Succession: The Complete Series (2018-2023) [Blu-ray review]

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From its debut in 2018 to its dramatic conclusion in 2023, HBO’s Succession became one of the most critically acclaimed and discussed television series of the modern era. Created by Jesse Armstrong, the show centers around the Roy family, the ultra-wealthy and morally corrupt owners of the media conglomerate Waystar Royco, as they vie for control of the family business. Mixing sharp wit, biting satire, and intense family drama, Succession holds a mirror up to the elite world of business moguls, exposing the toxicity and ruthlessness that often lie beneath the surface.

The recent Complete Series Blu-ray release of Succession provides fans and new viewers alike with the opportunity to experience the entire saga in stunning high definition, with pristine video quality and immersive audio that make the series’ breathtaking cinematography and nuanced performances even more impactful. With all four seasons packaged together, this collection offers the best way to relive the Roy family’s betrayals, alliances, and power struggles, while also providing insightful special features that explore the making of the series.

HBO made the average person care about Media Oligarchs again

At the heart of Succession is the Roy family, led by the patriarch Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox), a media titan who built his company, Waystar Royco, into a global empire. Logan’s health is failing, and with his advanced age comes the question of who will succeed him as the head of the company. His four children—Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Roman (Kieran Culkin), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Connor (Alan Ruck)—each harbor ambitions to take control, leading to a cutthroat battle for power.

Succession Year One

The first season sets the stage for the family’s internal war. Kendall, Logan’s second-oldest son, is initially seen as the heir apparent, but his struggle with substance abuse and a botched corporate coup against his father sets the tone for the power dynamics to follow. Meanwhile, Roman emerges as a wildcard with questionable maturity, Shiv distances herself from the company as she focuses on a political career, and Connor lives in relative obscurity, detached from the main corporate affairs.

Logan’s near-death health scare is the catalyst for the family’s conflict, as the Roy children realize that Logan may soon step down—voluntarily or otherwise. The power plays that ensue expose the vulnerabilities, ambitions, and moral bankruptcy of each character.

Year Two

The second season amplifies the power struggle, with Kendall’s failure to overthrow his father leading to one of the most humiliating periods of his life. Logan, fully aware of his children’s attempts to undermine him, uses their insecurities to maintain control. Shiv is drawn deeper into the corporate world, flirting with the possibility of becoming her father’s successor, while Roman starts to gain more responsibility, though still viewed as a liability.

A key subplot involves the company’s attempt to navigate a serious scandal involving misconduct on its cruise lines, which has the potential to destroy the company’s reputation. Logan’s tactics grow increasingly ruthless as he solidifies his grip on Waystar Royco.

The COVID Years kick off Season 3

Season 3 sees Kendall attempting yet another power grab, this time going public with damning information about his father’s handling of the company’s scandals. This declaration of war sets the stage for a season-long battle between Logan and Kendall, with each sibling forced to choose sides.

The battle for control becomes more personal than ever as the lines between familial loyalty and corporate strategy blur. The family’s public and private lives collide, culminating in a series of shocking betrayals that set the stage for the final act of the series.

The Final Season Begins!

In the final season, the stakes are at their highest as Logan’s health deteriorates and the question of succession becomes unavoidable. With the backdrop of a massive merger deal that could either save or destroy Waystar Royco, the Roy siblings make their final plays for control, leading to devastating consequences.

Without revealing spoilers for those who haven’t yet watched, Season 4 ties up the series with explosive drama, shocking twists, and a heartbreaking exploration of the Roy family’s ultimate fate.

Why did people like Succession?

The dysfunctional dynamics of the Roy family are central to the show’s appeal. The toxic relationships between Logan and his children, as well as the sibling rivalries, are a driving force throughout the series. These familial bonds are fraught with emotional manipulation, unmet expectations, and a deep-seated need for approval, making the personal stakes just as high as the corporate ones.

Let’s talk about the Succession Complete Series Blu-ray

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer captures every detail of the series’ sleek cinematography. The cold, sterile boardrooms and the opulent private estates are rendered with sharpness and clarity that make the settings feel even more immersive. The crisp visual quality enhances the series’ overall aesthetic, with the show’s signature color palette of muted greys, blues, and earth tones appearing more refined and nuanced than ever before.

The frequent use of natural light, particularly in scenes set in expansive outdoor locations or through the windows of skyscrapers, is also enhanced by the Blu-ray transfer. The visual contrasts between the corporate world and the personal lives of the Roy family members are accentuated, with each setting feeling distinctly atmospheric.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound mix offers a full-bodied audio experience that brings the series’ intense dialogue, background music, and sound effects to life. Composer Nicholas Britell’s hauntingly elegant score is a key element of Succession’s atmosphere, and the Blu-ray’s audio mix allows the music to resonate with more depth and clarity. The dialogue remains crystal clear throughout, even during the show’s rapid-fire, overlapping conversations.

The Blu-ray release also does justice to the more subtle sound design elements, such as the ambient noises of corporate offices, the faint hum of cityscapes, and the crackling of fireplaces in the Roy family’s luxurious homes. These details enhance the immersion of the series, making the world of Succession feel even more tangible.

The special features range from two hours of featurettes to recaps for each character. If that wasn’t enough, you get interviews and more info on the Roy family than you can handle. The A/V Quality is spectacular and it leaves me wondering what else can be added to the release.

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