Cold Case Files

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?

A collection of solved cold cases as told by the families and investigating officers. Each episode tells the story of one case, from the time of the initial murder and the cause of the case to go cold, through the modern day solving. The cinematography and storytelling of each episode keeps you interested and has good flow. I really enjoyed that the cases were all solved eventually.

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?

I enjoy this program for its intensity in mystery build-up; the cinematography is also stellar.

Albeit some cringeworthy elements; the cheesy over-dramatization, the snail-like "get to the point" pacing and Danny Glover's inordinately irritating and incomprehensible narration, the show is more than decent and worthy of any true crime lover.

One of the best shows I have ever seen on tv! Its absolutely gripping. Sucks u in from the beginning and you just can't stop watching! I cant wait for more episodes! Bravo!