By Robin E. Simmons
PERRY MASON: THE COMPLETE FIRST SERIES
Terrific production values and a potent story takes viewers back in time to 1930s Los Angeles in this beautiful and critically acclaimed decidedly noir period drama.
The eight chapters in this compelling origin series follow America’s most legendary fictional criminal attorney. When the case of the decade breaks down his door, Mason’s relentless pursuit of the truth reveals a fractured city mired in corruption but more than that, it just may offer a path to personal redemption for Mason.
Based on characters created by author Erle Stanley Gardner, the series features an outstanding ensemble cast starring Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk and Shea Whigham with Emmy winners Tatiana Maslany and John Lithgow. The series also stars Stephen Root, Gayle Rankin, Nate Corddry, Veronica Falcon, Jefferson Mays, Lili Taylor, Andrew Howard, Eric Lange and Robert Patrick. Big recommendation. Warner Bros. Blu-ray.
HAWAII FIVE-O: THE COMPLETE SERIES
Hawaiian detectives wipeout crime from the beloved beaches of the Aloha State one last time in a 61-disc (!) collection featuring all 10 seasons with 340 action-packed episodes plus an exclusive bonus disc with over an hour of fascinating content, including cast and crew interviews, an “OHANA” music video and highlight reels.
The series follows the elite clan of Detectives Steve McGarret (Alex O’Loughlin, Detective “Danno” Williams (Scott Caan). Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kin), Adam Noshimuri (Ian Anthony Dale) and Captain Lou Grover (Chi McBride) as thy fight crime from their sun-drenched beaches while undergoing their own life dilemmas.
This fun series in a paradise setting includes a celebration of 50 years of the popular show of bonus material plus a compilation of memorable moments of both the original and current series. Lionsgate. DVD.
SMILEY FACE KILLERS
From novelist Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho) and director Tim Hunter (River’s Edge) comes this terrifying thriller inspired by true events and the twisted “smiley face killers” conspiracy theory that has gripped the American imagination for decades, this pulse-pounding serial killer take reunites acclaimed director Hunter with his River’s Edge star Crispin Glover.
As a strange wave of mysterious drowning’s of male college students plagues the California coast, Jake Graham (Ronan Rubinstein) struggles to keep his life together at school. Finding himself stalked by a hooded figure (Glover) driving an unmarked van, Jake fears he may become the victim of the killer’s horrific bloody spree.
This is a must-see movie for true-crime and horror fans. Revealing bonus features include behind-the-scenes with cast and crew interviews. Lionsgate. Blu-ray.
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