7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
As seen on public television Based on novels by Maureen Jennings With a total of 25 Gemini® nominations to its credit, this sharp, sophisticated mystery series features Yannick Bisson (Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye) as William Murdoch, a Toronto police detective at the cutting edge of Victorian science. Together with a forward-thinking pathologist (Gemini® winner Hélène Joy, Durham County), he applies revolutionary criminology techniques to crack the toughest cases. This season finds Murdoch making the acquaintance of H.G. Wells, teaming up a second time with Nikola Tesla, investigating art forgery, and using the fledgling science of psychology to out the era’s most elusive murderers. Guest stars include Patrick McKenna (The Red Green Show), Lisa Faulkner (Murder in Suburbia), Ashley Leggat (Life with Derek), Sarah Gadon (Being Erica, Happy Town), Dmitry Chepovetsky (ReGenesis), and Peter Keleghan (The Newsroom)
Starring: Yannick Bisson, Hélène Joy, Thomas Craig, Jonny Harris, Mouna TraoréMystery | 100% |
Period | 46% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: LPCM 2.0
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Between Bones, CSI, NCIS, their many spin-offs, and—until recently—Law & Order, there’s been no shortage of TV shows about detectives plying the grim trade of forensic science to crack cases. It’s a crowded genre, so each new series needs, if not at a gimmick, at least something to help it stand out from pack. Canadian series Murdoch Mysteries definitely has a unique, and alliterative premise: it’s a period piece police procedural—not something you see everyday. Set in Toronto during the late Victorian era, the show takes us back to a time when the all-new field of forensics had just started to revolutionize criminal justice, when performing autopsies and dusting for fingerprints were still novel ways to solve a crime. While Murdoch Mysteries features the same kind of formulaic, episodic storytelling that is the bane or boon of its genre —depending on who you’re talking to—the show leaves a favorable impression because of its likeable characters and unlikely setting.
This is the first season of Murdoch Mysteries to arrive on Blu-ray—courtesy of Acorn Media—and, for the most part, I have no qualms about the show's 1080p/AVC-encoded presentation. Shot natively with digital high definition cameras, the show has a sharp, clean look that transfers easily to Blu- ray. Of course, there are a few quibbles to be found—highlights can occasionally look overexposed, blacks are never truly inky, and the image has that flat, distinctly video-ish quality—but there's nothing here that distracts or detracts from the content. Although clarity wavers somewhat in darker scenes, most of the show is keenly resolved, displaying more than adequately fine detail in the actors' faces and period clothing. Skin tone can veer into overly reddish territory at times, but color is relatively strong too, with a palette heavy on neutrals. There are traces of banding and slight compression noise in the image, but nothing to be concerned about. Overall, the picture probably looks better here than it did during its TV broadcast, and that's the most that fans of the show can ask.
Although a 5.1 mix would've certainly added to some of the show's more effects-heavy scenes, there's nothing wrong with the 2.0 Linear PCM stereo tracks that accompany each episode. Obviously, the rear channels are out of service, so there's no sense of immersion or involvement, but the presentation from the front speakers has more than enough oomph to carry the show's limited audio requirements. The opening theme song is probably as loud as the show ever gets, and the music sounds just fine, with low-end anchorage and no upper-register tinnyness. Effects have about as much punch as you'd expect from a show of this caliber—they're serviceable, but nothing wow-worthy. Where it counts, though, the track delivers; dialogue is impeccably reproduced, with no hisses, crackles, or muffling. The disc also includes optional English SDH subtitles in easy to read white lettering.
I was surprised by Murdoch Mysteries. I'm not usually fond of the police procedural/forensic investigation genre, but the combination of an unusual setting and characters worth liking make for a pleasant—if not exactly mindblowing—viewing experience. I'm actually tempted to track down seasons one and two to see what I missed. Fans of the show will be pleased by the solid A/V presentation, and curious newcomers shouldn't feel hesitant to jump into the middle of the series. This is primarily episodic TV, so you should have no trouble picking up on the characters and the gist of the show. Recommended.
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