Season two of Superman & Lois opens with the dust still settling in Smallville following the shocking outcome of last season’s confrontation between Morgan Edge and Superman. With Smallville on the national map for the first time in the town’s history, Lois Lane faces fresh challenges in her latest journalistic endeavors, while Jordan and Jonathan also find themselves dealing with change.
For previous thoughts on Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season, please see my Blu-Ray review here.
For in-depth thoughts on Superman & Lois: The Complete Second Season, please see my colleague Ben Belcher’s review here.
Video Quality
Superman & Lois: The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-Ray with a tremendous AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original broadcast ratio of 2.20:1. As with many newer superhero shows from The CW, this one features some sumptuous cinematography which gives the show a cinematic quality that older Arrowverse shows could not muster. In keeping with the aesthetic established with the debut season, the color palette runs on the cooler side with a focus on blues. Nevertheless, you will not miss out on some beautiful colors popping off the screen in certain environments and some costumes. This season in particular has many scenes tinted red when it comes to the bizarro universe.
Black levels do not falter as you get an excellent amount of detail in shadows. Skin tones appear quite natural across the entire cast throughout the season. The levels of detail on display is a joy to observe, as all of the subtle details in the production design are easily identifiable. The special effects employed throughout are good for network television and are perfectly rendered here. There are no egregious instances of aliasing or compression artifacts detectable in this transfer. The Blu-Ray is a real treat for those who want to watch this patiently crafted show in the best presentation possible.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with a mighty DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that opens up this world in quite a formidable manner. The pinpoint accuracy of the track never fails to impress, and the mix knows how to use panning techniques to great effect. Ambient sounds are also an important part of the rear channels. The music of the show is more dynamic than ever, especially when it starts to incorporate the unique style that is put forth in the bizarro realm. The score establishes a tone for the story, and it enhances the thematic elements quite a bit. Dialogue always comes through clearly without being overwhelmed by the score or the weighty sound effects. Action sequences and more traditional kinetic moments are given the appropriate force in the mix with a notable showing in the low end. You cannot go wrong with the audio presentation.
Special Features
- Fractured – The Heart of Bizarro: A ten-minute look at the villain and overall conflict of the season, the tenets of the character, how this storyline affects our characters, the larger themes they are touching upon and more.
- The DC Heroes – Path To Glory: A 17-minute featurette which goes beyond Superman & Lois to also discuss Batwoman, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash and more. In this piece there is a larger discussion about the notion of being a hero, how they are represented to the world and more. It is nice to get a perspective from various different shows.
Final Thoughts
Superman & Lois does not soar quite as high in its sophomore outing, but it is far from a disaster. The saving grace of this show continues to be Tyler Hoechlin as Superman. Despite being the lead, he actually seems to have less to do this season, although he gets to stretch himself a bit more in some respects. Lois is even more front and center, and we love this iteration of the character, but her family drama and the whole cult dynamic feels too repetitive even halfway through the season. The bizarro world content should have been a half season arc with something more exciting to take its place in the back half, as the show felt like it was spinning its wheels much of the time. For such a great first season, this follow-up did not seem to capitalize on the potential of the series. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray featuring a terrific A/V presentation and a fine assortment of special features. Despite a minor slump, this is still a highlight of the CW stable of shows. Recommended
Superman & Lois: 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: 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
