Paramount Home Entertainment has released The Ultimate Aang and Korra Blu-Ray Collection, which bundles the complete series releases of two beloved Nickelodeon animated shows—Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-08) and The Legend of Korra (2012-14)—along with a new bonus features disc and 8 collectible art cards.

Avatar: The Last Airbender ran for three seasons/54 episodes, from 2005-2008. As the series opens, we learn that the world is divided into four nations—the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. Some members of each nation have special abilities that allow them to control their namesake element, and are known as waterbenders, eathbenders, firebenders, airbenders, etc. Only the Avatar had mastered the ability to bend all four elements. There had long been peace among the nations thanks to the Avatar, who had kept the balance between them. However, 100 years ago, when the Fire Nation broke that peace and attacked, he disappeared. The war has been waging on for a century, and there still has been no sign of the Avatar. That is, until Water Tribe members Katara (Mae Whitman) and her brother Sokka (Jack De Sena) find a boy frozen in ice. The twelve-year-old is named Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), and appears to be the last survivor of the Air Nomads and the new Avatar. Katara is the only waterbender in her tribe, and Aang may be the last airbender period, due to the Fire Nation’s genocide of the Air Nomads. Meanwhile, exiled Prince Zuko (Dante Basco) of the Fire Nation is training under his uncle (Mako) to be a firebender. He is eager to capture the new Avatar to prove himself to his father and restore his honor. In order to fulfill his duty as the Avatar and once again bring peace to the nations, Aang will need to travel the world and master all four of the elements. The series is broken into three seasons/”books”—”Water”, “Earth” & “Fire”—following Aang’s journey to master each of the elements as he gets help from Katara, Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy), and a reformed Zuko to prepare for his ultimate showdown with Zuko’s father, the Fire Lord, and evil sister Azula (Grey Griffin).

The Legend of Korra ran for four seasons/54 episodes, from 2012-2014. Much time has passed since Aang and his friends brought an end to the Hundred Years War. The Fire Nation colonies have transformed into the United Republic of Nations, under the capitol of Republic City. Aang’s time as Avatar has come to an end, and it’s time for a new Avatar cycle to begin. After an exhaustive search, the White Lotus have determined that a rambunctious little girl named Korra is the next reincarnation of the Avatar. After a decade or so of training, 17-year-old Korra (Janet Varney) has just passed her firebending test, now having mastered three of the elements. Aang’s adult son Tenzin (J.K. Simmons) was supposed to be her airbending master, however, the situation in the city is unstable, and he cannot leave. Tenzin tells Korra her training will need to wait. However, Korra is your typical hotheaded teen, not afraid of the city, and makes her way to Tenzin’s home on Air Temple Island to begin her training. She also defies Tenzin’s orders to stay on the island, sneaking out to explore the city, where she meets a pair of pro-bending brothers, firebender Mako (David Faustino) and earthbender Bolin (P.J. Byrne), and joins their team, supplementing her traditional training with their more modern style of fighting. She also befriends non-bender Asami Sato (Seychelle Gabriel), the daughter of the wealthy industrialist, and all three eventually become part of her “Team Avatar”. The series is split into four seasons/”books”, each jumping ahead in time slightly, and telling its own somewhat-standalone story. The first season finds a growing group of Equalists inside Republic City who are tired of the benders getting treated in higher regard, and their masked leader, Amon (Steve Blum), has the ability to take away a person’s bending permanently. The benders in the city look to their new Avatar to stop him. The following seasons explore more with Korra and Tenzin’s families, and find Korra and her team facing new adversaries and threats to Republic City.

