Cold Case Files

I find this series exceptional in its treatment of each story. The interviewees are well spoken and seem to have been dealt with respect and dignity. We the viewers are also treated respectfully: the program doesn't resort to utilizing stock images from the case over and over or recycle pan shots to extend 10 minutes of info into a 30 minute film.

The one thing that has irked me: twice, in episode 1 and again in episode 6 of season 1, they clearly describe a particular make and model of a vehicle, and then proceed to use a completely different vehicle in the re-enactment. I'm not sure why it bothers me quite so much... perhaps it's that it now calls to mind a question as to the veracity of all the other visual re-enactments/information presented. The producers clearly didn't mind using photos: they couldn't be bothered to seek stock images of the actual vehicles involved in those cases?

A good revamp of the original series of should I say a good continuation of a great original series. Some may say it's not a patch on the original or that it's too long but it captures the anguish of the victims family, it captures the tense situations and you can almost feel the the pain the family is going through. In my humble opinion each case is handled sensitively and informatively and Danny Glover makes a brilliant addition as a narrator. On a side note I liked the blurred effect of the re-enactments. Great watch and highlights the importance of never giving up on cases that have gone cold.

Interesting Note: This series will test your patience simply because it intentionally goes slow for a truly somber effect. Here's my secret: change the speed you watch this to 1.5X. The dialog is just as understandable and you won't feel like everything is in slow motion any longer. It's actually a better show! Onward to actually reviewing Cold Case Files.

Cold case crime shows have usually left the viewer hanging as are the cases at the time the episodes were made. This one is not another one of those. These cases are of that small percentage that languish for years and are finally solved. That in itself is of more interest to this viewer. The care and quality of the way the stories are told and recreated is seriously good. In fact it's the seriousness of presenting these cases that makes it also exceptional within the genre. These are tragic cases with extended periods of no breaks and as a result no closure for the families, It is truly poignant and the law enforcement personnel eventually solving these give the family a chance at a degree of peace. This kind of show is much better than the average crime TV shows in my opinion. Why it didn't get more seasons is a mystery? Surely others see this as a quality production with compelling stories?

They kept talking about a blue Ford Pinto but then showed an AMC Pacer! Not even close.

Other than that, decent true crime show but it does tend to drag a little bit. No big deal. Worth a watch if you're into this kind of show.

Unlike some reboots, this series is watchable. It manages to hold your attention without being annoying. I do miss the constant narration of the original show but its a nice addition when Glover comes on. In the interim, there's a lot of vocalizations from detectives and family members. Like a lot of modern shows, they do have a large amount of written info that is not offered verbally, so if you're not actually watching 100% you might miss important details. There are somewhat annoying aspects, such as the intentionally slow speech to drag the show out, repetitive info, and inaccurate visuals - like when they find out it wasn't Danita they still keep showing her pic while discussing the new suspect; however, contrary to one review, it is indeed a 1971 Ford Pinto in the Officer Down episode, not a Pacer - often confused by casual observers. There is a lot of blood and disturbing imagery but not as bad as CSI, for instance. Some are frustrating to realize the perp was the original suspect but some clue or witness was not in the open for decades. Glad these fams got some closure.