The Film
Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) is back! Well, he's not back in the sense that he wants to be. Instead, he's back for Eastbound & Down: The Complete Second Season.
When we last left our anti-hero at the end of season one, he had ditched his beloved April (Katy Mixon) at the gas station and high-tailed it out of Shelby, North Carolina. Now he's in Mexico for a new set of major league misadventures, which includes cockfighting, finding a new love (Ana de la Reguera), and bonding with his estranged father (Don Johnson!). He does manage to squeeze in some baseball, playing for a Mexican team under the moniker La Flama Blanca (The White Flame).
While that Kenny Powers tongue remains, the series is not exactly the same. Season two offers up a few more serious tones. Apparently, Kenny Powers has feelings, dreams and needs. Don't worry though; he's still pretty darn funny and manages to go out on a high note. If you enjoyed the first season, this one is a no-brainer.
The Picture
Eastbound & Down: The Complete Second Season offers a better image than the first season. It's also a decent jump from what we've seen on HBO HD (although, we're used to the 1080i broadcast through our DISH Network 722k DVR). Right from the season's opening cockfight, it appears that this season has higher production values. Occasionally, the skies are a little noisy. However, this 1.78:1 transfer is better, clearer, and offers up more detail than we've seen in the past. Also, the colors are better than ever. Check out the episode with special guest star Don Johnson, which offers some of the season's best imagery.
The Sound
Like the image, this DTS-HD Master Audio track on season two is a nice step up over season one. Once again, that opening cockfight delivers, showing viewers that this season does focus a little more on immersive ambient sounds: it's not a huge change from season one, but it is noticeable. The cockfights, crowds, and a few other background noises creep through the surrounds. But these ambient sounds never distract us from the main focus: the dialogue -- and of course, the music.
The Extras
Those who have season one won't be surprised or saddened by the collection of special features included with Eastbound & Down: The Complete Second Season. There are two HBO promos, deleted scenes and outtakes. The real gem of the set is the audio commentary. This time, it's featured on five different episodes. It's funny that Danny McBride is missing on two of those, but it's nice to see one of the actors (a very funny Steve Little) participate for a change.
Final Thoughts
Eastbound & Down: The Complete Second Season is certainly not the highlight of Kenny Powers' career. Still, anyone who's been following the show won't want to miss this season. We understand that no one wants to see a serious Kenny, but as he says in Chapter 7, "Sometimes you gotta wash away the paint, and reveal to the world the jackass that is hiding beneath." That said, there are still plenty of laughs inside these seven episodes, and the A/V presentation shows a lot of improvement.
Product Details
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