FOX has released "LIE TO ME: SEASON 9" on blu-ray. Networks spend so
much time and resources trying to duplicate the successes of hit series
by merely copying them, rather than come up with something "new," which
is what some of these "successes" were when first starting out to begin
with! With that in mind, trying to catch the heat from "C.S.I" type
shows, FOX has created "LIE TO ME." Instead of providing an emphasis on
shots of forensic "tv" science, bullet characteristics, micro-fibers,etc..,
"LIE TO ME" provides close-up analysis of human characteristics,
gestures, facial tics,etc. Tim Roth has already proven to be a terrific
actor with great range(ROB ROY, RESERVOIR DOGS,PULP FICTION)and he
further demonstrates his range here as Dr. Cal Lightman, an expert in
the field of analyzing and interpreting facial and body expressions.
While the explanations given as to how the human body displays
subconscious "tells," substantiating whether they're being honest,
resentful, lying, or more, it's up-in-the-air as to how much presented
is accurate or just "entertaining," but it's certain to impact some
viewers in the same way "CSI" has made plenty of strippers feel the
calling to consider leaving their jobs for at least part-time school in
hopes of becoming a forensic crime scene investigator since they
"understood" the episode of "CSI: MIAMI" they just watched!
Lightman has a company, made successful due to a variety of clients
requiring their unique ability to discern the "truth" to various
situations. Roth's "Lightman" is aided by Roth's style of energy and
atypical charisma, however, he's also aided by a cast
of attractive young actors, coincidentally appearing to be selected for
a "HOUSE" style of environment. While there's nothing necessarily bad
about wanting to emulate success, this and some other penchants of the
series seem more forced than natural.
Some of the early episodes feel a bit redundant in their execution,
even with "individual" storylines for a given episode. However, by the
6th episode, the series begins to show a stamp of originality, as the
writing becomes bolder and multiple storylines are introduced. It's
still a question as to whether the revalations concerning the science of
analyzing and interpreting "lying" are diverse and plentiful enough to
continue entertaining viewers over many episodes, the last 8 of the 13
episodes featured in "SEASON ONE" succeed in providing entertaining
suprises and storylines.
FOX has provided the correct 1.78:1 aspect ratio for this 1080p/AVC
MPEG-4 blu-ray release. In comparison to other recent tv-to-blu-ray
transfers, "LIE TO ME: SEASON ONE" is good, but not great. While there
are scenes with excellent depth, even vibrant colors and consistently
fine detail haven't made a notable improvement over the 1080i original
airings of the series. Furthermore, a significant number of scenes come
across soft and grain is occasionally intrusive.
FOX has provided a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. More impresssive
than the Dolby Digital mix provided on the original HD airings, this
lossy mix is surprisingly aggressive and even more engaging. With focus
still aimed at the center channel, ambient and discrete effects are
plentiful. Bass is frequently active and well balanced, without
overshadowing dialogue, and complimenting the terrific score.
Extras include a featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and
discussion of the roles from cast and crew. Deleted scenes are basically
just scene extensions, adding nothing of note.
