Over the Garden Wall: The Blu-ray Release We Deserve


Wirt and Greg from Over the Garden Wall venture through the woods with Beatrice the bluebird.
Image: Cartoon Network

A decade has passed since Over the Garden Wall first cast its spell on Cartoon Network audiences. Since its 2014 debut, the miniseries has blossomed into a cult phenomenon, revered as an essential autumnal masterpiece for its blend of cozy atmosphere and eerie folklore. Long regarded as the pinnacle of Halloween animation, the show continues to captivate new viewers every October. While it currently resides on streaming platforms like Hulu, collectors can finally secure a permanent spot for it on their shelves: Over the Garden Wall is making its long-awaited Blu-ray debut this spring.

The story follows the surreal journey of half-brothers Wirt (voiced by Elijah Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean), who find themselves wandering through a purgatorial forest known as the Unknown. As they struggle to find their way home, they are guided by the cynical bluebird Beatrice (Melanie Lynskey) and a cryptic Woodsman (Christopher Lloyd), all while evading the shadows of a lurking Beast. Conceptualized by Patrick McHale, the series expanded upon the foundations laid in his evocative short film, Tome of the Unknown.

Scheduled for release on April 7, this single-disc edition has yet to confirm its full list of special features. However, fans are crossing their fingers for a comprehensive package. Previous international releases featured insightful creator commentaries, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted footage, and the original composer’s cut. Ideally, this new set will also include the recent stop-motion short produced for the show’s 10th anniversary, which saw the brothers return to the ethereal woods of their youth.

For those who prefer a more immediate (and thrifty) option, a standard DVD version of the series is still available for less than $7. It’s a solid choice for those who aren’t concerned with high-definition visuals and simply want to own the story today.

The upcoming Blu-ray is currently available for pre-order at $30.99. This release serves as a reminder of the show’s enduring legacy, leaving many to hope that McHale might eventually secure the funding for his live-action spiritual successor. With the arrival of this physical edition and the recent release of highly detailed Mondo collectibles, the world of the Unknown feels more alive than ever.


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Source: Polygon

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