I’m not generally a fan of anime style animation, but I was captivated by both of these series. Both have interesting characters, and stories that are filled with action, adventure, fantasy and humor. Some of the underlying themes are surprisingly dark for a “kids’ show”, but the series hold up quite well for viewers of any age. And aging up Korra opens the second series up to even more stories and relationships. Avatar is set in a simpler world without modern technology, while Korra is mainly set in the larger city. Both Aang and Korra have their teams of trusted friends to help them succeed in their role of Avatar, as well as their own animal sidekick/mode of transportation—for Aang, it’s flying bison Appa, and Korra has her polar bear dog Naga. Aang and Korra are very different. While Aang was a natural at airbending, Korra has trouble performing even the basic airbending technique. Aang is the reluctant hero who even froze himself for 100 years to try to avoid following his destiny, while Korra can’t wait to be the Avatar, and sometimes charges into situations without thinking.

Avatar is presented in its original Full Frame format. The picture looks great, with nice colors, and clean lines. Dialogue is clear throughout, and the show’s score and sound effects really come to life. Korra is presented in its original widescreen format. I thought Avatar already looked really good, but there is a noticeable step-up in the quality of the animation in this follow-up series. Backgrounds are more intricate, and there is an additional level of clarity and complexity to the picture. The audio also receives an upgrade from the first series, going from a 2.0 stereo mix to 5.1 surround sound, which provides a more immersive feeling.

Paramount Home Entertainment has previously released Complete Series Blu-rays of both series, each in its own thick (1″) HD keepcase. The Ultimate Aang and Korra Blu-Ray Collection bundles the exact same Complete Series Blu-ray releases of Avatar – The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, along with a folder containing a new bonus disc on one side and 8 collectable art cards on the other. These three items are placed in an outer cardboard slipcase. The series releases are both loaded with hours of bonus material, which is detailed below. The exclusive 85-minute bonus disc included with this bundle contains two new featurettes. The first is about the music and sound on both series, and the second features two of the voice actors discussing both shows.

What’s Included:

Episodes:

• All 54 episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender (24:21:39):
  • Book One: Water – Season 1 (2005) – 20 episodes, 3 discs
  • Book Two: Earth – Season 2 (2006) – 18 episodes, 3 discs
  • Book Three: Fire – Season 3 (2007-08) – 16 episodes, 3 discs
  • 1080p / 1.33:1 Full Frame (16×9 matted)
  • Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, French Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French

  
  

• All 52 episodes of The Legend of Korra: (20:13:08)
  • Book One: Air (2012) – Season 1 – 12 episodes, 2 discs
  • Book Two: Spirits (2013) – Season 2 – 14 episodes, 2 discs
  • Book Three: Change (2014) – Season 3 – 13 episodes, 2 discs
  • Book Four: Balance (2014) – Season 4 – 13 episodes, 2 discs
  • 1080p / 1.78:1
  • Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, French Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (Book 1 only), Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (Books 1-3 only)
  • Subtitles: English (Book 1 only), English SDH

Extras:
Content that is brand new and exclusive to the disc release are noted with an *.

