Star Wars The Clone Wars Seasons 1, 2 & 3 (Blu-Ray Box Set, 9-disc, Sci-fi) NEW

 

 

 

For viewers of Star Wars, whether hardcore addict or passing fan, the Clone Wars series comes as a nice treat and contains a lot of great material that would be impossible to use in a movie, or even another trilogy. Each season to date offers 22 episodes, each approximately 24 minutes in length. Lucas has promised "at least 100 episodes", and with season 4 airing as I write this review, we can expect at least a season 5 to follow. Sadly, as ratings have dropped since season 1, it is anyone's guess whether we will receive anything beyond that.

The Clone Wars was preceded by the movie of the same name which wasn't too popular, but works well as a feature length pilot to the series, and is worth watching as a lead-in to this series. It sets the scene, and introduces the characters in their animation form. The series generally follows the same tone.

The Clone Wars is perhaps something that can't be taken as seriously as the movies, but should not be taken lightly either. They offer a balanced set of short and sweet story lines, including some fairly adult themes, with murder, suicide, treason, and other similar nasty events frequently arising. I think Lucas must enjoy thinking up new ways of killing off clone troopers in weird and wonderful forms, besides being shot by a blaster. There is also a lot of wit, and some of the comments between the characters are very amusing, as are the animated facial expressions. The clone troopers themselves play a great part in the series, and the episodes do not always focus centrally on the Jedi, but on their specially-bred soldiers. There is not a great mention of the Sith, at this stage, but if you're aware that Clone Wars occupies the timeline between Star Wars movies II: Attack of the Clone and III: Revenge of the Sith this is normal. The war between the Republic and the Separatists is constant, and leads to most of the large-scale action, and many sub-plots.

The animation is great, slightly angular, but beautifully rendered. The space and land battles are fantastic, as are the well choreographed lightsaber duels. The sound effects are always excellent, the music fits the scene, and the voice acting is well performed. Although the scripts are often a little simplified, and sometimes a bit cheesy, we are looking at 24 minute episodes, no time for lengthy monologues and conversations of little value.

Episodes often follow on from each other to create a 2 or 3 part story arc, and some characters are often recurring guests. Use of aliens from the movies and new lifeforms helps keep the cast interesting. You can often expect an episode to either be quite mature, or quite kiddy. The show does target adults and kids, and there are many subtle jokes for the adults even in the more kiddy episodes. Despite the gradual drop in ratings I do not feel the show has become worse over time; season 3 is as good as season 1 and leaves me wanting more. I await the next DVD release keenly as I don't see these on TV as they air.

For those complaining that the music is not John Williams. I don't think we can afford to sit through the full orchestral Star Wars theme at the beginning and end of each episode and still expect to get 24 minutes, so intro theme is shorter, and slightly different and is enjoyable, regardless. Kevin Kiner has captured the mood nicely for the series' scenes.

If you want a lot of action, humour, emotion, engaging plots and typical Star Wars heroes and villains, then this is definitely for you. Adults will enjoy it, kids will love it. Kudos to Lucas for a great effort, considering the initial resentment many fans expressed at the Clone Wars movie, it is fair to say that the series makes up for it ten-fold! I am highly looking forward to seeing future seasons, and sincerely hope that the show lasts longer than 100 episodes.