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Special Features
- All 12 Episodes from the Fist Season (2006) on 4 Discs
- The Academy of Blood - A Killer Course
- Witnessed in Blood - A True Murder Investigation
- The First Two Chapters of Dexter Novel "Dexter in the Dark"
Watch Free Previews and Buy Episodes from Amazon Instant Video (Learn More)
| Dexter Season 1 | - Available Formats |
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
An interesting and original idea that's very skillfully executed, Showtime's Dexter is never less than watchable, often quite compelling, and sometimes thoroughly riveting. As the 12 episodes from the show's first season (packaged here in a four disc set) reveal, it's also the epitome of "high concept," a kind of Silence of the Lambs for the C.S.I. generation. Creator-executive producer James Manos Jr.'s title character, one Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall of Six Feet Under renown), works for the Miami Police Department as an blood spatter analyst, visiting crime scenes and helping figure out what happened. He has an avocation, too: during his off hours, he tracks down some very, very bad people who for various reasons have eluded the proper authorities. Seems his adoptive father, a cop himself, taught the kid how to channel his dark side in a "positive" direction; and so, having captured these evildoers (including a child molester-murderer and a recidivist drunk driver with a trail of bodies in his wake), Dex dispatches them with clinical precision, thus making him a serial killer who snuffs serial killers. But there's more--much more, as it turns out. By his own description, Dexter is "a monster," an empty shell who fakes all human interactions and admits to no real feelings for anything or anyone, including his foster sister (Jennifer Carter) and his nominal girlfriend (Julie Benz), a former crack addict and battered spouse who's as uninterested in sex as he is. There's an explanation for Dexter's weirdness, of course, one so deep and traumatic that even he isn't aware of it. It's gradually revealed over the course of the season as he and the cops (who include Erik King, Lauren Velez, and David Zayas, all first-rate) track down the so-called "Ice Truck Killer," a fellow monster whose grisly m.o. both fascinates and taunts our hero, leading to a genuinely shocking and squirm-inducing finale. Dexter can be a bit arch, with an ironic, too-hip-for-the-room tone that get a little old. Still, it's a safe bet that anyone who views this first season will be salivating for the second. Extras include audio commentary on two episodes, a featurette about real-life blood spatter analysis, and a variety of DVD-ROM items. --Sam Graham
Stills from Dexter: The First Season (click for larger image)
Beyond Dexter
 More TV Head-cases on DVD |  The Book that Started It All |  More from Showtime |
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Product Description
Dexter is based on the compelling novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay. Orphaned at the age of four and harboring a traumatic secret, Dexter Morgan (Dexter Morgan (Emmy- and Golden Globe- nominated actor Michael C. Hall from "Six Feet Under") is adopted by a police officer who recognizes Dexter's homicidal tendencies and guides his son to channel his gruesome passion for human vivisection in a constructive way - by killing those heinous perpetrators that are above the law or who have slipped through the cracks of justice. A respected member of the police force, a perfect gentleman and a man with a soft spot for children, it's hard not to like Dexter. Although his drive to kill is unflinching, he struggles to emulate normal emotions he doesn't feel, and to keep up his appearance as a caring, socially responsible human being.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
412 of 429 people found the following review helpful
By H. M Pyles
Format:DVD
The most disturbing movie I ever saw was "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer". In its portrayal of a man who lived physically among his fellow human beings while existing completely outside the orbit of human emotional interface, I thought I had seen the definitive screen rendition of a serial killer's psyche.
Then along comes Dexter who, with 12 episodes and a carefully-crafted life of friends, family, and career at his disposal for telling his tale, paints a portrait of sociopathic existence far more detailed and more disturbing than anything attempted by "Henry". That's accomplishment enough. But to do it with the droll wit and endearing demeanor of Dexter is downright amazing. TV seldom gets odder than this . . . and never more profound.
The real horror of each episode lies not in the killings by Dexter or by his victims. It lies in the horror of watching a man having to tread his way among his fellows in full knowledge that he is a hollow shell -- a body and brain devoid of a soul, with the only emotions being a fascination with blood and the driving hunger to kill. None of the means by which other people assuage their physical or emotional needs are available to Dexter, at least in the context in which others pursue them. Sex is a threat to Dexter, an act which can open cracks in the facade of humanity he has crafted and through which people can peer into the inner void. Friendly gatherings are obstacle courses, full of little bumps that could cause Dexter to trip and let his mask momentarily slip. Even eating, from which most people derive some emotional pleasure, is simply a necessity to which Dexter submits, preferrably combined with another necessary task, such as driving.
