Warehouse 13: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)
Starring: Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek
RATED: UR/REGION A/1:78/1080p/NUMBER OF DISCS 15
AVAILABLE FROM Universal Studios
In the ever-expanding universe of television, few shows manage to strike a perfect balance between whimsy and intellectual stimulation quite like “Warehouse 13.” This unique sci-fi series, which aired from 2009 to 2014, captivates audiences with its blend of adventure, humor, and heart, making it a delightful gem for viewers of all ages.
At its core, “Warehouse 13” explores the concept of a top-secret government facility tasked with collecting and safeguarding dangerous artifacts imbued with historical significance and supernatural powers. Each episode revolves around the retrieval of these artifacts, which often leads to thrilling escapades and moral dilemmas. What resonated with me profoundly was the underlying theme of curiosity and the thirst for knowledge—almost a celebration of humanity’s desire to push the boundaries of understanding. The show cleverly intertwines historical figures and events with modern-day dilemmas, sparking a sense of wonder that kept me consistently engaged.
The series shines not only through its imaginative plots but also in its richly drawn characters who are wonderfully portrayed by a talented ensemble cast. Leading the charge is the witty and resourceful Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly) alongside the charming and impulsive Pete Lattimer (Eddie McClintock). The chemistry between these characters is palpable, making their moments of tension and camaraderie all the more impactful. Notably, the character of Artie Nielsen (Saul Rubinek), the eccentric warehouse caretaker, is a tour de force of quirkiness and depth, his multifaceted personality adding layers to the narrative and often leaving me chuckling or pondering the complexities of human experience.
Direction and Production Design:
Directed with a keen eye for balance between humor and drama, the show does an exceptional job of creating a whimsical yet coherent world. The meticulous production design brings the titular warehouse to life, filled with a treasure trove of artifacts that are visually stunning and serve as conduits for rich storytelling. The set feels like a character in its own right, inviting the audience into an elaborate, otherworldly archive that is both awe-inspiring and slightly eerie.
Cinematography plays a vital role in establishing the tone of “Warehouse 13.” The series deftly employs lighting and camera angles that heighten both suspense and wonder. Complementing this, the score captures the essence of each episode—from whimsical melodies to more dramatic undertones—immersing viewers in the emotional landscape of the story. I found myself humming the catchy themes long after the credits rolled, further solidifying the show’s presence in my heart.
The pacing of “Warehouse 13” is particularly noteworthy, smoothly transitioning between episodes that range from light-hearted escapades to emotionally charged narratives. The editing keeps the rhythm lively, ensuring that each artifact retrieval feels fresh and engaging. I appreciated how the show respects its audience’s intelligence; it doesn’t shy away from complex themes while still delivering an entertaining experience.
Overall, “Warehouse 13” is a series that champions the inquisitive spirit within all of us. With its clever storytelling, captivating characters, and a rich tapestry woven from history and fantasy, it invites viewers on an adventure that feels like a love letter to curiosity itself. Watching it has sparked a renewed sense of wonder in me, reminding me that life is best lived through exploration and imagination. For anyone looking for a fun, thought-provoking escape wrapped in a cloak of adventure, “Warehouse 13” is an indispensable pick that will surely leave its mark on your heart.
Extras
Season One, Disc One:
- Deleted Scene (480i): Scene from “Magnetism” (0:21).
- Gag Reel (480i, 3:12).
- Saul Searching (480i, 2:11): Actor Saul Rubinek receives a humorously mild ribbing from the cast and crew and quickly responds to a few silly questions about his eyebrows and the script.
- Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe (480i, 11:23): A basic series overview that covers the broad plot points, origins, casting and rehearsals, character details, the series’ productions design, cast camaraderie, and excitement for season two.
- Audio Commentary: Pilot episode commentary with Series Star Saul Rubinek.
Season One, Disc Two:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Claudia” (4:07), “Elements” (0:40), and “Burnout” (2:05).
- Sneak Peak: Warehouse 13: Season 2 (480i, 3:53).
