 |
The last couple
of years have been sweet for DC Comics fans
that have been treated to an array of animated
feature films… most of which are not
aimed primarily at an older audience. A
few have been original stories, but there
have also been some really good adaptations
of some of the more infamous stories from
DC’s best writers. “Batman:
Under the Red Hood” and the recent
“All Star Superman” come to
mind, and in the coming months we’re
going to see “Batman: Year One”…
which I am ready to see NOW!
This week we see the release of “Green
Lantern: Emerald Knights” (just in
time for the release of the big screen “Green
Lantern” I might add), and I have
to say I enjoyed the heck out of it. Of
course, I’ve been a longtime fan of
Green Lantern so that didn’t hurt
and the fact that Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”,
“Castle”) was cast as Hal Jordan
(as he should have been for the big screen
adaptation I might also add) simply sweetened
the pot.
|
Going in, the first thing you need to know about
“Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” is
that it is not a single Green Lantern adventure,
but rather and anthology of Lantern tales wrapped
up by one all encompassing story. The main story
involves the impending attack on Oa by an ancient
foe, Krona, whose anti-matter ‘ghosts’
can destroy anything with little more than a glancing
touch. And for the record, when Krona appears
it is truly a terrifyingly animated sequence.
The power literally emanates from the screen.
The additional stories pop up as the Green Lantern
Corps awaits the arrival of Kronos as they are
being told to a new recruit by Hal Jordan and
Sinestro (Jason Isaacs). The stories range from
the very first Green Lanterns and teach how even
the ring’s unlikeliest choices can make
the most powerful hero. We also see a rookie Kilowog
(Henry Rollins) going through boot camp, an amusing
story about Mogo (a very interesting Lantern…),
Laira Omoto’s mission to bring order to
a hostile world… which turns out to be her
home world, and a fascinating story regarding
Abin Sur’s battle against Atrocitus. (Needless
to say, you’d have to already be a fan of
the Corps to know these names.)
I thought the stories were all very well written
and well told, but I think it’s important
to know that’s what you are getting going
in. If all you know is Hal Jordan, you might find
this and interesting learning experience. I will
say from what I know of the upcoming feature film,
knowing at least one of these characters might
give you a little extra enjoyment when it comes
out.
The Bluray Edition of “Green Lantern: Emerald
Knights” offers up an audio commentary by
Dan DiDio and Geoff Johns, which was very informative.
‘Only the Bravest: Tales of the Green Lantern
Corp” delves into the concept of heroism
and offers interviews with the film’s producers
as well as experts on the subject. I found this
feature rather thought provoking, but at 31 minutes,
it could have run a little shorter.
“Why Green Lantern Matters: The Talent
of Geoff Johns” was an interesting look
at the direction Hal Jordan took in later years,
a subject I was really glad to see them touch
on. I’ve been out of the comic book loop
for several years and it was great catching up.
“From Comic Book to Screen: Abin Sur”
focuses on Geoff John’s comic in which we
learned more about what came about prior to Abin’s
crash landing on Earth, while “Beautiful
… But Deadly – From Comic Book to
Screen: Laira Omoto” gives us a closer look
at the character’s history.
You’ll also find a behind the scenes look
at “All-Star Superman”, a Green Lantern
Digital Comic Book, and a look at “Batman:
Year One”, which I am already getting very
excited about seeing. There’s two episodes
of the recent “Brave and the Bold”
series that involve Green Lantern. Finally, you
get a bonus disc with a DVD and digital Copy of
the movie.
Starring (the voices of): Nathan Fillion, Jasin
Isaacs, Elisabeth Moss, Henry Rollins, Arnold
Vosloo
Special Features: Why Green Lantern Matters; Filmmaker
Commentary; Green Lantern Virtual Comic; From
Comic Book to Screen – Abin Sur; Beautiful…
But Deadly; Only the Bravest – Tales of
the Green Lantern Corp; Sneak Peek – Batman:
Year One; A Look at All-Star Superman; 2 Bonus
Episodes
Release Date: 6/7/2011
Studio: Warner Brothers
http://www.warnerblu.com
We'll give Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (Bluray)
a B+.
|
