DVD Review!
“Babylon 5: The Road Home” Review by Suzanne 8/23/23
I really enjoyed this animated movie that reunites most of the main characters and living actors of the original “Babylon 5” TV series. If I had a tiny quibble, it would be that I wish they had tried to make the characters of John, Delenn, Ivanova, Lochley and Sinclair look more like the actors (Garibaldi, and the aliens, look great!). This is not to say that the animation isn’t fantastic, because of course it is. I really enjoyed the DVD’s featurette as well as the main movie. It’s sad that so many of the actors have died since then, but they did an excellent job of recreating their characters with new actors.
It’s available to buy on Amazon or other places DVDs are sold, or you can watch it streaming on Prime Video and other outlets.
“Babylon 5: The Road Home” is an awe-inspiring cinematic gem that marks a new and exciting chapter in the Babylon 5 franchise. This 2023 American animated film, produced by Warner Bros. Animation and directed by the talented Matt Peters, takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through time, space, and alternate realities. With a screenplay crafted by the visionary creator of the Babylon 5 universe, J. Michael Straczynski, the film captures the essence of the original series while pushing the boundaries of storytelling in an animated format.
The film’s release brings with it a wave of excitement for fans of the franchise, and it does not disappoint. Seamlessly incorporating cutting-edge CGI animation, “The Road Home” visually resurrects the iconic Babylon 5 universe with remarkable attention to detail. The characters, settings, and spaceships come to life in stunning fidelity, offering a feast for the eyes that pays homage to the series’ aesthetic while infusing it with new vitality.
At its core, the film introduces us to President Sheridan and Delenn at a pivotal moment in their journey, as they set out to develop the Interstellar Alliance after the Shadow War. However, it’s Sheridan’s unexpected encounter with tachyons that sets the stage for an exhilarating narrative. As he becomes unstuck in time and space, the audience is treated to an intricate web of alternate realities, each expertly woven to explore the consequences of different choices and actions.
The animation captures the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences, bringing to life the struggles, dilemmas, and triumphs they face across different timelines. Bruce Boxleitner delivers an outstanding performance as John Sheridan, infusing the character with a palpable sense of determination, vulnerability, and introspection that audiences have come to love.
The film’s strength lies not only in its captivating animation but also in its rich and thought-provoking narrative. As Sheridan navigates through various realities, encountering familiar faces like Susan Ivanova, Londo Mollari, and others, the film invites viewers to ponder profound questions about existence, love, and the interconnectedness of all things.
The exceptional voice cast, including Claudia Christian, Peter Jurasik, Bill Mumy, and more, brings a sense of authenticity and familiarity to the characters, fostering a genuine connection between the audience and the on-screen personas.
“Babylon 5: The Road Home” is a triumphant celebration of the franchise’s legacy, combining the beloved elements that fans adore with fresh and innovative storytelling. The film’s release as a direct-to-video installment makes it accessible to a wide audience, both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers eager to delve into the Babylon 5 universe.
In conclusion, “The Road Home” is a captivating cinematic experience that masterfully captures the essence of Babylon 5 while exploring uncharted territory in the animated format. Its rich storytelling, breathtaking animation, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for anyone seeking a thrilling journey through time, space, and the boundless realms of imagination.
MORE INFORMATION:
The Beloved Sci-Fi Saga Returns in an
Epic Journey Through Space and Time
Babylon 5: The Road Home
Purchase Digitally and 4K Ultra HDTM & Blu-Ray™ August 15
BURBANK, CA (June 15, 2023) – The highly anticipated continuation of the beloved series is finally here with an all-new original animated movie! Arriving on August 15, 2023, Babylon 5: The Road Home will be available to purchase Digitally and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-Ray from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. Series creator J. Michael Straczynski returns with a story about the iconic Babylon 5 space station and its inhabitants as they take a journey through the past to determine the future.
Babylon 5 celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and returning to voice their characters from the original series are Bruce Boxleitner as John Sheridan, Claudia Christian as Susan Ivanova, Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari, Bill Mumy as Lennier, Tracy Scoggins as Elizabeth Lochley, and Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander.
The film also stars Paul Guyet (World of Warcraft) as Zathras and Jeffery Sinclair, Anthony Hansen (God of War) as Michael Garibaldi, Mara Junot (Green Lantern: Beware My Power) as Reporter and Computer Voice, Phil LaMarr (Futurama) as Dr. Stephen Franklin, Piotr Michael (Hogwart’s Legacy) as David Sheridan, Andrew Morgado (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) as G’Kar, and Rebecca Riedy (Magic: The Gathering Arena) as Delenn. Babylon 5: The Road Home was written and Executive Produced by series creator J. Michael Straczynski. The film was directed by Matt Peters (Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons), Supervising Producer is Rick Morales (Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind) and Executive Producer is Sam Register.
Babylon 5: The Road Home will be available on August 15 to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more. 4K Ultra HD and Blu-Ray Discs will be available to purchase online and in-store at major retailers. Pre-order your copy now.
SYNOPSIS:
Return to Babylon 5 as the epic interstellar saga continues with The Road Home. Travel across the galaxy with John Sheridan as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home. Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe.
SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:
Babylon 5 Forever (New Featurette) – join the cast and filmmakers as they reveal the process behind creating the first state-of-the-art, animated adaption of Babylon 5.
Audio Commentary with creator/writer/executive producer J. Michael Straczynski, actor Bruce Boxleitner and supervising producer Rick Morales.
Pricing and film information:
PRODUCT
Digital purchase
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack + Digital Version* $39.99 SRP USA
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack
Blu-ray + Digital Version*
Blu-ray
4K/Blu-ray Audio: English, Spanish
4K/Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Running Time: 78 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for some action/violence
*Digital version not available in Canada
About Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales and digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels. WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.
About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s current series include Batman: Caped Crusader, Bat- Family, Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders, Creature Commandos, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, Harley Quinn, Jellystone!, Looney Tunes Cartoons, Merry Little Batman, My Adventures with Superman, Noonan’s, Teen Titans Go!, Tiny Toons Looniversity, and Velma. The studio is currently in production with New Line Cinema on the upcoming original anime feature film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. WBA’s full-length theatrical film, Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, was released in summer 2018. As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Movies — for DVD, Blu-ray® and digital media. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 40 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, a BAFTA Children’s Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 21 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).
Proofread and Edited by Brenda
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