'Smallville: The Complete Seventh Season' - High-Def Digest Review

[Attebery]

Kenneth's review of Smallville's seventh season is out. He compares it to the 'Heroes' Sophomore Slump, with some strong points, but a bit of drudgery. This Blu-ray set also fails to fly high, with strong but problematic video, merely standard Dolby Digital audio, and disappointing extras. For fans only.

Full review here:
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1527/smallville_s7.html

[MattM]

Would it be possible to get a list of "recommended" episodes from Season 7, specifically those that move the mythos forward? You mention 5-6 hours of solid writing (out of almost 24); which episodes are these that "summarize" the season and are worth watching before the next season kicks off?

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by MattM

Would it be possible to get a list of "recommended" episodes from Season 7, specifically those that move the mythos forward? You mention 5-6 hours of solid writing (out of almost 24); which episodes are these that "summarize" the season and are worth watching before the next season kicks off?

The problem (at least for me) is that the solid writing I referred to is sprinkled throughout a multitude of episodes. While I thought 5 or 6 hours were really good, these moments were scattered through all of the episodes. Unfortunately, like 'Heroes: Season 2,' you'll just have to plow through it all, good and bad, to prep for season 8.

Sorry I couldn't give you a more precise answer than that. Good luck!

[Blu-News.com]

Great review Ken, I wish they didn't cram so many episodes per disc.

[Revolutionary]

Originally Posted by Blu-News.com

Great review Ken, I wish they didn't cram so many episodes per disc.

Yeah! The whole season on 3 blu's (2 dual layer and 1 single layer).

This is probably the reason for the problematic video throughout the seventh season blu-ray release. And probably why Warner just gave us the DD5.1 soundtrack.

You'd think that at the cost of $50+ they could have at least given us 5 dual layered blu's and spread the episodes across the 5 discs and probably would have resulted in a better video and audio experience.

[RandellG]

Kinda glad I went with the DVD now. Saved me like $20 and I got it two days early .

But I liked the season, but it did have a good bit of faults. Can't wait till the 18th for the new season

[LastSonOfKrypton]

I have yet to buy any seasons. Why? I'm awaiting the release of the complete series. Season 8 should/could be the last so hopefully Warner has been preparing 1 - 4 for blu with an obvious direct port of the season 5 HD-DVD.

@ Randell. Let's hope 8 doesn't become GreenArrowVille again! Doomsday is sounding pretty kick ass from what I've read on kryptonsite!

[RandellG]

Originally Posted by LastSonOfKrypton

I have yet to buy any seasons. Why? I'm awaiting the release of the complete series. Season 8 should/could be the last so hopefully Warner has been preparing 1 - 4 for blu with an obvious direct port of the season 5 HD-DVD.

@ Randell. Let's hope 8 doesn't become GreenArrowVille again! Doomsday is sounding pretty kick ass from what I've read on kryptonsite!

I never really cared for Green Elbow . They need to bring back Flash and Cyborg.

I went to Kryptonsite for the first time Tuesday, in like 4 months. I missed the biggest portion of Season 7 on TV, but season 8, will be watched

[LastSonOfKrypton]

Yeah I try going there for air dates but I usually get sucked into reading the new spoilers

[RandellG]

Originally Posted by LastSonOfKrypton

Yeah I try going there for air dates but I usually get sucked into reading the new spoilers

LOL, I got good will power, and don't have to read the spoilers. Had to get it after I went to see the forth 'Harry Potter' movie and had already seen 3/4 of the movie through trailers, pictures, and clips. Then read a lot on it. So now I never read reviews for movies themselves, or watch clips in-fear of spoilers. I hate them....

[TheAnswerMVP2001]

Smallville used to be my favorite show (now replaced by Chuck) Season 7 is in my opinon the most mediocre season so far, it's quite clear the quality in the writing has significantly dipped and the quality of the storylines are quite varied from episode to episode, you'll have a few mediocre one then some really good ones followed by some mediocre ones again, this season just seems out of place. Frankly nothing beats Season 3 for me, I think that's by far the pinnacle of the series, it will be interesting to see where the show goes in Season 8 now that Lex and Lionel are history and Lana will only be a minor amount of episodes. Hopefully Kara and Lois will get more screen time, and sad news for those of you who aren't Green Arrow fans, he'll be a full time cast member this season, something I'm really not too excited about either.

Also just a comment on the video quality, my only complaint is a random blue flicker that appears sometimes on the lower left hand side of the screen, other than that I'm pleased with the way it looks. Although the 3 discs is confusing did previous seasons have threes discs? I have Seasons 5 and 6 on HD Dvd and they both have about 5 discs, I do think the picture is a little better on those as well.

[BLU HD DEFENDER]

A excellent review

[XanderAE]

I have been one of the biggest critisizers of Warner since I found out that this was going to be only 3 discs, with upto 7 episodes on a disc. It really fecks me off that the one show I like and want on home video disc is given un-special, crappy treatment, and I knew that the picture quality wouldn't be the best! I'd have gladly preferred more discs to have better picture quality, high-def audio.

Having watched the season twice already though, I guess it could have been worse though...

[konohaavid]

I think this review is completely incorrect. Or I at least I don't agree with it. I have been a fan of Smallville since the beginning and have seen people have some sort of complaint during each season, but this season was the best thing since season 4.

All the connections made in the Veritas arc were completely awesome. Virgil Swann knew about Clark and Krypton, the Teagues knew about the stones, and the Queens and Luthors were connected through various other situations. To have these connections all put together with little tidbits hinting all the way back to season 1, made the season very interesting.

As for the picture, it was at least on par with season's 5 and 6, however I thought it looked better. Despite the fact that most episodes were being made prior or just after the writers strike, we are still treated to more visual effects this season then ever before. The color's were extremely vibrant and wore its comic book origins proudly. I saw almost no instances of banding or artifacting and the blacks were for the most part deep. There was the occasional soft shot, but given the sheer volume of video, it was no problem.

The audio is quite good this year as well. Quite a couple of episodes truly standout, but my favorite would have to be the premiere Bizzaro. It has an involving mix. Better then the 2.0 stereo of the DVD version by far.

Movie - 4.5
Video - 4.5
Audio - 3.5
Supplements - 3.0
Overall - 4.5

[Silvers24]

Totally agree with reviewers video/audio.
Overall downgrade from previous two season, but a big upgrade over the DVD nonetheless.
But could of been SO MUCH better.

Disagree with his review of the show itself.

I really enjoyed season 7. And where it was going. Can't wait for season 8.
And with luck we'll finally see his merge to superman.

Not mention the great news of Lana mainly being out of the picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!