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Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Warner Home Video Review written by and copyright: Ethan Stevenson (26th January 2012). |
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The Show
 I’m still stunned that “Supernatural” made it to a six—and even more perplexingly, a currently-airing seventh—season. By his own admission, creator Eric Kripke only planned for the fan-favorite CW series about monsters and two brothers who hunt them to run three seasons, and he never really expected it to even last that long. Yet, the show proved to be such a huge success for its writer (and perhaps more importantly, the struggling CW Network on which it aired) that “Superatural” is still going strong, almost two years after its creator walked away. But allow me backtrack to the show’s sixth season for a moment, as that is the one recently released on Blu-ray. And actually, let’s go back even further than that, to my review of season five: When he saw the numbers—in terms of fans, but mostly ratings—Kripke extended his sights on a taught five-season arc: one that would spell the end for brothers Sam and Dean Winchester (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) and likely the series itself. Of course, studios and network executives being what they are, “Supernatural” ran beyond even Kripke’s second plan. And so in the show’s sixth season the creator stepped down as showrunner—having smartly bowed out, his story executed to the fullest extent—and handed the reigns to executive producer Sera Gamble. Gamble hasn’t exactly taken the show back to its roots, but the core elements remain largely unchanged after some careful remolding added of the story-structure blueprint drawn up by Kripke. She, as did Kripke, realized that the show’s success is in the magnificent chemistry between the two fictional brothers, and the actors who fill those roles. Sam and Dean, and Padalecki and Ackles are what holds the show together, and Gamble’s done little to mess with that, even undoing some of Kripke’s nastiness from last season, bringing the damned, now soulless, Sam Winchester back from Hell. It’s a move that is handled adeptly, and one that provides the smallest arching of mythology plotting since the first half of the first season. But there’s a big change in season six that doesn’t quite go over as smoothly as I’d hoped. And its the stuff in-between the Soulless Sam arc. The writers once keenly balanced their time between mythology and monster-of-the-week episodes. But with Kripke’s five-season-long endgame finally reached and the pieces of naggling mythology largely collected, there’s really nothing but the latter in season six. I mean, sure, there are smaller arcs, tying two, three or maybe five episodes in the season together as part of a larger framework, but mostly each episode in season six is a fine example of a middling monster-of-the-week tale. Few episodes are little more than that, and while I can’t say it’s necessary a bad thing—the show is still skillfully produced, directed, written and acted, especially for a series on the lowly last-place network on broadcast television—but it kinda feels like we’ve been there, done that, old hat. Like, 100-plus episodes in, there should be more to the story. In a lot of ways—and I know my constant references to “The X-Files” (1993-2002) in these reviews have grown tiresome for both fan-bases, probably—“Supernatural’s” sixth season seems a lot like Mulder and Scully’s seventh season. Although still entertaining, there little point to a show once the big questions have been answered, and in both cases I feel like the studios insistence on keeping both series’ alive past their creator-planned expiration date has harmed it somewhat. Not detrimentally in those post-creator-planned-finale follow-ups exactly—season seven of “The X-Files”, like season six of “Supernatural” still has plenty to like about it. But it will eventually be ruined by being kept on the air, growing stale or worse, needlessly reinvented to keep it fresh (lest we forget, season eight and nine of “The X-Files” replaced half the cast with crappy characters like Daggett and Reyes). It just hasn’t been yet. And that great, because, mostly its still a likable show; one that manages to balance humor and horror better than most. For season six Gamble brings in more Winchester’s—or more accurately, the Campbell clan, the demon hunting relatives from Mary Wincher’s side of the family, with the return of Sam and Dean’s grandfather Samuel (Mitch Pileggi), and the introduction of other familial faces. There’s also a few interesting moments in the season where the writers playfully write against the formula, messing with the core brother dynamic. Last season split the brothers up, with Sam descending to Hell in his final moments. And in Sam absence, Dean