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For in-depth thoughts on For All Mankind: The Complete Second Season, please see my colleague Tia Fabi’s review from its original television debut below:
- Episode One
- Episode Two
- Episode Three
- Episode Four
- Episode Five
- Episode Six
- Episode Seven
- Episode Eight
Video Quality
For All Mankind: The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-Ray courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with a glorious AVC-encoded 1080p transfer. While we wouldn’t pass up a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release in the future, we are still happy to have this one with a great alternative to streaming. The release provides 10 episodes spread across four discs. The cinematography is one of the areas where this series thrives, which is a testament to the care put forth in Apple TV originals. With the stability of physical media, things look pretty consistently incredible.
Skin tones appear natural throughout the presentation, and compression artifacts and noise are virtually nonexistent. When compared to the streaming version of the series, this physical presentation matches or more often exceeds the level of quality. The series is nearly flawless with a lovely, bold color palette revealing deep colors within the various settings. The highlights of the show are striking and avoid any blooming in this presentation. Black levels are deep and provide a notable amount of detail in darker scenes. This transfer reveals complexities within the costumes and intricate, period-specific production design. The Blu-Ray presentation delivers on all fronts for fans.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with a multifaceted DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that spotlights the soundscape of this world effortlessly. This is not a traditional action show, but the environmental sounds heighten thrilling moments by strategically engaging the surround speakers. Whether the din of the bustling interiors or the dynamic open-air scenes, this track captures the complexity of the world. Ambient sounds are carefully placed in the rear channels. The score is of paramount importance when it comes to establishing the tone of this series, and it soars with its deft handling of both the more intensive moments as well as the subtle touches. The music on the show is often sweeping and enveloping in the best way. Dialogue always comes through clearly without being covered up by any competing sounds. The audio track serves as a noble presentation for the fans of the series. Optional English, English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Creators Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert provide a commentary track for Episode 10, which gives invaluable insights into the creative process, including the challenge of wrapping up the various storylines set in motion, the special effects work, important character moments, and more.
Final Thoughts
For All Mankind continues to be one of the most quietly rewarding shows on Apple TV. The series takes the groundwork from the debut season and builds upon it with some really deep, complex character arcs that do not indulge in unbelievable, manufactured drama. The season has moments that require a little bit of extra patience, but this is the type of show that finds you reexamining moments to see how things were set up perfectly to coalesce in the finale. This is the perfect series for someone who likes deep sci-fi storytelling. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray featuring an excellent A/V presentation and an informative commentary track. If you haven’t started this journey yet, it is time to take the plunge. Recommended
For All Mankind: The Complete Second 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: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
