Blu-ray Movie Reviews

For its sophomore season, True Blood returns to Bon Temps and its dark secrets. Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Bill (Stephan Moyer) get closer, although as their relationship grows so does the danger to their lives. Tara (Rutina Wesley) falls in love, Jason (Ryan Kwanten) hooks up with the Fellowship of the Sun, and Maryann (Michelle Forbes) has a very persuasive power.

Like season one, I was mildly entertained although many of my complaints carryover. There's still fair amount of foul language (lazy writing) and over-the-top sex, but the main characters are at least interesting. Is it great TV? Not in my opinion, but it's better than most of the crap found on the major four networks.

Video Highlights

• AVC/1080p encode on a BD-50 discs
• Bold color saturation, especially red and green
• Improved detail over season one
• Inky blacks and revealing shadows

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack
• Intelligible dialog
• Impressive score featuring crisp dynamics
• Creative sound design with ample discrete effects

The first season looked pretty good but the second takes it up a notch. The detail in clothing, skin textures, and backgrounds is more resolved and the blacks are more stable. The audio track needed no improvement and is just as impressive.

Bonus Materials

• Enhanced PIP commentary for every episode
• Cast and Crew audio commentaries (7 episodes)
• Character Perspectives (HD)
• "Fellowship of the Sun: Reflections of Light" (HD)
• The Vampire Report: Special Edition (HD)
• True Blood episode previews (HD)

HBO has delivered some of the best TV shows this decade and while True Blood isn't as entertaining as The Sopranos or as fun as Sex and the City, but has its moments. The presentation is outstanding which should please the fans.

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Release Date: May 25, 2010
Studio: HBO

Season: 6/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 10/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
JVC DLA-RS1 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier
Panamax M5400PM power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics