Overview: CSI: NY, the third incarnation of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise and the spin-off of CSI: Miami, is a crime drama about forensic investigators who use high-tech science to follow the evidence and solve crimes in The Big Apple.

DVD Verdict: Whether you've seen the other CSIs or not, 'CSI:NY' is not one to disappoint. Right from the first episode we identify with the characters played wonderfully by New York actors alongside some brilliant directing and special effects.

The series is led by CSI Mac Taylor, (Gary Sinise) who lost his wife in the 9/11 bombings, and while not being as dry as Horatio from 'CSI Miami,' he certainly has a well developed personality that becomes familiar to the viewer right from the start.

Indeed, it is (still) hard to imagine that the third series in the franchise, set in a city already "covered" by NYPD Blue could get attention. It works. Has done for 7 wonderful seasons now, but who'd have thought?!

Following a spray of machine gunfire, the CSI team rises from the chaos. But when one member's life is significantly changed, it proves to be the emotional motivation they need to piece together their lives and ultimately find the shooter.

The case of a cyber killer, who appears to be targeting medical health-care workers, turns personal when the suspect invokes the name of Mac's father who had died nearly two decades earlier!

These season six episodes, much like throughout the entire series, vary enormously in content and therefore give a brilliant insight into the different tiers of living and diversity of cultures in New York. The primary double act of Mack and Stella (athough she leaves at the end of this series) are tough and totally believable, both roles acted with strong credibility.

Here, the opening storyline, dealing with whether Danny will walk again, ends with the predictable resolution. I mean, come on, we knew that he'd walk again, but the overall quickness of 'Will he, won't he?' played out far too quickly for my liking, sorry.

And don't get me started on the whole storyline of a (beautiful) female intern, and crime scene scrubber) after Adam's job that disappears after Episode 6! My goodness, I miss(ed) her! More, in fact than the sweet Anna Belknap character! Another character that disappeared for about 6 episodes with no explanation!

Oh, and while we're on the subject, built up and then let down quickly, quietly storyline, in which Dr. Sheldon Hawkes is broke and moves in with Mac Taylor, ends with one line of dialogue in the next episode! And talking of Mac, toward the end of Season 6 he gets a new (again, beautiful) girlfriend. But she really has nothing to do with any of the cases and isn't even in the final episode!

Anyhoo, two good, solid, overly-watchable episodes, from my point of view, were: 'Criminal Justice' (ep 12), where Stella is forced to compel a judge to give a killer bail. The District Attorney uses his knowledge of criminal investigations to get away the perfect crime of murder. Guest starring the brilliant DB Sweeney, the episode is so compelling, from start to finish.

And'Pot of Gold' (ep 17) is simply hilarious, if not just for the chase scenes during the St. Paddy's Day Parade!! When a double homicide involving two young journalists who are investigating a story about gold fraud occurs on the eve of that special drinking day, the CSIs must find the clue at the end of the rainbow! Great stuff!

But, the only word for the season 6 last episode is, well, disappointing. I won't give it away in any shape or form, but suffice to say it was a big, fat let down - for me, anyway! But, bathed in sombre, blue-tinged cinematography, the emphasize on well-drawn character development without sacrificing any of the grisly criminal and scientific elements that made its parent show such a smashing success, is what makes 'CSI: NY' still and incredible, breathtaking show to watch on a weekly basis. [DS] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Commentary: Pam Veasey and Allison Liddi-Brown
A House Killer
Better Than Botox
Bonus Ep - CSI: Miami - Bone Voyage
Creation Of A Crime Scene
Bonus Ep - CSI: The Lost Girls
Commentary: Norberto Barba & Vaughan Edwards
Seeing Stars
Leaving Las Vegas: Langston Heads East
A Closer Examination: Dr. Sid Hammerback
East Coast Heroes