- Artie-Facts (480i, 4:49): An all-too-brief look at the role the artifacts play in the show and, more interestingly, a cast and crew examination of their favorite artifacts from the show.
- What’s in the Shadows? (480i, 5:52): A closer look at one of the most interesting areas inside the warehouse, the “Dark Vault.” It also looks at The Regents and the emotional dangers of working at the warehouse.
- Audio Commentaries: For “Claudia:” Executive Producer Jack Kenny; Series Stars Joanne Kelly, CCH Pounder, and Allison Scagliotti; and Supervising Producer Drew Z. Greenberg. For “Implosion:” Executie Producer Jack Kenny, Series Stars Joanne Kelly and CCH Pounder, and Writer Bob Goodman.
Season One, Disc Three:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Regrets” (1:02), “Breakdown” (0:56), and “Macpherson” (1:14).
- Audio Commentary: For “Macpherson:” Executive Producer Jack Kenny and Series Stars CCH Pounder and Allison Scagliotti.
Season Two, Disc One:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Time Will Tell” (2:19), “Mild Mannered” (1:51), and “Age Before Beauty” (1:02).
- Gag Reel (480i, 3:17).
- A Thrilleromedy (480i, 7:34): A look at the show’s “Mixed bag” trio of styles — thrills, drama, and comedy — and how they work in the procedural details. The piece also looks at Jack Kenny’s role in the show.
- Audio Commentary: For “Time Will Tell:” Executive Producer Jack Kenny and Series Stars Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, and Allison Scaglotti.
Season Two, Disc Two:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “13.1” (2:09), “Around the Bend” (2:07), “For the Team” (0:31), and “Merge with Caution” (1:12).
- A Stitch in Time (480i, 3:21): A look at H.G. Wells character in the show.
- Photo Gallery (1080p): A selection of character stills. Advancement is by button press and automatically about every 10 seconds.
- Video Blogs (480i): A collection of enlightening shorts.
- What’s New for Season 2 (3:51): Cast and crew look at the “bigger” second season, basic plot details, crossing over with Eureka, and following up on the biggest first season in SyFy history.
- Warehouse 13 Origins (3:48): Allison Scagliotti and cast discuss the nuts-and-bolts of what the warehouse is and what it houses, including “bronzed” individuals.
- Pete and Myka (3:48): A look at the relationship between the two lead characters and how their differences both on the screen and in real life makes the dynamic all the more interesting.
- The Supernatural (4:15): Cast and crew discuss their thoughts on whether supernatural elements exist in the real world and why the supernatural elements work so well in the show.
- Artifacts (4:01): A discussion of how the artifacts are woven into the show. Cast also shares favorite artifacts.
- Audio Commentary: For “Merge with Caution:” Executive Producer Jack Kenny and Series Stars Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, and Allison Scaglotti.
Season Two, Disc Three:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Vendetta” (2:58), “Where and When” (0:58), and “Reset” (1:23).
- Designing the Warehouse (480i, 6:31): A look at the warehouse’s history as well as warehouse design ideas and production execution, including a tour of key areas inside. A few artifacts are explored, too.
- Crossing Over: Eureka Crossover Episode (480i, 43:50): An episode from Eureka starring Warehouse 13‘s Allison Scagliotti.
- Audio Commentary: For “Reset:” Executive Producer Jack Kenny and Series Stars Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, and Allison Scaglotti.
Season Three, Disc One:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “The New Guy” (1:07) and “Love Sick” (2:41).
- Guest Starring… (480i, 10:57): As the title suggests, this piece looks at some of the key and well-known guest stars who have appeared in the show through the first three seasons.
- Gag Reel (480i, 3:35).
- Audio Commentary: For “The New Guy:” Executive Producer/Showrunner Jack Kenny, Series Star Eddie McClintock, Supervising Producer Bob Goodman, and Co-Producers Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes.
- Podcast (1080p, 43:06): The “Lovesick Podcast” with Star Saul Rubinkek. This is essentially another commentary in which the actor speaks about episode 3.3.
