Green Lantern: First Flight DVD: Review By CBF

Aug 23rd, 2009 by CBF
Another Quality Release from DC/WP, and a Great Green Lantern Corps Adaptation.
  • OVERALL
    4.5
    SUPERB
  • Feature
  • Picture
  • Sound
  • Extras
  • Replay Value
THE GOOD
Just about everything.
THE BAD
At only 77 minutes, the origin is quickly over with, and makes for a shorter story.
THE FEATURE
The Green Lantern mythos come to the bronze screen in this thrilling chapter of the DC Universe exceptional line of animated movies. In Justice League: The New Frontier, the second in the line, we glimpsed a small part of Hal Jordan's origin in embracing his destiny as a Green Lantern. It is within this new fifth installment that we get the full treatment, from the retelling of that very same origin to a larger, more widescale story, as Jordan is inducted into The Green Lantern Corps, the self-imposed "Guardians of the Universe." Hal Jordan's first adventure is - Green Lantern: First Flight.

The story quickly delves into the rich mythology surrounding the emerald costume along with its synonymous ring of power. As much as it is a story of the ultimate initiation of sorts to prove one's worth as a super-being of immense authoritative dictatorship, I find that it is more of a story about bravery, coming into one's own, and the longing of acceptance. I enjoyed the film. Which is a rarity among my efforts, for immersing myself into anything specifically surrounding comic book-themed elements usually result in large disappointments and massive constructive criticism. However, that being said, I must admit to being ignorant to the Lantern mythos. I am well aware of their importance in the DC Universe as well as Hal Jordan's Green Lantern presence as the top of the line of all the B-Tier characters, with The Flash pulling a close runner-up. And while I was largely oblivious to the Corps, I found that I could sit back and take my time to let the story play out, opposing my usual take as to waiting for certain events to unfold, as they do in the corresponding characters' mythologies. I find myself open to this stance more recently, as I have begun to watch the well-known out-of-whack Supes mythos TV series, "Smallville," yet again. Anyways, that little irrelevant detail aside, I therefore had no idea what to expect in the story of the Lanterns and their galactic judicial government, and was surprised to find that the main plot device of the source of power of the rings, and thereby, all Green Lanterns, was a keen interest in moving the story forward.

The animation was top-notch, but really, did you expect much less after seeing the other Animated Original Movies from DC/Warner Premiere? Didn't think so. Sinestro was a superb mentor/villain, and keeps you entertained throughout his arc while also keeping you guessing what his true motives are. There are also some double-crosses and other surprises that I found enjoyable. To me, this was like Superman meets Star Trek. Yet I only wished it could have been a little longer of a film, although the special features entirely make up for it.
THE EXTRAS
Over 2-and-a-half hours worth, here's what you get.

Disc One with Movie

Exclusive Sneak Peek at Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

This is going to be so awesome, I literally cannot wait! Yes it's the geek in me, but with a name like ComicBookFan you can't expect for me to be above this. All the previous voice actors from Bruce Timm's DCAU are returning to voice their respected roles, and the storyline comes from one of the most thrilling modern adaptations of Supes and Bats from just a few years ago! Not to mention a SLEW of characters make appearances, like THE ENTIRE LEGION OF DOOM, just to name a few, President Lex Luthor, and the massive Kryptonite Asteroid. This will undoubtedly be the best in the series. I'd put my money on that.

Behind the Scenes of Blackest Night, The Epic DC Comics Super Hero Event in which the Dead Rise

Very interesting segment regarding Summer 2009's company-wide publication in DC Comics, told by the writers themselves. Though as I said I am not big on Lantern tales, this take actually looks quite intriguing.

3 Other DC Universe Animated Original Movie Promos

Disc Two

Behind the Story with Geoff Johns: The New York Times' Best-Selling Writer Discusses the Mythology of the Green Lantern

The heart of these releases' extras, I thrive on these featurettes and are the primary reason I target their 2-Disc Special Edition counterparts. This opened the door for me to appreciate the epic history of one of DC's most beloved characters. Not to mention it's officially doc*mented by Geoff Johns, one of the best writers in comics, TV, and films to date.

Duck Dodgers Series Episode: "The Green Loontern"

A funny take on Daffy Duck becoming a misplaced, crimefighting superhero when his laundry is switched with Hal Jordan's.

