From acclaimed writer, showrunner and executive producer Nichelle Tramble Spellman, “Truth Be Told” is an NAACP Image Award-winning drama that offers a unique glimpse into America’s obsession with true crime podcasts and challenges its viewers to consider the consequences when the pursuit of justice is placed on a public stage. In season three, Poppy (Octavia Spencer), frustrated by the lack of media attention for several young missing Black girls, teams with an unorthodox principal (Gabrielle Union) to keep the victims’ names in the public eye while chasing down leads to a suspected sex trafficking ring that may have ensnared them.
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Video Quality
Truth Be Told: The Complete Series comes to Blu-Ray with a fetching 1080p presentation that makes you grateful that this was not kept to a streaming-only release. The series is filled with slick cinematography and textured environments that are presented with ideal clarity on these discs. There are many situations that could have potentially been a hazy mess if not for the crispness of high definition. Black levels are very deep and never sacrifice the edges of the objects on screen. From the more brightly lit moments to the prevalence of darker, shadowy sequences, the skin tones and facial details are impeccably rendered in a way that brings the most nuance out of the cinematography. Colors from the environments and outfits are bold on screen. No instances of compression artifacts crept up during the viewing. This is what you hope for from a modern series in high definition.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that is quite enjoyable. Dialogue primarily stays anchored in the front center channels and comes through clearly at all times. The track does a fine job of making sure neither sound effects nor the score or music ever overshadows any exchanges. This show allows for some notable environmental effects that keep the surround speaker filled with precise sounds. There is some welcome ambient activity in the rear channels, especially during moments where tension is building to a nice payoff. The series music brings an important element to the atmosphere that fills up the room on this track. In certain key moments, there is some power to the low end that is appreciated. Fans will have no issues with this first-rate audio experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
There are no special features provided for this release.
Final Thoughts
Truth Be Told is an entertaining crime series that finds its greatest success from being led by the amazing Octavia Spencer. The idea that a podcaster could be so involved in these high-stakes narratives is a little absurd, but Spencer makes even the most unlikely developments seem perfectly reasonable. The series is very watchable as you find yourself pushing play on the next episode until you have arrived at the end of a season. In terms of the early Apple TV+ slate, this is one of the shows that had us coming back the most. Fifth Season has released a Blu-Ray featuring a gorgeous A/V presentation but no special features. This will make a captivating viewing experience if you are in the mood for a mainstream mystery. Recommended
Truth Be Told: The Complete Series will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray or DVD on February 25, 2025.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Fifth Season has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