• Avatar: The Last Airbender:
  • Book One: Water
    • Behind the Scenes Kung Fu Featurette (4:38)
      Martial arts expert Sifu Kisu discusses the four different forms of Chinese martial arts that form the basis of waterbending, earthbending, firebending and airbending.
    • Credits (:53)
      The show’s closing credit sequence.
    • The Making of Avatar – From Real Life to Animation (3:59)
      Series creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko act out some scenes from the show for the animators to use as reference.
    • Behind the Scenes: The Voices of Avatar (4:35)
      The voice actors introduce themselves, and talk about their characters and the process of recording their parts. Including behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with stars Zach Tyler Eisen (“Aang”), Jack Desena (“Sokka”), Dante Basco (“Prince Zuko”) & Dee Bradley Baker (“Appa” & “Momo”).
    • Ask the Creators Featurette (3:05)
      Series creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko give some rapid-fire answers to questions about the animation process, visual inspirations, and more.
    • Original Uncut Animatic – Episode # 15: Bato of the Water Tribe (24:36)
      The episode presented in animated storyboard format, with a picture-in-picture display of the fully-animated and colorized version in the bottom right corner of the screen.
    • Audio Commentaries
      Participants include co-creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko, head writer Aaron Ehasz, sound designer Benjamin Wynn, and voice actor Dee Baker (“Momo” & “Appa”)
      • “The Northern Air Temple” (23:51) – Wynn, Baker
      • “The Waterbending Master” (24:02) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Ehasz
      • “The Siege of the North, Part 1” (23:53) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Ehasz
      • “The Siege of the North, Part 2” (24:03) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Ehasz
    • Behind the Scenes with the Avatar Cast & Crew (3:16)
      The cast and crew discuss the show and characters. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with co-creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko, martial arts consultant Sifu Kisu, and actors Zach Tyler, Mae Whitman (“Katara”), Jack De Sena & Dante Basco.
    • Avatar Pilot Episode with Audio Commentary (15:01)
      Co-Creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko provide commentary on this initial test animation version of the pilot.
    • The Making of Avatar – Inside the Sound Studios (6:13)
      The crew demonstrates how they add the audio, music and effects to build the soundtrack of the show. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with sound designer Benjamin Wynn, foley engineer Jeff Kettle, and foley artist Sanaa Cannella.
    • The Making of Avatar – Inside the Korean Animation Studios (25:53)
      Series co-creator Bryan Konietzko takes viewers on a tour of the animation studio in Seoul, South Korea to hear about the animation process from those responsible. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with JM Animation president Joung Mee, animation directors Yoo Jae Myoung, Jeong In, Jeong Hoon, Hong Kyoung Pyo & Kim Sang Jin, timing director Oh Seung Hyun, key animators Jeong Hae Young, Kim Hyun, Choi Jeong Jin, Kwon Jong Won, Kim Eui Jeong & Kim Jae Hyoung, background director Jeong Sang Woong, composite artists Song Mi Yeong, Jeong Hyun, Hwang Kyu Seok, Lee Eun Kyung & Kim Byong Ryul, final checker Kim Gi Hyun, in-between checkers Lee Joo Ri & Kim Gwan Sik, color supervisor Kim Myoung Sun, background supervisor Choi Soon Chul, and president of Moi Animation Son Seo Hoon. Most of this is presented in Korean with English subtitles.
  • Book Two: Earth
    • Original Uncut Animatic – Episode # 21: The Avatar State (24:38)
      The episode presented in animated storyboard format, with a picture-in-picture display of the fully-animated and colorized version in the bottom right corner of the screen.
    • Audio Commentaries
      Participants include co-creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko, directors Ethan Spaulding & Giancarlo Volpe, writers Josh Hamilton, Tim Hedrick & John O’Bryan, background layout supervisor Elsa Garagarza, and storyboard artist Joaquim Dos Santos.
      • “The Blind Bandit” (24:32) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Spaulding
      • “The Chase” (24:37) – DiMartino, Hamilton, & Volpe
      • “Episode #12, Journey to Ba Sing Se: Part 1 The Serpent’s Pass” (24:31) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Hamilton (presented in SD)