Clever. Interesting.... Read more ›
Then along comes Dexter who, with 12 episodes and a carefully-crafted life of friends, family, and career at his disposal for telling his tale, paints a portrait of sociopathic existence far more detailed and more disturbing than anything attempted by "Henry". That's accomplishment enough. But to do it with the droll wit and endearing demeanor of Dexter is downright amazing. TV seldom gets odder than this . . . and never more profound.
The real horror of each episode lies not in the killings by Dexter or by his victims. It lies in the horror of watching a man having to tread his way among his fellows in full knowledge that he is a hollow shell -- a body and brain devoid of a soul, with the only emotions being a fascination with blood and the driving hunger to kill. None of the means by which other people assuage their physical or emotional needs are available to Dexter, at least in the context in which others pursue them. Sex is a threat to Dexter, an act which can open cracks in the facade of humanity he has crafted and through which people can peer into the inner void. Friendly gatherings are obstacle courses, full of little bumps that could cause Dexter to trip and let his mask momentarily slip. Even eating, from which most people derive some emotional pleasure, is simply a necessity to which Dexter submits, preferrably combined with another necessary task, such as driving.
Clever. Interesting.... Read more ›
125 of 135 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Dexter does not disappoint. Based on the novels of Jeff Lindsay, Dexter is the story of a serial killer who murders other serial killers. While yes he is a sociopath, I find that one of the most fascinating parts of both the novels and the Showtime series is that slowly Dexter is starting to show that he may even be developing emotions. Could be a distinct possibility since he has had to wear a mask of humanity ever since he was three years old.
The surprising thing about this show to me is that it is very different in many ways to the novels. I think that Jeff Lindsay has to be both pleased and upset over what Showtime has done with Dexter. And in my humble opinion, I think that the series is actually much better than the books. The characters are much more developed and Deborah is no wear near as annoying in the series as she is in the novels. Plus I like how Angel "No Relation" Batista is a full on Homicide detective instead of just working for the M.E.'s office. In short, Showtime improved vastly on the novels and developed a much more diverse and rich world that Lindsay had created.
The part that ends up really getting to the viewer the most is that Dexter becomes a hero of sorts that even though his actions are quite immoral, you begin to view them as justifiable vegence for the victims of the people he kills. Maybe admitting that means I have a problem myself LOL but seriously, you can't help but like the guy. He is the nicest serial killer you could ever meet. And make sure you do meet him and buy this DVD. The replay value is outstanding.
The surprising thing about this show to me is that it is very different in many ways to the novels. I think that Jeff Lindsay has to be both pleased and upset over what Showtime has done with Dexter. And in my humble opinion, I think that the series is actually much better than the books. The characters are much more developed and Deborah is no wear near as annoying in the series as she is in the novels. Plus I like how Angel "No Relation" Batista is a full on Homicide detective instead of just working for the M.E.'s office. In short, Showtime improved vastly on the novels and developed a much more diverse and rich world that Lindsay had created.
The part that ends up really getting to the viewer the most is that Dexter becomes a hero of sorts that even though his actions are quite immoral, you begin to view them as justifiable vegence for the victims of the people he kills. Maybe admitting that means I have a problem myself LOL but seriously, you can't help but like the guy. He is the nicest serial killer you could ever meet. And make sure you do meet him and buy this DVD. The replay value is outstanding.
93 of 100 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If I could give 6 stars I would, and I've never said that before. Love this show. LOVE IT! (Pissy at showtime but that's just because they don't let people - even US people serving their country - outside the US look at stuff on their website, but their product is awesome... )
Ok, so Dexter, he's a little different, right? He works for the police, he's charming and geeky, he kills people for fun after work. Just bad people, of course. It would be no fun otherwise...
