Written by Senora Bicho
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation first aired on October 2, 2000 in its first timeslot of 9:00 on Friday nights. In February 2001, CBS moved the show to Thursday nights at 9 while moving another new show, Survivor, from Wednesday to the 8:00 slot. This set up a hugely successful line-up for CBS, ending NBC’s “Must-See TV” dominance. CSI has been solid in the ratings since and has spawned two spin-offs CSI: Miami and CSI: New York.
I have been a huge fan of the original CSI since the premiere episode and was excited to see the first season finally make it to Blu-ray. One of the unique aspects of this show is its look, which is one of the stars alongside the actors. The cinematography is at times dark with a trademark blue hue during investigations and is contrasted with the bright and beautiful Las Vegas location with all the color and light of its casinos.
The first time I watched a CSI episode with my HDTV cable box it was amazing and brought the show to a whole new level. This Blu-ray release provides the first season in 1080i High Definition with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The colors are vivid, the details sharp, and the contrasts distinct.
In addition to being able to enjoy the heightened look of the first season it also provided a chance to go back and see how it all started. The pilot episode doesn’t do a lot of initial set-up; the viewer is immediately brought into the action at the first murder scene. It is clear that Doctor Gilbert “Gil” Grissom (William Petersen) is in control of the lab. Each of the other main characters, Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger), Nick Stokes (George Eads), Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) and Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle), are also introduced. There is not much character information, which is what I like about the show; you get hints of it but the episodes stick to being focused on the crimes and forensics. The team starts off referring to themselves as being from Criminalistics, later changed to Crime Lab, a much smarter and less nerdy referral. It is fun to go back and see events that will have a big impact on the characters in later seasons. Willows struggles with her soon to be ex-husband, Brown’s gambling problems, and the future romance between Grissom and Sidle are all initiated here.
Article comments
1 - hatecommercials
The disk opens with a minute-and-a-half long commercial, and it seems there's no way to skip or fast-forward through it. Every time you insert this blu-ray you'll be forced to wait till that damn commercial runs its course.
If you hate forced commercials, then don't buy this blu-ray.