Unsolved Mysteries-
Bizarre Murders
*Screener
(First Look Region 1 NTSC DVD)
review by Head Cheeze

I am a big fan of shows like Unsolved Mysteries; there's just something so cool about the fact that there are things that mankind simply can't explain. It's just an exciting (and strangely comforting) feeling that, somewhere, greater powers are at work.

However, when the series shifts its focus to the more down to earth examples of the unexplainable, such as the cold deed of murder, its obviously much more sobering material, but no less enthralling and, yes, entertaining.

In the 4 disc set, Unsolved Mysteries-Bizarre Murders, the series takes in-depth looks at more than thirty unsolved murder (and death by mysterious causes) cases throughout history. From the Zodiac killer, to the assasinations of world leaders, and potential terrorist attacks on airplanes, Bizarre Murders offers insight into all of these cases, and feature interviews with key players, as well careful dissection from experts in various fields. The cases are also carefully recreated using actors (like a very young Matthew McConaughey), to give us a sort of "fly on the wall" look at what is known about the case, as well as a few possibilities as to what actually happened. It's all very riveting stuff, even if some of the recreations are a bit stiffly acted.

Culled from the series lengthy 16 year run, this boxed set features 32 segments spread over four discs (360 minutes in all), and, despite the fact that several years have passed since these episodes originally aired, the information seems as fresh now as it did then.

The screener copy on which this review is based featured an assortment of the cases, but didn't contain any of the extras available on the retail edition, so I obviously can't grade the quality of something I've not seen. However, based on what I did see, as well as the very reasonable price tag ($39.95 or less), I will say that this fascinating set is well worth the purchase for fans of the series, as well as those of you who find yourself glued to shows like Autopsy, Forensic Files, and even C.S.I.