7.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Director Quentin Tarantino brings his edgy, pulse-pounding style of filmmaking to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in this gripping, feature-length offering from the acclaimed, top-rated crime-drama series.
Starring: George Eads, Eric Szmanda, Robert David Hall, Paul Guilfoyle (II), Jorja FoxMystery | 100% |
Crime | 24% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1, 1.33:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
In TV parlance, "Grave Danger" might be described as an "event." Here's a season finale episode (season five, to be exact), a two-parter, even, of a smash hit TV show directed by none other than Quentin Tarantino, the Writer/Director behind several films perhaps a few may recognize, for instance Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Kill Bill. But the cleverly titled "Grave Danger" works even beyond the Tarantino factor. The episode has all the polish and energy of a modest feature film; it certainly lacks character development -- understandable given five season's worth prior to it -- but it does play with urgency and energy both. It's a captivating, hold-nothing-back sort of episode that stays rather true to the series while playing in such a way that the wider audience Tarantino is sure to draw won't be completely lost under series procedure. In essence, it works well enough on its own merits to satisfy all comers, though certainly there's some nuance that will escape "CSI" rookies tuning in for the first time.
Buried alive.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grave Danger's 1080p, 1.78:1-framed transfer isn't an absolute show-stopper, but it's a solid, nice-looking presentation. The episode was shoot on film; grain retention is evident throughout, and even the episode's predominately dark backdrops play with a pleasing filmic texture. Speaking of, black crush is sometimes cause for concern, but never do blacks go in the opposite direction, artificially brightening to a shade of gray. Fine detail is good, but not quite great. Facial textures are suitably complex, gore (a severed thumb, a blown-to-bits torso, entrails, and various splattered body parts) appears messy and authentic. Clothing and general details are stable, even under some of the lower light conditions. Being so dark so often, colors rarely pop off the screen; whether lit by little more than street lights, a glow stick, or the dimmer lights in the cool blue of the CSI headquarters, the transfer does all it can to ensure colors remain steady and true underneath any lighting condition. Bright shades -- yellow police tape -- do stand out, and flesh tones appear balanced throughout. The image does yield slight aliasing and splashes of blocking, but all told it's a rather good-looking release.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grave Danger features a good and involved DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The presentation features strong ambience, whether the light background din of the city at night at the first crime scene or the general sounds of the CSI offices. Music delivery is smooth, playing with good clarity, fine spacing, a noticeable surround element, and a positive, balanced low end. The Who's theme song sounds even better; it's lively, completely surrounds the listener, plays with fantastic clarity throughout the entire range, and is solidified a strong low end. There are some nifty sound effects, such as when "cracks" spread all around the soundstage in something of a circular pattern later in the episode. Gunshots and explosions are a touch on the reserved side of the ledger, though. Dialogue is smooth and accurate, playing crisply from the center channel. This is a rather good presentation, single TV show episode or not.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grave Danger contains only one supplement, CSI: Tarantino Style (1080p, 17:36). This quality extra features cast and crew recounting Tarantino's work, while the famed director discusses brining his unique style to the episode. It also looks at shooting in and around the tomb, offers up some raw on-set footage, examines the need to spread the episode into a two-parter, and more. A DVD copy of the episode is also included.
It's difficult to judge an episode like this in a vacuum, released as it has been separate from the whole, attempting to see it from two sides of the coin, on one side the veteran fans and the other newcomers. "CSI" certainly has its following, but the name plastered on the Blu-ray box is going to draw in a lot more fans who have next to no knowledge of "CSI" outside of whatever commercials they've seen during breaks in football games on CBS. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grave Danger still works rather well on its own merits, providing a sometimes gripping tale of horror and survival, though certainly blended with some of the general crime show formula. It's a good starting point for newbies and a nice trip down memory lane for longtime "CSI" fans, though which of these groups will buy Paramount's Blu-ray is anyone's guess. The disc itself is fine, featuring good video and audio and one supplement. This release is not recommended outright -- it's $16, at time of publication, for one episode versus around $60, again at time of publication, for the entire seasons already released on Blu-ray -- but fans who want this particular episode in high definition, Tarantino completists, and newcomers who should prepare to be hooked and set money down on DVD releases or set money aside for future "CSI" Blu-ray installments might want to give it a look.
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