Crossing Lines: Season One [3-Disc DVD Set]

Release Date: Now Available on Blu-Ray & DVD

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Disc Rating: 8/10

Plot Summary:

A special crime unit investigates serialized crimes that cross over European borders and to hunt down criminals to bring them to justice. A global FBI is born.

‘Crossing Lines’ is one of the rare examples in television where a show is very similar to others of its like, while at the same time bringing something new and unique to the table in order to single it out and make it shine. We are treated with more or less the standard cop/crime show formula to begin with and are then given something to catch the attention. A unit of agents from all different fields who develop a new task force specifically designated to investigating serialized crimes that span over multiple borders. It is a cleverly crafted crime series, and while it brings a new case to the table with each episode, it also carries a number of continuing storylines along at the same time which really helps to keep the viewer intrigued.

While ‘Crossing Lines’ provides a clever setting, multiple beautiful and exotic locations and scenery, it also features a collection of talented actors. Most notably would have to be the performance by William Fichtner. I have always been a huge fan of his and will admit he is the main reason I became interested in the series, but after finishing season one, he is no longer the only reason as the entire cast is quite talented and gives impressive performances all around for the most part. Yet I still found Fichtner’s performance to be the most notable in the series, and he continues to prove he is a very talented actor with some real range. Donald Sutherland is great as always, though fans should note that while he is a regular and recurring character, he is a far smaller role than the rest of the cast and does not have too much screen time in most episodes, though that in no way harms this wonderful series.

OVERALL: ‘Crossing Lines’ is clever and intriguing crime series that features a compelling group of characters portrayed by a talented cast. The different beautiful locations and scenery utilized as a benefit of the idea of a team who covers serialized crimes which cross over various borders really helps to give this show just one more impressive factor that really stands out and helps make this series unique. The first season contains a total of ten episodes, and fans of the series can rest assured that it has indeed been renewed for a 12 episode second season so there is more of ‘Crossing Lines’ to come in the not too distant future.

VIDEO:

The video is presented in a 16×9 friendly 1.78:1 aspect ratio representing the widescreen aspect ratio in which it was originally broadcast. As far as DVD releases go, the video presentation is very satisfactory, though certainly far less impressive than I’m sure the Blu-Ray will be, but unfortunately I was unable to attain a Blu-Ray copy of this one for review. For those who regularly purchase DVD releases, you should be quite content with the video quality on this release and it looks very decent overall.

AUDIO:

The audio on this release is a Dolby Digital 5.1 channel lossy multichannel soundtrack which is included on all 10 Season One episodes on the DVD release. As far as lossy multichannel Dolby Digital soundtracks go, this one holds up quite nicely. The action oriented sequences in the episodes bring about some nice use of the rear channels, and I would have to say it is certainly an improvement over the 5.1 channel Dolby Digital soundtrack in which the series was broadcast on television.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Unfortunately the DVD release of ‘Crossing Lines: Season One’ doesn’t include much in the way of extras. The sole special feature included on the DVD release is a featurette titled ‘Behind The Lines’.

Disc Rating: 8/10

‘Crossing Lines: Season One’ is now available to own on Blu-Ray & DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.