While the DVD transfer was indeed strong, I have no hesitation in recommending this Blu-Ray release to anyone considering an upgrade.
Moving on, the audio actually offers an upgrade over the HD DVD version of Serenity. The inclusion of the DTS-HD lossless 5.1 track is sure to please audiophiles, while providing a quite extraordinary sonic assault for those with a suitable setup. There are no problems making out individual sounds. Whether it be gunfire, the roar of an engine, or dialogue, each sound is crisp, with an excellent use of the rear speakers helping to make Serenity a top tier Blu-Ray release.
In what I hope is going to be something we see more of in the future, Universal has included a number of new special features for this Blu-Ray release not found on its DVD and HD DVD counterparts. Kicking off these new features is a visual commentary with Joss Whedon and members of the cast. This is, in reality, the same audio commentary as found on the DVD and HD DVD release, albeit now presented visually. The standalone audio only track can also be accessed from the special features menu. Also new are BD-Live enabled features, none of which had been activated at the time of writing. A Picture-in-Picture track presents a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, with everything from rehearsals to interviews, some of which is taken from the standalone features included on the disc. The "Mr. Universe Compendium" is basically a trivia track that plays throughout the movie, but with added visual aids. Of more interest is the "Digital Tour of the Serenity," which opens an additional window with information and graphics related directly to the ship.
Apart from the new features you'll find everything from the previous Collector's Edition and HD DVD releases. The best of these returning features is the "Filmmaker's Journey" featurette (which did not feature on the HD DVD released in Region A territories, but did make it on the Region B release). Allowing Joss Whedon to discuss his film and offering insights from the cast and crew, this 20-minute piece is a pleasant surprise. There's a genuine affection held for these characters by each of the actors; the chance to reprise their roles was clearly a big deal for each of them. Deleted and extended scenes, some of which were not on the HD DVD, come with optional commentary to round off an impressive set of extras.
DVD Verdict Review
