The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season... Reviewed!

If you’re a fan of high society drama and historical intrigue, The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season is a series entry that should be on your radar. This season continues to delve into the opulent world of New York’s elite during the late 19th century, offering a rich tapestry of characters, conflicts, and cultural commentary.

Story

 

The second season of The Gilded Age picks up where the first left off, with the social dynamics of New York’s upper crust in full swing. The story continues to follow the lives of the wealthy Van Rhijn and Russell families, as well as the ambitious Peggy Scott. Peggy’s journey is particularly compelling this season, as she navigates the complexities of segregation, unity, and social justice, while gaining new ground.

Oscar Van Rhijn, ever the schemer, is back with his dubious plans to marry for all the wrong reasons, adding a layer of intrigue and drama. His mother, Agnes Van Rhijn, remains a formidable presence, upholding the old social order with an iron will, while her sister, Ada Brook, provides a softer, more compassionate counterbalance.

On the Russell side, Bertha Russell continues her relentless climb up the social ladder, determined to secure her family’s place among the elite. Her husband, George Russell, faces his own set of challenges in the business world, navigating the cutthroat environment of Gilded Age capitalism. Their daughter, Gladys Russell, begins to assert her independence, adding another dimension to the family dynamics.

Peggy Scott’s storyline remains a poignant exploration of the Black experience during the Gilded Age, highlighting the resilience and challenges faced by her community. Her interactions with the Van Rhijn, Russell, and her own family provide a rich tapestry of perspectives and conflicts, making her journey one of the most compelling aspects to me.

Visuals

The Gilded Age excels in its use of varied camera angles to enhance the storytelling. The series employs a mix of mid shots, worm’s eye views, and over-the-shoulder angles, creating a visually dynamic experience. These techniques help to immerse viewers in the grandeur and intimacy of the characters’ lives, making scenes feel both grand and personal.

The costumes in The Gilded Age are nothing short of spectacular. The elaborate dresses, while beautiful, make you wonder how comfortable they were to wear. The more modern-looking dresses with lower cut tops almost make you forget the historical setting, along with the scenes at church, where the fashion seems frozen in time and mirror the present. The deliberate blurring at the bottom of some scenes adds a unique touch, though it might not be to everyone’s taste.

A Similar Moment in History

Set against the backdrop of the late 1800s, this time period also reminds me of the Philippine-American War. This time period showcased contributions from the Black American community to Filipinos. Members of the Black American community were highly vocal in arguing for our right to independence from colonization and the interconnectedness is pretty cool.

Audio

The audio quality in Dolby Digital 5.1 truly shines, especially during scenes that capture the hustle and bustle of the city and lavish gatherings. The sound design enhances the immersive experience.

Price

The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season continues to deliver the high society drama and intricate storytelling that fans love. Priced at $19.95, this season is a worthwhile addition to any collection. The cast’s stellar performances draw you in, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas.

Extras:

The DVD set includes a variety of extras that provide deeper insights into the series:

• Behind the Gilded Curtain Featurette
• Character Featurettes - Agnes, Ada, Bertha, George, Marian, and Peggy
• The Black Elite: Then and Now Featurette
• The Real Gilded Age - Carrie, Cynthia, and Morgan
• Choose Your Side - Carrie, Christine, Cynthia, Denee, Morgan, and Julian
  
  

Overall, The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season is a captivating continuation of the series, offering a blend of historical context, character drama, and visual splendor that is sure to delight fans.

Quality 5

Ease Of Use 5

Usefulness 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

Sophima

 + Blu 

Support us below!

Movies + TV + Music + Sports + Luna + Xbox!

Got Amazon Prime? Save on gas!

Succession: The Complete Series finally comes to Blu-Ray

This Blu-Ray set was sent to us from Warner Bros. My opinions are my own.

Succession: The Complete Series has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of the Roy family’s power struggles. With the release of the Blu-Ray version, fans looking to own the series may waver between the DVD and Blu-Ray versions. If you’re still rocking a DVD player, the decision is clear. Let’s break down why you might want to get the Blu-Ray version if you have a Blu-Ray player.

1. Video Quality

Blu-Ray:

• High Definition (HD): The Blu-Ray version offers superior video quality with 1080p resolution (16x9), providing a crisp and clear viewing experience.
• Enhanced Visuals: The Blu-Ray version showcases the series in stunning detail, making the intricate set designs and character expressions more vivid as they fight for power.

