True
Detective: The Complete Second Season
(2015/HBO Blu-ray Set)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Episodes: B
The
first season of HBO's True
Detective
(reviewed elsewhere on this site) was so masterfully done and well
received by critics and viewers alike that crafting a second season
with a whole new cast that could live up to the hype seemed to be an
impossible task. Written again by Nick Pizzolatto and executive
produced by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson (who starred in
the first season), this season stars big Hollywood names such as
Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Taylor Kitsch, and Rachel McAdams in
roles much different and darker than you have seen them in before.
However you like your psychological dramas: shootouts, drug use, sex,
violence, bizarre orgies... this season has got you covered.
A
web of conspiracy and betrayal center around a bizarre murder in the
scorched landscapes of Southern California. The disappearance of a
city manager ignites an investigation involving Ray Velcoro
(Farrell), a police detective torn between his job and those he
serves in the Mafia; Frank Semyon (Vaughn), a criminal/entrepreneur
in danger of losing his empire; Ani Bezzerides, (McAdams) a sheriff's
detective whose resolute ethics are unpopular; and Paul Woodrugh, a
war veteran and highway patrol motorcycle cop (Kitsch) with a
troublesome past and a complicated relationship.
Eight
episodes span three Blu-ray discs including The
Western Book of the Dead, Night Finds You, Maybe Tomorrow, Down Will
Come, Other Lives, Church in Ruins, Black Maps and Motel Rooms,
and Omega
Station
- the shocking season finale.
Presented
uncut in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of
1.78:1 and an amazing sounding, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
track, the show looks far better on Blu-ray disc than it did even on
its original broadcast. An Ultraviolet digital copy of the whole
season also comes with the set.
Making
The Vinci Massacre
- An exclusive and detailed 30-minute look at the production of the
pivotal shoot out in episode 4
A
Look Inside True Detective
- A behind-the-scenes look at the production featuring interviews
with the four stars.
True
Detective's California
- Evocative aerial images of incredible California landscapes,
scored by T Bone Burnett
Two
Audio Commentaries
featuring Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Taylor
Kitsch, series creator/executive producer/writer Nic Pizzolatto and
executive producer Scott Stephens.
It's
no surprise that the filmmaking and acting here is top notch,
especially Vince Vaughn - whom is almost barely recognizable in this.
Colin Farrell also succeeds at being a drugged up cop who will stop
at nothing to beat the case, and McAdams playing a woman that you
shouldn't mess with.
While
it doesn't quite live up to the first season, this second season of
True
Detective
is a great follow-up and one of the darkest crime stories told on
television. I'm definitely interested in seeing what happens next
with Season 3.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
