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Blu-Ray Review:

Dexter: Season 1

 

By Jason Gillard

*Screen shots are not from the Blu-Ray source.

      
           

Movie

For those of you who haven't seen Dexter you are seriously missing out.  If someone came up to me and asked me what the best show on television is, I would have to say Dexter.  Dexter airs on Showtime in the US on Sunday nights.  Dexter Season 1 has been available on DVD for a little while now, so it was great to see the series make it's way to Blu-ray.  For those of you who don't what the show is about here is a little plot summary.  During the day Dexter works as a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police Department. He is well liked by his peers and is good at his job.  By night Dexter is a murdering psychopath and a monster by his own admission.  When Dexter was young his foster father, who is also a cop, saw this in his son and gave Dexter a code and a way to channel these urges.  Since he was a cop he also taught his son how to survive and not get caught.  Dexter only kills other criminals that have not been brought to justice.  I should mention that this show is not for the faint of heart, there is swearing, nudity, violence etc.  So if that kind of thing bothers you maybe you should take a pass on this show.  I personally love the show, it's really interesting and ironic that by day Dexter works to bring down the very type of person he is.  Dexter has a girlfriend and a sister named Debra.  The first season focuses mainly on the "Ice Truck Killer" who cuts up his victims and drains them of any blood.  He taunts the police but leaves clues that seem to be directed directly at Dexter. There are 12 episodes in season one and these are spread out over 3 blu-ray discs.  It's hard to explain why anyone would be rooting for a serial killer, but once you meet Dexter you may be rooting for him as well.

9.5 out of 10
   
     
   

Video

The transfer for Dexter is presented in 1080p at 1.85:1 aspect ratio.  The transfer is sharp and vibrant.  Colours pop off the screen and there are many scenes that have that lush feel to them since the show takes place in Miami.  Black levels are also excellent.  Detail is razor sharp and if you want an example of this take a look at the opening credit sequence which has closeup views of Dexter getting ready for work.  This is one of the best looking transfers for a TV show I have seen.  There is a fine grain to the show but nothing that distracts from what your watching.  Overall this is a fantastic transfer.

9 out of 10
     

Audio

For the audio we get a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track that is very good.  Dialogue comes across very well and there is a very nice tone to Dexter's voice as he gives his running monologue in each episode.  There is not much coming from the rear surrounds and that's to be expected in a show such as this.  Bass response is good as well.  It doesn't come across as boomy, but comes across solid when it needs too.  Overall a great track that does what it sets out to do and that's support this fine show.

8 out of 10
 

Extras

Here is what you get in the way of extras:
Audio commentary Disc Two: “Return to sender“ episode - featuring Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, Lauren Velez and Erik King
Audio commentary Disc Three: “Born free“ episode - featuring Producers Sara Colleton, Clyde Phillips, and Daniel Cerrone

BD-Live special features:


  1. The Academy of blood - A killer course
  2. Witnessed in blood - A true murder investigation
  3. Michael C. Hall Podcast
  4. First episode of Dexter, Season 3
  5. First two of United States of Tara

The first commentary track was interesting but when you get a lot of people who obviously like each other in a room it gets a little distracting with everyone talking, but there is some good info to be heard here.  In the second commentary track you get a little bit more controlled information.  I don't understand why these BD-Live extras were not just included on one of the Blu-ray discs.  Unfortunately at the time when I watched this series these BD-Live extras were not available.  Overall I was expecting more in the way of extras.

 5 out of 10

Overall

This is a fantastic series with a great transfer, and good audio.  The extras are pretty sparse but this set receives my highest recommendation.

9 out of 10

Highly Recommended.

Dexter Season 1 Blu-ray is available now from Amazon.com