New on DVD: True Detective, Non-Stop

New DVD releases feature law enforcement agents being pushed to extremes.

”True Detective”: Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey turn in flawless performances as a pair of detectives looking into a murder case in the Louisiana bayou country that has all the elements of being a cult killing. Their investigation not only uncovers a deep, dark secret but reveals the hidden sides of both men.

The story’s told in flashbacks as Martin Hart (Harrelson) and Rust Cohle (McConaughey) talk about the case that unfolded in the mid-1990s. It’s through their recounting of the case that it becomes clear that these former partners might seem to be very different but have been drawn together by this gruesome case.

The eight-episode season that aired on HBO also features superb writing by series creator Nic Pizzolatto and an often haunting score from Academy Award-winning composer T Bone Burnett. The DVD set includes information about the development of the series, the importance of the music and never-before-seen footage from the series.

Look for this series to be a big winner at future awards ceremonies.

Grade A

Also new on DVD:

”Non-Stop”: A better name for the new Liam Neeson movie would be “Mistakes on a Plane.”

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”: CIA analyst (Chris Pine) goes into the field when a global terrorist network is about to be activated.

“The Secret Lives of Dorks”: Geek’s love life gets complicated.

“Wordgirl: Monkey Business”: WordGirl fights crime and enriches vocabulary usage.

“Devil’s Knot”: Mother must deal with the true story behind murder investigation.

“The Chisholms: The Complete TV Series”: The 1979-1980 series stars Robert Preston, Ben Murphy and Brian Kerwin.

“Vendetta”: Special ops interrogation officer looks to avenge the death of his parents.

“Amen”: A look at how much was known outside of Germany about exterminations in Nazi death camps.

“Klondike”: Cable series that dives into the brutal world of the late 1890s gold rush.