The Film
What makes a down-on-his-luck high school chemistry teacher decide to cook and sell crystal meth? Well, the money for one. But the fact that Walt White (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with cancer, barely makes ends meet, has a physically challenged son and a daughter on the way is what finally pushes him over the edge. He decides to "break bad" but as the seven episode first season suggests, this isn't an easy score. And unlike other crime family dramas, such as The Sopranos, this doesn't instantly mean a move to a mansion and all the good things. Instead this gritty and sometimes downright depressing drama could double as a scared straight story to anyone who enjoys a little speed. Of course this is what makes Breaking Bad: The Complete First Season so addictive.
The Picture
Credit part of it to the late winter to early spring color palette of Albuquerque, as well as the downdraught backdrop to Breaking Bad, but the picture is very much saturated with earth tones and mostly simple colors - there is even a party sequence where most guests are wearing shades of tan. The result is far from the most visually impressive looking TV series, but the picture is generally clear of any noticeable flaws. In fact, given the effects of crystal meth on many of the background characters, at times this one looks almost too clear. The 1.78:1 1080p presentation is however a slight improvement from when the series was broadcast on AMC -- this is as good as Bad has looked.
The Sound
This is truly a dialog heavy story, although there are some notable moments where the sound really kicks in. Walt White is a chemist with skills to rival the Unabomber, so when he does certain mixing things can get loud. The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio does a good job of creating an immersive sound track throughout, allowing viewers to hear the subtle sounds of cooking and lives being destroyed.
The Extras
While light in episode count for a first season -- there are only seven episodes in total -- the two-disc Blu-ray does fill it out with bonus material. Included are deleted scenes and screen tests, cast/creator interviews and a photo gallery, as well as a making-of featurette, plus audio commentary by the creator and cast on two episodes.
Final Thoughts
Given the subject matter, a dying man trying to get ahead by means he might have otherwise never considered, and today's economic climate, Breaking Bad: The Complete First Season offers a different kind of entertainment escapism. It isn't always a pretty place, but it looks good on Blu-ray, while the extras help you understand this very unique series that goes so far to bad that it is so very good.
Product Details
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Video | |
| Audio | |
| Movie | |
| Extras |
