slightly hazy look, it's intentionally artistic rather than a flaw in presentation quality. While a full 4K HDR version would undoubtedly enhance clarity and richness further, the 1080p HD transfer still provides a fluid and satisfying viewing experience that honors its animated origins. This presentation should meet or exceed viewer expectations despite the absence of HDR enhancement.

Overall, subtle technical shortcomings are masked by the striking visual appeal and stable contrast provided by the current release. Without glaring issues, the Blu-ray effectively captures the essence of the original content. Missing the potential advantages of a larger disc or 4K offering, it nonetheless stands as a very good to excellent display, serving the material and its audience well. The exhaustive array of colors and solid handling of black levels ensure an immersive experience faithful to the series' aesthetic vision.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar" features a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track. This track, while a step up from the original series, still falls slightly short of the grandeur that the epic death metal theme might suggest. The music predominantly anchors itself within the center and left/right channels, with occasional effects extending to the rear speakers, yet lacks the full surround immersion one might anticipate. Though it doesn't completely astonish, it maintains a refined quality compared to previous releases.

Despite these limitations, the surround experience remains decent. Dialogue exchanges are crisp and intelligible, ensuring clarity across scenes, and spatial activity contributes to the overall aural landscape. However, low-frequency effects (LFE) could benefit from more depth to enhance the experience further. An object-based surround remix would undoubtedly provide a more dynamic and engaging soundtrack, potentially elevating it to match the intensity of the Metalocalypse narrative.

Overall, this DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio presentation delivers solid performance with immersive qualities during major action sequences and musical performances. The bass strikes an impressive balance during song cues, adding a grizzled rumble that resonates well, although it might not fully satisfy those seeking a more powerful audio experience. Noteworthy is the clarity of dialogue and fluidity of sound effect transitions throughout, complemented by ambient background noises that contribute subtly to scene settings. English (SDH) subtitles are provided, enhancing accessibility for all viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar" concentrate primarily on a singular featurette, "Behind the Metal Curtain." This mid-length piece offers a comprehensive overview of the series' history and thematic elements rather than focusing on the technical aspects of production. Interviews with key figures such as writer-director-composer Brendon Small, producer Laura Allen, and animation director Mike Roush provide valuable insights, although some discussions are less informative than anticipated. The featurette delivers a sense of closure fitting for a series finale, yet it leaves viewers wishing for more content, especially in the absence of creator commentary. Despite this limitation, the extra content available is well-crafted and engaging for fans of the series.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind The Metal Curtain: A candid featurette with interviews covering the story, series legacy, and themes.
• Poster: A foldable poster featuring the release's artwork.

"Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar" marks a triumphant return for the beloved animated series, nearly a decade after its abrupt cancellation. This feature-length finale successfully delivers a fitting conclusion to the saga of Dethklok, the chaotic yet endearing death metal band that once captivated Adult Swim audiences. While the plot may be a tad lightweight by conventional feature-film standards, it aptly continues from previous events, with Nathan Explosion facing an existential crisis as he ventures to create a monumental "Song of Salvation." The film's storyline mirrors elements from classic cult hits like Bill and Ted's adventures but is injected with Metalocalypse's distinct dark humor and extravagant violence.

The film's charm lies in its authentic homage to die-hard fans, replete with clever nods to past seasons and characters while cleverly avoiding the repetitive pitfalls that sometimes hindered the original show. Directors Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha, the original creators, inject new life into this world-saving narrative, originally conceived as a streaming special. Moreover, the storyline ties up loose ends, offering a level of closure that leaves little room for future extensions, making this finale a definitive farewell to the saga.

Technically speaking, "Army of the Doomstar" shines through its unchanged stellar vocal performances by core cast members like Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha and guest appearances from luminaries such as Mark Hamill and Jon Hamm. The visuals have seen an upgrade, now rendered in an epic 2.35:1 Cinemascope aspect ratio, giving it a slightly more polished finish. Warner Bros.' Blu-ray features a solid audio-visual presentation complemented by behind-the-scenes insights. Although new viewers may find themselves adrift without prior series knowledge, fans will relish this vibrant, heartfelt swan song, making it a landmark celebration of metal music and animation alike.

"Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar" serves as an epic and fitting conclusion to the beloved series created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha. As a direct-to-video finale, it underscores Warner Bros.' dedication to delivering quality content directly to audiences who have followed the franchise for nearly a decade. While the release lacks a 4K option, the Blu-ray provides compelling audiovisual specifications with its 1080p HD video clarity and DTS-HD 5.1 audio that delivers an immersive sound experience fans will appreciate. The inclusion of a single, albeit lightweight, featurette adds value and insight into the creative process.

From a technical perspective, despite its sparsity in additional features, the Blu-ray remains a commendable acquisition. The quality of both the visual rendering and sound design meets the high expectations Metalocalypse has cultivated since its inception. This release is a must-have for aficionados wanting closure to the saga, as it maintains the show's legacy with vigor and respect.

In conclusion, "Army of the Doomstar" is a triumph and a heartfelt farewell to an iconic franchise. While it might not cater to those seeking extensive extras, its impressive delivery ensures that dedicated fans will be thoroughly satisfied with this sendoff. Firmly recommended for any follower of Metalocalypse who values high-quality content and seeks a definitive conclusion to this beloved universe.