CSI: Grave Danger

Quentin Tarantino directed this 2005 two-part finale to the fifth season of the hit procedural series, and it's arguably the high-water mark of the show to date, kind of like a mini-movie set within the CSI universe. You can see the Tarantino touch in his pop-culture references, entertaining dialogue digressions, and inspired celeb guest spots (Tony Curtis, Frank Gorshin, John Saxon), but the auteur's real contribution lies in the way he connects to the characters and draws on their backstories while they search for their kidnapped colleague, Nick (George Eads). Gil (William Petersen) uses his entomology expertise, Catherine (Marg Helgenberger) calls on her gangster father, Sam (Scott Wilson), and the rest of the crew pitches in to do whatever needs to be done. Tarantino slows the pace and stirs in plenty of narrative play and sharp turns, but he remains true to the style of the show and integrity of its characters. Previously available as part of CSI: The Complete Fifth Season, extras on this Blu-ray/DVD combo set include the featurette “CSI—Tarantino Style” (also found on the earlier set). For those who don't already own season five, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)