Justice Society: World War II Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Justice Society: World War II" is an overall solid offering, though it does have its limitations. The 1080p transfer delivers well-defined detail, particularly on still shots and backdrops. The animation, though acknowledged as stiff and choppy at times due to budget constraints, holds up reasonably well. The color spectrum remains muted and flat, which is in line with the World War II theme, punctuated occasionally by primary splashes such as Superman's attire or the red eyes of Atlanteans. Facial details and building renderings show improved finesse compared to previous DCAU productions. However, this disc, like many other DCAU titles, exhibits some banding issues and a bit of crush.

The art style, continuing from films like "Superman: Man of Tomorrow," is bold and eye-catching, even if the character designs come off as flat. This stylistic choice contrasts well with the painterly backgrounds provided by Warner Bros. Animation. Wide shots and close-ups are relatively featureless and simplistic, which may partly be attributed to the source material's aesthetic decisions. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray transfer maintains stability in lines and lacks significant artifacts. However, compression issues were noticeable, with artifacts on flat colors and gradients resulting in a somewhat 'chunky' appearance for what should otherwise be smooth hues. Mild banding moments are also present but aren't jarringly distracting during playback.

While a sturdy presentation for WWII-themed animation on Blu-ray, those seeking the highest quality experience might prefer the separate 4K edition, which handles these subtle issues more adeptly. For general Blu-ray viewers, expect a good mix of strengths like detailed backdrops and character delineation but be aware of occasional difficulties with color consistency and minor artifacts.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track featured on both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs of "Justice Society: World War II" delivers a robust performance without breaking new ground in audio excellence. Dialogue is predominantly front-heavy, maintaining clear and distinct delivery throughout conversations. The panning effects, especially due to Flash's speed, are effectively handled by the mains, creating a dynamic listening experience. The surround channels come alive during key battle scenes, notably Aquaman's forces, heightening the rear channel activity significantly. Although the subwoofer frequencies provide good depth, they do not extend too aggressively, yielding a satisfyingly solid yet non-exceptional mix. This audio track aligns well with most DCAU film standards.

Justice Society's DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix merges front-heavy dialogue with supportive music cues and robust fight sequences. These sequences showcase crisp punches and kicks, diverging from the typical WWII audio profile and often utilizing Flash's super-speed to enrich the rear channels. Firearm discharges and explosions deliver a respectable punch, with outdoor environments revealing adequate depth despite the less crowded soundscapes, likely influenced by budget constraints. While the mix travels pleasantly through various sonic environments, it falls short of the immersive depth found in more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos. Both English (SDH) and Spanish subtitles are available for the main feature and extras, enhancing accessibility.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Justice Society: World War II" offer a comprehensive, engaging, and technically proficient suite of content that complements the main feature robustly. "DC Showcase – Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth!" stands out with its nostalgic animation style and multifaceted characters, bringing Jack Kirby's vision to life in a post-apocalyptic narrative. The "Adventures in Storytelling" featurette provides invaluable insights from the film’s creative team, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs in the storytelling process. A sneak peek into "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One" promises viewers a taste of what’s next in the DC Universe with behind-the-scenes moments and storyboard comparisons. The retrospectives on "Justice League vs. Teen Titans" and "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" are informative, despite being repurposed from previous releases. Additionally, episodes from "Justice League: Legends" round out this rich package but suffer from limited audio quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• DC Showcase – Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth!: Adventure in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic Earth.
• Adventures in Storytelling: Justice Society: World War II: Roundtable discussion with the film's creative team.
• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie: Preview of "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One."
• Look Back – Justice League vs. Teen Titans: Behind-the-scenes of the 2016 film.
• Look Back – Wonder Woman: Bloodlines: Insights into the 2019 production.
• From the DC Vault: Justice League: Legends, Part One
• From the DC Vault: Justice League: Legends, Part Two

"Justice Society: World War II" ventures into an engaging and dynamic storyline within DC’s animated universe, blending time travel with a multiverse twist. Set initially in Earth-2 during World War II, President Roosevelt enlists superhumans—Wonder Woman, Hawkman, Black Canary, Hourman, and Flash (Jay Garrick)—to counter the Nazi threat. Concurrently, Earth-1’s modern-day Flash (Barry Allen) inadvertently initiates a speed-induced cross-dimensional travel to Earth-2 during a battle against Brainiac, leading to an unexpected alliance with Jay Garrick's Justice Society of America (JSA).

Barry Allen's inadvertent leap through time introduces refreshing complexities to the plot. The narrative sees Barry team up with the JSA to thwart Hitler’s aspirations of utilizing Atlantean forces against the Allied powers while seeking a way back to his timeline. Despite intriguing setups, the film occasionally feels disjointed due to multiple subplots and character arcs. Characters like Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor shine, whereas others such as Hourman and Black Canary remain underdeveloped, serving more as background elements than pivotal players.

The action sequences stand out for their intensity and captivating choreography, with hand-to-hand combat featuring prominently. Earth-2's loss-tolerant scenario allows for some emotionally resonant moments, although the lack of a compelling primary villain diminishes overall impact. Supporting characters often lack depth, compounded by lackluster performances from second-string heroes and villains. Ultimately, while "Justice Society: World War II" offers numerous entertaining moments—particularly in its action-packed opening and climactic sequences—it remains a mid-tier entry in the DCAU collection. Enthusiasts might appreciate its fleeting brilliance, but casual viewers may find it an uneven experience.

"Justice Society: World War II," directed by Jeff Wamester, is a compelling addition to the DC Animated Universe, albeit with notable flaws. As revealed by its creators, the film was pieced together from various source elements, including a shelved WWII Wonder Woman series. This patchwork origin is evident in the final product, resulting in an episodic structure that occasionally feels uneven. Though the supporting characters don't always shine, the movie does deliver memorable moments of excitement, particularly during its action-packed climax. The storyline, though somewhat sporadic, manages to tap into nostalgic elements that may resonate well with long-time DCAU fans.

The Blu-ray release offers solid technical specifications: a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track, along with multiple language options and subtitles. The video quality holds up decently, though the 4K version is recommended for those seeking crisper visuals devoid of compression issues. With a respectable runtime of 85 minutes, the movie includes engaging bonus features that provide further insight and entertainment value. These extras significantly enhance the overall experience, making the Blu-ray a worthwhile investment for collectors and enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Justice Society: World War II" is an enjoyable watch that stands out for its nostalgic appeal and energetic finale despite its structural inconsistencies. The Blu-ray edition is a robust package featuring solid A/V quality and a rich array of special features. If you’re invested in the DCAU film set, this release is certainly worth adding to your collection, although the 4K version may offer you a slightly superior viewing experience. Worth a watch if you’re looking for fun and engaging superhero action.