DVD:

• Standard Definition (SD): The DVD version is limited to 480p resolution, which doesn’t capture the same level of detail as Blu-Ray.
• Basic Visuals: While still enjoyable, the DVD’s video quality is less sharp, which might be noticeable on larger screens.

2. Audio Quality

Blu-Ray:

• Superior Audio: Blu-Ray version has Dolby Digital Surround and DTS-HD Master Audio, offering a more immersive sound experience.
• Clearer Arguments: Enhanced audio quality ensures that dialogues, arguments, the disses, and sound effects are more distinct.

DVD:

• Standard Audio: The DVD comes in Dolby Digital 5.1, which is good but not as rich or dynamic as Blu-Ray.
• Basic Sound: The audio quality is adequate for most viewers but lacks the depth and clarity found in Blu-Ray.

 Your audio device also plays a factor. 

3. Special Features

Blu-Ray:

• Season 1 Disc 3: The cast and crew break down the action of the first season’s heart-stopping finale.
• Season 2 Disc 1: Four inside the episode featurettes.
• Season 2 Disc 2: Three inside the episode featurettes.
• Season 2 Disc 3: Three inside the episode features, An invitation to the set with the series’ storytellers, Meet the Roys, Character recaps.
• Season 3 Disc 1: Succession: Controlling the narrative - Episode 2.
• Season 3 Disc 2: Succession: Controlling the narrative - Episode 4 and 5.
• Season 3 Disc 3: Succession: Controlling the narrative - Episode 7 and 8, Who said it? with Sarah Snook & Alan Ruck and Nicholas Braun & Matthew Macfadyen, Roy family food chain.
• Season 4 Disc 1: Controlling the narrative: Breakdown of each episode.
• Season 4 Disc 2: Controlling the narrative: Breakdown of each episode.
• Season 4 Disc 3: Controlling the narrative: Breakdown of each episode, The cast of Succession’s advice to their characters, The best of Logan Roy, Who said it: Logan & Gerri and Tom & Greg, Scene Swap: Tom & Greg character recaps.

DVD:

• Season 1 Disc 3: The cast and crew break down the action of the first season’s heart-stopping finale.
• Season 2 Disc 1: An invitation to the set with series’ storytelling, Four inside the episode featurettes.
• Season 2 Disc 2: Three inside the episode featurettes.
• Season 2 Disc 3: Three inside the episode featurettes.
• Season 3 Disc 1: Succession: Controlling the narrative - Episode 2.
• Season 3 Disc 2: Succession: Controlling the narrative - Episode 4.
• Season 3 Disc 3: Who said it? With Sarah Snook & Alan Ruck and Nicholas Braun & Matthew Macfadyen, Roy family food chain.
• Season 4 Disc 1: Controlling the narrative: Breakdown of each episode.
• Season 4 Disc 2: Controlling the narrative: Breakdown of each episode.
• Season 4 Disc 3: Controlling the narrative: Breakdown of each episode, Who said it: Logan & Gerri and Tom & Greg, Scene swap: Tom & Greg character recaps.

4. Storage and Packaging

Both the Blu-Ray and DVD versions of Succession: The Complete Series come with similar storage and packaging. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Disc Security: The case design for both versions has been noted to have issues with discs not always remaining in place. This can be a bit frustrating as you need to be careful to prevent the disc holder from falling out.
• Cost Efficiency: While this design might help reduce manufacturing costs, it would be beneficial if the discs could snap securely into place to avoid any potential damage.
• Solution: Put the discs in a durable storage case.

When it comes to pricing, there is a noticeable difference between the two versions:

• Blu-Ray: Priced at approximately $85.40, the Blu-Ray version offers high-definition video, superior audio, and additional special features, making it a worthwhile investment for those with a Blu-Ray player.
• DVD: Available for around $58.99, the DVD version is a more affordable option, providing a standard definition viewing experience that is still enjoyable.
  
  

Choosing between the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of Succession: The Complete Series depends on your preferences and equipment:

• Blu-Ray: If you value high-definition video, superior audio, and additional special features, and have a Blu-Ray player, the Blu-Ray version is the way to go.
• DVD: If you’re looking for a more affordable option and are content with standard definition, the DVD version will still provide an enjoyable viewing experience.

Regardless of your choice, reliving the drama and intrigue of the Roy family is sure to be a thrilling experience. Jump into the full review below and find out why I give Succession a 4.5 out of 5!

Succession: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

Sophima

Support us below!

Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

Before I jump in, I have to give a thanks to WB for supplying a copy of this show for the review. My opinions are my own.

