Following four seasons of sexual tension between Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic), the fifth season opens with the two of them finally embarking on a romantic relationship together. However, they try to keep this new relationship a secret, particularly from their boss, Capt. Victoria Gates (Penny Johnson Jerald). Also, Beckett finally discovers who's responsible for her mother's murder and wrestles with whether she should carry out her personal vendetta against him. Likewise, an emotional Castle finds himself pursuing criminals when his daughter, Alexis (Molly Quinn), is kidnapped, and he receives help from an unlikely source: his estranged father (James Brolin). Several episodes this season give nods to pop culture, including Fillion's role on "Firefly," which is alluded to when Castle and Beckett investigate a murder at a sci-fi convention; and the show's 100th episode, which pays homage to "Rear Window" when an injured and housebound Castle believes he's witnessed a murder.
The continuing saga of Castle and Beckett (and their family and friends) makes for a great 5th Season. Video is clear (although this would have been great on Blu-ray) and audio (5.1) is clear as well. Extras are okay. If you have S1-4, you will definitely want S5.
The fifth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation picks up in the 24th century as Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his faithful crew as they follow the rogue Ambassador Spock into enemy Romulan territory, among many other challenges.
If you have Seasons 1-4 on Blu-ray, you will definitely want S5 added to your collection. A great mix of stories all around. Upgraded audio (DTS-HD MA) and video (1080p with some redone scenes) make this set worth it. Extras carried over from DVD and some new ones make this an even better value.
Steve Martin and Michael Caine play a small-time hustler and suave gentleman confidence man, respectively. They place a bet that whoever can scam money off of someone, the loser will leave town for good. Hijinks ensue while each man tries to one up the other, while failing now and then. There are some potentially offensive scenes (Ruprecht), but the screenplay is intelligent and funny. The conclusion is great and fits perfectly in the scheme (pun intended) of things.
The Blu-ray quality is surprisingly good for a catalog title. The picture quality is pretty sharp and detailed but not over-enhanced. There are source problems, but they're not overtly noticeable. The DTS-HD MA audio is surprisingly a 5.1 mix, but is not active in the rear channels. But the sound is clear and volume levels don't have to be adjusted when people speak (turn louder) or when music plays (turn softer). That is an irritant with certain other Blu-rays. All the extras from the DVD are here except one: The Franz Oz commentary for the teaser is missing, but the teaser is here (this scene wasn't in the movie).
The con is on! This title is highly recommended if you want a good laugh.