Saturday, October 08, 2011
Digital Digest: CSI: Miami - The Ninth Season DVD Review; The Greatest American Heroine/Return of Hunter/Jake Lassiter/The Great Pretender DVD Review
DVD Review: CSI: Miami - The Ninth Season (CBS DVD/Paramount Home Video, $62.99)
by Todd Fuller
In its ninth killer season, the Miami team loses one of its own and Horatio Caine has the ultimate showdown with the man who killed his wife. This edgy crime series stars Golden Globe winner David Caruso, Emily Procter, Adam Rodriguez, Rex Linn, Jonathan Tigo, Eva La Rue and Omar Miller as the city's unstoppable force. A madman at large, a blind man as a sole witness to murder, humans being used as prey...every one-of-a-kind case tests the team commitment to justice, and each other. And proves that every day, this Emmy and People's Choice Award-winning series can take the heat.
This 6-disc set contains all 22 sizzling episodes from the tenth (2010-11) season of the widely popular crime drama. The episodes are presented in anamorphic widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Surround and Spanish Stereo audio available. It has a total running time of approximately 15 hours, 30 minutes. The attractive packaging has a photo of David Caruso in his trademark sunglasses holding a gun. Some palm trees and building are in the background. There is an embossed CSI: Miami logo in the center of the box. As with Season 8, they use a cardboard box that holds a clear plastic (Viva) snapcase. There are 11 small photos of the cast from the episodes on the back of the box and case. A short synopsis of the set, a listing of the special features and the DVD specs are provided. There is a clear plastic snapcase that slides out from th right of the outer cardboard box. The snapcase has the same cover art, photos and information as the cardboard box. Opening up the snapcase, there is a content locator which lists the episodes and the special features by disc on the inside cover. Some additional photos of the cast are at the bottom. Discs 1 and 6 are held in embedded holders in the front and back of the case, while Discs 2-5 are held in back-to-back in plastic trays. The discs have the CSI logo on them and just a plain silver background. Episode titles and the special features are listed on the discs.
The menus are stylish and easy to navigate. There are no previews on this release, so it jumps right to the main menus. The main menu opens with some views of Miami that lead to a montage of video clips from the show. A pulsating instrumenal cue plays in the background and then loops. Options for Episode Selection, Set Up and Special Features are available at the bottom of the screen. Episode titles are listed vertically in blue/teal boxes on the Episode Selection menu. The Set Up menu has a nice shot of Miami's beaches in the background. You can choose English 5.1 or EspaƱol audio. English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are available. Some options and special featuers are not rated any may not be subtitled. As you would expect from such a recent show, the video and audio quality is outstanding. CSI: Miami has always had the best look of any of the CSI franchise shows. All of the original music appears to be intact. Episodes are presented in their original broadcast order and numbered by the production number. The broadcast and production ordered differed for episodes 5-9 this season. Running times are between 40-44 minutes in length. Hopefully we'll see some seasons released on Blu-Ray in the U.S. at some point.
Here is the episode breakdown by disc, including the runtimes:
Disc 1
Episode 901 "Fallen" (42:55)
Episode 902 "Sudden Death" (41:03)
Episode 903 "See No Evil" (42:04)
Episode 904 "Manhunt" (41:52)
Disc 2
Episode 906 "Sleepless in Miami" (43:51)
Episode 905 "Reality Kills" (42:45)
Episode 908 "On the Hook" (43:01)
Disc 3
Episode 909 "Happy Birthday" (42:25)
Episode 907 "Blood Sugar" (41:17)
Episode 910 "Match Made in Hell" (41:56)
Episode 911 "F-T-F" (42:15)
Disc 4
Episode 912 "Wheels Up" (42:35)
Episode 913 "Last Stand" (43:22)
Episode 914 "Stoned Cold" (43:08)
Episode 915 "Blood Lust" (41:29)
Disc 5
Episode 916 "Hunting Ground" (41:56)
Episode 917 "Special Delivery" (43:49)
Episode 918 "About Face" (41:21)
Episode 919 "Caged" (41:35)
Disc 6
Episode 920 "Paint it Black" (43:49)
Episode 921 "G.O." (40:25)
Episode 922 "Mayday" (43:56)
A nice amount and mixture of special features are spread out over the 6 discs. Four featurettes and deleted scenes for seven episodes are included. Once again, there are only two audio commentaries on this set. This has been the norm with all of the CSI franchise releases recently. Here is the breakdown by disc:
Disc 1
Deleted Scene for "Fallen" (1:11) - A somber scene from the season premiere. The video effects are missing.
Deleted Scene for "See No Evil" (:27) - A short scene at the lab with Calleigh and Walter.
Disc 2
Audio Commentary by Jonathan Tigo, Rex Linn, Writer Brian Davidson, Director Sam Hill and Visual Effects Supervisor Larry Detwiler on "Sleepless in Miami"
Deleted Scene for "On the Hook" (1:39) - A scene with Horatio, Brad Webb and a civil process server at the lab.
A Miami Milestone: The 200th Episode (8:08) - The cast and crew celebrate the 200th episode of the series. They talk briefly about the storyline of this gritty episode. Some footage of the 200th episode cake and celebration at CBS is shown. Interviews include Adam Rodriguez, Emily Procter, Producer Don Tardino, Jonathan Tigo, Producer/Director Sam Hill, Eva La Rue, Omar Miller, Rex Linn, Claudia Yarmy, Executive Producer Barry O'Brien, President of CBS Nina Tassler President of CBS Paramount of Television David Stapf, and Executive Producer Ann Donahue.
