Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jon Bernthal, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn
Number of discs: 4
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Running Time: 578 minutes
Season Two: 4.5 out of 5 stars
EXtras: 5 out of 5 stars
Season two of “The Walking Dead” took the hit AMC original series to a whole new level. This season was a real focus on human survival and even though based around a zombie invasion it is really show survivalist story at its core. This show is easily one of the best shows on television and this release is easily a must-own Blu-ray. I am usually not a big proprietor of re-watching a television series but I can see myself easily revisiting this show very often. This season trumps every single aspect of the first season and really develops the story for each character throughout. It was even as brave to kill off three of the series main cast as well. This is easily one of my favorite Blu-ray releases this year. Hardcore fans of the show should pick-up the limited edition of this season that comes in a super cool screwdriver zombie case, not for the squeamish.
“The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season” looks and sounds absolutely amazing on Blu-ray. It comes with a perfect 1080p transfer of each episode presented in the original broadcast 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The sound on this release is really the star with its stunning Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio track. It really creates the atmosphere for the show and it’s action. The season also comes with a shit load of special features. I mean a shit load. There is commentary tracks spread across all four discs, as well as numerous deleted scenes, over 10 never-before-seen featurettes and webisodes by the great Greg Nicotero.
The audio commentaries appear on the 6 of the 12 episodes this season. The first is “What Lies Ahead” with Executive Producer Glen Mazzara, Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd, Executive Producer/Writer Robert Kirkman, and Executive Producer David Alpert. “Pretty Much Dead Already” with Executive Producer Glen Mazzara, Producer Scott M. Glimple, Director Michelle Maclaren, and Editor Julius Ramsay. “Nebraska” features Executive Producer Glen Mazzara, Co-Executive Producer Evan Riley, and Actors Scott Wilson and Steven Yeun. “Judge, Jury, Executioner” includes Executive Producer Glen Mazzara, Co-Executive Producer/Special Effects Make-Up Artist/Director Greg Nicotero, Writer Angela Kang, and Actor Laurie Holden. “Beside the Dying Fire” is one of my favorites with Executive Producer/Writer Glen Mazzara, Director Ernest Dickerson, Co-Executive Producer/Special Effects Make-Up Artist Greg Nicotero, Executive Producer/Writer Robert Kirkman, and Actor Norman Reedus. I can honestly say that all these commentary are NOT TO MISSED.
There are 11 featurette covering all aspects of the show’s season. They are all a perfect length of 3-8 minutes. The first is “All the Guts Inside” which looks into the creation of the scene where the characters are ripping into a zombie’s stomach. “Live or Let Die” features cast and crew chatting about season two and its differences between the comic book and the show. “The Meat of the Music” looks into the series’ music and the work of composer Bear McCreary. “Fire on Set” focuses on the season’s final episode. “The Ink is Alive” looks deeper into the similarities and differences between comics and series. “The Sound of the Effects” focuses on the impact of the sound effects to the series. “In the Dead Water” looks into the “well zombie” sequence. “You Could Make a Killing” focuses on Media Mikes’ buddy Greg Nicotero and his contributions to the series. “She Will Fight” focuses on Andrea’s character arc this season. “The Cast on Season 2” is a wrap-up of the season with the cast discuss the show. “Extras Wardrobe” features the work of Costume Designer Eulyn Womble.
Also includes are the six internet webisodes, which follow the initial moments following the zombie outbreak. They are available with optional audio commentary with Writer/Director Greg Nicotero. There are also about 30 minutes of deleted scenes including “What Lies Ahead;” “Save the Last One;” “Secrets;” “Pretty Much Dead Already;” “Nebraska;” “Judge, Jury, Executioner;” “Better Angels;” and “Beside the Dying Fire.” They are also available with optional audio commentary with Executive Producer Glen Mazzara. I mean can you ask for anything else? This season release has got it all. I commend Anchor Bay on not cashing in for this release and just dumping the episodes on Blu-ray. They seems to actually want to give the fans what they want and have put a lot of time and love into this Blu-ray.