has built up a family of his own now too—Lisa (Cindy Sampson) and her son Ben (Nicholas Elia), which means he has commitments and faces consequences when away out hunting. He has more to care about now than just his brother. And the soulless Sam, well, he doesn’t really care about his brother at all. Not when he returns from Hell—something that isn’t remedied until Gamble hits the reality reset button promptly at the season’s halfway point (episode 12, “Like A Virgin”). Season six is still mostly good. Highlights include Ackles directorial debut, “Weekend at Bobby’s” and several of the monster-of-the-week adventures post-Sam’s sudden but inevitable amnesia. I especially enjoyed “The French Mistake”, which is more meta than a episode of “Community” (2009-present) and would come Abed-approved. All 22 episodes of “Supernatural: The Complete Fifth Season” are included on four discs, including: - “Exile on Main St.”—A year after Sam’s decent into Hell, Dean has made a life for himself with Lisa and Ben. But when Sam mysteriously reappears, things don’t go so well, for Sam brings with him friends—family, hunters all, they didn’t know they had—and foes. - “Two and a Half Men”—Someone is killing the parents of newborns and abducting the infants (and no, it isn’t a coked-up Charlie Sheen powered by Tigerblood™). Sam seeks Dean’s help when he finds a baby whose paternity is called into question. And just like that, Sam and Dean are back together again, testing their fathering skills, but the question is for how long? - “The Third Man”—Blood. Boils. Locusts. The plagues of Egypt afflict police officers in a Pennsylvania burg. Castiel (Misha Collins) returns to clue the Winchester’s in on the cause: the Staff of Moses, stolen during the chaos of the post-apocalypse. - “Weekend at Bobby’s”—Chatting with friends, flirting with the neighbor lady and shoving a monster in the wood-chipper: in other words, a business-as-usual for Bobby (Jim Beaver). His weekend also includes tracking down Crowley (Mark Sheppard), the double-dealing demon who promised to return Bobby’s soul… and didn’t. - “Live Free or Twihard”—In a back alley brawl with a non-sparkly vampire, Dean is bitten and turned into a bloodsucker. Grandpa Samuel suggests a plan that might restore Dean, but Sam seems strangely unmoved by his brother’s plight. - “You Can’t Handle the Truth”—Emotionally devastated people send themselves on a quick trip to the hereafter when the Goddess of Truth forces their nearest and dearest to be way, way too honest. Her next victim: Dean. - “Family Matters”—Dean joins Sam and the Campbell family—Gwen (Jessica Heafey), Christian (Corin Nemec) and Mark (David Paetkau)—on a hunt for the alpha vampire and walk into a minefield of secrets, lies, torture and terror. Also, Castiel learns why Sam has been so different since his return. It turns out Hell kinda changes a man. You could say it makes him soulless. - “All Dogs Go to Heaven”—Give me an alpha, I’ve give you your soul. Crowley’s deal with the Winchester brothers leads Sam and Dean to a lovable pooch named Lucky, whose brought nothing but bad luck to a number of his, recently deceased, owners. - “Clap Your Hands If You Believe”—Dean has a lot to deal with: you know, a brother without a soul, a conscience, or much interest in Dean’s welfare. Oh, and fairies. Tiny winged creatures—one of them a pretty naked lady—who’ve been kidnapping first-born sons—like Dean. - “Caged Heat”—Meg (Nicki Aycox) wants to kill Crowley before he kills her, and she needs Sam and Dean’s help to find him. After much prodding, Samuel gives them a clue to Crowley’s whereabouts. But it turns put, breaking into a prison proves to be as hard as breaking out. - “Appointment in Samsarra”—In exchange for Sam’s soul, Dean takes Death’s place for 24-hours. The job goes well… until he has to reap a little girl. - “Live a Virgin”—Sam awakens to find himself locked in Bobby’s safe room, with a soul and no memory of the last year and a half. Dean decides not to clue him in and, their brotherly Bond renewed, hunt a new supernatural foe: a dragon who carries off virgins and gold. - “Mannequin 3: The Reckoning”—They only look human. New Jersey mannequins turn murderous, offing practical jokers that played a mean-spirited trick a year earlier. While Sam investigates, Dean responds to Ben’s plea to come home. - “The French Mistake”— Holy meta-references, Batman! To save Sam and Dean, angel Balthazar (Sebastian Roché) whisks them off to an alternate universe. There, the brothers are actors with unusual names who star in a TV show called “Supernatural”. - “…And Then There Where None”—The Mother of Ali. Eve. Big Mama. Whatever you call her, she’s here. Sam, Dean and Bobby follow a trail of murdering mothers to find her, and team up with the Campbell’s to find her and bring her down. But, one by one, it’s the hunters who