Blu Review: Star Wars: The Clone Wars - the Complete Season Four

The faction I belong to will devour anything Lucas and company delivers in regards to a "Galaxy Far, Far Away." We're happy to get anything that expands the universe we love so much. Individuals who fall into this category but don't have the luxury of cable, satellite television, or high speed internet connections can now celebrate in the news that Lucasfilm and Warner Bros. released Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Complete Season Four on Bu-ray and DVD.

Season Four of the show features the Jedi and Clone troopers continuing their tireless campaign to help different alien species fight for freedom against Battle Droids, Sith lords, and other deadly forces on strange worlds. Things get more complicated when a sinister enemy from the past returns to seek vengeance against Obi-Wan Kenobi. Darth Maul recruits the brutal Savage Opress in a scheme to kill the Jedi Knight for the wounds he inflicted on the Sith apprentice.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars was meant to be seen in high-definition and this delivers just that. Every vibrant color scheme on every exotic planet the Jedi and Clone troopers journey to in their battle with the evil Empire are amplified. The picture is clean and provides a flawless viewing experience without distractions. It's the perfect way for the vast CGI world of The Clone Wars to be taken in. It's amazing how beautifully textured the landscapes and exteriors and interiors of the spaceships look. The animators and creative team really have moved forward light years since the beginning of the series in 2008.

A 5.1 surround sound mix ensures that no home theater audiences will miss a single buzzing lightsaber, blasting laser rifle, or speeding starship that crosses the television screen. Kevin Kiner's musical score adds an emotional depth to each episode. It takes the familiar pieces of John Williams' original compositions and expands on them to give the series its own unique atmosphere. The dialogue blends well within the framework of the sound effects and soundtrack as well.

Bonus material for the set includes five video commentaries with the director, cast, and crew of the show. An all-encompassing database of early test animation, concept art, and 3D turnarounds are featured. There's also a collectible "Wanted" poster with Cad Bane and other bounty hunters.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Complete Season Four is all the proof you need that this excellent show deserves your attention and respect. It's improved both visually and in story quality over the past few years. Long-time enthusiasts will be happy to know many beloved characters new and old show up including Count Dooku, General Grievous, Jar Jar Binks, Boba Fett, and many more. It's a complex science fiction thrill ride that will keep you glued to your TV screen for hours.