The Mentalist – Season One DVD Review – Win Yours Here

Written on September 22, 2009 by Marc Eastman in Television

Back when The Mentalist first aired, I called it, “The best new show on TV… by a mile,” and it went on to solidify its status as one of the most worthwhile, entertaining shows in years. That it performed solidly in the ratings is actually less a testament to the quality of the show than it is a somewhat curious surprise with regard to the viewing public.

The show is a tremendously fun and engaging mix of the serious drama resulting from the crime investigations themselves and Patrick Jane’s haunted past, all while balancing comedic touches and the realistic, hesitant camaraderie of a close-knit police unit saddled with an odd, yet brilliant consulting partner.

While the DVD release is not one of the more loaded releases you’ll find, there are some solid bonuses, and the set overall is a very worthy effort. Couple that with the show itself, and I’m inclined to say that you only buy one television release in the next three months, I would make it this one. And, that isn’t just a statement for fans. If you aren’t a fan of the show already, I can’t impress upon you enough how much I recommend you own this and get ready for the next season as fast as you can.

Own it on DVD today!

For the uninitiated, I highly recommend check out my initial review of The Mentalist. Also, check out a lot of information on the show below, and some great clips from the season.

Leave a comment below, and include the word, “Win,” and you are automatically entered to win your own copy of the 6-disc DVD set. U.S. and Canada only. Winner will be randomly chosen on October 20th.

“Mentalist, noun. A master manipulator of thought and behavior.” The mentalist is Patrick Jane (Simon Baker in an acclaimed performance), a celebrity psychic whose wife and child are viciously murdered by an elusive serial killer called Red John. Devastated, Patrick admits his paranormal act is fake, renounces his earlier life and uses his astonishing skills of observation and analysis – talents that made him appear psychically gifted – to bring killers to justice. At crime scenes across California, Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest cases. But no matter how many criminals he catches, Patrick never forgets his central goal: Find Red John and bring him down.

The series also stars Robin Tunney (Hollywoodland, “Prison Break”), Tim Kang (Rambo, “Third Watch”), Owain Yeoman (Generation Kill, “The Nine”) and Amanda Righetti (Friday the 13^th, “The O.C.”)

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

Evidence of a Hit Series – Interviews with the creators, directors and cast expose the origins and inspirations for this alluring character—part Sherlock Holmes, part charlatan

Cracking the Crystal Ball: Mentalist vs. Psychic – In addition to the producers, directors and cast, we interview detectives, mentalists and police psychics to determine if their powers are just a function of keen observation, a charade… or something more.

Persons of Interest: The Cast of The Mentalist – Creators reveal the challenges of casting the series from multiple perspectives: individual roles, ensemble and audience connection

Surveillance Video: Gag Reel