By Kroze Kresky, Media Editor and Matt Sernaker, Senior Editor
DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation have consistently given us quality Direct-to-DVD releases, featuring heroes from the DC Universe. With the new Green Lantern live-action movie coming out this month, there is no better time for the DC Animated Film series to dive deep into Green Lantern mythos and lore. Hence, they’ve brought us a series of short stories taken from the comics over the years in Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, available on June 7th on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Download combo pack!
Set in the midst of a moment of crisis for the Green Lantern corps, Emerald Knights joins the Lanterns as they ready themselves for battle against the great threat of Krona, who has been sealed away into the Anti-Matter Universe (who is now returning to take his revenge upon the Guardians and OA). New Lantern recruit Arisia, is quickly swept-up into the war preparations, yet she remains unsure of herself as a lantern and wonders if she will be able to stand toe-to-toe with other famous Lanterns to help them defend and protect the universe from the otherworldly threat. Hal Jordan (voiced by none other than fan favorite, Nathan Fillion!) quickly takes a liking to the new recruit, quickly becoming her mentor and calming her nerves by telling her various stories of the corps.
We are treated to six different flashbacks, each based around various side-characters that reveal their past histories. Kilowog (Henry Rollins) is shown experiencing his harsh training, given at the hands of Deegan (voiced by Wade Williams, Black Mask from Batman: Under the Red Hood). We are given a glimpse at Laira’s various familial issues, and we even get to see what happens when an entire planet becomes a member of the Lantern Corps. Last, but certainly not least, we are given a glimpse of things that are yet to come, involving Sinestro in Abin-Sur’s story.
This feature-length animated film is very well-produced and expertly cast. Bruce Timm and Andrea Romano once again bring their top-notch production efforts to another DC animated project, and their presence is greatly felt. Geoff Johns, who’s work on the Green Lantern franchise has been nothing less then completely universe redefining, is commissioned to writing duty for the movie.
All of the casting is spot-on and once again Andrea Romano proves that time after time, she knows how to pick ’em! Nathan Fillion as Hal Jordan is as perfect as expected, considering that we were all clamoring for him to be Hal in the movie. Henry Rollins as the mighty (yet lovable) Kilowog nails his gruffy fierceness, and his deliveries are well-done (just wait ’til you hear Kilowog’s trademark “pooser!” line, you will be in love!). Former wrestler Roddy Piper makes a hilarious and memorable appearance as Bolphunga, and rounding out the cast are WB Animation vets Wade Williams, Kelly Hu and Steve Blum, who give this animated feature a well-rounded ensemble cast. The animation doesn’t slouch in the least, and the astounding quality that we have come to expect from DC Animation is maintained.
Special Features:
Exclusively on Blu-ray
-Why Green Lantern Matters: The Talent of Geoff Johns: The noted Comic Book Author discusses the love and longevity of the character
-Filmmaker Commentary- DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and Co-Publisher Dan Didio
-Green Lantern Virtual Comic
-From Comic Book to Screen: Abin Sur Featurette
-Beautiful…But Deadly- From Comic Book to Screen: Laira Omoto Featurette
-1080p Video
-5.1 Dolby Digital English
Additional Features Include:
-Only The Bravest: Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: In-depth Profile of the Interconnected Men, Women, and Creatures of the Corps
-Sneak Peek Batman: Year One: Preview DC Universe’s Next Animated Original Movie
-Explore the recent DC Universe Animated Original Movie: All-Star Superman
-Bruce Timm Presents 2 Bonus Cartoons
-DVD Copy of the Feature Presentation
-Digital Copy of the Feature Presentation
Overall:
Warner Bros hits the sweet spot with Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. This one is definitely a worthwhile addition to your DC animated movie collection. From the animation, to the voice-acting, to the writing, everything about Emerald Knights is picture perfect! If this is the quality we can expect from the upcoming Green Lantern: The Animated Series this fall, then it can’t come soon enough! All in all it seems that this year is packed full of DC animated goodness, so be sure to look forward to Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, which hits stores on June 7th on DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack!
ComicsOnline gives Green Lantern: Emerald Knights on Blu-ray – 5 out of 5 demonstrations of pure willpower!
Get your copy of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights at Amazon.
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