Green Lantern Corps Character Profiles: Sinestro and the Guardians of the Universe

Bruce Timm Presents: 2 Bonus Cartoons

Two Justice League Unlimited episodes revolving around Green Lantern, similar in fashion to what they did on the Wonder Woman DVD.
THE VIDEO
Excellent. Widescreen Version presented in a Dual-Layer format which is enhanced for widescreen TVs.
THE AUDIO
Superb. English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.
THE PACKAGE
A well-put together design. The color emanates off the slip sleeve cover as the ring Jordan holds up is illuminated in green. It is bewildering to behold.
THE FINAL WORD
I may seem a bit biased in my review, but this time it has no pre-formulative umph behind it. It is simply because I enjoyed the movie. And while this may ring true for many of you who decide to see it, I encourage you to do so regardless. DC has once again brought us a quality release, much to my satisfaction. At this rate, the company seems fit to take the lead as the #1 comic book enterprise, much to the help of all the great writers as well as having Bruce Timm on their side. I would not be surprised if this generates enough positive praise in order for the live-action film to be made. I can only wait silently in great anticipation for the sixth installment which is sure to outdo them all.

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Comments (10)

  1. 313td

    Nice review.

    3 years agoby @313tdFlag

  2. The First Avenger: JohnnyBlaze

    as usual Webbed wonder great review. this looks pretty good,def on the shorter side compared to some of your others but im sure thats because of the runnig time no? and by your account def worth a view or 2. only thing is that it jus mokes me salivate even more for that Batman/Superman dvd hitting soon. mmmmmmmm two dynamic legendary heros wrapped in an action packed dvd..... auuuuugh! (Homer Simpson noise)
    Nice 1 bub!

    3 years agoby @johnnyblazetb82Flag

  3. CBF

    Thanks Doom. Yes I cover special features on each DVD I review. I really try to cover them well so you know if you would get your money's worth if you are into the extras or not.

    X5 I was thinking about it, but I am going to wait for the DVD. Plus I heard the "new" 3D thing isn't much to boast about.

    3 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag

  4. RavenX5 God of Light

    are u gonna see The Final Destination in 3-D?

    3 years agoby @hackx9Flag

  5. righthandofdoom

    Great review. You covered everything man. I like how you cover the bonus features to man. I have not seen this yet. I havent really read to many Green Lantern books but I will check it out. This was a good review.

    3 years agoby @righthandofdoomFlag

  6. CBF

    Thanks Twist. Yeah I'm not really into Green Lantern as a side character on his own. I like him in JLA and I did like him in this retelling, moreover I like him when there are more superheroes around, although I feel I could probably get into the GL Corps mythology, but as for Hal being a hero on Earth - boring to me.

    Yes Public Enemies is going to be badass. Have you read the TPB Twist? If not I recommend it, as well as Vol. 2 "Supergirl From Krypton." Those are two great comics if you're a Supes/Bats fan. If you're interested I have the Digital Comics.

    3 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag

  7. Twisted Smile (The Untold Smile)

    Great review man! I have yet to pick this up, but after reading the review you put together involving the film and features I have gotten more excited for it then I already was. I am glad to see the film sparked your interest in the Green Lantern mythos. What Johns is doing with character now is simply brilliant. You should definitely check out Green Lantern Rebirth and the current run that has gone into The Blackest Night. Once again man, great review and I am glad to hear there are good features on this release. I also can't wait for Batman/Supeman Public Enemies. It should be awesome.

    3 years agoby @twistedsmileFlag

  8. CBF

    Wow, I guess I'm not very popular anymore.

    3 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag

  9. CBF

    Thanks RavenX5: God of Light, which BTW, is a really cool name. Yes I liked this movie as well as you can see but I have to say out of all the DC/WP films, my favorites have to be the first ("Superman/Doomsday") and fourth ("Wonder Woman") respectively. This was a close runner up, though, along with "New Frontier." I'm gonna go back to do the rest of the series I missed.

    3 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag

  10. RavenX5 God of Light

    nice CBF,i really liked this movie.Although,i really miss JLU the whole time.

    3 years agoby @hackx9Flag