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Dexter: The Fourth Season Blu-ray Disc Review

DEXTER: THE FOURTH SEASON (2009, Blu-ray released August 17, 2010 – MSRP $64.99)

Dexter: The Fourth Season Blu-ray DiscMan, I tried so hard to avoid watching the Dexter tv series. I mean, the whole premise of a cop who moonlights as a serial killer just seemed ridiculous to me. That is, until I was suckered into watching it by a friend. And then I was hooked. And boy, am I ever glad I am because this latest, fourth season of the show is a doozy! Probably one of the most riveting seasons of any tv show I’ve ever seen with one of the bravest, most shocking endings ever put to film!

It’s really tough to talk about the fourth season of Dexter without spoiling any of the numerous twists and turns in the story, so forgive me if the picture I paint is in rather bold strokes. Dexter (Michael C. Hall), the character, has been through a lot over the last few years, trying to reconcile his past and his driving urge to take lives with his powerful moral compass and profession as Miami Metro Police Department blood-spatter analyst. In an attempt to further disguise his serial-killer alter-ego, Dexter has found himself a significant other in Rita (Julie Benz). Little did he know he would actually develop a feeling or two for her in his otherwise cold and unrepentant killer’s heart. Now, having just had a child together, Dexter finds himself in search of a role model, or father figure to help him balance both halves of his dual existence.

Enter John Lithgow in his meatiest, most scene-stealing role ever as Arthur Mitchell, a father and family-man, teacher, church deacon and serial killer. Known as the Trinity Killer, Arthur has been covertly carrying out his pattern of triple-murders for over thirty years, with most law enforcement agencies ignorant to methods of his madness. But that’s all about to change as Arthur returns home to Miami for the next round of killings. Dexter keeps the MMPD at arms length from Arthur, preferring instead to get close and learn from his experience. Learn how Arthur has reconciled both sides of his life so successfully for so many years. Needless to say, it’s only a matter of time before both men begin butting heads and each man ends up on the others’ hit list.

Dexter: The Fourth Season looks like a million bucks on Blu-ray! If you enjoyed the look of the tv show as you watched it over highly-compressed cable or satellite feed (or blocky-looking downloaded file, if you’re of the sort who likes to live dangerously) this presentation is bound to knock your socks off! Exhibiting an accurate representation of cinematographer Romeo Tirone‘s colourful, blown-out imagery, you’ll find little to complain about in this gorgeous, detailed transfer. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track is front-heavy but doesn’t disappoint – there’s plenty of environmental atmosphere and accurate sonic movement for even the most discerning ear.

There isn’t a singe bonus feature available directly on any of the Dexter: The Fourth Season Blu-ray discs. Instead, the discs have to access BD-Live in order to provide you with the paltry collection of goodies on offer. The real kicker of the situation though, is that all 3 discs in the set check BD-Live and internet connection availability as soon as you put in them into your player, leaving you a sometimes substantial wait as it cranks and grinds through the motions. If you happen to be connected, you’re directed to Showtime‘s BD-Live portal page, whether you like it or not – a real pain-in-the-ass if you just wanted to watch an episode as you’ll have to exit before being able to hit that ‘Play’ button. If you do decide to access any of the extras, you’ll be limited to a handful of cast interviews, a couple of episodes of Californication and a couple of episodes of The Tudors. That’s it! I’m hoping that Showtime will update the features in the future but I won’t hold my breath.

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2 comments for “Dexter: The Fourth Season Blu-ray Disc Review”

  1. This show will surely be a huge it!

    Posted by iBuy3D.net | August 23, 2010, 12:50 pm
  2. It’s good to see that this show is getting quality transfers. As should all premium cable shows but I hate the fact that the prices are so high for the seasons considering the number of episodes. Yeah its about $20 less than cable shows but you pay like $10 just to get them and they’re half the episodes as well. Quality over quantity yes but still makes me grind my teeth a little.

    Posted by Jacob Chimilar | September 13, 2010, 3:40 am

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