Plot: What’s it about?
Based on the DC character, Green Arrow, The Arrow premiered on the CW in the fall of 2012. I will say right off the bat that I had never seen a single episode before approaching the show in its sophomore season. That being said, I do find it mildly interesting. The show is approaching its third season soon, and seems to have a strong following. After defeating his most formidable foe to date and riding off into the sunset with longtime flame Felicity Smoak, Oliver Queen (aka The Arrow) left Star City with the hopes of beginning a new life. But will Oliver ever truly be able to leave behind his past as The Arrow, and, if so, what becomes of the team he has worked so hard to assemble? Will military vet John Diggle, Oliver’s sister Thea Queen, and lawyer-turned-vigilante Laurel Lance continue Oliver’s fight without him? And with Malcolm Merlyn having ascended to the top of the League of Assassins as the new Ra’s al Ghul, is anyone really safe?.
Superheroes on the small screen seem to be invading fairly quickly. Marvel’s Agents of Shield is already in its second season and there are a few other shows based off on superheroes on the horizon. While I do enjoy Arrow, I admit that I am not overly familiar with this particular character. I think Gotham will be something I watch before this one, but that’s simply because I am far more interested in Bruce Wayne than I am with this character. So, with that being said, your mileage may vary. I was also impressed with the acting here, pretty much across the board. There’s not really a weak link to call out. The production values also seem very good for a show of this kind.
After reading some less than stellar reviews of the first season, I can’t say I regret starting here. While I wouldn’t call myself a new convert of the show, I do get the appeal, and will probably check out a few episodes of the third season. With so many TV shows old and new starting up, you could do a lot worse than Arrow. Fans will likely pick up this set simply to revisit it, while others should definitely check it out on Netflix. As mentioned, I don’t think Arrow is the most interesting in the superhero universe, but his Small-Screen treatment does impress. For already established fans, picking up this set is a no-brainer, for all others, give it a shot. You just might have a new favorite show.
Video: How’s it look?
Don’t let the fact that this is broadcast on the CW fool you – Arrow looks every bit as good as any show on one of the “Big three” networks. The series tends to favor darker scenes and this isn’t that surprising for a hero that runs around at night. Contrast and black levels are in perfect harmony, detail is excellent and having caught a few of the episodes during their original air (in HD), I’d have to say that this Blu-ray looks superior to the OTA broadcasts. Fans rejoice as this series looks spectacular on Blu-ray.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Complimenting the video is a rather robust DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack. I think we’re past the days when a television series has to sound dated and this is certainly not the case as this mix simply resonates in some of the episodes. Vocals are strong and concise, surrounds are used often and the LFE are very active (though in some episodes more than others). Some general ambiance is always present for a very active, all around mix. Again, a fine job.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Star-Crossed Hawks – A look at Hawkman, Hawkgirl and Vandal Savage, how they were adapted to fit in the show and some history on all.
- Star-Crossed Hawks: The Hunt for Vandal Savage – The story of Vandal Savage and his subsequent appearances in shows like The Flash, Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
- Smooth Criminal: The Damien Darhk Story – A look at the character from his appearance in comics to how he’s portrayed in this show!
- Unaired Scenes – Spread across the four Blu-ray’s, these are a smattering of deleted scenes that don’t offer a whole lot to a season of a show.
- Arrow: 2015 Comic-Con Panel – Comic Con has become the place to be to promote your movie or television series (or, hell, your comic) and though this is pretty cool to have as a feature, if you’ve watched the season, then it’s a bit redundant as what they allude to has already taken place. Still, better to have than have not.
- Exciting Crossover Event with The Flash – The ever-expanding DC Universe is taking full advantage of the fact that their characters can star in each others’ shows, hence this “exciting” event!
- Gag Reel – A little too much fun on the set…
