THE PLOT THUS FAR
Helix is an intense thriller about a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control who travels to a high-tech research facility in the Arctic to investigate a possible disease outbreak, only to find themselves pulled into a terrifying life-and-death struggle that holds the key to mankind’).
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Helix” wants to be “The Andromeda Strain” in the worst way. However, it’s just not that interesting. Ronald D. Moore has earned a ton of street cred with Sci-Fi nerds, however this is a series all about style and panache. There are echoes of Crichton, Carpenter and Lancaster throughout the series, but there’s never a clear and concise voice. While the virus attacks and the attempts to battle it are interesting, there are so many cliches thrown out in the mix.
Science Fiction on television is part of a proud tradition that has kept nerds in material while other genres ignored some of the bigger ideas. That being said, we’re living in a “Contagion” era while this stuff plays with B entertainment tropes. I wanted more from the guy who made me believe that “Battlestar Galactica” could matter. But, that show had a cast of people with personalities. While I don’t always need a strong lead to enjoy Sci-Fi, I need someone to world build and make us believe in what’s happening. While I didn’t get it hear, I can’t help but acknowledge the audience I watched the material with had been eating it up since the first moment. So, I guess this is one for the fans and Ronald Moore addicts.
The Blu-Ray comes with featurettes, commentaries, outtakes and deleted scenes. Plus, you get two Blu-Ray exclusive featurettes as the special features. The A/V Quality sports a strong 1080p transfer. That goes along with the stunning DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 07/01/2014