Blu-ray Review: HALO: SEASON ONE

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Nov 28, 2022 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

Based on Microsoft/343 Industries’ massively popular first-person shooter video game franchise, the first season of Halo arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

It’s the year 2552, and for years, the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) has been battling a fanatical alliance of advanced alien species known as the Covenant. In order to fight this war, the UNSC has built an army of cybernetically- and genetically-enhanced supersoldiers known as Spartans. These marines were recruited and trained from an early age, removing their memories, emotions and personal thoughts so that they could concentrate on their mission and the fight against the Covenant. Running the Spartan program is scientist Dr. Catherine Halsey (Natascha McElhone), whose methods and motives are a bit questionable.

Halo‘s first season opens on the outer colony planet of Madrigal, where a UNSC outpost has been set up to mine and gather the valuable mineral deuterium, which is used as a power source. The rebels on the planet do not like the UNSC and have remained resistant to their rule. However, they will soon discover that it’s not the UNSC they should be scared of. When the outpost comes under attack by Covenant aliens, the Spartan Silver Team arrives just in time to help take on the 10-foot creatures. Heading up Silver Team is Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber), who has an AI called Cortana (Jen Taylor) implanted in his brain to help ensure and influence his decisions are in line with Halsey’s desires. He is joined by fellow Spartans Riz-028 (Natasha Culzac), Vannak-134 (Bentley Kalu), and Kai-125 (Kate Kennedy).

Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief, Kate Kennedy as Kai, Natasha Culzac as Riz and Bentley Kalu as Vannak in Halo Season 1. Photo Credit: Adrienn Szabo/Paramount+

Despite the Spartans’ best efforts, the people living at the outpost are decimated in the battle. John discovers that the aliens had come to the planet to retrieve a mysterious artifact, but when he touches that artifact himself, he realizes that it has great powers, which start to unlock long-suppressed memories inside his mind. For the first time he is starting to feel emotions and make his own decisions, which he realizes as he is bringing uncooperative teenage survivor/insurrectionist Kwan Ha (Yerin Ha) back to the UNSC base on Reach, and receives an order to eliminate her, and decides not to go through with it, causing concerns at the UNSC.

Over the course of the first season, we are introduced to the various players in what becomes a complex, intriguing and action-packed political, scientific, military and theocratic drama that plays out across several planets. In addition to the outpost on Madrigal and the UNSC headquarters on Reach, the action also takes place on the insurrectionist asteroid base Rubble, home to John’s friend/former Spartan Soren-066 (Bokeem Woodbine), as well as the Covenant capital city of High Charity, where a mysterious human named Makee (Charlie Murphy) is working with the Covenant Prophets, who also have their sights set on the artifact. As John starts to unlock his memories, and deal with emotions and a past he wasn’t aware of, it puts him at odds with Halsey, who has some dastardly plans up her sleeve. The series sets up this rich, detailed world, characters and technology, exploring character drama across the backdrop of intergalactic politics and a war between two powerful forces that are trying to eradicate one another.

Natascha McElhone as Dr. Catherine Halsey in Halo season 1. Photo credit: Adrienn Szabo/Paramount+

The series is an original story set within the existing Halo universe. While it uses some characters, locations and items from the video games, it also introduces lot of new characters and planets. I don’t think viewers need to have played the games in order to fully understand and enjoy this series. Personally, I had only ever played the games in multiplayer mode, so I wasn’t even familiar with the storyline of the games when watching the series. However, I did recognize some of the iconic catchphrases, weapons, vehicles, character mannerisms, and so on, so I could tell that they were definitely trying to evoke a familiar look and feel while also not making a first-person TV series. I’m not sure how much actual storyline was metered out in the games via cut scenes, but the writers have done a nice job of providing an interesting and complex narrative to explore in the series, giving the chance for the characters to grow and evolve. At the same time, there is also a lot of amazing looking action and battle sequences (it made me want to load up the game for some multiplayer action!)—there was definitely a lot of money put into this series, which is feature film quality with its look and effects.

I originally watched this series week-to-week as it aired on Paramount+ and was anxiously awaiting each new episode. It was great to be able to rewatch everything in binge mode via the Blu-ray with no delay between episodes. It was just as entertaining the second time around. The Blu-ray presentation looks and sounds fantastic. The picture is clean and crisp, with an excellent level of detail in all aspects, but especially in the textures of faces, aliens, and armor. Effects generally look quite natural, and battle scenes are quite amazing. There was only one short sequence in one of the latter episodes where it felt like I was watching an animated sequence from a video game. Otherwise, I was quite impressed with the series overall. The audio track is also extremely well done, making extensive use of the stereo and surround sound to provide ambiance and an excellent score to put the viewer right in the middle of the on-screen action and provide a really immersive experience.