      • “City and Walls of Secrets” (24:33) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Garagarza
      • “Lake Laogai” (24:33) – DiMartino, Konietzko & Hedrick
      • “The Earth King” (24:33) – DiMartino, O’Bryan & Dos Santos
      • “The Crossroads of Destiny” (24:33) – DiMartino & Konietzko (presented in SD)
    • Interview with Creators and M. Night Shyamalan (10:18)
      Co-creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko sit down in a theater with filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan to discuss the animated series and the live-action film.
    • The Essence of Bending with Bryan Konietzko and Sifu Kisu (9:23)
      Co-creator Bryan Konietzko and martial arts coordinator Sifu Kisu discuss how realistic martial arts movements are integrated into the show.
    • Avatar Super Deformed Shorts
      Thee animated shorts with child versions of the characters. Select from:
      • Bending Battle (3:56)
      • Swamp Skiin’ Throwdown (4:06)
      • School Time Shipping (4:10)
    • Escape From the Spirit World: Animated Graphic Novel (13:11)
      Lightly animated graphic novel version of Aang’s tale, but with no audible dialogue, just music, sound effects, and on-screen text.
  • Book Three: Fire
    • Audio Commentaries
      Participants include co-creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko, martial arts consultant Sifu Kisu, director Joaquim Dos Santos, writer Katie Mattila, sound designer Benjamin Wynn, composer Jeremy Zuckerman, voice director Andrea Romano, and voice actors Dante Basco (“Prince Zuko”), Jessie Flower (“Toph”) & Jack De Sena (“Sokka”).
      • “Sokka’s Master” (24:34) – Konietzko, DiMartino & Kisu
      • “The Beach” (24:33) – Konietzko, Dos Santos & Mattila
      • “The Avatar and the Firelord” (24:35) – Konietzko, DiMartino, Wynn, & Zuckerman
      • “Day of Black Sun” (49:03) – Konietzko, DiMartino, Wynn, & Zuckerman (presented in SD)
      • “The Western Air Temple” (24:31) – Konietzko & DiMartino
      • “The Southern Raiders” (24:20) – Konietzko, DiMartino, Romano & Basco
      • “The Ember Island Players” (24:34) – Konietzko, DiMartino, Flower & De Sena
      • “Sozin’s Comet Part 1” (24:24)- Konietzko & DiMartino (presented in SD)
      • “Sozin’s Comet Part 2” (24:31)- Konietzko & DiMartino (presented in SD)
      • “Sozin’s Comet Part 3” (24:24)- Konietzko & DiMartino (presented in SD)
      • “Sozin’s Comet Part 4” (24:32)- Konietzko & DiMartino (presented in SD)
    • The Women of Avatar: The Last Airbender (18:47)
      The cast, creators and fans discuss the show’s strong female characters, including Katara, Toph, and Azula. Includes interviews with co-creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko, actors Mae Whitman, Jessie Flower (“Toph”) & Grey Delisle (“Azula”), and fans of the series.
    • Book 3 Finale Pencil Test Animation (11:18)
      Pencil drawings of co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino introduce this look at some of the early hand-drawn pencil animation of the finale.
    • Into the Fire Nation at San Diego Comic-Con (36:31)
      The entire 2007 San Diego Comic-Con panel for the series, which took place before the third season aired. The panel is moderated by Eric Coleman, VP of Animation for Nickeloedon, and includes panelists include co-creator Bryan Konietzko, director Joaquim Dos Santos, writer Katie Mattila, and voice actor Dee Bradley Baker, and voice director Andrea Romano. Co-creator Mike DiMartino and M. Night Shyamalan provide a video message. Includes lots of behind-the-scenes footage, production artwork and photos, and a live voice performance from Dee Bradley Baker.
• The Legend of Korra:
  • Book One: Air
    • Audio Commentaries on All Episodes
      Co-creators Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko participate in every commentary, and are joined for various episodes by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, composers/track team Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn, and voice actors Janet Varney (“Korra”), David Faustino (“Mako”), Steve Blum (“Amon”) & Seychelle Gabriel (“Asami”).
      • “Welcome to Republic City” (24:04) – Varney
      • “A Leaf in the Wind” (24:10) – Varney & Faustino
      • “The Revelation” (24:02) – Dos Santos & Blum
      • “The Voice in the Night” (24:01) – Varney & Gabriel
      • “The Spirit of Competition” (23:59) – Varney & Faustino
      • “And the Winner Is…” (24:06) – Wynn & Zuckerman
      • “The Aftermath” (24:10) – Varney & Faustino
      • “When Extremes Meet” (23:57) – Varney & Gabriel (aka “Janchelle”)
