I'm not sure why it seems "the end of the World" scenarios have become so popular lately. Nor do I understand why many of these concepts include zombies, but Sony Pictures and PlayStation decided to get in on the action with their video game turned limited series, The Last of Us. Season One premiered in January 2023 on HBO, with Season Two following just over two years later. Both seasons debuted to critical and audience acclaim and have become fodder for the office water cooler conversation. The series has also won nine prime-time Emmy Awards. While the third season is in production, The Last of Us: The Complete Second Season is now available at local retailers in 4K (both regular and Steelbook) and Blu-ray.
For those unfamiliar with the video game premise, The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic America where society had collapsed decades after a mass fungal infection transformed its hosts into zombie-like creatures. In the first season, Joel (Pedro Pascal; The Mandalorian), a smuggler, is tasked with escorting an immune teenager, Ellie (Bella Ramsey; Game of Thrones), across the country from Boston. In the second season, they have settled in Jackson, Wyoming, with Joel's brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna; Terminator: Dark Fate) and Ellie's friends Dina (Isabela Merced; Alien: Romulus) and Jesse (Young Mazino; Beef). After Joel's death, Ellie travels to Seattle in search of Joel's killers.
The strength of this show lies in a few areas. First, there is the story that is taken directly from the video game for the most part. Fans of the game have expressed their delight in this fact. Second, the relationship between Pascal and Ramsey seems so genuine that they emulate their characters in the video game on the small screen. Third, the writing is excellent, garnering the staff with various awards and accolades, and finally, the technical aspects are extremely well done.
Speaking of tech specs, the Dolby Vision on the 4K is incredibly detailed. Everything from the infected roots penetrating the pipes to the zombie creatures and the decimated cities are clean and sharp. Colors, especially outdoor scenes, tend to be muted yet are nonetheless robust.
The Dolby Atmos audio is layered with the soundtrack, dialogue, and ambient sounds, including gunshots, screams, and fire. The audio is probably even better than the video, making the overall viewing experience great. The surround sound experience envelopes the viewer in all the zombie groaning horror.
There are numerous short extras that are spread over the three 4K discs in the set. They include: Making of The Last of Us: Season 2: Episodes 1-7, Growing the World of The Last of Us, Welcome to Jackson, Battle of Jackson, Deconstructed, Joel's Journey to Season 2, Ellie's Journey to Season 2, Character Featurettes: (Joel, Ellie, Abby, and Dina), Mushroom Taste Test, Pedro & Bella Q&A, Open Book: Isabela Merced and Young Mazino, Stalker Showdown Deconstructed, and Camera Roll: Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced & Young Mazino In Action, Ellie's Path, and Beneath the Surface: The Visual FX of The Last of Us.
From a storytelling perspective, The Last of Us is engaging, entertaining, and quality television. Since it also follows the video game, it is a fan favorite. With killer graphics and heart-wrenching plots, this 4k Steelbook is a treat for anyone, regardless of whether they are a fan, and is well worth the purchase price.
The tension will get your heart pumping, and the relationships will have you weeping. It may seem strange that such a great television show came out of a video game, but sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and this is one 7-episode season is well worth your time and money.
Grade: B+