Disc 3
Audio Commentary by Rex Linn, Director Sam Hill, Co-Writer Barry O'Brien and Producer Don Tardino on "Happy Birthday"
Deleted Scene for "Blood Sugar" (:47) - A scene with Roger Cavanaugh, Christie Cavanaugh and Luis.
Deleted Scene for "Made in Hell" (2:48) - An extended deleted scene with Kate and Horatio.
Disc 4
Deleted Scene for "Stoned Cold" (1:19) - A scene at the lab with Calleigh and Benton. The video effects and inserts are missing.
Deleted Scene for "Blood Lust" (5:21) - A series of deleted scenes at the lab with Frank, Delko, Horatio, Natalia and Michelle.
Disc 5
Behind the Scenes with Adam Rodriguez (17:59) - This featurette is on the episode ("Hunting Humans") that Adam Rodriguez wrote and directed. He was a first time director and did an excellent job with the episode. Behind the scenes footage of the production meeting and shooting of the episode is shown. Interviews include Adam Rodriguez, Jonathan Tigo, Producer/Director Sam Hill, Executive Producer Barry O'Brien, Executive Producer Marc Dube, Producer Don Tardino, Eva La Rue, Omar Miller, Script Supervisor Claudia Yarmy, Rex Linn, and Editor James D. Wilcox.
Disc 6
The Whole Nine Years (25:21) - This featurette focuses on the volatile ninth season. Season nine featured more action and often put the main characters in peril. The intensity and amount of running and foot chases was increased. They discuss the major storylines and their favorite episodes of the season. Interviews include Executive Producer Barry O'Brien, Executive Producer Marc Dube, Producer Don Tardino, Adam Rodriguez, Jonathan Tigo, Rex Linn, Eva La Rue, Omar Miller, Producer/Director Sam Hill and Emily Procter.
To Be Continued... The Season Finale (7:19) - This featurette focuses on the ninth season finale and the major cliffhanger. In the episode "Mayday," killer Jack Toller escapes and becomes a fugitive. Natalia deals with Randy North (Ethan Embry). Interviews include Executive Producer Barry O'Brien, Executive Producer Marc Dube, Jonathan Tigo, Rex Linn, and Eva La Rue.
CSI: Miami's ninth season was action-packed and gritty. They really ramped up the amount of running and explosions this season. It's great that they have kept the show fresh and exciting. Memorable ninth season episodes included "See No Evil," "Sleepless in Miami," "Happy Birthday," "Hunting Ground," "About Face" and "Mayday." They celebrated their 200th episode this season. Only about 75 shows have reached that milestone, so that's quite an ccomplishment these days. CSI reached that number in April 2009. CSI: New York will reach 200 next season if they are renewed.
This is another solid release. It has all of the detailed special features and interviews that you've come to expect. Unfortunately, David Caruso rarely participates in the interviews and special features. It just seems odd that the major star of the show doesn't discuss the episodes and season. Although they've taken a bit of a ratings hit because of the move to Sunday nights, it seems like they have enough gas in the tank for at least a few more seasons.
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CSI: Miami TV.com Page
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That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
Sitcoms Airing Tonight
Sunday, May 28
The Conners - "Possums, Pregnancy and Patriarchy" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Harris makes a big announcement. Meanwhile, Ben is overwhelmed with family responsibilities.
The Conners - "Hiding In and Moving Out" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Harris takes her anger out on Darlene. Elsewhere, Dan and Louise spend an entire day in bed together.
The Conners - "The Contra Hearings and the Midnight Gambler" (ABC, 10:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Mark fights for a spot in the Lanford High chamber orchestra. Elsewhere, Jackie puts a lottery machine in the Lunch Box.
The Conners - "Road Trip and Guilt Trip" (ABC, 10:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dan and Jackie take a road trip to a hardware wholesaler in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Darlene heads out of town and leaves behind a plethora of to-do notes for Becky and Ben.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 22)
Friday, May 26
- Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) - Watch Jason on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Ali Wong (Big Mouth/American Housewife/Are You There, Chelsea?) - Ali is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies) - Tom is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Sebastian Maniscalco (How to Be a Bookie) - Sebastian talks about his new film About My Father on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
- Issa Rae (Insecure) - Issa is a guest on The Jennifer Hudson Show, so check your local listings.
- Bill Bellamy (Mr. Box Office/Men, Women & Dogs/Cousin Skeeter) - Bill appears on The Jennifer Hudson Show, so check your local listings.
- Ming-Na Wen (The Single Guy) and BD Wong (All-American Girl) - Ming-Na and BD talk about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
- Hailee Steinfeld (Dickinson) - Hailee and actor Shameik Moore sit down together to talk about their new film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, in theaters on June 2 on Sherri, so check your local listings.
- Leslie Odom Jr. (Love in the Time of Corona/Big Dady) and Nicolette Robinson (Love in the Time of Corona/Perfect Couples) - Leslie and Nicolette chat with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Daniel Wu (American Born Chinese) - Daniel talks about American Born Chinese on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim) - Kimberly is a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, so check your local listings.
New on DVD/Blu-ray (January-June)
01/03 - Andy Richter Controls the Universe - The Complete Series (2023 Release)
01/27 - Master of None - Season Three / The Complete Series
02/21 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Nine / The Complete Season Ten
02/28 - Growing Pains - The Complete Series
03/28 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
04/04 - South Park - The Complete Twenty-Fifth Season (Blu-ray) (DVD)
04/18 - Blondie - The Complete 1957 Television Series (Blu-ray)
04/25 - Cheers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
05/23 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Eleven / The Complete Season Twelve
05/23 - Go On - The Complete Series
05/23 - Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (Universal)
05/29 - Gimme a Break! - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/29 - Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/30 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
06/13 - Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series
06/13 - Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series
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