Dexter's Laboratory takes me back in time. I remember when it premiered on Cartoon Network under the "What a Cartoon!" line-up... along with Powerpuff Girls and Cow & Chicken. There may have been another show but I can't recall. Dexter's Laboratory was interesting. How interesting? Well... let's dive into the complete series and find out. Wait wait wait, before we jump in, I can't speak on interesting... without speaking on the case. I like the way they wrapped it with a cover that looks like Dexter... allowing you to see the case through his glasses. Slide it up just right, and you can see his sister sneaking through his lab. Okay, now let's... proceed!

 Story: When it comes to the story of Dexter's Lab(oratory), it revolves around... Dexter (duh of the day), who's basically Einstein in a third graders body trying to keep his lab a secret (though his sister always finds a way in).

His genius doesn't eliminate the fact that he's still a little boy, and it shows throughout the various scenarios he finds himself in on a daily basis. Speaking of his sister, Dee Dee, is definitely given the role of a complete airhead, but... she's a lot more free spirited and enjoy's childhood a lot more than Dexter. She flexes her brain power at times. He give's me the vibe of a cranky old man to a degree, with the voice of a villain. It's part of his charm though, especially when taking on different challenges that are caused by his own creations most of the time. Outside of the lab, you get to see more of those reactions and remarks, and his human side shows. One prime example is the episode when the babysitter comes over to watch him and Dee Dee. He clearly likes her, but there's an obvious age difference.

He's still Dexter, so he used his skills in a few ways in this episode when he became jealous of her boyfriend. One tactic worked out to a degree to get her and her boyfriend to temporarily split, but... he's still a small kid. So when he went to comfort the babysitter, she said "If only you were 10 years older". He did what Dexter would do, made that a reality... but he didn't take into account that his face would be covered in acne. Another example is when he was sitting on the couch watching Action Hank, he was in full kid-mode. He even hid when the antagonist appeared.

Anyway, you get 3 mini episodes packed into each episode (for the most part), and they're quite the easy watch with the comedic charm. One of the downsides to the mini episodes is the desire to see more of a particular mini episode, but... the variety is cool.  Speaking of variety, you will see scenarios like Dee Dee being transformed into Dexter's mom, a T-Rex/Pet Dog (aka Jurassic Pooch), episodes involving super heroes, etc. The episodes involving the heroes, definitely changes up the pace... it gives you a break from Dexter and Dee Dee. While reviewing the show, something dawned on me. Dexter's a little boy taking on grown men like Santa and even the freaking Janitor who throws forks at him, and literally gets into a fist fight. The janitor would totally be under the jail if that were reality, but looking at the show back then... I didn't think much of it. Crazy.

Before I speak on one of my favorite features in the show, I have to say that Mandark is the perfect villain for Dexter but I don't really care for the episodes he appears in for the most part. He's necessary though, afterall... he's the official antagonist, but... there were other go to episodes that I'd much rather watch (is all), like... Dial M for Monkey. Monkey is a bad ass super hero that Dexter believes is just a typical monkey he was unable to successfully experiment on. He has super speed, super strength, telekenisis, heat vision, telepathy, he can fly, use his mouth as a sonic ray, etc. Outside of Dee Dee and Dexter, he's one of my faves, along with Valhallen, and a few of the other Justice Friends. You will see the "Dial M for Monkey" segments tucked in here and there.

The show is well rounded with a unique premise, diverse characters, I love the superhero elements, the humor (some of which is rated PG), and the relatable themes, plus Mandark provides story progression so that there aren't just random scenarios by way of the mini episodes. On top of the episodes, Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series... also includes the Ego Trip movie.  Not to give it away, but... "Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip" is a movie that aired back on December 10, 1999. Do you remember those times? It's crazy, because it seems like it's a different world from today's time.

Anyway, the story follows Dexter as he discovers how he saved... the future, so it certainly involves time travel. He will be taking on Mandark, and there will be different Dexter's he comes in contact with. There's the young adult version of Dexter being treated like crap by his boss, Mandark. The middle-aged Dexter who is dealing with Mandark in his own way, as well as grandpa Dexter. They went hard with this film, but... I don't want to spoil it for you but it has humor, suspense, etc.

 Visuals: Visually speaking, the art style of Dexter's Lab is... on the wonky side. Their shapes are very exaggerated. Dexter is bite sized, while Dee Dee is elongated and you can see the bold lines and vibrant colors throughout the Dexterverse. The characters are easily recognizable as well, making Dexter's Lab one of the more eye catching shows from the "What a Cartoon!" lineup. You definitely get classic toon + anime look here.

