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“Murder One: The Complete First Season”
Reviewed by: Wayne A. Klein
Genre: Drama
Video: 1.33:1 full screen
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Languages English
Subtitles English, Spanish
Length 570 minutes
Rating NR
Release Date 2/1/05
Studio 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Commentary: Jason Gedrick on chapter 8 and Randy Zisk on chapter 15
Documentaries: None
Featurettes: Making the Case: Season 1 Featurette
Filmography/Biography: None
Interviews: None
Trailers/TV Spots: None
Alternate/Deleted Scenes: None
Music Video: None
Other: None
Cast and Crew: Daniel Benzali, Anthony Mary McCormack, Michael Hayden, Grace Phillips, Stanley Tucci
Written By: Steven Bochco, Ann Donahue, Charles H. Eglee, William M. Finkelstein, Channing Gibson
Produced By: Steven Bochco, Marc Buckland
Directed By: Marc Buckland, Jim Charleston, Donna Deitch
Music: Mike Post
The Review:

Steven Bochco’s “Murder One” broke new ground as a series; we didn’t have a series of story arcs we had one entire season as the story arc. While that might not seem like a big deal with series like “24” doing the same thing now ten years ago it was a radical concept. Set up in a series of chapters like a book, this compelling and thoughtful mystery focused on the defense of actor Neil Avedon (Jason Gedrick) who is accused of murdering his underage girlfriend. Defense attorney Ted Hoffman (Daniel Benzali) takes the case expressing his misgivings only to his wife (Patricia Clarkson) who acts as his counsel and conscience. As the case progresses it’s clear that the wealthy Richard Cross (Stanley Tucci) is manipulating both the case and the press around it for his own unknown ends. Although there’s a strong cast supporting this drama, it’s Benzali as Hoffman that dominates the screen with his hoarse voice and charismatic performance.

Image and Sound: A solid transfer highlights this debut on DVD. Colors look sharp and vivid and the blacks are solid even if they aren’t as deep or rich as they could be. Presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio (in other words folks, it fills the entire screen), “Murder One” looks very good indeed. The 2.0 sound mix allows the dialogue to ring true and clear with little to no distortion.
The Extras:

We get a 25 minute retrospective 10 year documentary on the series with interviews with most of the production crew and some of the case members. It’s a pretty good glimpse behind-the-scenes on the creation of the show. Featuring Bochco and co-creator Charles Eglee discussing the development of the series and the concept behind it, it gives the viewer a pretty good idea as to the obstacles these men faced in selling ABC on the concept of the series.

Commentary: We only get two commentary tracks on two episodes but both are solid and interesting if not entertaining. The commentary focuses in both primarily on what was going on behind-the-scenes during production and the impact the show had on their respective careers. ---
Final Words: A thoughtful, involving and entertaining show that broke new ground, “Murder One” finally gets the deluxe DVD treatment. While the extras are a bit light, we get the entire series nicely packaged at an affordable price. More importantly, the transfers look quite good.

 

 
 
 
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