      • “Out of the Past” (24:01) – Varney & Gabriel
      • “Turning the Tides” (23:57) – Dos Santos & Blum
      • “Skeletons in the Closet” (24:10) – Wynn & Zuckerman
      • “Endgame” (24:09) – Dos Santos & Blum
    • The Legend of Puppetbender Presents “The Making of a Legend: The Untold Story – Part I” (6:01)
      Felt puppet versions of Korra, Bolin and Mako talk about working on the show. Puppet Iroh also makes a brief appearance.
    • Creator’s Favorite Scenes: Animatics (53 minutes)
      Animatic versions of several scenes, along with a picture-in-picture view of the final version in the corner of the screen. Select from:
      • Welcome to Republic City (6:23)
      • The Revelation (2 scenes) (14:33)
      • The Voice in the Night (3:51)
      • The Spirit of Competition (2 scenes) (9:44)
      • And the Winner Is… (5:35)
      • When Extremes Meet (4:48)
      • Turning the Tides (6:02)
      • Endgame (7:15)
  • Book Two: Spirits
    • Audio Commentaries on All Episodes
      Co-creators Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko participate in every commentary, and are joined for various episodes by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, writers Tim Hedrick & Josh Hamilton, composers/track team Jeremy Zuckerman & Benjamin Wynn, supervising producers Lauren Montgomery & Ki Hyun Ryu, and directors Ian Graham & Colin Heck.
      • “Rebel Spirit” (23:56) – Dos Santos & Hedrick
      • “The Southern Lights” (23:42) – Dos Santos & Hedrick
      • “Civil Wars: Part 1” (23:45) – Dos Santos
      • “Civil Wars: Part 2” (23:02) – Dos Santos
      • “Peacekeepers” (23:48) – Dos Santos & Hamilton
      • “The Sting” (23:44) – Dos Santos
      • “Beginnings: Part 1” (23:55) – Zuckerman & Wynn
      • “Beginnings: Part 2” (23:34) – Zuckerman & Wynn
      • “The Guide” (23:43) – Dos Santos & Montgomery
      • “A New Spiritual Age” (23:53) – Dos Santos & Graham
      • “Night of a Thousand Stars” (23:51) – Dos Santos & Heck
      • “Harmonic Convergence” (23:44) – Dos Santos & Ryu
      • “Darkness Falls (23:54) – Dos Santos & Montgomery
      • “Light in the Dark” (23:58) – Dos Santos & Zuckerman
    • Scene Bending
      Animatic versions of several scenes, along with a picture-in-picture view of the final version in the corner of the screen. Select From:
      • Rebel Spirit Scene 1 (5:21)
      • Rebel Spirit Scene 2 (5:27)
      • The Southern Lights Scene 1 (3:45)
      • The Southern Lights Scene 2 (7:29)
      • Civil Wars: Part 1 (5:13)
      • Civil Wars: Part 2 (5:12)
      • Peacekeepers (4:24)
      • Beginnings: Part 1 (6:22)
      • Beginnings: Part 2 (6:52)
      • The Guide (3:01)
      • A New Spiritual Age (5:55)
      • Night of a Thousand Stars (7:04)
      • Harmonic Convergence (6:59)
      • Darkness Falls (3:59)
      • Light in the Dark (4:14)
    • Kindred Spirits: Tenzin’s Family (5:16)
      Co-creators Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko discuss the dynamic among Tenzin’s extended family, and his relationship with his children.
    • Inside the Book of Spirits (9:09)
      Co-creators Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko discuss how the story for Book Two came about, the focus on her spiritual journey, the new characters, how the story is broken, the various steps in the production process, and more.
    • The Re-telling of Korra’s Journey (33:42)
      Tenzin (J.K. Simmons) narrates this lengthy overview of the first season of the series.
    • Feuding Spirits: Korra’s Family (5:07)
      Co-creators Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko talk about the introduction of Korra’s parents, uncle and waterbending cousins in Book Two.
  • Book Three: Change
    • Audio Commentaries on All Episodes
      Co-creators/executive producers Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko participate in every commentary, and are joined for various episodes by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, composer Jeremy Zuckerman, supervising producer Lauren Montgomery, directors Melchior Zwyer, Colin Heck and Ian Graham, lead sound designer Benjamin Wynn, foley mixer/supervisor Aran Tanchum, and writers Tim Hedrick, Josh Hamilton and Katie Mattila. DiMartino and Konietzko lead each commentary.
      • “A Breath of Fresh Air” (22:55) – Dos Santos
      • “Rebirth” (22:34) – Dos Santos
      • “The Earth Queen” (22:41) – Hedrick & Hamilton
      • “In Harm’s Way” (22:34) – Hedrick & Hamilton
      • “The Metal Clan” (22:45) – Dos Santos & Zuckerman
      • “Old Wounds” (22:48) – Mattila
      • “Original Airbenders” (22:49) – Zwyer
      • “The Terror Within” (22:52) – Tanchum & Wynn