The character's aren't the only vibrant things you see on the screen, the environment's fit the theme and don't fall flat. The movie's quality is enhanced, so you will see improved visuals without the art style being compromised. You get a cinematic feel from the movie, the different Dexter's stand out... along with the environments in their future setting.

 Audio: Sound wise... the show and movie are delivered in standard Dolby Digital, but... you will get enhanced audio in the film. It's more detailed and the audio effects are more immersive.

 Price: Pricewise... you can get Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series + Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip for $69.99. Solid price, no complaints... I like what they did with the box art, but (but but but... yes there is a but) I would've totally included a Dexter's Lab poster with all main and reoccuring characters. If fans are buying this... adding a poster is how you make this a steal. Speaking of steal, you can get it here for... $49.96!

Overall, Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series... serves as a delightful trip down memory lane, reminding us of a different era in animation while still maintaining its charm and humor for modern audiences. It's a solid show that doesn't feel outdated.

Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

Support us below!

Dexter's Lab Metal Car Shop Poster

Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

This is a serious blast from the past, and shout out to WB for providing a copy of this product for my review. My opinions are my own.

I've never seen this show before (like ever), but... when I heard the theme song, I was like... ohhhh. The theme song is connected to multiple things I've heard growing up, "Welcome back... Welcome back... Wel-come... baaaacckkk!", but I never knew the origin. 'Welcome Back', was created by John Sebation back in 1975 (before my time) specifically for the 'Welcome Back, Kotter' TV sitcom. Enough about the theme song though, is the actually show any good? Let's jump in and find out!

 Story: I recognized a few faces in this show, which includes John Travolta, Lawrence Hilton, Della Reese, Vernee Watson, etc. Never knew this was Travolta's breakthrough role, I was thinking of Saturday Night Fever, but that came out a few years after the show started (again, before my time). 'Welcome Back, Kotter" takes place back in 1970's Brooklyn (NY)... keep that in mind, because it will feel outdated in a number of aspects (especially the singing and dancing). That 'Jeppers Creepers' performance definitely felt like something from that time (I made it through without hitting the mute button, but... I've never been crazy about singing in tv/film).

I won't say that this show isn't digestible by anyone beyond the time it came out or the location, because there are certain comedic touches that can be applied today. Horshack is a prime example. He was running his mouth trying to fit in with the other members for the Sweathogs when they were talking smack to Carvelli and Murray (but mainly Carvelli), and wrote a check with his mouth... that his butt didn't care to cash. He tried to get out of it by acting as if he didn't say anything. Some of you can relate to that via the Trolls on social media alone.

I think the story can be appreciated by newcomers aswell, especially teachers... because Mr. Kotter returns back to James Buchanan High School for the purpose of making a positive impact on the slackers. He takes a creative approach to connecting with the class for the purpose of engaging them, and teachers of today come to mind because the saga continues for a number of reasons. It could potentially be inspiration to connect with the students even more and gain more inspiration for the sake of helping them reach the finishline. I wouldn't say let your students trade off the way Kotter did, but... he wasn't uptight to the point where they weren't receptive.

Although the show revolved around Mr. Kotter and the Sweathogs, there were other aspects that challenged work/life balance for the teacher... because he was also a husband and father. It was good to see that addition added in there to give more depth.

 Visuals: Visually speaking, the show was cleaner than I assumed it would. It wasn't super grainy, the colors pop... and if you're cool with visuals that primarily consist of mids, longs, and closeups, enjoy! Speaking of visuals, I think you'll get a kick out of seeing the fashion from that time.

Speaking of visuals, it's too bad Afro's like Boom Boom's are deemed a fad a lot of the time. I rarely ever see them. It's not a fade, it's... natural.

 Audio: The audio is good. It's nothing that wowed me, but it's what I would expect. Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono.

 Price: Pricewise... the SRP for the 'Welcome Back, Kotter' complete DVD series is $74.99. But... you can get the hook up here for $55.99. You get all four seasons (95 episodes), which delivers a total of 35 hours & 30 minutes. If it were me, I would've added a fake gag mustache (similar to Mr. Kotter's) to the package. Overall, not a bad show at all and... I could see people crowding around the old telly back in the day. I think it's a good show for those of that time who want to revisit it, those who are curious and want to get a dose of that era + teachers and other faculty.

Story 4

Visuals 4

Audio 3

Price 5

4 out of 5 Cool Points

Support us below!

