Customer Reviews

CSI: New York - The Complete First Season

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Crime Scene Investigation: New York (CSI) is the second follow-up of the original CSI, which takes place in Las Vegas. The first sequel to CSI offered the 60 million dedicated viewers to the initial series a location change, as the sequel is set in the subtropical Miami. However, in one episode of CSI: Miami, a cold-blooded murderer brought the investigation to New York to find the killer. This development gave grounds for another change of scenery, which gave the viewers a chance to see the nitty-gritty indifference of the unsympathetic Big Apple's criminals. The mood in CSI: NY is far grimmer and more distant from humanity than its predecessors, as the bluish tone of the photography enhances the cold and unfeeling mood of this series murderous trail.

The first disc of this set of discs offers an opportunity for the audience to experience the initial episode from CSI: Miami that sets up CSI: NY. In this episode the forensic-analyst, Caine (David Caruso) of Miami-Dade crime lab, investigates a grisly double murder, which leads them to New York. Once in New York, Caine begins to cooperate with Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) to find the answers of the callous murderer's identity, as they put their two sharp minds together to solve the crime. In the opening of CSI: NY, the discovery of a female body neatly dressed and with no visible signs of struggle, or harm, immediately sets the tone of Mac's bleak world. To further the desolated atmosphere of CSI: NY, the audience learns about Mac's late wife who died during the 9/11 attack in Manhattan, which affects his sleeping patterns.

CSI: NY has a number of interesting characters, besides Mac, such as the dedicated Detective Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes) and Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo). There is also the disillusioned doctor Sheldon Hawkes who has left his job as a doctor due to failure, and then there is the hot-tempered Don Flack (Eddie Cahill). The combination between these characters led by Mac and the horrific crimes that fall in their lap allows the audience to enter a dark and sinister domain, as they seek through scientific methods find the clue that solves the case. The TV series is not really entertainment, as it has some gruesome stories. However, CSI: NY offers an interesting and suspenseful perspective on science in the legal system, which also offers an interesting viewpoint on life and its function. It truly presents a rather fascinating experience, which definitely is worth the time.

CSI: NY brings the viewers an intriguingly dark police drama where science is the main tool in their investigation. The success on the show rests within the cast's chemistry and their performances, as they all enhance the experience with multifaceted individuality and persona. In addition, each episode presents a unique perspective on innovatively gruesome crimes and how the law enforcement pursues the criminals with relentless dedication. Thus, adding a third location to the CSI franchise was a good decision, as it still serves a large audience a suspenseful and captivating visual event.

I have been a fan of CSI and CSI: Miami for quite a while now, so when I heard that a third incarnation of this fantastic show was going to come out, I was excited. I found it very easy to get into CSI: NY, even more so than Vegas or Miami--I think it had something to do with the incredible cast that was assembled for New York. Gary Sinise is one of my favorite actors, and I found his character Mac to be a much more likeable lead CSI than either Grissom or Horatio (Grissom has been varying degrees of antisocial and oblivious over the seasons, and Horatio gets more than a little bit aggravating sometimes with the way he talks and stands, arms akimbo, while the other CSIs process the scene.) Don't get me wrong, I love Vegas and Miami, but New York has become my definite favorite.

I liked the fact that, in this CSI, the viewers got some of the characters' backgrounds early on, rather than waiting forever (such as the 5 season wait to find out why in the world Sarah from Vegas gets so belligerent when spousal abuse is involved). Each of the characters on New York, as with the first two shows, is unique, and they all complement each other nicely. Stella (Melina Kanakaredes) is a strong, capable woman who works alongside Mac rather than simply taking orders from him. Danny (Carmine Giovinazzo) is brash, funny, and slightly mysterious (viewers get tantalizing hints of his past, although there is still a lot left to be discovered), but there is no denying that he is a good CSI. Aiden (Vanessa Ferlito) is smart and sassy and doesn't take any crap from anyone (particularly not Danny). Don Flack (Eddie Cahill), the main detective on the show, seems like one of the team, as does coroner Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper), who becomes a CSI in the second season. None of the characters feel like carbon copies of those from Vegas or Miami, despite what many other people have told me.

The setting of the show is decidedly dark and gritty, portraying the urban jungle of New York City as a place that is at once beautiful and decrepit, steeped with history and amazingly diverse. There is a blue sort of tint to the first season, much as there is an orange cast to many of Miami's episodes. At first I thought that this would detract from the show, but in the end it just helped to identify New York as being separate from Vegas and Miami.

