Blu-ray Review: Remarkably Clever ‘Adventure Time’ Makes HD Debut

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CHICAGO – As a parent, I can tell you that a lot of what connects with young viewers and becomes a smash hit is pretty creatively stale. Which is why it’s so awesome to see a show as smart, inventive, and downright hilarious as Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time” build one of the largest followings in television animation. The adventures of Finn & Jake, “two of the coolest heroes to hero-ize,” are that increasingly rare thing in children’s animation — totally original.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Well, one could argue that “Adventure Time” isn’t exactly “children’s animation.” It’s one of those programs in which the littlest members of your brood won’t get half the jokes. But that’s what makes the show so beloved — it plays differently to different demos. Your kid will love the adventure, you’ll get more of the dialogue. It’s not a Saturday morning cartoon show or something you’ll see on Nick Jr. It’s just before primetime. And it’s HUGE. Toys, Mondo posters, video games — the cult of “Adventure Time” grows every day. And unlike a lot of programs that become inexplicably popular in the world of children’s animation, this one deserves every bit of its fame.

The Blu-ray releases of the first two seasons (giving you about ten hours of HD Finn & Jake glory) look stellar, reminding one how often this show is as visually confident as it is smart. The releases are packed with the kind of special features that fans will adore, including dozens of audio commentaries, animatics, featurettes, a music video, and much more. You won’t find a better animated TV release this season. You probably won’t find one this entire year.

Adventure Time was released on Blu-ray on June 4, 2013
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“Adventure Time: The Complete First Season”

Synopsis:
Want to know what time it is? It’s Blu-ray watching time with Finn and Jake - two of the coolest heroes to ever hero-ize! They’re traveling across the land of 000 searching for adventure but adventure isn’t always easy sometimes you’ve got to battle mean little fire gnomes, battle frozen businessmen zombies. And of course battle the very, very, very evil ice king. What the cabbage?! It sure is a lot of battling for just the first season.

Special Features:
o Commentaries
o Animatics
o Featurettes
o Music Video
o Finndemonium
o The Wand

“Adventure Time: The Complete Second Season”

Synopsis:
That Ice King sure is cold, but as cold as Marceline’s fries? He’s pretty evil too, but as evil as the Lich? And Ice King does have powers, but as powerful as Susan Strong?!? Season Two in 000 introduces a world of new characters and adventure. Some chillier than Ice King, others as warm and fuzzy as Finn & Jake, but no one as handsome as Ice King without his beard! Ooh-la-la!!

Special Features:
o 26 Righteous Episodes
o 26 Commentaries
o The Crew Of Adventure Time, Interviewed By Pendleton Ward

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com