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List Price: $39.98 | | Label: Paramount
Salesrank: 293
Released: November 28, 2006 |
| Our Price: $19.99 |
| Used Price: $16.99 |
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MPAA Rating: Unrated
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again.
Description of Criminal Minds - The First Season:
Viewers who feel they may have been C.S.I.'d, S.V.U.'d, or NCIS'd to death, should really keep an open mind concerning Criminal Minds, because this compelling procedural crime series brings fascinating new facets to this crowded genre. The always galvanizing Mandy Patinkin (Chicago Hope) makes a welcome return to the small screen as Jason Gideon, head of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, and sage mentor to his elite team of profilers, including compassionate Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson, of Dharma & Greg), Lola Gladini as sex-crimes expert Elle Greenway (since departed from the series), live-wire hunk Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), and genius-geek Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), who actually looks creepier than many of the perpetrators that the team races against time to apprehend. Before they can do that, they must establish psychological profiles of the criminals and think as they do. Given they have handles such as the "Seattle Strangler" and the "Keystone Killer," this can be psychologically taxing (in one episode, Spencer confides to Derek that the job is giving him nightmares). While cliffhangers frame this inaugural season, each episode (except the season finale) wraps up its cases in the allotted hour.
In addition to serial killers, the series unleashes a gallery of twisted and depraved specimens. "Trust me," Derek comments early on, "we cover the whole spectrum of psychos." This includes arsonists, rapists, child abductors, and even a cannibalistic killer. Anchoring the proceedings is Patinkin, who exudes authoritative gravitas, and who is always good for scenery feasting. He really comes to life when killers have Gideon at gunpoint and he taunts them into losing their already unsteady grip. Most episodes feature the voiceover of a team member reciting a pertinent quote from such varied sources as W.H. Auden ("Evil is always human") to actor Peter Ustinov, a literary conceit that could stand to be retired. Stylistic flourishes in the editing and camerawork are likewise more of a distraction when the cases themselves are so gripping, given that the victims are primarily women and children. "There's nothing I would rather do than put the bastards away," Greenway states at one point. And there's nothing we'd rather do than watch them do it, which has made Criminal Minds, initially Lost opposite that ratings juggernaut, one of television's solid hits. --Donald Liebenson
Criminal Minds - The First Season Reviews:
First season of a superb intelligent series 
2009-10-29 - There are so many crime shows out there today but CRIMINAL MINDS is very unique. I must start by saying I started by watching this show during its third season on televison and it became my favorite show so I have purchased all the seasons and am starting at the beginning. There is much interest and intrigue in society of serial killers not only for the acts they perform but moreso into what the minds of these people are really like. This series creatively, artistically and intelligently provides much education and entertainment in this genre. This is not a mere crime show but is dedicated to studying the minds of those in our society who commit evil.
At the center is the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The team can only become involved in a a crime when the city involved extends an invitation for their added expertise. One thing that is very unique about this show is that all the team members are gifted yet have their own specialties as well. When approaching any case the discussion is often a free for all with each member giving their perspective. They play off each other and by no member, even the boss Gideon, acting superior each member is treated with respect. These characters are also projected as very human. The crimes and acts they see are often troubling to deal with and we see how it affects them. Through their interactions and communication over a case the viewer is educated into how profiling a criminal actually works. We learn how patterns are actually established with a killer. The show can get very graphic but is in no way gratuitous. The violence has a definite realistivc purpose.
Going back to episode 1 has bee a treat for though there is a major story each episode the lives of the BAU members are evolving stories and even some of the plots have deeper resonance and appear again. I think this season is excellent but also must say that it only improves with each upcoming season. The team members were superbly cast. Dr. Spencer Reid is quite a character. He is 24 and an actual genius. He brings much needed facts and knowledge to the cases but he stumbles as he tries to gain experience with actual life and social skills. Derek Morgan and J.J. Jareau are excellently fit. Next to Matthew Gray Gubler who plays Dr. Reid the standouts are Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner and Mandy Patinkin as Jason Gideon. They both head the unbit. Hotchner comes across as a professional who follows all rules and politics. Gideon is a seasoned veteran. The only slightly off casting is Lola Glaudini as Elle Greenway but this gets taken care of later.
I cannot stress how unique and fresh this show is. Each agent has a personal reason for having such a job as tracking serial killers and all of this makes it even more realistic. Watch each episode and note how they are not formula. Note how creatively the audience is educated thru the writing of the show. And if this show appeals to you just rest assured that with each season the characters develop more and more and the plots/story lines just get better and better. Yes, there will be cast changes but they are written into the show perfectly. This show is dedicated to entering criminals minds and expertly does with each episode. It is certainly addictive and a must see.
VERY VERY GOOD
2009-10-22 - If you like the CSI shows then you will like this too. I found it on TV about 6 months ago and like it so much I have to have the ones I have not seen. Things happen in a show and then something comes up about it in a few shows later and if you have not seen it you get lost. So we are watching them from the beginning all the way till now. So check it out I bet you will be doing what we are and getting the whole set.
I'm addicted
2009-10-21 - I really enjoy watching this show. I bought this season so I could catch up on all the characters and what happened so I could understand the story line better in the current season. I will buy the rest of them too!!
criminal minds season 1
2009-10-14 - Excellent! I love this show and this is one of the best seasons. I can't wait to add to my home library.
Criminal Minds- The first season
2009-10-13 - The maximum time of delivery, because sometimes it takes much, plus there are purchases that are made and fail, I still have a slope
