More
- Preamp, Processor or Receiver
- Yamaha TRS-7850 Atmos Receiver
- Other Amp
- Peavy IPR 3000 for subs
- Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
- Panasonic UB820 4K UHD Player
- Front Speakers
- Cheap Thrills Mains
- Center Channel Speaker
- Cheap Thrills Center
- Surround Speakers
- Volt 10 Surrounds
- Surround Back Speakers
- Volt 10 Rear Surrounds
- Rear Height Speakers
- Volt 6 Overheads
- Subwoofers
- 2x Marty subs (full size with SI 18's)
- Video Display Device
- Sony 85 inch X950H FALD TV
Steven Universe has been the glory child of the last 7 years, and has gone on to have a MASSIVE following (not just a cult following) that actually turned me off to the show. I know, I know, it’s stupid, but I have a tendency to have a slightly antagonistic first response to things that general society deems as “the greatest thing ever”. It’s why I didn’t watch the Harry Potter films until the 4th one came out, and ignored Inception for over 6 months until a friend I trust implicitly (well, at least in regards to his taste in movies) told me I had to see it. Thus, like usual, I ignored Steven Universe until I got this option to review the set, binge watch 6 seasons AND a movie in order to see whether or not it’s worth the price of admission. I hate to say it (like I always do), but Steven Universe is an adorable Cartoon Network show with a sci-fi/super hero theme, but with a subtext of utter kindness. I tend to shy away from what I consider “woke feelies” type of entertainment, but Steven Universe bypasses the normal tendency to over politicize kindness, or saccharine coat it, but instead crafts an intricate world where kindness and friendship bonds are really the star of the show.
The animated series is created by Adventure Time alumni Rebecca Sugar, and revolves around an alien race of invading women known as the “Gems”. These alien women are lorded over by a sect of 4 of their kind called “The Diamonds” and are intent on reshaping their universe according to their very rigid and legalistic caste system. The show doesn’t let you into this fact near the beginning, but gradually unveils the knowledge that a group of Gem’s formed a resistance known as Crystal Gems, headed up by a woman named Rose Quarts (Susan Egan), thousands of years ago. Their main goal was to resist the Diamonds and protect Earth from them at all costs. However, the present time has shown that Rose has died, but not before she gave birth to half gem, half human son named Steven. A son who doesn’t realize his connections to his alien half and is forced to come to grips with that as the show progresses.
While the series seems straight forward and simply limited by the battle against the Gems, the show’s largest strength is upon the strength of the relationship bond among the characters, as well as Steven’s inherent decency as a human being (or half human being). It’s not that he’s just one to look for nonviolent solutions while Amethyst and Garnet are cheerfully ready to apply some judicious force, but also due to the fact that Steven honestly tries to look for the best in whatever person he’s dealing with. Even though it may be an enemy, or just a friend who is angry. He’s a sweet character, but I was honestly surprised at how appealing he is as a character. As a guy who cheerfully believes that everything has it’s time and place, including violence, it’s nice to see that the creators didn’t write him as a super “woke” character who ignores the reality of violence in humanity (and aliens), but rather a character who understands that it’s not always a necessity to have it as a first resort. It makes him a powerful figure and his successes, whether they be pacifistic or when he chooses to pull out his offensive power, all the more satisfying.
Rating:
Not Rated by the MPAA
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
• Music Videos
• Steven Universe Minisodes
• Steven Universe The Movie: Sing-A-Long
• Commentary for Select Episodes
Final Score:
I honestly went into the show with low expectations and a suspicion that I was going to find it too “woke” considering how it was advertised in many social circles, but ended up being very pleasantly surprised with the show. The 6 season series is included in this collection, along with the movie in a 15 disc fold open digipack set. I still loathe the use of those cardboard sleeves for these type of releases, but the packaging is very attractive, and each “sleeve” for the individual discs come with some nifty artwork. For fans of the show this is an absolute steal, and a great purchase. For newbies to the show, It’s still worth it as a blind buy as the appeal for Steven Universe is very broad against all demographics, and even warmed this cynical reviewers heart a good bit. Definitely a nice buy.
Technical Specifications:
Starring: Zach Callison, DeeDee Magno, Michaela Dietz, Estelle
Created by: Rebecca Sugar
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 MPEG2
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH
Studio: Warner Archive
Rated: TV-PG
Runtime: 2062 Minutes
DVD Release Date: December 8th 2020
Recommendation: Fun Watch