      • “The Stakeout” (22:46) – Graham
      • “Long Live the Queen” (22:47) – Montgomery
      • “The Ultimatum” (22:41) – Heck
      • “Enter the Void” (22:36) – Dos Santos
      • “Venom of the Red Lotus” (22:47) – Dos Santos & Zuckerman
    • The Spirit of an Episode
      The director and assistant director of each episode discuss the story, character designs, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, concept artwork and storyboards, martial arts reference footage, and more. Participants include directors Melchior Zwyer, Colin Heck & Ian Graham, and assistant directors Owen Sullivan, Olga Ulanova & Steve Ahn. Select from:
      • A Breath of Fresh Air (4:11)
      • Rebirth (5:07)
      • The Earth Queen (4:53)
      • In Harm’s Way (3:49)
      • The Metal Clan (4:52)
      • Old Wounds (4:51)
      • Original Airbenders (4:13)
      • The Terror Within (5:33)
      • The Stakeout (5:13)
      • Long Live the Queen (5:19)
      • The Ultimatum (5:24)
      • Enter the Void (5:35)
      • Venom of the Red Lotus (5:33)
  • Book Four: Balance
    • Audio Commentaries on All Episodes
      Co-creators/executive producers Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko participate in every commentary, and are joined for various episodes by writers Josh Hamilton, Tim Hedrick & Katie Mattila, voice actors Janet Varney (“Korra”), John Michael Higgins (“Varrick”), Zelda Williams (“Kuvira”), PJ Byrne (“Bolin”), Seychelle Gabriel (“Asami”) & David Faustino (“Mako”), director Colin Heck, foley mixer/supervisor Aran Tanchum, lead sound designer Benjamin Wynn, executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, supervising producer Lauren Montgomery, and composer Jaremy Zuckerman.
      • “After All These Years” (22:50) – Hamilton & Hedrick
      • “Korra Alone” (22:49) – Varney
      • “The Coronation” (22:48) – Hedrick
      • “The Calling” (22:41) – Mattila & Heck
      • “Enemy at the Gates” (22:51) – Varney & Higgins
      • “Battle Zaofu” (22:38) – Varney & Williams
      • “Reunion” (22:40) – Tanchum & Wynn
      • “Remembrances” (22:51) – Varney, Byrne & Gabriel
      • “Beyond the Wilds” (22:43) – Varney & Faustino
      • “Operation: Beifong” (22:39) – Zuckerman
      • “Kuvira’s Gambit” (22:49) – Hamilton & Hedrick
      • “Day of the Colossus” (22:48) – Dos Santos & Montgomery
      • “The Last Stand” (22:50) – Dos Santos & Montgomery
    • Kuvira vs. Prince Wu (1:41)
      Nick promo for the new season.
    • Republic City Hustle: Part 1 (2:52)
      Animated short following Mako and Bolin as children, hustling on the street.
    • Republic City Hustle: Part 2 (3:19)
    • Republic City Hustle: Part 3 (3:392)
    • Legend of Korra: 2014 Comic-Con Panel Featurette (34:43)
      The entire 2014 New York Comic-Con panel for the fourth season, featuring panelists co-creators/executive producers Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko, and stars Janet Varney (“Korra”), David Faustino (“Mako”) & P.J. Byrne (“Bolin”). Includes a fun pre-recorded behind-the-scenes video of the actors preparing for the Con. Then it goes into more of a standard Q&A panel. They also show off some character design artwork for Book Four.
    • The Legend of the Puppetbender Presents “The Making of a Legend: The Untold Story – Part II” (7:47)
      Puppet Korra, Bolin, Tenzin, Asami & Mako, and kite Raava share more behind-the-scene dirt on their coworkers from working on Books Two through Four.
• Bonus Disc – New/Exclusive to this release:
  Play All, or select from:
  • Auditory Exploration with the Avatarverse Creators (38:55)
    Co-creators/executive producers Michael DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko talk with composer Jeremy Zuckerman about the role that music plays in both series, their inspirations, the instruments, the differences between the scores of Avatar and Korra, elevating the scope of the score for Korra, their favorite music moments in both series, and more. Then the co-creators are joined by sound designer Benjamin Wynn, foley mixer Aran Tanchum, and foley artist Vincent Guisetti to discuss their early memories of working together on Avatar, the techniques they used to generate the show’s unique sound elements, layering different effects to get the right sound, creating ambiance, and more. The participants are filmed from their separate homes/offices/studios, but the conversation between them flows naturally, and it doesn’t feel like you’re watching a Zoom conference call. Includes clips, behind-the-scenes photos, examples of scenes with the dialogue removed and just the sound effects, etc.
    