Many of the storylines could easily be put on Miami or Vegas, but others are strictly New York (where else would a rat swallow a crucial piece of evidence?). There are a lot of people who say that the CSI franchise is getting too crowded, but the way I see it, if the show is good, who cares? New York is a great addition to the CSI family, but it is also a wonderful show all on its own. NY has had a lot to live up to, and there are those out there who don't give this show a chance, but I would encourage fans to watch and find out for themselves. Sure, Vegas was first, but New York is fresh, fun and just as exciting! I look forward to watching the subsequent seasons.

Season 2 of CSI: New York is a transition year. The show no longer is as dark as it was during its first season, the storyline involving Mac Taylor's mourning of his wife's death on 9/11 has disappeared, Dr. Hawks is now in the field, instead of performing autopsies, and Aidan Burn is fired and replaced Lindsay Monroe.

The producers seem to have stuck to the CSI formula for 2/3 of the season to allow the dust to settle. The last few episodes bring in some interesting character developments: the sexual chemistry between Danny and Lindsay, the relationship between Danny and his brother, the wrapping up of the rapist storyline, Stella having a relationship with a man that turns violent, and the revelation of a lighter side to Mac.

In all, Season 2 is a good year of cases and glimpses of what direction this show wants to go in.

CSI:NY has been going on for the past 3 years and still ramains my favourite show ever. Season 2 is much better than season 1. more violent, better cases and much more exiting. set in the the great city, New York with crimes happening here and there. CSI: NY to me is the best CSI of all three CSI shows and the best crime show. I can't wait for season 3 on DVD.

Description:

"CSI: NY" has several good things going for it compared to the other "CSI" shows. First off, it is fast paced. From the opening moments you're thrown right into the story and it never lets up until the end. That keeps things from ever dragging out unnecessarily. Second, you're able to jump into any individual episode without having seen any other episodes. However, they still manage to give some characters more personality and running storylines through several episodes. This makes them a little less wooden than some of the characters on other "CSI" shows. Finally, the cast is one of the best of the three shows. Gary Sinise is one of my favorite actors and it's always a pleasure to see him in the show, especially supported by a strong cast. This year adds a new face to the mix with Anna Belknap as Detective Lindsay Monroe.

While standing apart from the other "CSI" shows, it still features what makes all of them appealing. You still have bizarre murder cases, flashy special effects, and dramatic cinematography. Each episode looks like a mini-movie and is very stylish. It keeps that "CSI" look and feel while giving it a New York touch. There's also an interesting crossover with "CSI: Miami" and a guest appearance by David Caruso.

If you're a "CSI" fan or if you love murder mysteries, then this is required viewing for you...unless you have a weak stomach.

The bonus features are spread between several discs which makes them a bit tedious to access. However, what's here should make fans happy. "Top of the Heap" discusses Season 2 in general and the changes made from the first season. "Rolling with Jamalot" goes into the making of the "Jamalot" episode and the roller derby action. "A New Look from the 35th Floor" gives a detailed look at the lab set from the show along with the executive producer. "Behind the Scenes - Heroes" isn't a look at the NBC series, but a look at the second to the last episode of the show. It features the return of Vanessa Ferlito as Detective Aiden Burn in a unique cameo related to the running storyline in the show. Finally, "Season 2 Ends with a Bang" covers the season finale and the big explosion featured in it.

Starring:

Gary Sinise as Detective Mac Taylor
Melina Kanakaredes as Detective Stella Bonasera
Carmine Giovinazzo as Detective Danny Messer
Hill Harper as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes
Eddie Cahill as Detective Don Flack
Vanessa Ferlito as Detective Aiden Burn
Anna Belknap as Detective Lindsay Monroe
Robert Joy as Dr. Sid Hammerback

The third incarnation of the wildfire that is the CSI franchise sets up in the Big Apple of New York City which stars Gary Sinise as the head of the CSI forensic department Mac Taylor as well as his CSI fellows Stella Bonasera, Aiden Burn, and Danny Messer. The first season is shot in a somewhat austere bluish light and gives the show a far more severe appearance than it's two predecessors. The first season opens with "Blink" and gets better as it progresses. The second season which is not yet out improves on this one.

