DVD Review: Latest Season of CW Hits ‘Supernatural,’ ‘The Vampire Diaries’

CHICAGO – As The CW continues to struggle to find a new hit (which could very easily change with the upcoming premiere of the very-promising “Arrow”), Warner Bros. releases two of the networks most reliable programs, arguably the two biggest success stories for the network right now in “Supernatural: The Complete Seventh Season” and “The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Third Season.”

I’ve been a fan of “Supernatural” for years although I think even diehards would admit that the show has gone downhill a bit since it was supposed to end a few years ago and has basically felt like it was coming up with new plotlines on the fly. Creator Eric Kripke admitted that he thought the show would end well before the about-to-start 8th season. Having said that, it’s still an entertaining program in no small part due to the immense screen charisma of its two stars — Jared Padalecki & Jensen Ackles. Neither young actor has ever gotten the credit they deserve because I think critics too easily write off this often-smart show.

As for “The Vampire Diaries,” I’ve tried really hard to get into this show that has such a loyal following but I just can’t quite do it. Don’t get me wrong — it’s far from awful (especially when compared to most of the other shows on The CW) — it’s just never something I consider appointment television.

Both DVD sets from Warner Bros. feature typically strong transfers but the “Vampire Diaries” one is a bit light on special features especially when compared to “Supernatural.” The CW’s longest-running non-reality series always gets nice collections of bonus material and the 7th season is no exception. Details for both sets below.

Supernatural: The Complete Seventh Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 18, 2012
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“Supernatural: The Complete Seventh Season”

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Synopsis:
In season 7, Sam and Dean fight demons. Real demons, like Lucifer, who tortures Sam with visions of Hell. Private demons, as the brothers face a traumatic personal loss when Bobby is cut down by alien forces. And as Sam and Dean travel the back roads of America, hunting monsters who wreak havoc on the innocent, a new and more terrible foe hunts them. Leviathans, freed from Purgatory and immune to the brothers’ arsenal of weapons and cunning. With Bobby gone, all Sam and Dean can rely on is each other. But will that be enough? Uncover the terrifying revelations in this 6-disc, 23-episode season 7.

Click here to buy “Supernatural”

Special Features:
o 3 Episode Commentaries
o Directing the Supernatural
o Washboards & Tommy Guns
o Jensen Sings
o Unaired Scenes
o Gag Reel

The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 11, 2012
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Third Season”

Rating: 2.5/5.0

Synopsis:
The sexy and supernatural cast of The Vampire Diaries are back with a compelling 9-disc 22-episode season three. As Stefan succumbs to Klaus, Damon and Elena wrestle with the guilt of their growing bond while they work together to bring Stefan back from the edge. And when Mikael the Original vampire hunter, Esther the Original witch and their children arise from their caskets to resolve a 1,000 year old power struggle, Mystic Falls becomes a battleground for World War Vampire, with Elena caught dead center between them - and, as always, between Damon and Stefan.

Click here to buy “The Vampire Diaries”

Special Features:
o Stefan’s Descent Into Darkness: Follow Stefan’s Journey From Good to Evil and Back
o The Original Vampires: The Beginning - Trace the Timelines, the Family Tree and The Mythological Roots of These Centuries Old Creatures
o Unaired Scenes
o Gag Reel

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com