Serial Killer 1 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Serial Killer 1 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 7, 2016

“Serial Killer 1” is a pure procedural effort from France, testing out the “Law and Order” formula to dramatize the story of “The Beast of the Bastille,” a vicious serial killer who eluded capture for six years, making life miserable for locals and the police tasked with finding this needle in a haystack. The case is famous for its use of DNA evidence, inspiring France to overhaul its way of processing crime scenes, and “Serial Killer 1” is more about the need for technology than a simple manhunt picture, giving the effort a unique identity in a sea of similar stories.

Raphael Personnaz stars as Charlie, a cop new to the homicide division in Paris, which is beginning to connect the dots as a serial killer brings fear to the city, raping and mutilating young female victims. “Serial Killer 1” tracks the progression of the investigation, highlighting increasing frustrations as dead ends are encountered, which taint Charlie’s home life with his wife and two kids. It’s familiar Obsessed Cop routine, but Personnaz captures the erosion of Charlie’s patience and faith in the system, making police procedure meaningful. Also presented in a parallel story is the trial of the accused killer, who professes his innocence in 2001, stunning onlookers with his determination to deny any involvement in the case. Shifts in time are noted, securing coherence and suspense as “Serial Killer 1” moves suddenly from suspicion to arrest, keeping the mystery alive as evidence is pored over and careful legal questioning commences.

Serial Killer 1 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.40:1 aspect ratio) presentation carries the grit and clarity of "Serial Killer 1," offering satisfying detail throughout the viewing experience, which switches from grim police work to the expanse of a courtroom. Facial particulars and set ornamentation are open for study, and costumes are fibrous. Colors are exact, offering deep hues for locations, while skintones are natural. Delineation is strong. Source is clean and crisp.

Serial Killer 1 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix manages the feature's interest in dialogue exchanges, keeping voices sharp and communicative, supporting all necessary emotional movement without distortion. Scoring is strong with secure instrumentation and respectful placement. Atmospherics bring out the tight confines of apartment investigations and the echoed bigness of the courtroom, filling surrounds with audience chatter and reaction.

Serial Killer 1 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:12, HD) is included.

Serial Killer 1 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Fans of television crime shows should find "Serial Killer 1" most appealing, even though the production isn't making a full-blooded whodunit, focusing more on evidence acquisition and emotional wear and tear, depicting an important time in law enforcement history. It's not especially original or surprising, but it's grim comfort food for those who like their police procedurals bleak and courtroom showdowns combative.