DVD Review: Recent Seasons of ‘Body of Proof,’ ‘Castle,’ ‘The Mentalist’

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CHICAGO – How many combined victims do you think there were on the recently-released season series sets for “Body of Proof: The Complete First Season,” “Castle: The Complete Third Season,” and “The Mentalist: The Complete Third Season.” 24 episodes of “The Mentalist,” 24 episodes of “Castle,” 9 episodes of “Body of Proof,” plus some episodes with multiple murders — that’s a lot of dead people. Find justice for them all with these three strong TV on DVD releases, all recent additions to your local “New Releases” shelf.

DVD Rating: 3.0/5.0

The best DVD set of the three is also easily the best program — “Castle,” which includes deleted scenes, commentary, featurettes, and even a music video. It’s understandable that “Body of Proof” would have fewer special features given that the show was barely renewed by ABC but fans of “The Mentalist” deserve better. From a writing perspective as well. I was a fan of the CBS procedural for the first few seasons but gave up after it seemed drawn out and I felt that Simon Baker was getting lazier as a lead actor. Two actors who have gone in the other direction are Stana Katic & Nathan Fillion and they make “Castle” one of the best mystery shows currently on TV. Finally, “Body of Proof” is kind of a mess. Dana Delany is good but the writing is weak. Still, fans of the show will be satisfied with the first season release and crossing their fingers that ratings improve enough to get a larger second season set in about a year.

Castle: The Complete Third Season was released on DVD on September 20th, 2011
Photo credit: Disney

“Castle: The Complete Third Season”

Synopsis:
Famous mystery novelist Rick Castle and NYPD Detective Kate Beckett return for the suspenseful Third Season of ABC’s brilliantly funny series, Castle. Enjoy every inspired idea and flirtatious moment as this fiery duo solves the strangest homicides New York has to offer.

It’s the most entertaining season yet as Castle’s wildly funny storytelling skills work their way into every case. Between his mixed-up partnership with Beckett and his relationships with his diva mother and his clever daughter Alexis, Castle is always on his toes.

Crime fighting has never been this much fun! Get on the beat and relive every wild and witty moment in this 5-disc DVD set.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes And Bloopers
o Murder They Wrote
o Castle Goes Hollywood
o Murder Board 101
o Cast And Crew Commentary
o Music Video - Get On The Floor

The Mentalist: The Complete Third Season was released on DVD on September 20th, 2011 Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“The Mentalist: The Complete Third Season”

Synopsis:
This season, Red John strikes into the heart of the CBI. Ever since the serial killer murdered Patrick Jane’s family, the California Bureau of Investigation consultant and former faux-psychic has become obsessed with finding the man who destroyed his life. But after a homicide suspect is set ablaze in his jail cell and a CBI agent is later framed as Red John, Patrick realizes his adversary is closer than he imagined. The 5-disc 24-Episode Season 3 of this hit procedural combines crime-solving twists with wry humor that celebrate mind over matter. In settings from gold country to the racetrack to a martial-arts cage brawl, unconventional Patrick uses his unique skills of observation and manipulation to buck the system. And crack the toughest cases.

Special Features:
o The Mentalist: Portrait Of A Serial Killer
o Red Moon Directed by Simon Baker
o Lost Evidence: Unaired Scenes

“Body of Proof: The Complete First Season”

Synopsis:
Step into the world of ABC’s compelling new drama starring Dana Delaney as a sharp-witted, headstrong medical examiner with unorthodox crime-solving methods and strained relationships with the living. Dr. Megan Hunt (Delaney) was second to none — a brilliant neurosurgeon in a class all her own — but when her life-saving gift is destroyed in a career-killing car accident, she reinvents herself as a medical examiner. Armed with keen instincts and vast medical knowledge, Dr. Hunt uses the victims’ bodies to tell the stories of their lives and untimely deaths. Relive all the twists and turns of each case as Dr. Hunt seeks justice for every victim while also embarking on a journey of personal redemption. Own each thrilling episode of Body Of Proof: The Complete First Season, including never-before-seen bonus features, in this 2-disc set.

Special Features:
o Examining The Proof
o If Looks Could Kill
o Body Of Goofs

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]