Wonder Woman: Bloodlines Blu-ray Review

Warner brings Wonder Woman: Bloodlines to Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation in its original direct-to-video 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This installment of the DC Animated Universe exhibits a vivid visual experience, with character designs and dynamic compositions executed in a Japanese anime-inspired style, adding a unique flair consistent with recent productions like Batman: Hush. The Blu-ray transfer is particularly noteworthy for its deep and well-defined black levels, presenting an image clarity that ensures nothing important is obscured. Sparks and neon hues in Themyscira, alongside vibrant primary colors in costume changes, are highlighted effectively, suggesting a readiness for 4K and HDR enhancement despite the format being less accessible in the UK.

The encode performs admirably with minimal banding issues, a notable improvement over previous DCAU entries. Colors, though slightly muted, remain robust and clean, with details rendered precisely within the animated confines. Visible issues such as minor motion judder and the occasional aliasing observed in certain backgrounds are present but do not diminish the overall quality. Likewise, some background elements display subtle compression artifacts, particularly in gradients, yet these are inconspicuous and possibly mitigated through deliberate visual streamlining by the creative team. The overall transfer remains highly impressive, ensuring even users without 4K setups will appreciate the visual fidelity this Blu-ray offers.

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines' solid image detail, smooth line work, and consistent color performance reaffirm its place among DC's notable animated offerings. Any minor drawbacks are satisfactorily managed, thus providing an engaging and technically sound viewing experience on Blu-ray.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" is an exceptional feat in sound design, delivering an engaging and dynamic auditory experience. Throughout the film, dialogue remains crisp and centrally focused, ensuring clarity and precision in every spoken line. The track shines during the action sequences, offering substantial LFE that resonates with each thunderous punch and gunshot. Every battle and explosion is meticulously crafted, with panning effects and channel separation adding depth to the immersive sound field. This careful attention to the mix allows the audience to feel the weight of the invisible jet's rumble and the formidable presence of mythological antagonists like Medusa and the Minotaurs.

In addition to its robust handling of action, the audio mix of "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" effectively utilizes all three front channels to support dialogue scenes, maintaining a balance that prevents overwhelming other auditory elements. Frederik Wiedmann's thematic score underscores the narrative, accentuating both the quieter moments and climactic battles without overshadowing the dialogue. The soundtrack adeptly transitions from intense action to more reserved storytelling segments, ensuring a cohesive audio experience throughout the film.

Overall, "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" stands out as one of the best-sounding productions within the DC Animated Universe, providing a thoroughly active and enriching audio environment. Optional subtitles are available across multiple languages, including English (SDH), ensuring accessibility and convenience for all viewers. This meticulously crafted audio presentation amplifies the film's dynamic range and enhances its overall impact, making it a superior example of high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound design.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" offer a diverse array of additional content that enhances the viewing experience. Particularly noteworthy is the DC Showcase short film "Death," inspired by Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, featuring a high-quality production by Sam Liu and voice talent from Jamie Chung and Leonard Nam. Another highlight is "The Cheetah: Ferocious Archenemy," which delves into the history of Wonder Woman's fiercest opponent through engaging commentary from cast and crew. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the sneak peek at the upcoming "Superman: Red Son," providing early insights and storyboards. Additional previews of other DC animated projects and episodes from "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" round out the package, making it highly valuable for DC fans.

Extras included in this disc:

DC Showcase: Death: Animated short inspired by Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.

The Cheetah: Ferocious Archenemy: Featurette on Wonder Woman's villain.

Sneak Peek - Superman: Red Son: Preview of the upcoming DC Universe Movie.

Preview - Justice League vs. Teen Titans: Look back at the 2016 DCAU movie.

Preview - Superman/Batman: Public Enemies: Quick look at the 2009 film.

2 Episodes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Special appearances by Wonder Woman.

Trailers

"Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" marks a strong return for the Amazonian princess in the animated domain, continuing DC's acclaimed tradition. Directed by Sam Liu and Justin Copeland, this brisk 83-minute film revisits Wonder Woman’s origins with a fresh, albeit somewhat redundant, retelling. After saving Air Force captain Steven Trevor, Diana defies Themysciran commands to escort him back to the United States, establishing her double life as a superhero and protector of humanity. Throughout the journey, her arc interlaces with the complex relationship dynamics with Dr. Julia Kapatelis and her daughter Vanessa, the latter eventually transforming into the formidable Silver Swan.

While the pacing feels rushed in specific segments, sacrificing depth for brevity, "Bloodlines" manages to pack vivid character development and intense action. Excellent voice performances by Rosario Dawson (Wonder Woman) and Jeffrey Donovan (Steve Trevor) significantly elevate the film, aligning closely with their comic book counterparts. The narrative’s inclusion of a veritable roster of villains like Dr. Poison, Giganta, and Medusa enriches the plot, rendering it more comprehensive than standard hero-villain confrontations. Thematic explorations of familial estrangement and loyalty further add an emotional weight often missing in animated features.

Visually, "Bloodlines" impresses with its character designs and compositions, although the animation could occasionally appear stiff. Despite these minor drawbacks, the engaging fight choreography and commendable sound design sustain viewer interest. Overall, "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" successfully amalgamates past lore with modern storytelling into a cohesive outing that should satisfy both longtime fans and new viewers, reaffirming its place in DC's animated universe.

"Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" represents a commendable addition to the DC Animated Universe, surpassing the 2009 animated Wonder Woman movie and serving as an engaging prelude to Wonder Woman 1984. The Blu-ray release excels with its robust video and audio quality. The English DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix, coupled with a 1.78:1 AVC aspect ratio, ensures a visually and aurally immersive experience. Supporting elements such as the entertaining Sandman short film add value to the overall package. This film stars notable talents like Rosario Dawson and Michael Dorn and has been directed by Justin Copeland and Sam Liu.

On the downside, "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" sometimes feels disjointed, akin to an extended episode of the Justice League series, rather than a cohesive standalone film. Fans may find it disappointing that it disregards the continuity established in prior releases like Justice League: War. Despite these drawbacks, the movie provides ample action and drama to keep viewers engaged. As an entry in the DC Animated Universe, it wavers between mediocrity and excellence, failing to completely satisfy long-time aficionados yet remaining accessible to newcomers.

In conclusion, "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" balances out as a solid DC animated feature. While its narrative structure may not fully resonate with every fan, its high-quality audio-visual presentation and supplementary content hold considerable appeal. A superior presentation at home makes it a decent purchase for fans, though some might consider it more suitable for rental. Ultimately, it's an entertaining watch that shores up its place within the broader scope of animated superhero adventures.