DVD Corner

Copper Season 1 DVD Review

“Copper” will appeal to fans of procedurals.

What do you get when you mix a modern day procedural with “Gangs Of New York”? You get “Copper,” a pre-tech police procedural set in 1864. The series focuses on an Irish-American Civil War veteran turned cop named Kevin “Corky” Corcoran who watches over the scummy, crime ridden 5 Points Area of New York. Throughout these 10 episodes, viewers can expect to see plots about: a murder investigation of a young girl (Kate) by a wealthy scumbag named Winfred Havenford, Kate’s twin sister Annie, a hanged man, Robert Morehouse (a wealthy man who served as Corky’s major in the war), Corky’s lost wife Ellen, many murder (and killer) investigations, boxing matches, a gang (the Roderick gang to be exact), a plot to start a massive fire by the Confederates, affairs, a pregnancy, the mystery of Corcoran’s daughter’s death, Eva (a saloon and brothel owner), and Francis Maguire (a cop).

As someone who couldn’t be more bored by formulaic modern procedurals, I was hoping that “Copper” would be something unique. While the series does offer plenty of subplots, historical references, and ongoing story arcs, it’s not quite enough to make this show work.

Don’t get me wrong, the series deserves praise for the outstanding production values. The sets, costumes, and authenticity are clearly the highlight of the program, but the show’s looks alone can’t cover the fact that it’s still a procedural at heart. Granted, it’s a more violent procedural in a different era, but it’s still a procedural.

The real reason “Copper” doesn’t work for me, however, is that Kevin Corcoran (played by Tom Weston-Jones) is a completely dull lead character. He’s your typical doesn’t play by the rules cop with a tragic past and yet he has the personality of a rock. Thankfully, some of the cast is quite good here especially Ato Essandoh who plays the best character on the show- Doctor Matthew Freeman. He’s the most layered and interesting character on the show by a mile.

Video/Audio:

The series, which is presented in widescreen, looks incredibly sharp. The production values and cinematography are high quality here. It should be noted that this series is also available on Blu-ray.

I didn’t notice any issues with the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. It does the job.

Extras:
* Ultraviolet copy.
* Trailers for “Ripper Street,” “Doctor Who Series 7,” “Spies Of Warsaw,”
* Commentary on “Surviving Death” and “Husbands And Fathers” by Tom Weston-Jones and Franka Potente. Discussions range from Dropkick Murphys and acting to costumes and the time period.
* Character gallery for Corcoran, Freeman, Morehouse, Eva, Elizabeth and Maguire and O’Brien. Each character featurette contains cast and crew interviews chatting about the characters.
* “Behind The Badge Gallery”- Mini-featurettes about the following: “Sideburns and Pigs’ Feet,” “Rebuilding New York,” “Guns Of New York,” “African Americans In New York,” “City Of Immigrants,” “History Of The NYPD,” “The Detectives Of Five Points,” “The Women Who Love Corcoran,” “The Brothel Of Five Points,” “1864 Fashion,” and “Unlikely Allies.”
* “Fonatana In Five Points”- Showrunner Tom Fontana talks about where the real locations of various Five Points locals are located.
* “From The Creators”- Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana discuss the story of the series, the time period, period recreation, the cast and crew, etc.
* Commentary on “La Tempete” by Kyle Schmid and Anastasia Griffith. The two don’t have much to say as they seem more interested in watching the episode.
* A whopping 36 minutes of deleted scenes.
* “Behind The Badge- Making Of Copper” contains set footage, cast and crew interviews, story/character/plot discussions, and a look at sets and props.
* Laidback commentaries on “Better Times Are Coming” and “A Vast And Fiendish Plot” by Tom Weston-Jones, Ato Essandoh and Kyle Schmid.

Summary: While “Copper” is not my cup of tea, fans of procedurals should get a kick out of it. Note: “Copper” fans should keep their eyes peeled for a second season soon.

January 15, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Copper Season 1 DVD Review, Copper Season 2