8.7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Sherlock Holmes stalks again in contemporary versions of the classic detective stories, translated to 21st century London, where the world's first "consulting detective" advises Scotland Yard with the aid of his friend and comrade, Dr. John Watson, a soldier recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise BrealeyMystery | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Gatiss and Moffat have done it, by jove! After two addicting, fiendishly clever but slightly flawed seasons of Sherlock, the executive producing duo have churned out the very best the hit series has to offer. Not with just one episode either. All three episodes. Sherlock's return in "The Empty Hearse" is a hilarious opening gambit, a playful ruse in and of itself, and an unexpectedly revealing dual character study, further challenging and deepening the relationship between the world-famous detective (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his friend and assistant, the ever reliable, rightfully temperamental Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman). Newcomer Amanda Abbington could have gummed up the gears as Watson's fiancé; instead she energizes Cumberbatch and Freeman, breathes fresh life into the show's dynamics and has a few cards stashed up her sleeve. "The Sign of Three," meanwhile, is a dizzying but delightful labyrinth of interconnected elements with an unforgettable string of big laughs, sharp payouts and smartly penned payoffs. Previously, each season's second episode has been its weakest. Here it's arguably the strongest, and certainly the one that remains the most enjoyable over multiple viewings. And, of course, there's "His Last Vow," which brings the all-too-quickly exhausted third season to a close with an eerie, unnerving villain (Lars Mikkelsen) every bit as memorable as the series' Moriarty (Andrew Scott). Even more diabolical than Mikkelsen's baddie? The twists and turns that await. I'm still reeling.
Not to overshadow the cast's terrific, instantly iconic performances, the show's razor-wire wit and scripting, or its masterfully executed sleight of hand, but the real genius of Sherlock is in its balance, and Season Three is its most balanced to date. If Gatiss and Moffat somehow top themselves again next go-round, series fans might just lose their minds.
"As a mental exercise, I've often planned the murder of friends and colleagues. John, I'd poison..."
Sherlock: Season Three features an excellent, near-perfect 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation; one that's more refined and rewarding than its predecessors. For "The Empty Hearse," the series exhumes the gloomy, overcast-skies palette that graced previous seasons, straying from wintry grays and chilly blues only when a warmly lit interior affords it the opportunity. In "The Sign of Three," though, the show's palette is suddenly bristling with color fitting John and Mary's joyous day. Bright splashes of yellow, lush greens, delicate purples and more lifelike skintones accompany the third season's second mystery (or mysteries as it were), while more generous saturation allows for an altogether striking episode. "His Last Vow" finds a happy middle ground, swaying between the dismal and the more inviting as the season finale dictates. Thankfully, whatever the palette, contrast is consistent, black levels are satisfying, delineation is quite good, and detail delivers. Edges are crisp and clean, without any significant ringing or aliasing, and textures are nicely resolved. Add to that an absence of artifacting, banding and errant noise and you have a proficient, eye-catching presentation that deserves every tip of the hat it receives.
While the Blu-ray editions of Season One and Season Two didn't offer a lossless option, Sherlock: Season Three arrives armed with a strong and steady DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. LFE output puts a spring in the mix's step, not to mention a great deal of heft when the going gets tough or Sherlock and Watson are on the move. The rear speakers are playful little pranksters too, deploying reliable directionality and smooth pans, as well as creating a fully immersive series of expansive hotspots and intimate locales, one particularly quaint Baker Street flat, and a bustling London cityscape. David Arnold and Michael Price's buoyant series score is a blast of carefully balanced cues too, and never overpowers or underwhelms. It only helps that dialogue is clear and intelligible, prioritization is flawless, and dynamics are as noteworthy as they are. Sherlock may not sound like a summer blockbuster (nor should it), but it matches the third season's video presentation step for step, beat for beat, and surge for surge.
If Sherlock wasn't already one of the best shows on television, it certainly is now. Season Three serves up the series' finest mysteries and episodes to date, without a weak link in the bunch. From start to finish, the third season gets better and better, ending with another fantastic cliffhanger that makes the fourth season seem unbearably far away. Cumberbatch and Freeman are outstanding as well, with a wonderfully assembled supporting cast making their jobs that much easier. This is about as good as it gets... unless Gatiss and Moffat are sitting on a trio of mysteries more expertly crafted and wholly infectious as these. So what of the Blu-ray release of Season Three? With a first class video presentation and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, the 2-disc set's relative lack of extras is hardly even a factor. Add this one to your collection now. Haven't seen the first two seasons? Add all three to your cart. You'll thank me later.
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Sherlock Holmes
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