Heroes: Season 2 [Blu-ray] DVD Review

With the outbreak of superhero and comic-book movies being made recently, as well as the increase in production value and scope of television shows, it comes as no surprise that a series was created with these themes. With the extra time that a television series allows, Heroes takes a thoughtful approach to the consequences and possible explanations for human mutations. The abilities that make each of the characters special, whether tissue regeneration, telekinesis, or the ability to fly, are seen by some as a natural course that evolution has taken to protect the human species from global warming and other changes. Others see the abilities as a gift from God, but regardless of where the abilities come from, each person must decide what to do with their newfound abilities.

Season two is half as long as season one, probably mostly due to the fact that much less time is able to be spent introducing abilities. There are a few new heroes and villains, including Kristen Bell who joins the cast as an electrically charged teenager, but most of the focus of this brief second season remains focused on the characters returning from season one. It seems that few of these super-humans actually die, or if they do die a solution always seems readily available. Season one’s major issue was the destructive force of Sylar (Zachary Quinto), a man with the ability to absorb other super-human abilities once killing the person with the gift. He was a serial killer for mutants, but season two is more like Alias for mutants. While Sylar is unable to continue, he still is able to manipulate. Everyone in this season seems to be double-crossing someone else, pretending to be good when they are bad, or the other way around. By the end of the season it becomes difficult to tell who is right and who is wrong, although villains are solidified and heroes separated.

Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) spends a great deal of the season trying to fix the past in ancient Japan, but he ends up discovering a deeper history for the powers he possesses. Peter, despite major problems at the end of season one, is still alive but without much memory. Many others have simply gone into hiding, but a great deal of those seen as villains in season one have begun to show a softer side in this season, showing that they aren’t in the same ballpark as Sylar, who is in the process of attempting to find a cure for a virus implanted in him. Much of season two is concerned with a virus that is supposed to have devastating effects on the future, all tested as a way to stop the super-humans who use their power for evil. The line between right and wrong becomes blurred, especially with the persistence of Sylar and the outcome that such a virus will cause. Although heroes fight on each side, uncertain whether the virus is a good thing or a bad thing, it all leads to what can only be resolved in season three.

There are many advantages to having a television series like this on high-definition discs, but there still seem to be issues which could also be considered disadvantages until Blu-ray discs are perfected. For instance, throwing a DVD into the player and playing all episodes is simple, because even if the player is turned off, most will resume from the same spot when turned back on. Without this recall function, many Blu-ray discs have begun include a bookmark feature. While this holds the benefits of remaining in place even if the disc is removed from the player, getting to the bookmark is often as much work as finding a chapter. There are several menus to go through and not nearly as convenient as a DVD would be. In an attempt to increase the advantages of Blu-ray, Universal releases come equipped with the ability to capture entire scenes as well, which is actually slightly more convenient than the bookmark function. There is also the fact that despite increased disc space, the same amount of discs are used for the Blu-ray release as the DVD release, no doubt only using the extra space for the fancy special feature capabilities.

Another feature Universal has made common-place is their U-Control function. Similar to some basic features included on DVD, when U-Control is activated it displays any available special features corresponding with each specific scene, controlled by icons that appear in the corner of the screen which can be chosen from. These features can also be accessed through the menus after viewing the episode. Season two of Heroes has two U-Control features, including Hero Connections, and Picture in Picture. Hero Connections is an interactive guide that connects all of the heroes to each other, since many are related in some way. Picture in Picture brings up interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, but this feature is only distracting if you haven’t already watched the episode, more in place for the hard-core fans. There are picture-in-picture commentaries with the cast and crew on eleven of the episodes. Unlike some Blu-ray discs which are simply releasing the same bonus content with slight perks, the entire format seems different on the Universal disc. There are all sorts of high definition bonuses, basically outweighing the disadvantages of the new medium.

Standard bonus features in this four-disc-set include an alternate ending to the season, and a featurette about the alternate ending in discussion with the one used. There are also a few untold stories and deleted scenes from this season as well as a preview of the new season. Featurettes include special high-definition documentaries and simple features designed for NBC.com. There are also featurettes examining specific scenes from the season with interviews by the show’s producers.