The season’s 9 episodes are nicely spread out across 5 discs, with just 2 episodes for discs, leaving plenty of room to maintain the picture quality. Each disc also contains a 20-30 minute after-show for its related episodes, each featuring an interview with some cast/crew member, a behind-the-scenes look at some aspect of the show, as well as some fan interviews (some of whom are celebrities). There is also an additional 75+ minutes of other behind-the-scenes featurettes on the fifth disc. The five discs are placed on trays in a multi-disc Blu-ray keepcase, which is placed inside a glossy slipcover. There is no digital copy included, but there are 7 art cards (4.5″x5.75″) plastic wrapped to the back of the case, which feature Master Chief, Kwan Ha, Dr. Halsey, Soren, Vannak, Riz and Kai.

What’s Included:

Episodes: (7:35:34)

All 9 episodes of the first season:
Disc 1: “Contact”, “Unbound”
Disc 2: “Emergence”, “Homecoming”
Disc 3: “Reckoning”, “Solace”
Disc 4: “Inheritance”, “Allegiance”
Disc 5: “Transcendence”
1080p / Widescreen 2.00:1
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, English Audio Description
Subtitles: English SDH

Extras:

Halo The Series: Declassified
Sydnee Goodman hosts this fun after-show, including behind-the-scenes footage, and discussions about the buzzworthy moments from each episode of the season. She is joined by cast members, celebrity fans, and members of the passionate Halo community.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 101 (19:49)
  Star Pablo Schreiber (“Master Chief”) talks about taking on the role, the suit, the other actors, and more; Cortana gives viewers a Halo primer; and Halo super fan, AEW professional wrestler Adm Cole (“Bay Bay”), talks about his experience with the games, and why he’s excited for the show. Finally, Pablo gives a look at his training regimen with physical trainer Eddie Raburn, and executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane talks about seeing Pablo in the armor for the first time.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 102 (20:37)
  Star Bokeem Woodbine (“Soren”) talks about joining the world of Halo, the armor, prepping for his performance, working with Pablo, the practical sets, the brother-sister dynamic between Soren and Kwan, and more. There are also fan reactions and interviews from the premiere red carpet with Pablo Schreiber, Yerin Ha (“Kwan Ha”), executive producer Kiki Wolfkill, Olive Gray (“Dr. Miranda Keyes”), Kate Kennedy (“Kai-125”), Jen Taylor (“Cortana”), executive producer Steven Kane & Danny Sapani (“Captain Jacob Keyes”). The cast and crew also talk about what Halo means to them—some of those interviewed include stars Yerin Ha, Bentley Kalu (“Vannak-134”), Natasha Culzac (“Riz-028”) & Pablo Schreiber. Finally, executive producer/director Otto Bathurst gives a look at bringing the Madrigal outpost battle sequence to life.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 103 (22:36)
  Star Charlie Murphy (“Makee”) talks about her character, learning the Sangheili language, and more. Director Roel Reiné gives viewers a look at building the world of Halo from storyboards to toys to sets. Interviews with the superfans, members of the 405th Infantry Division Cosplayers. Finally, a look at bringing Soren’s Rubble to life, with executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane, stars Bokeem Woodbine & Yerin Ha, production designer Sophie Becher, set decorator Ádám Polgár, and costume designer Giovanni Lipari.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 104 (27:01)
  Star Jen Taylor talks about playing the iconic Cortana for over 20 years, doing motion capture for the TV series, and more. Linguists David Peterson and Carl Buck talk about the language creation process and give viewers a crash course in Sangheili, and star Charlie Murphy talks about learning the language. Some superfans talk about what Master Chief means to them. Finally, a discussion and demonstration of the visual effects with executive producer Kiki Wolfkill, stars Pablo Schreiber, Bokeem Woodbine & Charlie Murphy, executive producer/director Otto Bathurst, costume designer Giovanni Lipari, and director Roel Reiné.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 105 (27:47)
  Star Kate Kennedy talks about playing Silver Team member Kai-125, and her big change. A look at the show’s weapons with property master Andrew Orlando, stars Kate Kennedy, Pablo Schreiber, Natasha Culzac & Bentley Kalu, and executive producer Kiki Wolfkill. Superfan Kevin Hurd shows off one of the world’s largest Halo collections. And finally, get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the show’s stunts with stunt coordinator Brett Chan, and stars Kate Kennedy & Pablo Schreiber.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 106 (24:55)
  Star Natascha McElhone (Dr. Halsey) discusses her character’s complicated relationship with the Spartans. Artist/Halo fan Steele Stewart draws a picture of Kwan using pencil and paper while talking about his love of art. Composer Sean Callery talks about his earlier work in scoring, finding the right themes and tone for this series, and the process of scoring an episode. Finally, head to Spartan Bootcamp with stars Bentley Kalu, Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone & Kate Kennedy, military advisor Dan Hirst and executive producer/director Otto Bathurst.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 107 (26:38)
  Star Yerin Ha talks about Kwan’s journey from young rebel to freedom fighter. That cast and crew take a look at the show’s vehicles and ships, including the Warthogs and the Condor. Actor Wil Wheaton talks about his love of the Halo games. Finally, a quick look at some of the Easter eggs in the series.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 108 (32:10)
