Created by: Eric Kripke
Executive Producers: Eric Kripke, Robert Singer, Phil Sgriccia, Ben Edlund, Sera Gamble
Cast: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Mischa Collins
The latest installment of the Emmy winning series Supernatural, puts brothers Dean and Sam against what else - the Apocalypse. As the Apocalypse grows closer, threatening to turn Earth into a battlefield soaked with human blood, Sam, Dean and Castiel struggle against daunting odds. New foes arise, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as old friends depart, consumed by the fearsome wrath of Hell. Through it all, the Winchesters are targeted by demons and angels alike, who warn that each brother has a special and terrible role to play in the coming devastation. Season five follows Sam and Dean on their most terrifying journey yet, one that may lead them to the only ally strong enough to defeat the Devil: God.
The complete fifth season of Supernatural hit stores on September 7th and delivers nearly three hours of special features in addition to the 22 episodes. Part of the special features are the usual suspects in the form of commentary, gag reels and bonus unaired scenes. The commentary, which is only for one episode ("The End") is a highly insightful and interesting commentary that puts you in the mind of the producers and writers. While most commentaries can fall under the bad luck of being one gigantic inside joke or laugh track, this commentary actually makes it worth your listen. We are given insight into how the episode developed, as well as bits and pieces of interesting trivia and facts that enhance the episode. Gag reels, unaired scenes and the Ghostfacers Web Series are all pretty standard, but of course the highlight of the gag reel, is the consistency regarding blow job jokes as acted out by Jensen Ackles.
Most enticing however, are the Apocalypse Survival Guides from Bobby's exclusive video collection. This section of the DVD brings you to an almost graphic adventure video game, not too far from the likes of Myst, which has you pointing your mouse at various components in a house. You can travel from the living room to the library, to the secret Apocalypse fall out shelter in the back room. Along the way you click on videos, and books which turn into additional video segments and interviews. These segments prove to be especially interesting as they seem like something straight of the History channel, or an episode of a Syfy program. Discussed are all the important thematic elements of season five, mainly dealing with the Apocalypse. Video footage feels real, and interviews and insights are appreciated and well presented. Information about the Four Horseman for instance and the existence of actual Satanic cults prove to be extremely enlightening. This portion of the special features is well worth the money if you think of yourself as an avid fan of the series and even just Supernatural elements in general.
While I think the Apocalypse Survival Guides are fantastic, I do find the DVD is a bit lack luster in the rest of its special features. My one complaint is that it took me at least 10 minutes to navigate out of the Apocalypse Survival Guides and back to the main menu. Whether this is due to poor design or my own feeble abilities in the technological aspects of life remains to be seen. As a tip, try clicking on an actual segment in the library and then hit menu. I also wish all the special features were on one disc, as I found myself inserting disc after disc to find the damn Ghostfacer Web Series segment.
Overall, season five is one gigantic plate of action and disaster. The Apocalypse and all the new characters introduced are some of the most interesting in the series to date. Do not miss out on catching up with season five before the much anticipated season six is scheduled to debut on September 24th.
Rating: (4 out of 5):