drop. - “Frontierland”—Sunrise, Wyoming, 1861. A clue in Samuel Colt’s diary sends the brother back in time looking for a way to defeat the Mother of Ali. And two granite-eyed, leather-tough hombres square off for a high-noon showdown: a supernatural outlaw… and Sheriff Dean Winchester. - “Mommy Dearest”—Armed with the ashes of a phoenix, the Winchesters hunt for Eve in a town she’s populating with prototype monsters, trying to find the right amount of horror. Against Castiel’s advice, the brothers take the time to bring two small boys to safety in classic move that might cost them. - “The Man Who Would Be King”—The civil war in Heaven. Sam’s return from Hell. The search for purgatory. The partnership with Crowley. A troubled Castiel contemplates his role in the events of the past year an makes a fateful decision about the future. - “Let it Bleed”—A demonic dinner party hosted by H.P. Lovecraft in 1937 may hold the secret to entering purgatory. To stop the brothers from investigating the link Crowley kidnaps Lisa and Ben, a betrayal that pits him against co-conspirator Castiel. - “The Man Who Knew Too Much”—Remembering is Hell. For months, the wall in Sam’s head has allowed him to keep his soul without losing his mind. But now, as Castiel fight for control of Heaven, the wall crumbles. And Dean and Bobby are helpless to ease Sam’s torment.
Video
Codec changes and all, the sixth season of “Supernatural” and the 22 1.78:1 widescreen 1080p 24/fps AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfers spread across this four disc set appear almost identical to the five previous format releases of the series from WB. From the earliest season “Supernatural” has always had a look that can only be described as stylized, and that look is dutifully carried into its sixth iteration without much fuss. Almost monochromatic in its earliest years, from the digitally-shot fourth season on the visuals seem less stark, but have been equally dreary in their own terms, with a slight turn towards a sepia tint. Colors are occasionally brilliant when the creative minds behind the scenes wish them to be, with splashes of radiant reds and other bold primaries, but by-and-large, series DP Serge Ladouceur’s cinematography is often draped in dark shadows and bathed in muted tones. Atmosphere, and dark atmosphere at that, plays a huge part in making the series what it is. All things considered, Warner’s HD rendering of the six season is excellent, with strong, defined edges, brilliant facial detail and superb blacks. As usual, the Blu-ray release completely destroys the 1080i CW-HD broadcasts, offering a far more stable image than compressed television versions ever could. And, as usual—even without seeing them—I have to assume that by default the discs also make waste of their DVD counterparts, simply because that format can’t hold a candle to the series’ HD broadcast, let alone Blu-ray. Again, as I did with seasons one and five, I find only one real fault with these discs, which is why that pesky little minus in the video score is there. Warner has crammed as many as six 42-minute episodes on the four dual layered BD-50's in this set, leaving the should be spotless digital photography with faint compression artifacts, banding and issues with noise at random points throughout the season. Couldn’t they have spread the series across five discs this time? Especially because…
Audio
…It’s finally happened. After four and a half painful years, Warner has finally decided to give their TV releases lossless audio on Blu-ray. “Fringe” (2008-Present) was first, but “Supernatural” is probably best, and certainly benefits from the upgrade. The series’ English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks pack a punch, to put it simply. The show has always solidly impressive sound design, with a surprisingly heavy yet nimble use of the rear speakers and a haunting, atmospheric tone. But in lossless, the show sounds even better—–clearer, sharper, crisper, less compressed and appropriately more aggressive. Clarity and dialog reproduction is, chaotic clashes of action aside, excellent. The score—composed by Jay Gruska—is that subtle sort of thing that works in ominous tones, rather than building upon motifs, but it sounds precise. Although perhaps not as perfect as I’d originally hoped for—these tracks are still held back by the TV-budget constrains, and won’t be taking the latest big-budget blockbuster head on in any direct-comparison anytime soon—for a TV on Blu-ray set, the 22 tracks are mighty and monstrous. And even the Winchester brothers would have a hard time caging these beasts. The 4-disc set also includes Japanese Dolby Digital and Portuguese Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround dubs and optional English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Dutch and Portuguese subtitles on all 22 episodes.