The Cushion Designed for Gaming!

Wednesday... Reviewed!

Shout out to Warner Bros Discovery for providing a copy of this show to review. My opinions are my own.

Right out of the gate, this show gained my interest thinking it was going to place Wednesday and Pugsley in a high school setting that challenged them to navigate through token school life, but then things shifted after something entertaining occurred. Does it hold up from this point? Let's find out.

Story: So that... thing that Wednesday pulled off at school to avenge Pugsley got her the boot, but not the students who kicked it all off (you know how that usually goes)... but her move to a new school took her from the ordinary to the abnormal via Nevermore Academy.

Wednesday goes into this season with smoke for her parents. It mainly seems like it's aimed at her mom (Morticia), but... her dad is getting that work as well. She seems to be a rebel with... causes she feels is noble. She doesn't believe in being a housewife, which I was like... is this going to be one of those show that revolves around that type of narrative with an Addams Family theme wrapped around it. It definitely remains tucked in the show... but it isn't oversaturated to the point that it commandeers the show. Thank goodness. A message is one thing, using it as a crutch instead of showcasing originality is something else... and Tim Burton didn't allow his name to be fuel for a dumpster fire.

But yeah... Wednesday doesn't just have a problem with that type of notion, she also doesn't believe in social media, she doesn't believe in cell phones... and just seems to be anti-anything that she feels would annoy her (which isn't far off from Wednesday). It's carried as a badge of honor by Wednesday to represent that she doesn't allow others to define her.

I would've loved to see how things played out at the traditional school, but the deeper I got into the various chapters... the show got even better. I don't really see the comedy aspect (unless it's dry dark comedy... until the family graces the screen), but the mystery... yes! I'd even call it a thriller to an extent as Wednesday tries to find the truth about a book that dates back centuries... and appears to be tied to the Addams family and their history in Jericho. The past doesn't just tie in Wednesday's ancestor, but also her dad... (Gomez) who had the local sheriff convinced that he was a killer.

So you have that aspect placing them opposite sides, plus the drama that takes place at the academy and Jericho in general. It almost feels like a cross up between The Outsider + Star Girl + Bones... featuring Thing. I was actually trying to see if Thing was doing sign language, which in part he was... and fun fact, it's a form of ASL that I use (called Signed English). Signed English is finger spelling with one hand but at a fast past that allows you to hold a conversation (with deaf individuals and the hearing impaired).

Overall, this is a really good show, despite the pace picking up closer to the finale. With over 6 billion minutes poured into the show in its first five days, it's safe to say that others feel similar outside of curious viewers (who watch the trending suggestions).

Fun fact: This is Netflix's most popular English TV series of all time. That's the power of flexing your creativity in a way that viewers appreciate.

Visuals: Visually speaking, you get a lot of dark vivid scenes in this film. They're broken up with the sunny days around town, but certain areas still deliver that darkness despite the sun shining. This show captures plenty of mid shots, closeups, with low angles and high angles tucked in (i.e. the balcony scene involving Gomez, Principal Larissa, and others). One of my favorite shots was Wednesday and a classmate climbing into the spiraled cave. I won't say anymore about that, but it was a nice angle.

Audio: Wednesday is served up in DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1. 

I listened with both surround sound speakers and... 1More S50s. The quality audio makes this series even better, and it's easy to point out the sounds when the action kicks up... but subtle sounds like Lurch walking across the floor or Thing breaking someone out of a cop car sounds great too. Proper placement and quality sounds go such a long way and I appreciated what was done here. I watched the finally a few times just to hear it over again, especially when all hell broke lose and things got a little... electrifying (that sounded sweet on the headphones).

Price: Price: Pricewise you can get... Wednesday on DVD for $24.98 & $29.98 on Blu-Ray. Is it worth it? Yes, you get multiple elements that give you the feel of a thrill ride to a degree, plus the mystery aspect, plus the love interest(s) that some viewers crave even if Wednesday doesn't exactly know how to show it in a way we deem normal, but... she's an Addams (what can ya can about it, huh?). You get over 480 minutes in the 2-disc Blu-ray that serve up 8 well-rounded episodes that feel like a long movie. These episodes move you closer to the finale with ease... because they're easy to binge watch thanks to the cliffhangers. The ending also leaves the door open for another season. Personally, I would've celebrated the success of the first season with a special edition disc that included a Thing keychain.

Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

Support us via the helpful links below!

The Cushion Designed for Gaming!