Gotham: The Complete Series Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Gotham: The Complete Series" on Blu-ray exhibits impressive quality throughout its five seasons, encoded in 1080p/AVC. While the encoding is principally proficient, minor imperfections are noted, such as instances of macroblocking and banding, particularly during the series' notably dark scenes. These artefacts, although infrequent, are more indicative of compression limitations rather than a regression to HD broadcast standards. Further observed is the occasional appearance of crush that might be due to intense contrast levels inherent to the series’ aesthetic choices.

Notwithstanding these trivial issues, "Gotham" thrives in its vivid presentation, with colors that are striking and evocatively villainous. The palette incorporates bold greens and purples that enhance the storytelling of Gotham's nefarious underworld. Black levels are rendered deeply with a consistency akin to comic book ink, maintaining distinction in dark scenes. The series also benefits from sharp and precise edges, akin to Zsasz's knives, which contribute to the overall crispness. The clarity in fine textures is commendable, offering exacting detail free from unwanted noise or softness, ensuring detailed shadows and outlines.

Overall, while "Gotham: The Complete Series" may not achieve absolute high-definition perfection, it admirably approaches it. With 18 discs dedicated to the atmospheric streets of Gotham City, this Blu-ray collection merits its value, presenting fans with a visually engaging experience that is mostly unblemished by typical format constraints. The thoughtfully rendered visuals not only support but elevate the darkly themed narrative of this intriguing series.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Gotham: The Complete Series" is a standout feature that excels with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Across all five seasons, the sound design has been meticulously crafted, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and prioritized amidst dynamic and immersive soundscapes. The series achieves a level of sonic engagement that surpasses its narrative depth, facilitated by robust LFE output, especially noticeable during action sequences and gunfire in later seasons. The audio environment is consistently engaging, with assertive rear speaker activity that transforms otherwise mundane settings into thrilling aural experiences.

The directional audio elements are particularly noteworthy, providing fluid pans and rich directional cues that vividly recreate Gotham's urban landscape. From the bustling city life to the menacing alleys and desolate warehouses, the sound design vividly transports the listener into the heart of Gotham. This immersive quality is maintained consistently throughout, offering an enveloping auditory experience from the series' beginning to its climactic finish. The evocative sound effects, coupled with the seamless integration of diverse sonic elements, contribute significantly to the series’ overall excitement and intensity, ensuring that the audio component stands as one of its most compelling aspects.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Gotham: The Complete Series" deliver a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the show's creation and evolution across its five seasons. While notable for the absence of commentaries or in-depth documentaries, the extras include a rich array of deleted scenes, production featurettes, gag reels, and insightful panels. Noteworthy highlights such as "Gotham Invented" provide a thorough look into the show's character and narrative development, while others like "Gotham by Noir Light" delve into specific aesthetic inspirations. Fans will appreciate behind-the-scenes glimpses into Gotham’s universe, character arcs, and notable events from its five seasons. This collection will undoubtedly enrich the viewing experience for aficionados seeking an in-depth understanding of the Gotham series' artistic and thematic depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Across all seasons.
• Gotham Invented: Featurette exploring various facets of Season One.
• Designing the Fiction: Production design insights for Season One.
• The Legend Reborn: Pilot episode deconstruction.
• DC Comics Night at Comic-Con: 2014 panel discussion.
• Gag Reel: Humorous outtakes.
• Aftermath: Cast interviews post-Season Two.
• Gotham by Noir Light: Connection to noir filmmaking.
• The Tale of Victor Fries: Focusing on Mr. Freeze in Season Two.
• The Court of Owls: Examination of the secret society in Season Three.
• The Sirens Take Gotham: Focus on prominent female characters in Season Four.
• Modes of Persuasion: Analysis on Gotham's villain dynamics.

"Gotham: The Complete Series" on Blu-ray offers a visually engaging and technically sound experience that serves as a bold reimagining of Batman's lore. The series ambitiously attempts to navigate between grimly atmospheric storytelling and vibrant, high-stakes drama, captured with a modest budget polished with creative visual flair. The cinematography adeptly mirrors Gotham City's notorious moodiness, although the tonal shifts often waver unpredictably from dark camp to broad caricature. This inconsistency, while novel in its exploratory boundlessness, can deter viewers seeking coherence and depth. However, certain plot twists and character arcs manage to enchant, folding layers of intrigue into the Gotham mythos.

The ensemble cast brings an invigorating energy to their roles. Ben McKenzie stands out as James Gordon, who transitions from a rookie detective into an invaluable linchpin amidst increasing chaos. David Mazouz portrays a young Bruce Wayne with a fervor that foreshadows his destined metamorphosis into the Dark Knight. Yet, it's Robin Lord Taylor’s nuanced performance as Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, that truly captivates, evolving from a cunning underling into a formidable crime lord. The show’s character dynamics are richly interwoven, providing both grounding human connections and the basis for Gotham City’s iconic supervillain tapestry. However, the series suffers from an overabundance of storylines, with certain characters ebbing into inconsequence or getting lost within the expansive narrative weave.

While "Gotham" struggles with its identity—caught between redefined mythological beats and lively spectacle—it remains an engaging ride through a uniquely twisted vision of pre-Batman history. The series persists in pushing its creative bounds, even if at times it sacrifices substance for style. Fans eager for an unconventional exploration of Gotham might find its reckless pacing and wild oscillations both perplexing and alluring. For its variety and ambition alone, "Gotham" captivates those willing to embrace its chaotic ensemble of stories.

The Blu-ray box set of "Gotham: The Complete Series" offers a comprehensive collection that encapsulates the grim, enigmatic aura of the iconic city. Spread across 18 discs, the series makes an ambitious attempt to blend multiple tones, ranging from crime drama to gothic thriller. Technically, the visual and audio fidelity is exceptional, delivering a crisp 1080p resolution that truly brings Gotham's dark atmosphere to life. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track further elevates the viewing experience, immersing audiences into the heart of the city's chaos with every punch and plot twist.

The release, however, is not without its shortcomings. Special features are disappointingly sparse, offering only fleeting glimpses into the making of this intricate world. While the extras available are sufficient to entertain die-hard fans, they lack the depth expected for a series of this caliber and scope. Character development across the five seasons is a mixed bag, with some arcs shining brightly while others falter or meander without purpose. The series struggles to maintain consistent narrative momentum, often sidetracking with subplots that detract from its central aim.

In conclusion, "Gotham: The Complete Series" on Blu-ray is a commendable collection for fans of the series, encapsulating its many highs and lows across the seasons. Despite its inconsistent storytelling and underwhelming special features, the release stands strong courtesy of its stellar video and audio quality. It presents a rich tapestry for those who revel in Gotham’s layered narratives and can forgive its narrative missteps. Whether its darkness draws you in or repels you, Gotham remains a bold and unique entry into the Batman lore deserving of exploration.