  Star Olive Gray discusses the character of Dr. Miranda Keyes and her complicated relationship with her parents. Director Jonathan Liebesman talks about being a fan of the game and getting to see and bring the characters and locations come to life. Some cosplayers show viewers how to make their own Spartan helmet. Finally a look at designing and creating the Artifact, with director Roel Reiné, production designer Sophie Becher, property master Andrew Orlando, and executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane.
- Halo The Series: Declassified 109 (36:36)
  Executive producer Kiki Wolfkill and executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane talk about the season finale and the season as a whole. The cast and crew talk about wrapping up filming on the season and all of the people involved in making the series—with stars Pablo Schreiber, Natasha Culzac, Bentley Kalu, Kate Kennedy, Bokeem Woodbine, Charlie Murphy & Yerin Ha, senior Halo franchise writer for 343 Kenneth Peters, costume designer Giovanni Lipari, and executive producer Kiki Wolfkill. Riana Manuel-Peña, brand director at G4TV, hosts a discussion about how the series reflects the real world in sci-fi. A salute and thanks to the fans from director Jonathan Liebesman, senior Halo franchise writer for 343 Kenneth Peters, director Roel Reiné, and the cast and crew. And finally a trailer for Halo Infinite: Lone Wolves Season 2.
Dissecting the Battle of Madrigal (10:01)
The cast and crew break down the big Battle of Madrigal that opens the season and what it took to bring the action to life on screen. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with executive producer Kiki Wolfkill, Halo canon technical consultant Kenneth Peters, stunt coordinator Brett Chan, and stars Pablo Schreiber, Yerin Ha & Kate Kennedy.
The World of Halo (8:49)
The cast and crew discuss the story, characters and themes of the series, and taking the game franchise into a new medium. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane, executive producer Kiki Wolfkill, director/executive producer Otto Bathurst, and stars Bokeem Woodbine, Pablo Schreiber, Bentley Kalu & Kate Kennedy.
The Culture of The Covenant (9:43)
The cast and crew delve into the aliens, language and culture that make up The Covenant. They discuss bringing in a new human element with Makee, creating the look of the aliens, the visual effects, using performers on stilts, learning the language, designing the Covenant world, using practical effects for the Prophets, how the character of Atriox gets his scar, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with actress Charlie Murphy, senior VFX supervisor Dominic Remane, and set decorator Ádám Polgár.
Adapting Halo (13:08)
Production designer Sophie Becher, senior VFX supervisor Dominic Remane and director Otto Bathurst discuss the massive scale of the series, from designing and creating the sets, the visual effects, expanding on the existing material from the games, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage.
Becoming Spartans (8:06)
The cast and crew talk about expanding the lore and characters from the games, the training bootcamp the actors went through to become Spartans, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane, director Otto Bathurst, and stars Pablo Schreiber, Kate Kennedy, Bentley Kalu, Natasha Culzac & Bokeem Woodbine.
Creating the Costumes of Halo (9:20)
Costume designer Giovanni Lipari talks about creating the various looks for the five different worlds shown in the first season. Includes behind-the-scenes footage of the tailors at work making the costumes.
Weapons and Vehicles of Halo (10:20)
Property Master Andrew Orlando talks about the process of designing and creating the weapons in various sizes for different shots. Production designer Sophie Becher talks about designing the new spaceships. And pictu vehicle coordinator Sándor Parádi Jr. talks creating the show’s vehicles based on the designs provided. Includes lots of behind-the-scenes footage.
The Making of Cortana (4:56)
Actress Jen Taylor discusses Cortana’s journey over the course of the season, and what it took to bring the character to life on screen in live action. Includes behind-the-scenes footage.
The Lake of Eternal Life: A Song from Halo’s Score (2:44)
Get a behind-the-scenes look at sing/actress Jaram Lee (“Madrigal Elder”) recording her performance of the third episode’s funeral song, “The Lake of Eternal Life”, in the studio. Also includes interviews with executive producer/showrunner Steven Kane, executive producer Kiki Wolfkill, and composer Abel Korzeniowski.

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Episodes:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Highly Recommended

The first season of Halo is thoroughly entertaining and a top-notch production. It sets up a rich detailed world and characters, and presents an interesting new story set in the Halo universe. Fans of the games should enjoy the constant nods to the previous material, as long as they can get over the fact that Master Chief is constantly removing his helmet (even the Mandalorian has removed his). The series features stellar battle sequences, and solid character drama and political intrigue. The Blu-ray presentation looks and sounds great and is loaded with hours of bonus material. This release comes highly recommended for anyone who enjoys sci-fi space dramas. There is no need to have played the games to fully enjoy the series.