Dexter – The Fifth Season (2010/Showtime Blu-ray)
Picture:
A- Sound: A- Extras: C Episodes: B+
NOTE: There will be PREVIOUS SEASON
spoilers in this review
We are
treated to another season of the morally twisted serial killer Dexter on Blu-ray with The Complete Fifth Season. We ended Season
4 with the tragic loss of Dexter’s wife Rita; ending one of the best
seasons of a series in television history; perhaps one of the best storylines
to be on television or film.
So where
was Dexter to go after such a
memorably epic season; well of course nowhere, but down. Season
4 created something that was not easy to top, so The Fifth Season was bound to suffer. And suffering is what Season 5 is all about.
Dexter Morgan (who lacked emotion for as long as he could remember)
suffered a loss, a loss that would rock him to his core. He was now a single father; a single father
who also just lost his two step children as they blame him for their mother’s
death. The Trinity Killer had stolen the
life that Dexter had created and there was no turning back. As Dexter had disposed of The Trinity Killer
himself without the knowledge of his sister or local authorities, he was forced
to again suffer alone. All of this on
top of Dexter (being the husband of the slain) being suspect number one; and
consistently in his absences to work and meetings making himself all the more
suspect.
As Dexter
tries to pull his life back together, another tragedy unfolds around him. While on the prowl for his next victim,
Dexter discovers a beaten, broken, and near death woman named Lumen (Julia
Styles) who was being held captive.
Dexter instinctively saves the woman, but quickly realizes he has
revealed himself and there is no turning back.
He keeps the woman hidden from view (at first), but soon builds a bond
with her; thinking that their tragic pasts have linked them somehow, each
having a ‘dark passenger.’ Lumen is part
of a bigger plot by a group of men who have terrorized the world for years;
never slowing down as their disgusting brand of wrath was unleashed on an
unsuspecting world. Now in Dexter’s
sights the men will be brought to justice…in Dexter’s on special way. Viewers will watch the tale of ‘the barrel
girls’ unfurl with a series of jaw dropping and ‘edge of your seat’ events.
The
technical features for the Fifth Season have
not been touched, when compared to Season
4; but why mess with a working formula.
The picture again is presented in a 1080p High Definition that
excellently balances both light and dark (something Dexter himself is trying to
do). The image as always is crisp,
clean, clear and nearly perfect only having tiny issues here and there. The colors blast vibrantly onto the screen
and the dark inky blacks surround each frame to nicely capture each moment,
with no light/dark issues to mention.
The detail of the picture this season is astonishing as every freckle,
scar and blood drip can be seen with ease.
I do notice grain here and there and some pulsating on certain textures;
but truly minor gripes. Outside of the
few issues here and there the picture is demonstration quality, especially for
a TV series. The sound is still awesome
in its Dolby True HD 5.1 format. The
bass booms like a heart beat, adding intensity to dramatic sequences and when
action hits the screen you are suddenly surrounded with sound. The musical scores set up the atmosphere from
every angle, sending chills down your spine.
The dialogue projects through crisp and clear with ease, making every
word pop.
The
extras are somewhat lacking, as they have many short interviews, but nothing
all too revealing. I was expecting more
from this great series. The extras
include the following:
- Episodes 1 & 2 of The Borgias
- Interviews with Michael C.
Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, CS Lee, Lauren Velez, Julia Stiles, James Remar,
Desmond Harrington, Chip Johannessen, and David Zayas
- Reflecting on Season Five:
Julia Stiles
- Michael P. Dougherty II