Season Three, Disc Two:
- Audio Commentary: For “3…2…1…:” Executive Producer/Showrunner Jack Kenny, Writer Bob Goodman, and Series Stars Eddie McClintock and Allison Scagliotti. For “The 40th Floor:” Executive Producer/Showrunner Jack Kenny, Series Stars Eddie McClintock and Allison Scagliotti, and Co-Writers Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes.
Season Three, Disc Three:
- Deleted Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Emily Lake” (2:59) and “Stand” (0:45).
- Webisodes: Of Monsters and Men (480i, 28:57 total runtime): A ten-chapter extra story from the Warehouse 13 universe.
Season Four, Disc One:
- Extended Scene (480i): Scene from “There’s Always a Downside” (0:32).
- Deleted Scene (480i): Scene from “No Pain, No Gain” (0:23).
- Podcasts: Again, more commentaries by a different name. For “A New Hope:” Jack Kenny and Allison Scagliotti. For “An Evil Within:” Jack Kenny and Allison Scagliotti. For “Personal Effects:” Jack Kenny, Allison Scagliotti, and Ian Stokes. For “There’s Always a Downside:” Jack Kenny, Allison Scagliotti, and Ian Stokes. For “No Pain, No Gain:” Jack Kenny, Joanne Kelly, Tim Omundson, and Kirsten Nelson.
Season Four, Disc Two:
- Deleted & Alternate Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Endless Wonder” (0:33) and “We All Fall Down” (0:57).
- Podcasts: Again, more commentaries by a different name. For “Fractures:” Jack Kenny, Joanne Kelly, Benjamin Raab, and Deric A. Hughes. For “Endless Wonder:” Jack Kenny, Allison Scagliotti, Danielle Nicolet, Chris Fisher, and Bob Goodman. For “Second Chance:” Jack Kenny, Allison Scagliotti, Chris Fisher, Diego Gutierrez, and Bob Goodman. For “The Ones You Love:” Jack Kenny, Allison Scagliotti, Joanne Kelly, and Holly Harold. For “We All Fall Down:” Jack Kenny, Joanne Kelly, and Holly Harold.
Season Four, Disc Three:
- Deleted & Extended Scenes (480i): Scenes from “The Living and the Dead” (5:33) and “The Sky’s the Limit” (0:23).
- Podcasts: Commentary for “The Sky’s the Limit” with Jack Kenny, Michael Jones-Morales, Eddie McClintock, and Allison Scagliotti.
Season Four, Disc Four:
- Deleted & Extended Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Runaway” (5:12), “What Matters Most” (1:14), “All the Time in the World” (0:20), and “The Truth Hurts” (4:59).
- Gag Reel (480i, 3:43).
- Podcast: Commentary for “The Truth Hurts” with Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, and Allison Scagliotti.
- Grand Designs: Web Series (480i, 38:01): A ten-chapter extra story from the Warehouse 13 universe.
Season Five, Disc One:
- Deleted & Extended Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Endless Terror” (0:56) and “Secret Services” (2:32).
- Podcasts: For “Endless Terror:” Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, and Tom Lieber. For “Secret Services:” Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, Robert Duncan McNeil, and Tom Lieber. For “A Faire to Remember:” Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, Ryan Cartwright, and Tom Lieber.
Season Five, Disc Two:
- Warehouse 13: Behind the Shelves (480i, 50:23): A lengthy and often humorous retrospective that looks at cast camaraderie, stunt work and special effects, the scriptwriting process, location shooting, costumes, art department work, ideas that never made it to the show, killing off a character, wrapping the series, and more.
- Deleted & Extended Scenes (480i): Scenes from “Savage Seduction” (1:01) and “Endless” (1:22).
- Gag Reel (480i, 3:40).
- Podcasts: For “Savage Seduction:” Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, and Allison Scagliotti. For “Cangku Shisi:” Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, Allison Scagliotti, Benjamin Raab, and Deric A. Hughes. For “Endless:” Jack Kenny, Eddie McClintock, Allison Scagliotti, and John-Paul Nickel.
