Samurai Jack: Season 4 (DVD, 2007, 2-Disc Set)

"Long ago in a distant land, I, Aku, the shape-shifting Master of Darkness, unleashed an unspeakable evil! But a foolish Samurai warrior wielding a magic sword stepped forth to oppose me. Before the final blow was struck, I tore open a portal in time and flung him into the future, where my evil is law! Now the fool seeks to return to the past, and undo the future that is Aku!"

The above is the classic opening sequence that every Samurai Jack fan has come to know and love. The show centers around a Samurai named Jack and his fight with the powerful demon named Aku. Aku had defeated Jack's father and enslaved his homeland but Jack escaped. After training with the world's finest fighters and teachers he returned and defeated Aku using his father's magic sword. Before Jack could finish off the demon, Aku opened a portal in time and transported Jack to the future. Now Jack has to fight off Aku's minions and find a way to return to the past and defeat Aku.

Samurai Jack was created by Genndy Tartakovsky and first aired the show in 2001. During its four year run on Cartoon Network it won numerous awards including four Emmys. Season Four is the final season although there has been talk, including commentary in this set by Tartakovsky, about a feature length movie.

Season Four's episodes were an excellent mix of Tartakovsky's unique animation combined with humor and excellent plot lines. "Samurai vs Samurai" features the voice of David Alan Grier as a 'want to be Samurai' and has some laugh out loud funny lines. "Jack vs. Aku" is also extremely well written and any fan of the show will thouroughly enjoy the dialogue. There's also a number of episodes that really stand out like the "Tale of X9" which is reminiscent of the movie Blade Runner. Also "Jack vs the Ninja" with its black and white fight scenes was very well done.

With all of the great episodes its a shame that there's so few extras especially considering that this is Samurai Jack's last season. There's some commentary with Tartakovsky and a round table type discussion with some of the shows writers and producers but little else. Still, this is a great collection of the the show's last episodes and is well worth the money.

Samurai Jack is one of those shows that one must be dedicated to in order to fully appreciate it; however, that does not mean that none but those who first saw it on Cartoon Network won't be interested- those people may be more inclined to watch the seasons because of the originality of the series. I love everything about Samurai Jack, from the awkward moments (that are hilarious) to the subtle messages about morality, justice, and pride for one's nation that motivate Jack to keep pushing on with his journey. It may seem somewhat arbitrary as to how Jack actually travels, but come on...it's a cartoon and cartoons can switch around as they please.
This season is the final (but not the last actual episode final[BAD GRAMMAR]) season of the Samurai Jack Series; the creator was hoping to make a movie about Jack's return home but...its been a few years and there has been no rumors.... This season encapsulates all of Jack's growth from "Jumping good" to his "relationship" with Aku...and will create THE most unforgettable scenes in Samurai Jack History... "i could give you a -" "No! I'll be fine, I'll walk"... Obviously though, one cannot view this season without buying or watching the other seasons, but i would recommend buying all four seasons (which I did) because the videos have such replay value.
Jack grows, he learns, he fights, he jokes, he forgets.... He saves. In general terms the show teaches a certain morality and respect to the viewers, how? If you truly watch, enjoy and analyze the features of the show you will understand.

I bought this DVD because I used to watch Samuai Jack on Cartoon Network before it was taken off the air. I've always enjoyed the whole concept of a noble warrior being sent to the future and trying to find a way back to the past to vanquish his mortal enemy (who, by the way, now controls everthing in the future). The episodes are well thought out, imaginative, and highly entertaining. It's hard for me to choose which season is the best (there are 4 in all) because they are all wonderful. Samuai Jack is an excellent cartoon to be enjoyed by all. I only wish it had lasted more than 4 seasons.

Genndy Tartakovsky's "Samurai Jack" is one of the most fantastically inventive shows to ever grace TV. Amidst the stunning action sequences, and the almost star wars-like creatures, are good morals. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and makes you laugh, sometimes at the same time. This show is a sure fire treat for animation buffs to casual TV watchers. It deserves a spot in the animation hall of fame (if there is one).

This is my second favorite Samurai Jack season. I love the seasons of death episode. I disliked the robot assassin... probably my least favorite episode of the series. The Scottsman is just as hilarius as ever. My favorite episode though is easily the one where the bounty hunters team up to capture Jack. All in all this one of my favorite cartoon shows of all time and I wish they could have made it last longer.