New to Blu: TV > June 25-July 1

The year’s most sensational new crime dramas — True Detective and Ray Donovan — can now be investigated on Blu-ray.

“With the exception of some fleeting artifacts, True Detective comes to Blu-ray with an impeccable transfer that preserves the show’s powerful visual style.”

“Equally impressive is HBO’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which masterfully captures the immersive qualities of the series’ open fields, cramped interrogation rooms, crowded church tents, dilapidated shacks, dusty hotel rooms and ritualistic cathedrals without fault or exception.”

“Extras aren’t as numerous as I had hoped, but everything included on each disc is strong.”

They include two commentaries and “inside the episode” insights for each of the eight hours.

“Ray Donovan‘s Blu-ray debut is an outstanding one thanks to a razor sharp 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that doesn’t disappoint.

“Colours are exacting and natural, with lifelike skintones, carefully saturated hues, deep black levels and filmic contrast.”

“The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track is also excellent and clear, though the show is quiet enough to not really show off the various channels.”

“Rather shockingly for a first year series, there are no bonus features on the discs (there is a link to simulcast texting and retrieval of bonus material from the web while watching the show).”

Season three of Hell On Wheels rolls out here three weeks ahead of the US and includes these extras: A Look at Season 3; Where Season 2 Left Off; Set Tour with Common; and Behind the Music and Inside the Episode shorts.

For a blast from the past on Blu-ray, Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 6 looks “spectacular.

“This season marked an increased usage of now-dated CGI and, though good for its time, it has since been tastefully replaced to blend in well with the ship models and other filmed footage.

“Not surprisingly, the effects-free material is just as impressive and boasts excellent colour timing, crisp image detail and a consistently solid grain structure.

“Overall, these 1.33:1, 1080p transfers are virtually flawless in every conceivable way; far beyond what most of us could ever expect a few short years ago.”