James Clay // Film Critic
Here we are, four seasons into RICK & MORTY with finally enough stories to warrant a substantial box set.
The hugely popular Adult Swim series has spawned its own culture. For better or worse, the Justin Roiland/Dan Harmon-led animation show has fervent fans who have taken their love for the subversive comedy show about the genius mad scientist Rick and his adolescent, painfully awkward grandson, Morty.
Taking bits from obvious comparisons like BACK TO THE FUTURE, this has consistently been one of the most satisfying shows on television from a pure visual and comedic standpoint. By relying on the tropes and cliches, audiences know Roiland and Harmon have gone off the deep end time and time again with results that are instantly gif’d and have permeated pop culture. Try going down the street and asking ten people if they know “Pickle Rick.” You’re bound to get some interesting responses.
Now you can enjoy all 41 episodes of the extremely online show in one super clean and special features-loaded box set from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Nothing says quality like efficient packaging that collectors will be very proud to own. The only downside is more seasons are coming, and 1-5 boxset will be on the horizon in the coming years.
SPECIAL FEATURES: At least for me, I couldn’t care less about special features for television shows, but animated marvels such as RICK AND MORTY and the complete collection of THE FLINTSTONES are an exception. This release has a whole mess of features for each season that tells a story about the creative process.
From episode commentaries by the cast to animatic mock-ups that Roiland and his team used to test concepts, some love and care went into preparing these extras for fans. And that’s precisely why RICK & MORTY has been popular amongst a large albeit specific fanbase. It’s all about the LOL’S and the tender love and care put into a show that humorous, dark, and emotionally resonant.
Feast your eyes on this embarassment of special features:
Season 1
- Commentaries for Every Episode
- Animatics for Every Episode
- Behind the Scenes
- Deleted Scenes
Season 2
- Commentaries for Every Episode
- Animatics for Every Episode
- Deleted Animatic Sketches
- Rick and Morty Season 2 Premiere Party Featuring Chaos Chaos
Season 3
- Commentaries for Every Episode
- Animatics for Every Episode
- “Inside the Episode” for Every Episode
- Exclusive “Inside the Recording Booth”
- Origins of Rick and Morty Part 1 & 2
Season 4
- A Day at Rick and Morty: Inside Season 4
- “Inside the Episode” for Every Episode
- Creating Snake Jazz
- Directing Rick and Morty
- Samurai and Shogun
- Prop Process
- Character Creation
- Animation Challenges
BUY/STREAM: It’s very true: RICK AND MORTY is available on HBOMax. But like anything online, it can go into the ether at any time. Your trust in a physical media disc won’t ever disappear on your shelf. If you’re a fan of the show, this is well worth the price.
Grade: A
RICK AND MORTY: THE COMPLETE SEASONS 1-4 Blu-ray set is now available for purchase.
