DC’s unlikeliest group of Super Heroes, the Doom Patrol, are ready to save the world… kind of. After suffering horrific accidents that gave them superhuman abilities, Cliff Steele aka Robotman (Brendan Fraser), Larry Trainor aka Negative Man (Matt Bomer), Rita Farr aka Elasti-Woman (April Bowlby), Jane aka Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), and Victor Stone aka Cyborg (Joivan Wade) were each left scarred, disfigured, and ostracized – until scientist Dr. Niles Caulder (Timothy Dalton) brings the outcasts together to treat and protect them. Gritty and irreverent, Doom Patrol follows this part support group, part superhero team as they take on evil, otherworldly forces determined to destroy humankind – even if it wants nothing to do with them.

For in-depth thoughts on Doom Patrol: The Complete Fourth Season, please see my colleague Andrew Fukui’s pieces on the series here, here, and here.

Video Quality

Doom Patrol: The Complete Fourth Season arrives on Blu-Ray with a sumptuous AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in its original broadcast ratio of 2.20:1. One of the aspects that impressed us most during the run of the series was the cinematic nature of the photography. This small choice just lends a bit more gravitas to the storytelling which we cannot support enough. The levels of detail in this transfer are unbelievable, as all of the nuances in the production design are on full display.

The special effects implemented are rendered without issue for a seamless viewing experience. Skin tones are natural across the entire cast throughout the season. The color palette stays slightly on the cooler side, but there are some magnificent instances of vibrant colors leaping off the screen. Black levels are deep as they give way to the perfect amount of detail in shadows. There are no egregious instances of aliasing or compression artifacts detectable in this transfer. The Blu-Ray closes out the series on a high note.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with a terrifically active DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that brings this world to life effectively. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overshadowed by the momentous score or any sound effects. Kinetic sequences are given the necessary weight in the mix with a robust showing in the low end. The environmental consideration of the track is a beast with panning techniques that are used to great effect. Ambient sounds are precisely placed in the rear channels. The music works perfectly to establish the mood for the story, and it never fails to deliver enveloping moments that suck you further into the show. This audio presentation is in top form throughout. Optional English SDH and French subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Unsung Heroes: A three-minute look at the performers who play Negative Man and Robot Man, and how they bring life to these characters through movement.

Transformation Patrol: A three-minute look at the aging process that takes place during the season and how it corresponds with emotional revelations.

Off-Off-Broadway: A four-minute featurette on the creation of the “musical fever dream” this season.

Final Thoughts

The final season of Doom Patrol finds the series paying off some dramatic story arcs that honor the characters we have fallen in love with over the past several seasons. There is never any doubt that the creative team behind this one knows exactly where they want to land the plane, and the conclusion is a rousing success that subverts conventions. There are a few stumbling blocks regarding some of the minor characters introduced this season, but most threads wrap up how they need to. This was always one of our favorite DC outings on the small screen, and with this final season, it has solidified itself as one of the best from beginning to end. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a new Blu-Ray set that offers a fantastic A/V presentation and a couple of fun special features. If you have followed the show for this long, you will be pleased to finish it off. Highly Recommended

Doom Patrol: The Complete Fourth Season is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.