Six seasons down for CW's hit television series, and at least one more to go. For fans of 'The Vampire Diaries', it's going to be difficult to watch season seven of the show due to two major characters leaving the series after this here sixth season, which is why CW tried to pull out all the stops. Some of it paid off, some of it didn't. The main problem is that we've seen to many of these story arcs before with the same characters struggling with their inner psyche to choose a good or evil path.
Not only that, the amount of melodrama and romantic interludes plagues this show in between the better than decent action and horror scenes. Season five was a bit unfocused and seemed to jump around all over the place, however with this sixth season, things tend to be more centered, since the star of the show Nina Dobrev announced that this would be her last season. If you don't remember what happened last season, check out the detailed synopsis for Season Five here, where some of your favorite characters went of to University, people sacrificing their lives for others, and a war with some fairly evil witches that left all of the magic and wonder out of the beloved town of Mystic Falls.
This sixth season takes place four months after the events of the fifth season with Elena and Jeremy mourning their friend's deaths from the previous season, where they can't seem to move on whereas Alaric is adjusting to life as a vampire. This is where Elena begins her descent into forgetting about her special friend, although he's truly not dead. In season six, most of the characters are focused on themselves, in that they are trying to either better or worsen their lives with the decisions they make.
Some have happy endings, some do not. As we see through a flashback Christmas episode and characters constantly turning off their monster-human switches throughout, that this series may have run its course, as the writers try and conjure up new and interesting ways to keep the show on the air. Don't get me wrong, there are some good moments, but everything seems just a little bit re-hashed from previous seasons here. Towards the end of this season, things amp up and go out with a bang in the form of a wedding that resembles a certain infamous wedding from an excellent HBO show, but hey, CW had to do something since a couple of the main actors won't be returning for next season.
This sixth season of 'The Vampire Diaries' isn't the best of the series, although it will be remembered for its brutal climax toward the end of the season.
Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats
Here we have 4 - 50GB Blu-ray discs that houses all 22 episodes along with all of the bonus features in a blue cast with a digital download card as well as a fold out insert that contains information on each episode that is housed in a cardboard slipcase. This is a region A set.
'The Vampire Diaries: Season 6' comes with an excellent 1080p HD transfer and is presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Like past seasons, this sixth season looks amazing, but still has some problems with crush. That being said, that's really the only problem with the visual aspect of the show, since the entire series is dark, gloomy, and somewhat gothic. Detail is always sharp and vivid throughout each episode with closeups revealing individual hairs, fine stitching in the wardrobe, makeup blemishes, and fresh bloody wounds. It all looks great.
Wider shots also provide a lot of detail as well in the backdrops, sets, and real locations, giving the image some depth. Colors pop off screen for the most part, however a lot of the show is darker than your normal television series. Blood is a deep red and warmer and earthier tones look natural. Black levels are deep and inky and the skin tones are natural too. Grain fluctuates slightly here and there, but it never deters from the viewing experience. Lastly, there are no major issues with banding, aliasing, or any other compression problems to speak of, leaving this video presentation with top marks.
This release comes with a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and sounds great. Each episode has a fluid and solid sound where ever surround speaker has its own work-out. Sound effects and ambient noises are loud and full throughout with some great directionality. There is a fully immersive sound experience going on here, and completely puts you in the center of the action. Each sound is well balanced and correctly mixed.
The score and music always adds to the suspense, romance, and horror of each scene with the theme song coming through the speakers with a vengeance, as it amps you up for what's to come. Dialogue is always crystal clear and easy to follow as well and free of any pops, cracks, hiss, and shrills. The bass sounds good here to with some rumbles, but never crossing into rocky territory. This is what a television show of this caliber should sound like.
Audio Commentary - There is one commentary track on one episode by director/writer Julie Plec on the episode 'Let Her Go', which was episode 15. She talks about the episode's unique style and story, and why she decided to write and direct it. She also discusses this seasons themes and characters.
Deleted Scenes (HD, 21 Mins.) - There are several deleted scenes spaced across the discs here, some of which are definitely worth watching if you're a fan of the show.
'The Vampire Diaries': Good Bite and Good Luck (HD, 14 Mins.) - The cast and crew say goodbye to the those who are leaving after this season and talk about some fun memories.
'The Vampire Diaries': Best. Reactions. Ever. (HD, 7 Mins.) - The cast of the show reads some of the best and funniest reactions on Twitter to this season's biggest moments.
2014 Comic Con Panel (HD, 29 Mins.) - Here the cast and crew head to San Diego for some, their last panel at Comic Con where they answer questions about the upcoming season.
Come Visit Georgia PSA (HD, 3 Mins.) - Here is a promo for the state of Georgia that is 'Vampire Diary' themed.
Gag Reel (HD, 5 Mins.) - Here is a semi-fun mix of missed spots and cues, flubbed lines, dancing, and lots of laughter.
'The Vampire Diaries' is in general a decent show for certain audiences. Not everyone will like it, but those who do, will mostly enjoy this sixth season, due to some major and brutal sequences. That being said, you can tell the writers are trying to come up with fresh material for each episode after five seasons, and sometimes, it just doesn't stick the landing. However, if you're still here and watching, than this sixth season should mostly satisfy you. The video and audio presentations are both top notch and the bonus features are quite attractive as well, leaving this sixth season Recommended for fans of the show.
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