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Witnesses: Series 1 AKA Les témoins (TV)
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Arrow Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (17th September 2015). |
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The Show
 ***This is an A/V and extras review only. For reviews on the show from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Mystery is everywhere. Desecrated graves, dead bodies dug up and left in model homes… Every time, the same ritual: a woman, a man, a teenager, who weren’t related but who form a new family. Amid the bodies, a photo: the one of Paul Maisonneuve, a Crime Squad legend in the North of France, now retired but forced to return to duty. Who is digging up the bodies? Who is leaving them in model homes and why? Young female detective Sandra Winckler, in charge of the case, must work with Paul Maisonneuve to find out just who is behind these macabre stage settings. During her investigation, she will have to delve into Paul’s past, believing him to know more than he lets on. Because that’s where the truth must lie: somewhere in Paul’s past. For the detective and the ex-cop, life will never be the same… For in the shadows, is a man who will stop at nothing to gain his revenge – a long planned out revenge.
Video
Arrow Films continue with their impressive slate of European television with this tense thriller from France. "Witnesses" is presented in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1, and receives a 1080/50i transfer (as to be expected for French TV shows). It looks absolutely wonderful. As soon as I hit the play button on the first episode of disc one, I knew I was in for a treat. The camera pans up and over the coastal French location in the opening shot and is just a taste of what is in store. This particular shot however, is a great example of long range details that Blu-ray is couple of. When you couple the strong details with Jean-Max Bernard's gorgeous cinematography, you will be left stunned. Details don't let up in mid-range shots or close-ups either. Every out of place bit of fabric in clothing, and every skin blemish is perfectly plain to see. Shadow details are also consistently strong, and there is rarely any black crush to speak of. The show often uses an intentionally drained palette to help give it that dark and tense atmosphere, though isn't as heavy on blues as you may find in similar shows. External day time scenes may have a darkened feel, but when lighter colours are used, it is without issue. The transfer never feels flat, and I never noticed any major compression issues despite each disc holding almost three hours of footage. There may be some very minor insignificant aliasing in no more than a couple of brief shots, but other than that, no banding or damage of any note. This is a top drawer transfer, and one of the better looking TV shows I have had the pleasure of viewing on the format. The episodes are uncut, with 1-3 on disc one, and 4-6 on disc two. Each episode is available separately or you can select a play all option on each disc.
Audio
Unfortunately, it seems like the show was not filmed with 5.1 audio in mind. As shame when you consider the possible benefits of such a track here. However, Arrow have included the original French stereo track in LPCM format. Whilst not quite at the standard of the transfer, the audio is still very much above average. Dialogue is clear at all times, though occasionally comes across a little flat depending on the location. The score by Éric Demarsan ("The Army of Shadows", "Le Cercle Rouge") is tonally quite formulaic, but helps add to the atmosphere at all the right times. Channel separation is good and without issue, whilst effects add a good level of depth, particularly to the more lively scenes. There are no issues with drop outs, scratches, or pops, and I noticed no signs of background hiss. English subtitles are included, and although there is no menu to turn them off, they are optional and can be knocked off via remote control.
Extras
Just a start-up trailer on the first disc for the "Nordic Noir" range (0:40).
Overall
Although this solid French crime thriller doesn't quite reach the heights of the genre's best, this is worth a look for TV fans, especially those who have had good experiences from Arrow's Nordic Noir range who wish to look in to other European genre shows.
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