Extras
The usual… and more. Two episodes feature optional audio commentary; there’s also a gag reel, featurettes, BD-LIVE access and a cumbersome Blu-ray-exclusive interactive experience, which includes more than thirty featurettes, select stills in photomontage from each episode, audio interviews and more. And to sweeten the pot, fans also get two bonus episodes from “Supernatural: The Anime Series”. Better still, everything is encoded in 1080p. My complaints—(I know, what could I possibly find wrong with this improbably impressive supplemental package, right?)—lie solely in the horrible interface of the interactive experience, which, like the similar features on the other Blu-ray releases of the series, is unnecessarily difficult to use. DISC ONE: The first disc includes a featurette with Jensen Ackles, Sera Gamble and several others called “Jensen Ackles: A Director’s Journey” (1080p, 26 minutes 46 seconds). A surprisingly in-depth supplement, this piece—approaching documentary-like proportions and stature—is thoroughly comprehensive, tracing the origins of how Ackles came to guide the season six episode “Weekend at Bobby’s” from conception to completion, and his foray into work behind the camera, instead of in front of it. DISC TWO: The first of the set’s two audio commentaries appears on “Clap Your Hands If You Believe”, with executive producers Robert Singer, Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund. The three talk about the production of this episode and share some funny anecdotes, but it’s the far weaker commentary of the two offered in season six. The one offered on “The French Mistake” is a much more interesting discussion. Also, there’s thematic overlap in topics and talk between the tracks. It would have probably been more fitting to have the actors—particularly Ackles and Padalecki—sit down for another episode. You know, for variety’s sake. DISC THREE: “The French Mistake” gets most of the focus on disc three, with an engaging audio commentary from executive producers Robert Singer, Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund dissecting the episode. It’s a fittingly fascinating track, as the episode is a wonderfully self-aware one—basically one magnificent meta-reference unto itself—actually about “Supernatural”, which gives the trio tons to talk about, from the budget woes, production cycle, and history of making the series week (and year) after week (and year), to simply noting the references packed neatly between the lines on the page and lurking in the shadows on screen. “The French Mistake” also includes an in-episode—Blu-ray exclusive—trivia track. Nothing fancy, just a standard pop-up track with random factoids and fun anecdotes, mostly pertaining to the in-jokes and references to the show and its fans. And finally, alternate takes and outtakes (1080p, 4 minutes 24 seconds) is a mish-mash of cuts—deleted scenes, alternate takes and outtakes—from “The French Mistake”. As a bonus, Warner has included two bonus episodes from “Supernatural: The Animated Series”. Both episodes are presented in 1.78:1 1080p AVC MPEG-4 encoded high definition with English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtracks. The two episodes—“All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 1” (1080p, 22 minutes 44 seconds) and “All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 2” (1080p, 22 minutes 45 seconds)—are also the only episodes of the series to feature the vocal talents of Padalecki and Ackles. There pretty good, but I prefer my Winchester adventures to be non-animated, thanks. DISC FOUR: “The Hunter’s Guide to Season Six” (1080p) is a massive interactive database of episode-specific featurettes, photos and more. Cumbersome and clunky, it’s a pain to navigate, but worth it in the end, with more than a few fascinating featurettes to be found within. Executive producer Sera Gamble explains how the guide—which includes featurettes, photos, and sound-bite interviews with the cast and crew—works in a short introduction (1080p, 1 minute 24 seconds), before handing the interactive feature over to the viewer. Broken down by episode, each page of the guide includes—at the bare minimum—a featurette and a symbol. The symbol can unlock number of things: a featurette, a photomontage, etc. Occasionally, a secret icon will also appear in the guide, further unlocking a random sound bite, short featurette or still images. The guide contains 45 extras, including: - “Exile on Main St.—Breaking the Season” (1080p, 3 minutes 20 seconds) featurette: Robert Singer and Sera Gamble discuss the end of season five and the difficult task in “topping the apocalypse” with season six. - “Exile on Main St.