Special Edition Blu-Ray Review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
Get screens of what’s inside and see if it’s worth the purchase.
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract debuted on April 11th, 2017. The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) feature film is among DC’s best productions yet. Featuring a compelling, complex narrative and spectacular animation, it’s a tour de force DCAU entry. The home video release is equally as amazing. There’s a DVD which includes the film and special features, as well as Blu-ray and Special Edition Blu-ray set.
Both the Blu-Ray and Special Edition package include the film and special features on both Blu-ray and DVD, as well as an UltraViolet digital copy. Upgrading to the special edition adds a Blue Beetle figurine as well. There’s an outer case about the size of a DVD three-disc set, and within the Blu-ray and DVD in a traditional Blu-ray case. The Blue Beetle statue comes in a plastic shell inside the larger outer casing. On the bottom of the larger box is a limited edition number.
A shiny slipcover with embossed accents comes on the Blu-ray case. There’s a premium feel to the slipcover and the Blue Beetle figurine, and the entire set comes packaged quite well. It’s a generous set with three copies of the movie and special features. Extras include “Titanic Minds: Reuniting Wolfman and Perez,” and “Villain Rising: Deathstroke.” In “Titanic Minds,” writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gorge Perez talk the Teen Titans origins. Its focus ranges from the Titans in general to Tara Markov, and the specific Judas Contract storyarc.
“Villain Rising” probe the character of Deathstroke. While initially, he’s a very logical character driven by morals, his actions become personal. Deathstroke is a villain that continually justifies his actions and persists in creating and recreating his moral code. This remains a fascinating look at a villain that’s pretty complicated. Sure, he sets out against the Titans, but he’s not a pure evil entity. Rather, Deathstroke maintains an interesting psychology. Mike Carolin, Perez, and Wolfman weigh in on the character of Deathstroke in this short extra.
Probably my favorite extras are the bonus cartoons Teen Titans “Terra,” and “Titan Rising.” These are plucked from the 2003 Cartoon Network series. “Terra” offers the origin story of Tara “Terra” Markov. “Titan Rising” shows Terra’s reappearance, but this time in control of her power. These two episodes provide Terra-centric Cartoon Network episodes. In Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, Tara is one of the essential characters.
Aside from these goodies, there’s a sneak peak at the Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox, and a look at the Batman-Superman rivalry. Overall, the special features are plentiful, and my favorites are the character study of Deathstroke, Wolfman-Perez reunion, and Cartoon Network Teen Titans episodes.
I hope this turns out to be another Gravity Falls-type show with an overarching storyline.