This is a strange story - more than half revenge fantasy but also part personal growth drama, part romance, lots of humor, and some good old fashioned thriller thrown in for spice. It makes you ache a little inside and then giggle in horror. It invokes a lot of emotion in it's viewers, as you watch someone without emotion begin to feel things and not know what's going on... not understand that these are feelings he's having. I'm sure a lot of people are pursing their lips over it and going "tsk!". I mean, a comedy/drama where the hero is a sociopathic serial killer? And a very good one at that?
The acting is AMAZING. This is TV done right, TV that makes you sing with delight, that catches you with it's beauty and writing and the way it perfectly catches the atmosphere of a place. I cannot rave enough - it goes in with the other perfect shows like the new Battlestar Galactica (somewhat less funny but just as perfect) and Wire in the Blood, Buffy, Firefly and Touching Evil. It's vastly better than CSI Miami (really, what isn't?) but it will draw comparisons, or parallels, because both take place in Miami and involve forensics (from weirdly skewed angles mentally, when you look at it - he's both catching killers forensically and keeping from being caught himself...... Read more ›
Ok, so Dexter, he's a little different, right? He works for the police, he's charming and geeky, he kills people for fun after work. Just bad people, of course. It would be no fun otherwise...
This is a strange story - more than half revenge fantasy but also part personal growth drama, part romance, lots of humor, and some good old fashioned thriller thrown in for spice. It makes you ache a little inside and then giggle in horror. It invokes a lot of emotion in it's viewers, as you watch someone without emotion begin to feel things and not know what's going on... not understand that these are feelings he's having. I'm sure a lot of people are pursing their lips over it and going "tsk!". I mean, a comedy/drama where the hero is a sociopathic serial killer? And a very good one at that?
The acting is AMAZING. This is TV done right, TV that makes you sing with delight, that catches you with it's beauty and writing and the way it perfectly catches the atmosphere of a place. I cannot rave enough - it goes in with the other perfect shows like the new Battlestar Galactica (somewhat less funny but just as perfect) and Wire in the Blood, Buffy, Firefly and Touching Evil. It's vastly better than CSI Miami (really, what isn't?) but it will draw comparisons, or parallels, because both take place in Miami and involve forensics (from weirdly skewed angles mentally, when you look at it - he's both catching killers forensically and keeping from being caught himself...... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this show!
I watched the entire first season in under 24 hours.. so addicting! I had previously seen seasons 3,4, and 5 but had missed the first few seasons - can't wait to catch up!
Published 3 days ago by B. Zenchenko
4.0 out of 5 stars
An easily addicting great new show
If you don't start out liking it keep on watching it gets better. Below are my ratings of each individual season. Read more
Published 3 days ago by joe
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good show...
While not exactly like the books, a very good recreation of Dexter...
you will want to see what happens next. Read more
you will want to see what happens next. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Herk
4.0 out of 5 stars
Haven't viewed the DVDs as of yet...
I order this series because a friend suggested it. I haven't had the opportunity to view them as of yet but expect to like it based on reviews.
Loved Michael C. Read more
Loved Michael C. Read more
Published 8 days ago by Myra Pollard
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just started
Great show. Not as gory as I thought it would be, thankfully. Good characters and the writers don't feel the need to kill off everyone you like
Published 11 days ago by Rsing
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Shows...Ever
This show is addicting, intelligent, and just so well done. It is so interesting and captivating. No matter what your moral construct, you find yourself really really enjoying... Read more
Published 13 days ago by Danielle Amaral
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heather
I am addicted ! Michael C. Hall portrays a serial killer like no one else could. He has a way to makes you always see him as the good guy / victim . Read more
Published 16 days ago by Heather Brown
1.0 out of 5 stars
Too much
Too much language, bad situation and lack of good plot. Should go in the trash. Hey do you think I did not like it?
Published 18 days ago by Chuck R. Coker
5.0 out of 5 stars
DEXTER: The first season
GREAT series...very unique and odd but after the first season, you will be hooked. We are already on Season FIVE!
Published 18 days ago by Lynn Durham
5.0 out of 5 stars
FAVORITE TV SHOW !
The DVDs themselves were in good conditions. Dexter is my favorite TV show and I can not be happier with my purchase. If there has to be killers, why not a killer who kills killer? Read more
Published 19 days ago by itswrennnn