—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 50 seconds) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “Two and a Half Men—Production Design” (1080p, 3 minutes 34 seconds) featurette: this piece is all about production designer Jerry Wanek and his crew’s work on the series. - “Two and a Half Men—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 32 seconds) featurette: writer/supervising Adam Glass briefly talks about pitching this episode to the production team. - “The Third Man—Props” (1080p, 3 minutes 32 seconds) featurette: prop master Christopher Cooper talks about his job and showcases a few of the key props for the season. - “The Third Man— Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 1 minute) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “Weekend At Bobby’s—Creating Bobby’s World” (1080p, 2 minutes 49 seconds) featurette: Jim Beaver, Robert Singer and others talk about Jensen Ackles’ directorial debut. - “Weekend At Bobby’s—Symbol Exclusive” (audio only, 49 seconds) audio clip: Ackles talks about wanting to direct. - “Live Free or Twihard—The New Writers” (1080p, 3 minutes 41 seconds) featurette: director/executive producer Philip Sgriccia and others talk about the new writers this season and now pleased everyone was with their scripts. - “Live Free or Twihard— Symbol Exclusive” (audio only, 34 seconds) audio clip: writer Brett Matthews talks about writing the episode. - “You Can’t Handle the Truth—Casting Spells” (1080p, 3 minutes 15 seconds) featurette: Gamble talks about using spells as a storytelling tool, and the “Supernatural” rules of special magic. - “You Can’t Handle the Truth—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 41 seconds) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “Family Matters—The Campbells” (1080p, 3 minutes 21 seconds) featurette: Gamble says each season of the show is about family, so it’s fitting that the cast and crew would take some time to talk about the “new” clan (re)introduced in season six, The Campbells. - “Family Matters— Symbol Exclusive” (audio only, 34 seconds) audio clip: Mitch Pileggi talks about suggesting an alternate line. - “All Dogs Go to Heaven—Cinematography” (1080p, 3 minutes) featurette: Serge Ladouceur talks about the evolution of “Supernatural’s” visual style. - “All Dogs Go to Heaven—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 33 seconds) featurette: Jensen Ackles shares some kind words about the cinematographer, calling Serge Ladouceur his safety net during his turn as director. - “Clap Your Hands If You Believe—Visual Effects” (1080p, 3 minutes 58 seconds) featurette: executive producer Ben Edlund and others talk about visual effects supervisor Ivan Hayden and his work on the series. - “Clap Your Hands If You Believe—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 1 minute 8 seconds) featurette: prop man Cooper shows off the fairy magic book featured in this episode. - “Caged Heat—Misha Collins, Caged Heat” (1080p, 3 minute 24 seconds) featurette Gamble, Edlund and others talk about the unofficial third Winchester brother, Castiel and, the actor who portrays the character, Misha Collins. - “Caged Heat—Symbol Exclusive” (audio only, 1 minute 6 seconds) audio clip: Misha Collins talks about pranking castmates and crew. - “Appointment in Samsarra—Creating Sam Without a Soul” (1080p, 2 minutes 39 seconds) featurette: Gamble talks about the dark (darkest?) character element to Sam this season. - “Appointment in Samsarra—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 37 seconds) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “Like a Virgin—Post Production” (1080p, 3 minutes 20 seconds) featurette: supervising producer Adam Glass and others talk about the seemingly effortless, auto-pilot abilities of the post-production crew, who’ve been working on the show so long its all second nature to them. - “Like a Virgin—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 42 seconds) featurette: Glass also talks about Edlund’s pitch for the episode. - “Unforgiven—Sam and Dean’s Bond” (1080p, 2 minutes 34 seconds) featurette: Edlund, Glass and others talk about the core of the show, the brotherly bond between the Winchester boys. - “Unforgiven—Symbol Exclusive” (audio only, 36 seconds) audio clip: Jared Padalecki talks about playing a soulless Sam. - “Mannequin 3: The Reckoning—Lisa and Ben” (1080p, 2 minutes 54 seconds) featurette: Gamble, actress Cindy Sampson and others talk about Dean’s new family in season six. - “Mannequin 3: The Reckoning—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 39 seconds) featurette: story editors Nicole Snyder and Eric Charmelo talk about pitching a “murderous love doll” episode, which morphed into this episode. - “The French Mistake—Creating the Episode” (1080p, 3 minutes 55 seconds) featurette: Eric Kripke and others talk about his favorite episode of the season. He calls it the clear winner. I agree. - “The French Mistake—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 37 seconds) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “…And Then There Where None—Music” (1080p, 4 minutes 13 seconds) featurette: Sgriccia and composer Jay Gruska and others talk about the show’s soundtrack and score, touching on a few highlights from season six. - “…And Then There Where None—Symbol