April 29, 2009

Once again it is time to embrace everyone’s dark side as Dexter fever returns in full swing like a knife to the jugular. Last season we were taken on a trip as Dexter narrowly escaped the wrath of the FBI’s top profiler while dealing with a rocky relationship and an “addiction” problem. The dark fun continues with my review and the release of Dexter Season 3 on Blu-Ray.

This season Dexter has his plate full as he deals with a blotched job that throws some unwanted attention his direction in a big way with the arrival of one A.D.A Miguel Prado. With the heat on our favorite blood spatter expert like the Miami sun, Dexter has to make some very tough choices. Rita drops a bomb on Dexter that will change his life forever and make him learn a whole new set of emotions. But the news isn’t the only worries in his life as Miguel works his way into Dexter’s dark secret. Only he isn’t playing by Dexter’s code.

But Dexter isn’t the only one without problems as Debra finds herself involved with a tricky situation with the new guy on the force and a pesky IA officer. She is also involved in a case that could earn her shield or ruin her reputation on the force. Will her hot temper land her in trouble once again and can she actually get into a relationship that doesn’t get her killed?

Dexter offers up more of the dark, seductive nature that makes this series so addicting. This season has shown that Dexter can evolve and not in the way that we all know. The events of this season were a bit surprising but yet still true to the original scheme of things.

Filmmaking: 9
Dexter is one of those shows that still remain original and wickedly addictive after 3 seasons. It is one of the most dark and seductive shows of our modern times. To be perfectly honest, I do not watch a lot of TV, these days as the tube is being overrun with one reality show to another. But there are still good shows out there, Dexter is one of them. Dexter has a certain quality to it in its presentation. The script is beautifully scripted and is backed up by a stellar cast. Michael C. Hall is at the top of his game in his role as the duel identity vigilante. All of previous seasons cast returns to make this one of the most talked about shows on TV.

Visuals: 10
Visually, Dexter continues to be amazingly gorgeous with the shiny reflecting surface of Miami as well as the dark underbelly that slides just below the surface. Featured in beautiful 1080p quality, Dexter is amazing on Blu-Ray once again. Presented in AVC MPEG-4 the show looks retains the same look that Season 2 did. Textures in the backgrounds and wardrobe pop with detail, skin tones are realistic, and there is a flawless contrast level with deep blacks and bright whites that don't blow out the image.

Sound: 9
Dexter has a fantastic soundtrack to it. The beginning track to the show is sinister and elegant at the same time. The entire score to this show is actually well done and precise like a well-placed surgical tool. Admittedly, the LFE doesn't get the attention it deserves nor do the rear surround channels in some interior scenes. Outdoor locations come alive in the surround mix. The series original music is composed by Daniel Licht. Licht has done a lot of composing for various horror movies like Thinner, Children of the Corn and Soul Survivor. The actors also do a fantastic acting job and Dexter’s calm and collected narrative is one of my favorite things about the show. I also like the show’s unabashed language that can only be seen on Showtime or in this 3 Disc Blu-Ray Set. Dexter: Season 2 is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD as well as Spanish 5.1 Dolby TrueHD for the Latin fans out there.

Value: 8
Dexter: Season 3 is rather limited with its extras and what it does offer must be accessed via BD-Live which could potentialy alienate viewers who don't have their player jacked into the Internet. The third disc contains features via BD LIVE where viewers can watch several podcasts from cast members. There are some interesting insights given by the cast but not a single audio commentary or production feature is found in the entire set.

You can also catch the first two episodes of “UNITED STATES OF TARA” Season 1 as well as the first two episodes of Season 3 of “The Tudors.” Dexter: Season 3 on Blu-Ray is brilliant right to the bloody end and I can’t wait for Season 4. The Podcasts with Michael C. Hall and the rest of the cast are informative and actually entertaining. The added episodes available via BD LIVE for “UST” are okay but the episodes for “The Tudors” were actually quite good.

Overall: 9.0
Overall Dexter: Season 3 on Blu-Ray is just awesome and keeps getting better with each new season. I am huge fan of the show and am proud to have the opportunity to review this 3-Disc Blu-Ray Set. Dexter is a show that can appeal to a large audience because we all have that dark side to us. Dexter is a show that is brilliantly written and has a cast that brings the books that it is based upon to life. If you are a fan like me or perhaps a newcomer looking for something a bit more twisted, look no further that Dexter. I highly recommend picking up Dexter: Season 3 on Blu-Ray as soon as you can.