HIGH DEF UNIVERSE

I am a huge fan of "White Collar."  I can honestly say I’ve seen every episode multiple times and have been a fan since the very beginning.  And that’s not just because it’s Matt Bomer – though, he’s definitely a plus.  Over the course of the series, we have seen Neal Caffrey (Bomer) and his FBI handler Peter Burke (DeKay) form an unlikely friendship.  Once based on trust and a little bit of skepticism on Peter’s part.  He’s always try8ing to figure out if Neal is up to something or scheming his way out of the house arrest anklet he is required to wear.

Season five is no different.  When the season begins, Peter is in prison for the murder of Senator Pratt and the only person who can clear his name is Neal’s father… who has disappeared into thin air.  Neal and Mozzie (Garson) figure out how to get Peter out of prison, but in order to do so, Neal has to strike a deal with the Dutchman – the subject of Neal and Peter’s very first case.  After getting Peter out of prison, Neal continues working for Hagan, stealing a chapter out of a very rare book.  During the course of this caper, Neal inadvertently gets a museum worker, Rebecca, fired; since it was her key card he stole in order to access the museum for the book.

As the season progresses, Neal deals with a new handler, begins dating Rebecca, trying to figure out how to get out from under Hagan’s thumb; Peter begins the season in prison, is released, promoted to head of the New York White Collar Division, and remains a loyal and faithful husband to Elizabeth.  We finally learn Mozzie’s real identity, only to see him lose it when the FBI and Neal’s new handler get too close.  Neal does his best to warn Mozzie, who hides.  He however, can’t escape Diana, who finds him.  Before she can arrest him, she goes into labor and she and Mozzie reach and understanding.

When Neal’s new handler Seigel is murdered, Neal realizes that it’s all connected to the Codex, Hagan, himself and the FBI.  He and Mozzie vow to figure out what was on the pages Hagan had him steal from the museum, but as they do that, Neal finds that his new girlfriend Rebecca is not who she says she is.  Peter finally receives his dream promotion to DC and after breaking the news to Neal, promises him that his agreement will stay in place.  But, before that can happen, Neal and Peter must find a priceless diamond and give it to Rebecca or Mozzie will pay a terrible price.

I really enjoy each and every season of "White Collar."  It’s fun, exciting and stressful all the the same time and I find myself rooting for Neal and Mozzie to finally make their big escape, while at the same time, rooting for Peter to catch them in the act.  Season five continues to progress Peter and Neal’s relationship as FBI Agent or “Suit” and criminal.  As the season went on, you could really see how these characters became more than just coworkers/criminals/FBI Agents.  The interactions, the way they had each other’s’ backs, even if unwittingly, was well done and the season was well-written, as it was in each previous season.

The widescreen 1.78:1 video quality on "White Collar" is really good. I watched the series when it was first run on television and it was good then. The transfer to DVD really cleaned up with picture and small imperfections you saw on the television airing were fixed. The colors were sharp, dark scenes were bright enough to see clearly and didn’t look over lighted. Action scenes had no blur; I really enjoyed watching it on DVD again.

The English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio presentation of "White Collar" is really good. The dialogue, background and supporting audio are all clear and even. There are no unnecessary sound distractions while watching any of the episodes; if there are, they are meant to be there. I love the music chosen for when Neal and Mozzie are “working.” The classical music reminds you that when all is said and done, they are art forgers and thieves, and it’s what they do best.  Subtitles in English for the deaf and hard of hearing, Spanish and French are available if needed.