While you’re certainly going to get some of the same episodes you have seen in individualized DVD releases over the last year or so (such as ‘Jake the Dad’ and ‘All the Little People’), the Adventure Time: Season Five release is nothing short of amazing when it comes to the sheer amount of good episodes that are included in this single season.
Some of you don’t understand the classic nature of season five’s girth, as it’s not common practice these days to order up a complete year of any television show not called SpongeBob Squarepants. The previous seasons contained no more than 20+ episodes at a time, so you’re getting a lot of content on two discs. 52-episode seasons for television shows stopped happening in the mid-90s. It’s nice to see a network take a chance on a show like this.
What makes this particular season special is the amount of variety you get from episode to episode. The show’s creators have certainly branched out with their wide slate of episodes, which left them room to explore other character worlds. That is important, as it does a few things. First, it provides enough good diversity of content that helps to lessen the ‘stretched out’ feel that comes with a bigger season. Second, it provides an opportunity to detail and expand the Ooo universe that is already established. For example, we get to see a bit more of BMO’s life, even meet his creator. This season also gives off more emotional depth with Marceline and Simon/Ice King. You even get to experience a different universe where Jake and his family are still alive during the pre-bombing days of Ooo. Again, the 52-episode landscape allows for more cultivation and creativity, and less clutter. The show’s creators definitely took advantage of it.
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Anyway, let’s go through some great highlights of season five, which should make it worth your time and money:
– Mystery Dungeon: The Ice King, N.E.P.T.R., Tree Trunks, Shelby and Lemongrab wake up in a mystery dungeon that contains 1,000 different possible rooms. The group must find their way out through the ability of each character. The highlight of this show is Lemongrab (when isn’t he a highlight?), especially when he eats Tree Trunks’ pie. Enjoy that moment. Seriously, enjoy it.
– BMO Lost: This is yet another brilliant BMO-led episode. Kidnapped by an eagle, BMO has to find his way home. Along the way, BMO meets up with a bubble named Bubble (how ingenious) and a cute baby with some odd/dangerous habits. Any BMO episode is a good episode, so you won’t be disappointed with this one.
– Jake Suit: I know I should be disturbed by this episode, but the diaper dance in front of the Flame Princess is something to behold. Jake and Finn compete against each other to see who can withstand the most obstacles when the other is in control of their body. It’s weird and out there, but humorous.
– Be More: BMO needs to go back to his factory to get some system repairs. Sadly, no humans/dogs/non-robots are allowed in the complex. Jake and Finn dress up to sneak in, but that doesn’t last long. The ending is worth the wacky trip, as you get another added story element to the entire Ooo universe. One of the best episodes in the season stack, as it’s a gripping and emotional tale.
– Lemonhope Part1/2: An almost epic way to end the season (not the last episodes). I won’t spoil them for you. Enjoy the oddity.
As I stated previously, the large space for the show’s creators to play within have opened up opportunities for added details and new stories for the Ooo universe. Cartoon Network definitely made the right call to renew the show and create that sandbox for the creative minds of Adventure Time to play within. Pure art, new levels of humor and fun, and more chances to create deep and moving storylines are the results from this large season. This is the best season so far in the Adventure Time family and hopefully there will be more to come with season six.
Until then, enjoy the fruits of your Glob’s labor with Adventure Time: Season Five.
On the Blu-ray side of things, as usual, Turner Home Video/Cartoon Network has done a fantastic job with the transfer to HD. The colors in this season are just as good as seasons 1-4 and the compression to fit the 52 episodes onto two discs hasn’t affected the quality one bit. It’s impressive to see this much Adventure Time in crisp and clean picture quality without any imperfection. Definitely worth a go on the Blu-ray format, folks.
In terms of special features, here’s what you should expect:
– Adventure Time Forever Featurette
– Animatic Clips
A decent set of features led by a nice featurette detailing the beginning of the show. It’s a very personal featurette that works well. It’s also nice to see people who are emotionally attached to their content. Anyway, not too big of list here, but good enough when you add it to the episodes included with the season.