Plot: What’s it about?
This documentary by award winning director Joseph Strick covers a topic we’re all aware of, crime. I’m sure you’ve seen a crime based documentary before, but this one takes a hard, almost depressing look at the subject and those behind the offenses. Criminals covers not only the harsh crimes of murder and rape, but also robberies, assaults, prostitution, and other crimes. Through real footage we see as these crimes are committed, which reveals the harsh reality of the crime and how they change the lives they involved. The film presents real clips of armed robberies, brutal attacks, theft, and more crimes, but it also offers another perspective on crime. A wealth of interviews, confessions, and statements are shown, which allow even more insight into the crimes and why they happened. The voices of murderers, rapists, and thieves are all heard, some even brag how they will strike again and again. Some reveal how their lives have suffered because of their crimes, others simply can’t wait until they can once again break the law. This is not a bright, shiny movie by any means, but it does offer a real look into criminals and their offenses. I recommend this documentary to those interested, but be warned, this is not an easy piece to watch.
Video: How does it look?
Criminals is presented in a full frame transfer, which is the intended aspect ratio. This is a documentary that uses footage from many sources, which means some sequences look better than others. This piece uses security camera footage, home video shots, police department cameras, hidden cameras, and other sources as well. So some of the scenes look pretty rough, but considering the source material, this transfer is more than adequate. The image isn’t always that good, but this transfer does the best it can with this material, which is what counts.
Audio: How does it sound?
Again, because of the nature of this film, the audio is rather basic and won’t push your system much. The sound effects present are very limited and as such, you won’t hear much range or impact at all here. But that’s good if you ask me, as it allows the audio to sound natural and the track doesn’t try to force audio range. The music is solid also, in fine form and no signs of distortion in the least. The dialogue is the main focus here and it comes off well, in crisp form and with no volume problems. Some of the sources allow for clearer vocals than others, but all are easy to hear in the end.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
