True Detective: Night Country

Set in Alaska, "True Detective: Night Country" follows detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis), as they investigate the disappearance of eight scientists. When the long winter night falls in Ennis, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace. To solve the case, the two detectives have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves, and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice. Based on the series by Nic Pizzolatto. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes: "Meet The True Detectives" (HD 02:56), "New Chapter" (HD 02:59), "Episode One Recap" (HD 0:59), "Episode Two Recap " (HD 01:00), "Episode Three Recap" (HD 0:45), "Exploring indigenous Themes", "Max Inkblots", "Setting" and "Atmospheric Teases".

The 2.00:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally and sourced from a 2K Digital Intermediate. The picture is presented over a two-disc platform. Florian Hoffmeister's cinematography is hauntingly dramatic with a wide range of contrast with deep black levels, eerie shadows and at times brilliant lights. The setting is the pre- and early days of darkness over Alaska (actually Iceland). Picture quality overall is good with resolution that is generally soft with some exceptions during closeups of facial features, clothing and object textures. Color fidelity retains a damped down hue saturation level both in interior and exterior imagery, but generally natural given the setting of the proceedings. However, the imagery is exceptionally compelling and gripping with an emphasis on realism. Viewers will be captivated throughout their viewing experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack delivers teriffic stereo imaging, with an enveloping soundfield and an aggressive surround presence. Surround envelopment overall is effective. Sound effects benefit from deep bass extension, as oes the msic, which can extend to sub-30 Hz. Atmospherics sound realistic. The dreadful climate and snow storms with intense winds envelop the soundfield. Sound effects enhance the realism of the sonics, with intense sharp bombastic attqacks that deliver excitement. Dynamics are wide in level, often with energized SPL levels and .1 LFE bass. Music fidelity is excellent. The music score is intense and dynamic with a solid bass foundation. The music occupies a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively extends to the surrounds. Dialogue is a mixture of production sound with what sounds to be captured with body microphones and ADR. Both are wanting in natural spatial integration. This is an intensely dynamic holosonic® soundtrack that delivers both a nuanced and thrilling experience. (Gary Reber)