    
  • A Conversation with Janet Varney and Dante Basco – Hosts of the Avatar: Braving the Elements Podcast (46:29)
    Janet Varney (“Korra”) and Dante Basco (“Prince Zuko”), hosts of Nickelodeon’s Braving the Elements podcast, sit down together to geek out about both of their shows, and have a fun discussion about the box set. They talk about re-watching their own work for the first time for the podcast and becoming experts on their own shows, share of list of what was going on in the pop culture world in 2005 when Avatar first started, and do a deep-dive into some of the Avatar characters and their journeys. Then they jump to 2012 to discuss what was happening in pop culture when Korra came out, creating a more modern world for Korra, how Korra’s personality and skill set differs from Aang’s, and more. They also break down some of the Korra characters and their journeys. Janet Varney and Dante Basco have such great chemistry—it makes me want to check out their podcast!
    
    
• Art Cards – New/Exclusive to this release:
  Set includes eight 4.5″x5.75″ art cards depicting four characters from each series.

  From Avatar: Aang, Katara, Sokka & Zuko
  

  From Korra: Korra, Mako, Bolin & Asami
  

Final Thoughts:

Paramount’s The Ultimate Aang and Korra Blu-Ray Collection re-packages the existing complete series Blu-ray releases of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra along with a new 85-minute bonus disc and 8 collectible art cards. The shows themselves are really well done, with interesting stories and characters, excellent picture and sound, and discs that are loaded with hours of bonus material. While the new bonus conversation with Janet Varney and Dante Basco is a lot of fun, it will come down to how much of a fan folks are if this new set is worth the (re)purchase over the existing releases. At the time of this review, this new release costs about $20 more than the previous sets in order to get the new 90-minute bonus disc, art cards and slipcover. Most die-hard fans probably already own the previous releases, so re-buying the entire collection just for the new content may be a big ask. However, for folks who don’t already own these series on Blu-ray, this new release would make a great holiday gift, and the previous Blu-rays are also a solid option. Both series come highly recommended, no matter which version you choose to purchase.