Star Wars: The Clone Wars – The Complete Season Two [Blu-ray] by Warner Home Video

Actors

• Matt Lanter
• Tom Kane
• Dee Bradley Baker
• James Arnold Taylor
• Phil LaMarr

Format

• AC-3
• Animated
• Collector's Edition
• Dolby
• Dubbed

Editorial Review

After an impressive debut season, the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars roars back for a sophomore slate of adventures that tops its predecessor in both action and mythos-related dramatics. Situated in the Star Wars timeline between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the 22 episodes center around Anakin Skywalker's promotion to Jedi Knight in an attempt to rally the Jedis in the face of General Grievous's attacks. Joined by Obi-Wan Kenobi, he's sent to the planet Geonosis in pursuit of the villain, only to find its population enslaved–and worse–by the Separatists. The fight for the people of Geonosis is easily the highlight of the series, but secondary story lines offer solid intrigue as well, most notably in the arrival of bounty hunter Cad Bane, whose mission is to find children sensitive to the Force, and the appearance of Boba Fett, who vows to avenge the death of his father by Mace Windu. A rampaging giant monster, scads of political intrigue, and some genuinely impressive battle sequences all add to the enjoyment, but what really elevates season two is its darker tone, as evidenced in “Brain Invaders,” where Anakin's torture of a prisoner gives a hint of his future, and the terrifying, zombiefied prisoners of Geonosis. The more serious approach, as well as the lack of comic relief (most notably, no Jar Jar Binks), will undoubtedly please adult Star Wars fans, though younger devotees might be somewhat disturbed by the turn of events; thankfully, there is plentiful action and derring-do to balance out the murkier deeds. Extras include substantive featurettes in which director Dave Filoni and his crew discuss a quartet of episodes, including the Geonosis story line and the influence of Godzilla on their own reptilian menace. There's also a detailed, 68-page booklet filled with character design and the artists' notes. –Paul Gaita