This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.
For in-depth thoughts on The Last Of Us: The Complete First Season, please see my colleague Lais R’s season overview review.
Video Quality
The Last of Us debuts on 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a jaw-dropping presentation, but the lack of any accompanying Blu-Ray discs makes it difficult to judge the size of the upgrade. We get to see numerous different environments throughout the season, and each space feels ripe for exploration. The clarity and detail present in all circumstances is a wonder, exposing gentle nuances otherwise overlooked due to the limitations of the format. Subtle details in the carefully crafted production design are incredibly clear and well defined with so many corners to explore. Many elements have a greater sense of texture in this format. Compared to the streaming version of the series, there is no question the physical 4K UHD disc is a marvelous improvement
The Dolby Vision is a gift to the series with its nuanced colors and firm handling of contrast. There are so many scenes in darkness or unrelenting shadow, and the series still delivers so much depth to the frame absent of any crush. Highlights are likewise formidable with no instances of blooming or banding. Everything appears distinctly natural from the skin tones to the colors of the outfits and the landscapes. There are hues on display that appear more deep and accurate than any other presentation could handle. A sumptuous amount of depth is gained with this transfer, both in close-up and long shots. This 4K UHD transfer is the ideal manner in which to view this series.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray set offers a fully immersive Dolby Atmos presentation that brings this world to life tremendously. The Atmos presentation feels tailor-made for this series as it takes exceptional advantage of the expanded channel allotment. This track is not a standout because it is loud or busy, rather it truly impresses with the nuance and care that is employed in the sound design. Directionality of sound is pinpoint accurate, and dialogue is reproduced with amazing clarity. The track handles the immersion into this world with precision so that even the most subtle elements are represented. No sound is lost in the sonic swirl of the more kinetic sequences.
This audio experience allows for some momentous moments of height immersion from overhead channels. The channels are engaged during expected moments of overhead activity, but it also complements other surprising instances that flesh out the dimension of the soundscape. The environmental effects create a dynamic sonic experience whether things are more calm or out of control. This show knows when to dig deep in the low end for a room-shaking good time. Speakers remain thoroughly engaged throughout the season no matter the journey. The audio presentation is pure bliss for audiences.
Special Features
- Inside The Episode: Behind-the-scenes explorations are provided for every episode that provide a compelling breakdown of the events in the episode and how it fits into the larger narrative at play. Additional insights are always welcome on a show such as this one.
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- Inside The Episode #1 (5:14)
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- Inside The Episode #2 (4:17)
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- Inside The Episode #3 (3:24)
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- Inside The Episode #4 (4:30)
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- Inside The Episode #5 (6:15)
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- Inside The Episode #6 (5:11)
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- Inside The Episode #7 (5:16)
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- Inside The Episode #8 (7:02)
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- Inside The Episode #9 (8:26)
- Controllers Down – Adapting The Last Of Us: A 12-minute featurette which takes a look at the iconic video game that inspired the show, the process of translating it for this new format, expanding the story while honoring the material, bringing in new performers to give life to these characters and more.
- From Levels To Live Action: A 12-minute piece which features cast and crew interviews that explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing iconic moments from the video game to life in a way that satisfies established fans while honoring new audience members.
- The Last Of Us – Stranger Than Fiction: A 24-minute featurette in which the cast and crew members are complemented by experts in survival, microbiology, and parasitology as they discuss the realities of the concepts explored in the series.
- Ashley Johnson Spotlight: A two-and-a-half minute look at the role that the actress who gave voice to Ellie in the video game plays in the television series.
- Get To Know Me: A series of brief interviews with members of the cast in which they discuss themselves and their roles on the show.
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- Gabriel Luna (3:46)
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- Merle Dandridge (2:25)
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- Nick Offerman & Murray Bartlett (4:41)
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- Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey (4:45)
- Is This A The Last Of Us Line?: An amusing series in which the performers are quizzed to see how well they know the show.
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- Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey (5:12)
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- Merle Dandridge & Gabriel Luna (2:40)
- The Last Debrief with Troy Baker: A series of videos in which the actor who gave voice to Joel in the video game answers questions about the series and gives his reaction to some of the developments.
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- The Last Debrief with Troy Baker #1 (5:10)
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- The Last Debrief with Troy Baker #2 (6:12)
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- The Last Debrief with Troy Baker #3 (6:01)
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- The Last Debrief with Troy Baker #4 (7:04)
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- The Last Debrief with Troy Baker #5 (7:30)
Final Thoughts
The Last of Us is one of the most impressive adaptations we have had the pleasure of experiencing, and it is one of the best series currently out overall. Having never played the original game, nothing feels alienating as you learn more about the state of the world and these characters. For as visually impressive and terrifying as the show can be, it is the writing that proves to be the star as you grow to love these characters in all of their complexity. The series gathers an ensemble that gamely brings everything to life in a really amazing way. Every element is simply firing on all cylinders. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and HBO have delivered a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a perfect A/V presentation and some great special features. If you were not a part of the original wave of praise, it is time to get caught up on this amazing series. Highly Recommended
The Last Of Us: The Complete First Season will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital on July 18, 2023.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and HBO have 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.