Exclusive” (audio only, 28 seconds) audio clip: writer Brett Matthews discusses writing the episode. - “My Heart Will Go On—Creating the Episode” (1080p, 2 minutes 25 seconds) featurette: Snyder and Charmelo and others discuss the episode, which they accurately call “Supernatural” does a “Final Destination” movie. - “My Heart Will Go On—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 49 seconds) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “Frontierland—Locations” (1080p, 3 minutes 8 seconds) featurette: location manager Russ Hamilton takes viewers on a location tour. Two locations in particular—the frontier town and Jared’s mansion—are highlighted. - “Frontierland—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 34 seconds): special effects supervisor Randy Shymkiw discusses the hanging that appears in the episode. - “Mommy Dearest—Costume Design” (1080p, 2 minutes 50 seconds) featurette: costume designer Diane Widas is the focus here, where she and the cast and crew talk about her craft. - “Mommy Dearest—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 55 seconds) featurette: writer/supervising producer Adam Glass talks about Castiel losing his powers in this episode. - “The Man Who Would Be King—Ben Edlund, Director” (1080p, 2 minutes 11 seconds) featurette: the cast and crew talk about the writer/producer talking a rare turn as director with this episode. - “The Man Who Would Be King—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 56 seconds): behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “Let it Bleed—Sera Gamble, Showrunner” (1080p, 2 minutes 20 seconds) featurette: the cast and crew talk about the “natural progression”, but initial nervousness, of Gamble’s appointment to showrunner for season six. - “Let it Bleed—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 49 seconds) stills: behind-the-scenes photomontage. - “The Man Who Knew Too Much—Wrapping Season Six” (1080p, 3 minutes 8 seconds) featurette: Kripke, Gamble and others talk about the season finale. - “The Man Who Knew Too Much—Symbol Exclusive” (1080p, 1 minute 7 seconds): behind-the-scenes photomontage. Once you watch all of the bonus material in the guide, one the last page, you’ll unlock 3 additional featurettes: - “Creating Supernatural Souls” (1080p, 2 minutes 34 seconds) featurette: Edlund talks about the rules to souls (which can pick and choose, either to accept or reject, their body) in the “Supernatural” universe. - “Finding Purgatory” (1080p, 1 minute 58 seconds) featurette: Gamble talks about the series’ unique vision—or version—of purgatory. A twist on the familiar if you will. - “Exploring Death” (1080p, 2 minutes 48 seconds) featurette: Edlund returns to talk about death, and the line that the series’ characters constantly straddle between life and… not life, but not exactly death either. Ackles talks about playing Death in one episode this season, Dean’s confrontation with the character and the concept. Outside of the “Hunter’s Guide” there’s also “Supernatural and the Quest for the Soul” (1080p, 29 minutes 21 seconds), another surprisingly articulate featurette. In this piece, which, like the featurette on disc one, totters somewhere between full-fledged documentary and absurdly thorough featurette, the cast and crew discuss season six and the over-arcing themes of the series in a detailed and thoughtful manner. And, of course, what would a “Supernatural” release be without the gag reel (1080p, 11 minutes 11 seconds). It’s as overlong as ever, filled with f-bombs, goofs and loads more montages, cataloging the slip-ups that slowed season six’s shooting schedule to a (temporary) standstill. Season six is also BD-LIVE enabled, although the series has no downloadable content of note. You do get access to the Warner BD-LIVE portal though, which has a bunch of trailers and other insignificant nonsense.
Packaging
“Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season” comes to Blu-ray in a thicker Elite style case, which houses 4 dual layer BD-50s and a booklet. This is further covered by an outer slip-box made of sturdy cardboard that slides sideways over the standard Blu-ray case. The outer box features an attractive foil effect. “Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season” is region free.
Overall
Like the seventh season of “The X-Files”, season six of “Supernatural” is an enjoyable, mostly fun time and—at least not yet—the series hasn’t overstayed its welcome. Perhaps it will—like Scully’s Mulder-less adventures in her season eight began to do, before complete careening off the path in season nine—at some point. In fact, I can guarantee it will; it’s just a matter of time before Kripke’s series gets a John Doggett (or god forbid, an Agent Reyes) of its own. But for now, the 22-episode sixth season is recommended, especially for fans. And its only better on Blu-ray, with excellent video, improved—now lossless—audio and plenty of fan-pleasing extras.
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