When CSI Producers announced another spin-off series, I have to say that I was very skeptical. So I was pleasantly surprised when I first laid eyes on CSI:NY. The strength of this series is the cast. From the first we saw Gary Sinise in the CSI:Miami Cross-Over Episode (included in this DVD set) most of us knew that this series will be a tad different from the two previous CSIs. Like Grissom, Mac Taylor (Sinise) is a bit unsocial, but he too is scientific and places the physical evidence above all. And like Caine, he is sometimes emotional, thankfully without the annoying pose and sunglasses. The other cast members are also exceptional. I particularly liked Aiden Burn (Ferlito), which unfortunately left the show in its second season. The cast is not as light-hearted as the other two CSI ensembles, but there is some dark humour here, which is actually funny most of the time. Cast aside, most of the scenes from the other CSI shows are here. Nice overviews of the city, and the 'CSI shots.' The NY version though experiments with camera techniques more often than using graphics. Were there any problems? Yes there were. The biggest is the blue tint used in filming. It is very dark at times and very drowsy at times. Good thing the producers noticed this and lightened it up by the end of the season. Another is the stylized fiction used by the shows (The CSI franchise, that is), that made ripple effects around the world. Some law schools are looking into the shows (some to learn about forensics, some to learn improper legal technicalities); defence lawyers and victims demanding for forensics similar to the show and whatnot. But in the end, I believe that the show is a bit of fact and a bit of fiction, and that I should not bother to find the fine line separating them. As for the DVD, the discs are housed in a book-like manner, which is topped off by a handsome slipcase and a yellow tape similar to those used in the show. The first six discs contain the first season episodes and the CSI:Miami pilot, and a seventh, single-layer, disc contains the special features. Overall, CSI:NY is a great addition to the CSI line-up and the DVD is a must-have if you want to go over this wonderful series.

Shows that launch spinoffs learn that the spinoff can either be a hit or miss gamble for the network. When NBC launched spinoffs from its hit show Law and Order it found that for every hit (Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent)there can also be one major misfire (Trial by Jury, which was cancelled after less than a season).

So when CBS announced in 2004 that it planned to launch a second spinoff show from its mega-successful CSI, many fans might have thought that it might have followed right along the same path as L&O: Trial by Jury. So what happened?

In 2004, CSI: New York was launched and it followed right in the footsteps of its big brothers CSI (or CSI: Vegas) and CSI: Miami in establishing itself not as a lesser of the two set in a new city but one that could stand alone just as well, especially seeing that it would have the fan bases of the more established CSI shows to build on.

CSI: NY focuses on the New York City Crime Lab, led by Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise), a police officer who's dedication to the job is overshadowed by the grief that still lives within him due to his wife being killed in the 9/11 attack of the World Trade Center. Mac's demeanor is like a cross between his counterparts Gil Grissom and Horatio Caine, only more equal to each.

His team includes Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes), tough talker Danny Messer (Carmine Giovanazzo), young up and coming CSI Aiden Burn (Vanessa Ferlito, who left the show in the recently begun second season), medical examiner Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper), and street officer Don Flack (Eddie Cahill), who has little patience for anyone that doesn't want to talk.

Their cases in the first season of CSI: NY sees the team dealing with some rather unique cases including one where the CSI team has to solve the murder of a dock worker, but has to deal with the fact that no one wants to talk to them and try to help them get to the bottom of the case.

The Complete First Season contains 24 episodes on 7 discs. Discs 1-6 contain all 24 episodes (23 episodes plus the original pilot episode of CSI: Miami that sent Horatio Caine (David Caruso) to New York to track a killer)and audio commentaries on 7 of the 24 episodes, while the 7th disc contains several bonus features including the tour of the CSI New York set, an interview with the cast and more.

For CSI fans, this is the first of 3 CSI season releases within the next few weeks (Miami releases its 3rd season on November 22nd, followed exactly one week later by Vegas' 5th season on the 29th). So for those that need to see if Little Brother can stand up on its own against its older siblings, do a little investigating of CSI: NY.

The series' sophomore season comprises a lot of surprises and twists for some of the show's regular cast members, and includes some intricate plots as well. Crimes include a murder in Grand Central Station; an apparent homicide in the zoo; karate killling corporate execs; the return of Aiden's elusive rapist; Aiden's exit from the series; a twist in Stella's love life with Frank; Danny's gangster brother's brutal beating; and a bomb that puts Flack's life in danger.
Gary Sinise, Melina Karakanedes, Carmine Giovinazzo, newcomer Anna Belknap, Hill Hunter, Eddie Cahill, Robert Joy and A.J. Buckley all turn in competent performances and even though the music for this season was more annoying than beneficial and even though the forensic scenarios a little too long, CSI NY remains a great entry in the franchise.

The CSI powers-that-be re-tooled CSI New York after a disappointing first season. What a difference! A program that was somber, dark and obssessed with post 911 themes is now loaded with suspense, crackling dialoge, clever plotlines and bright colors. One of the main characters was dumped in an excellent ongoing storyline that eventually concluded tragically at the beginning of season 3. While CSI and CSI Miami are suffering from trite plotlines, CSI New York has blown past them in creativity. Highly, highly recommended. Episodes are beautiful in widescreen and the extras are fascinating!

Placed in the mood of New York rhythms,this second season is as good as the first one.Each case is interesting and different than the Las Vegas and Maimi series.An all time classic for the fans of action combined with science!Too bad there are no subtitles available in the features because all foreign viewers as well as people with hearing problems really have a bad time understanding the story.(that's why 4 stars and not 5)