The fastest way to know if your kid has become hooked on watching Steven Universe is when they take an intense interest in gemology. They begin to spout out facts about crystals and gems. They beg to visit the part of the natural science museum filled with rocks before hitting the dinosaur exhibit. They ponder your belief in various fusion combinations as if you’re Neil Degrasse Tyson. Steven Universe creates an extremely unique relationship between an animated series and a hard science. Back when I was a kid, we didn’t even try to find out how to order stuff from ACME like Wiley Coyote. Steven Universe: The Hearts of the Crystal Gems contains the episodes that climax of season 5 and a few earlier episodes that set up the big battle between Gems and Diamonds.
The early episodes are essential viewing to full appreciate the story arc. “Bismuth” (Ep:98/99) is an original crystal gem that’s been trapped in Steven’s lion’s mane. She’s ready to get the Gem War started again with a shocking weapon. “Mindful Education” (Ep:107) has Steven and Connie fuse and practice for combat. Garnet has to help them when the fusion is too much. “Storm in the Room” (Ep:120) has Steven face his issues with his mother Rose Quartz. “The Trial” (Ep:130) is from the beginning of the fifth season when the Diamonds put Steven on trail for his mother killing Pink Diamond.
The fifth story arc includes the episodes “A Single Pale Rose,” “Now We’re Only Falling Apart,” “What’s Your Problem,” “The Question,” “Made of Honor” and “Reunited.” Steven learns a lot more about why Rose Quartz had to kill Pink Diamond. There’s a wedding. Beach City becomes the battle ground between the Gems and the Diamonds. This is everything you’ve grown to desire from Steven Universe. There’s so much depth and drama for what could easily get dismissed as a kiddie show. This is truly a show you can watch with your kids. Even more impressive is watching your kids become gemologists.
Here’s Josie’s review:
The video is 1.78:1 anamorphic. The animation looks fine in the transfer so you can spot the gems as they fuse. The audio is Dolby Digital 2.0. The levels bring the charms of Beach City and the battle noises. The episodes are subtitled.
No bonus features.
Cartoon Network presents Steven Universe: The Heart of the Crystal Gems.. Starring: Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno Hall, Tom Scharpling and Rebecca Sugar. Boxset Contents: 10 episodes on 1 DVD. Released: August 14, 2018.
