6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 5.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Jackie Peyton is a nurse trying to survive the chaotic grind of saving lives in a hectic New York City hospital. Sharp-tongued and quick-witted, Jackie's a woman of substance who knows how to handle it all. With a white lie here, a bent rule there, and a steady dose of pain relievers for her chronic back pain, Jackie does whatever it takes to get the job done.
Starring: Edie Falco, Eve Best, Merritt Wever, Paul Schulze, Peter FacinelliComedy | 100% |
Drama | 42% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
English, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Since the introduction of ER in the primetime drama slot, television producers clamored over one another to deliver the next big hit. Some follow-ups have developed a loyal following (Grey’s Anatomy), while others faced the chopping block (Trauma). No matter your feeling on the genre, there’s no denying the appeal of the medical atmosphere, and the Showtime network wasn't about to let that audience slip through their hands. Casting heavy-hitting Edie Falco (Sopranos) in the starring role was the first of many steps toward ratings gold, but in my opinion the success of Nurse Jackie lies almost entirely in the writing freedom that accompanies a production on premium cable networks. We can all admit there’s something increasingly cinematic and edgy about HBO and Showtime offerings, which aren’t handcuffed by the constraints of conservative corporate sponsors or the watchful eye of the Federal Communications Commission. I’m always excited to discover these shows when they’re eventually released on disc, since my lack of patience doesn’t correlate with the weekly release schedule of network television. I’ll certainly make exceptions, but it’s far more enjoyable to soak up a 12-episode marathon of an engaging series in one sitting, and Nurse Jackie is no exception.
Falco sports a new look for her role as Jackie Peyton.
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 36Mbps), Nurse Jackie looks unremarkable for a production shot within the past year. Matters improve somewhat after the initial series pilot (which seems overly hazy), but even the later episodes fail to generate a striking level of clarity. I'm not concerned with the use of DNR since the image still retains a fine level of grain, but the lack of distinct texturing (in most scenes) prevents the transfer from reaching the upper echelon of Blu-ray quality. Digging into the coloring of the show, the cold atmosphere of the hospital setting doesn't lend itself to a vibrant palette, but there's still decent variance within the available spectrum, and the occasional outdoor sequences add much-needed life. On the positive side, the bright setting of the well-lit interior shots allows contrast to shine, and I never found a shred of weakness in black level depth.
I wouldn't diagnose this as a weak entry on Blu-ray, but those interested in adding the series to their collection shouldn't expect more than an average presentation.
I hate to complain when a studio offers a lossless 7.1 audio track, but the nature of the material doesn't allow for a dramatic improvement through the incorporation of surround separation. The dialogue is crisp and distinct, but remains firmly planted in the front sound stage, with only occasional environmental effects emerging from the rear speakers. Each episode tosses a musical entry in the mix at some point (usually toward the end of each episode), allowing a much needed opportunity for the entire sound field to come alive, but those fleeting moments of immersion simply remind us how plain the rest of the series remains. I wish I could expand further and paint you a better picture, but given the singular nature of the audio experience, most viewers will find it just as uneventful as I have.
Audio Commentaries with Edie Falco (Jackie Peyton), Linda Wallem (writer/executive producer), Liz Brixius (writer/executive producer) & Ritchie Jackson (co-executive producer): The commentary tracks play during the course of four episodes (Pilot, Tiny Bubbles, Ring Finger, and Health Care & Cinema), and focus mainly on the actors in the film. Several tidbits regarding the production are included, but the featured voices spend a good deal of time joking around and making sarcastic comments with one another.
All About Edie (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 5:26 min): Consisting of interviews with actors, writers, and producers, this supplement focuses on Edie Falco's involvement in the series, and the nuances of her character.
Unsung Heroes (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 5:32 min): Given the interesting portrayal of Jackie (and the lines she's willing to cross), this is an ironic supplement focusing on the nursing occupation, and manner in which the creators pay tribute to the profession.
Prepping "Nurse Jackie" (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 10:55 min): The interviews in prior segments continue with a focus on the themes of the series and why everyone felt it would become a huge hit. A portion of the runtime allows each actor an adequate opportunity to discuss what drew them to the show.
Nurse Stories (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 6:58 min): This supplement includes a collection of colorful stories from real-life nurses.
Despite my enjoyment of the show, I'm ultimately sticking with a rental recommendation for Nurse Jackie. The initial season offers plenty of entertainment value, but the off-putting nature of the series doesn't translate to material that warrants a repeat viewing. Perhaps I'll discover the lasting appeal I'm looking for in the second season and reverse my opinion at a later date, but as a stand-alone release, this 12-episode introduction isn't something I plan to revisit in the near future.
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