Based on the beloved award-winning DC comic series written by Neil Gaiman (American Gods, Coraline), THE SANDMAN is a rich, character-driven blend of myth and dark fantasy woven together over the course of ten epic chapters following Dream’s many adventures (plus a bonus episode featuring two fan-favorite stories). When the Sandman, a.k.a. Dream (Tom Sturridge, Sweetbitter, Velvet Buzzsaw) the powerful cosmic being who controls all our dreams is unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for over a century, he must journey across different worlds and timelines to fix the chaos his absence has caused.
For in-depth thoughts on The Sandman: The Complete First Season, please see my colleague Tia Fabi’s season overview review here. For a spoiler-filled breakdown of how the series compares to the graphic novels, please see my colleague Michael Cook’s feature here. For a review of the bonus episode (Episode 11), please find it here.
Video Quality
The Sandman debuts on 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a truly stunning presentation, but the lack of any accompanying Blu-Ray discs makes it difficult to judge the level of the upgrade. We get to see a variety of unique environments throughout the season, and each space feels prime for exploration. The clarity and detail present in all spaces is a delight, exposing palpable nuances otherwise overlooked due to the limitations of the format. Subtle details in the impeccably crafted production design are perfectly clear and well defined with so many facets to explore. Most elements have a greater sense of texture in this format. Compared to the streaming version of the series, the physical 4K UHD disc is a significant improvement that wins out ten times out of ten.
The Dolby Vision is a major benefit with its complex colors and firm handling of contrast. There are hues at work that appear more deep and precise than any other presentation could handle. There are countless scenes in darkness or uninhibited shadow, and the series never fails to deliver so much depth to the frame free of any crush. Highlights are likewise formidable with no instances of blooming or banding. Everything appears natural from the skin tones to the colors of the outfits and the lighting. A significant amount of depth is gained with this transfer, both in close-ups and long shots. This 4K UHD transfer is the perfect way to view this series.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray set offers a knockout Dolby Atmos presentation that opens up this world as it deserves. The Atmos presentation feels essential for this series as it takes exceptional advantage of the expanded channel allotment. This audio experience allows for some astounding moments of immersion from overhead channels. The channels are engaged during obvious moments of overhead activity, but they also complement other unique instances that flesh out the dimension of the soundscape. The environmental effects create an unforgettable sonic experience whether things are more docile or bombastic.
This track is not a barn-burner because it is loud or unrelenting, rather it truly dazzles with the nuance and consideration employed in the sound design. The directionality of sound is perfectly accurate, and dialogue is reproduced with amazing clarity. The track handles the immersion into this world with meticulous care so that even the most subtle elements are represented. No sound is drowned out in the sonic swirl of the more active sequences. This show knows when to dig deep in the low end that rattles your bones. Speakers remain ceaselessly engaged throughout the season no matter the story. The audio presentation is unforgettable. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.
Special Features
- The Sandman – Behind-The-Scenes Sneak Peek: A two-minute promo in which the cast and creative team discuss the responsibility of bringing the source material to life.
- The World Of The Endless: A three-minute featurette that takes a look at the initial chapter of the Sandman story and what is being explored in this debut season.
Final Thoughts
The Sandman is one of the most awe-inspiring adaptations we have delighted in recently, and it is one of the best series that Netflix has put out in some time. From the very first episode, the series establishes a world that is very exciting to explore and never feels disorienting if you have not read the source material. The graphic novel has been one that fans have been clamoring to see in live-action form for years, and they have truly done it justice while allowing enough room to make smart changes to the source material. Everyone feels perfectly cast in their roles, and the series nails the emotional gut punches when the story seeks to land them. This is the type of show that leaves you buzzing once it reaches the end credits of each episode. Warner Archive has delivered a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a perfect A/V presentation and a couple of brief special features. This is a series that deserves a place on your shelf. Highly Recommended
The Sandman: The Complete First Season can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Archive 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.