Criminal Minds: Evolution – Season 16 DVD review

Jun 14, 2023- Permalink

Criminal Minds aired its fifteenth and presumably final season in 2020. The series was then revived (as opposed to rebooted) in November 2022 on the Paramount+ streaming service. It was given the subtitle Evolution, so since this is a revival, this season is actually called Criminal Minds: Evolution – Season 16. I think I need a nap after following that logic. Paramount is releasing it on Blu-ray and DVD in the US, but for some inexplicable reason, Canada is only getting a DVD release. Maybe the detectives can solve that mystery for me.

This latest season, which is ten episodes, follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit as they deal with a network of serial killers formed at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The main cast features Joe Mantegna, AJ Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster.

The standard definition DVD release is presented in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Though obviously the Blu-ray version would have greater detail, colour presentation and shadow detail, the DVD that I was given for review is still quite good for a DVD presentation of a TV show.

On the audio side, there’s an English Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. Subtitles are available for English SDH. It’s not the most immersive track, but there is some good surround usage. Dialogue is clear and centred.

The three disc DVD set does not come with a digital code. There’s about 35 minutes worth of extras that look at the revival and some production aspects.

If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds, then picking up Criminal Minds: Evolution – Season 16 is an easy decision. Obviously, if you’re in a country where the Blu-ray is available, you’ll want to get that version.