The History Channel has been a godsend to true crime aficionados, bringing to the table one of the best series (perhaps ever) about the subject in Gangland. Brought back for another season, Gangland doesnt disappoint again as it covers even more about Americas seedy criminal past and present.
Featuring current and former gang members, criminals, police officers and others affiliated with both sides of the cop/criminal dynamic, it makes for fascinating viewing again as this season focuses more on Chicago and L.A gangs this season more than the first season. With a couple pieces on the motorcycle gangs like the Mongols, apparently to break up the subject matter, this is much more about Chicago and L.A gangs like the Latin Gangster Disciples of Humboldt Park and the Bloods of East L.A.
This season is much smoother than the first season, as the production values are a bit tighter and stronger, and each episode tends to be a bit smoother than before. This is still the History Channel, which always has top production values and story-telling, but the series is still in the same terrific groove that it got into midway through the first season. Its engrossing and absorbing material, as the series second season is more engrossing material.
Presented in a full screen format with a Dolby 2.0, the series has a terrific transfer visually but doesnt have the strongest of audio transfers. The video looks as good as it did initially on television, better on most occasions, but the audio hasnt been given the full treatment as some television shows have. As its Dolby 2.0 it uses the main front two speakers for the entirety of the sound, not giving it the sort of enveloping sound you expect, but for what it has it does well enough.
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There isnt much besides the shows themselves, but they are strong enough to make this a solid recommendation. It is the History Channel, which is known for making oodles of top notch material, brings one of its better series on cable television onto DVD. If you loved the first season, this is right up your alley.
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The History Channel presents Gangland The Complete Season Two. Running time: 568 minutes. Not Rated. Released on DVD: 12.16.2008. Available at Amazon.
