Blu-ray Review: Fourth Season of ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Marks Creative Return

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

CHICAGO – The third season of “Sons of Anarchy” was an absolute mess, the kind of misguided, repetitive disaster that can sometimes kill a great show. And yet the creators and team behind this hit FX series completely bounced back in season four, recently released on Blu-ray and DVD. With more emphasis on the dark family secrets of Clay (Ron Perlman), Gemma (Katey Sagal), and Jax (Charlie Hunnam), “Sons of Anarchy” arguably reached its peak this season and I expect the upcoming fifth season (come back Tuesday for a review) to top even this one. Catch up before getting back on your ride.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Why is season four so strong? It focuses on what works best about this show — character. When the plotting got overly complicated in season three to the point that most of the crew was divided between Belfast and the U.S., the show lost its way. And while there was a lot of action in season four, it is the return to the Shakespearian drama of a son potentially discovering that his mother had something to do with his father’s death that makes for a strong dramatic foundation. Sagal should have been Emmy-nominated every year so it’s hard to say this was her best but I think it was for Perlman and the very-underrated Hunnam.

As for the Blu-ray, it’s typically Fox-strong with some very good HD transfers, extended episodes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and commentaries on four episodes — 4.1 (“Out”), 4.10 (“Hands”) and the two-part 4.13-14 (“To Be”). It’s a great set for a show that has become great again.

Sons of Anarchy: Season Four was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 28, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
Ride full-throttle with the Sons of Anarchy into the most intense, adrenaline-charged season ever! Out of prison and back in business, Samcro faces a powerful new nemesis as they forge an unlikely alliance and head in a dangerous new direction. As a deadly internal power struggle rocks the club to its very core, Jax struggles with the legacy of his father and makes plans for the future of his family amid chaos, corruption, betrayal, and murder. Action-packed with electrifying extended episodes, Sons of Anarchy: Season Four will take you for the ride of your life!

Click here to buy “Sons of Anarchy: Season Four”

Special Features:
o Creator’s Cut Extended Episodes: Farewell Piney, Fans Of Anarchy, Anarchy At House Of Blues
o Commentary On Selected Episodes By Cast And Crew

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]