The Twilight Zone - Vol. 24 (1959) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Twilight Zone Vol.24 DVD, comes quite highly recommended if you are a fan of the more 'weirder' stories from the series.
This DVD kicks off with one of the classics from the first season from March, 1960 and a great early performance from Roddy McDowall in 'People Are Alike All Over'. The story was originally written by Paul Fairman, but Rod Serling's teleplay about a journey to Mars that goes unexpectedly awry,certainly pulls out all the stops to make this one of the best remembered Zone stories with a terrifying but most certainly true ending. The DVD is worth a buy just for this story alone to add to anyone's collection.
Next up we have one of the 50-minute episodes from the fourth season in January, 1963-'Valley Of The Shadow'. To me, this Charles Beaumont story stands out as one of his most strange epics throughout all his work on the entire series. Love it or hate it, you will find some great performances from a future all-star cast, namely Ed Nelson ('Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea'), James Doohan ('Star Trek'), Dabbs Greer ('Little House On The Prairie') and an appearance by the very young Suzanne Cupito who went on to change her name to Morgan Brittany and appear as one of the most-hated villianesses in Soap history as Katherine Wentworth in 'Dallas'. I very much like this story and it certainly is one of my favourite longer length episodes, about a newspaper reporter who unexpectedly drives into a relatively unknown town called 'Peaceful Valley', but it turns out it's far from a little bit more than peaceful in some respects. From the weird gadgets that the townsfolk use, to where the Mayor's office is situated with it's modern machinery down a strange staircase. This episode is also renowned for some great special effects-check it out...
Finally, this DVD rounds off with another strange tale from the final season first screened in January, 1964 entitled 'Black Leather Jackets'. This one is from the pen of future 'Waltons' creator, Earl Hamner Jnr. and stars a young Shelley Fabares turning in a nice performance. Three bikers wearing the aforementioned title move into one of the luxury houses in a small suburb looking as though they are on a mission for someone from somewhere especially when they don't appear to move any proper furniture into the house with them. Not only that these three guys appear to have special powers of a kind! This is an up to date Twilight Zone story of the time introducing the rebel image of youth with their fashionable clothes and possessions which were symbolic for many teenage male of the late 1950's and early 1960's.
So, there we have them-Three gems on a gem of a DVD of a gem of a series!

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The Twilight Zone Box Set (1959) Review

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(More customer reviews)Ever since my very first veiwing of a Twilight Zone I have been simply and utterly bound by its intruiging and usually ironic plots. I do not beleive there has been a single episode of this series of which I did not thoroughly enjoy. With this VHS gift set I now have the ability to watch all the classic episodes, such as "Time Enough at Last" and "Terror at 20,000 Feet". While a great gift set, I would however recommend the DVD 40th anniversary set being released in September of 2000. This set will have better video\audio quality and contain a total of 19 episodes. On the other hand, if you wish to simply have a small collection of the best of the twilight zone for a minimal cost (30 instead of 70$ for the dvd) I strongly reccomend the purchase of this item, but beware....as you enter the Twilight Zone.

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Bewitched : The Complete Eighth Season (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Hey Bewitched Fans get ready for the Eighth and Final Season of Bewitched coming out this July. This may be the last season of Bewitched, but you sure do not want to miss this extra ordinary last season. This season has 26 more magical episodes including the 7 story arch of Darrin and Sam in Europe, Tabitha entering the second grade and other adventures involving the Stephens family. The season kicks off when Darrin and Samantha arrive in London, England and Sam is sent back to the 16th century for setting free a warlock who was imprisoned in a painting. While there, Darrin and Endora must rescue Samantha before she gets beheaded by King Henry VIII. Also they travel to Italy, France and Scotland. Sam learns that the legendary Loch Ness Monster is none other than a warlock named Bruce who ages ago transformed the monster into the creature for bothering Serena. Next stop is Italy, where we learn Esmeralda was the one who made the Tower of Pisa lean and then we must do as the Romans do in "Bewitched, Bothered, and Baldoni" where Endora zaps statues into real life. Paris is quite fun when Maurice sends Darrin atop the Eiffel Tower. The final stop in the European Business trip is the spooky Halloween Episode called "The Ghost who made a Spectre of himself". This episode will have you rolling on the floor laughing as Louise, Larry, Samantha and Darrin all get heckled by a Ghost!
In "TV or Not TV", Tabitha gets infuriated when she sees the Punch and Judy show and condemns Punch for hitting the puppet Judy. She pops in on the show and the producers want to keep her as a guest, but Darrin and Samantha do not want their daughter at such a young age on the show. In another episode, Maurice and Samantha come down with a plague. Moving on, Darrin chases Hansel and Gretel around in episode 238. The last few episodes of 1971 will have viewers laughing until they cry especially in "The Warlock in the Gray Flannel Suit", because the lines between Larry and Alfonzo are hysterical. In "Adam, Warlock or Washout" we see a test on Adam similar to an earlier episode back in Season 3 where the high witches test Adam's powers. So if you want to find out if he is a warlock you must purchase this great season.
The episodes get more funny when the 1972 episodes appear. Esmeralda gets in a bit of trouble when she sits for some children who think she has cracked her mind in "Samantha's Magic Sitter". Another episode that viewers really like is the one where Sam develops a condition that makes her weigh over 500 lbs., so we bring in the one and only Dr. Bombay who cures her to no avail only causing her to be the opposite light as air. But, don't fret because cousin Serena returns in this Season to bring more laughter especially in "Serena's Richcraft" where she falls for a rich man and then again in "Serena's Youth Pill" where she gives Larry Tate a pill that restores his youth, but without some side-effects. In "Samantha on Thin Ice", Darrin challenges both Tabitha and Samantha to learn to skate the mortal way. Little does Darrin know that Endora makes Tabitha a prodigy and Canadian Olympic figure skater Robert Paul guest stars in this episode. (This was when the Winter and Summer Olympics were in the same year). The last historical figure we see in the series is George Washington. He and Martha make appearances in a two part episode where Esmeralda is helping Tabitha on her homework and accidentally sneezes up our forefather. The authorities also find out Tabitha is not attending school and Mrs. Peabody, a busybody, gets the pleasure or burden of being Tabitha's second grade teacher in a few episodes. The last episode is "The Truth, Nothing but the Truth, So Help Me, Sam" in which Endora up to her clever tricks puts a hex on Darrin's gift for Sam which makes every mortal tell the truth while around it. This, however, proves to be more good than harm. He not only wins the clients account, but shows once again that his love for Samantha is for real, forever and they live happily ever after. What's a meddling mother-in-law to do?
This may be the last season of Bewitched, but the show will go down in history as being the longest and funniest of the supernatural themed comedies of the 1960's and 1970's. ABC had planned a 9th season for Bewitched, but Elizabeth Montgomery decided after 8 long years to leave the show while it was still popular. The only thing viewers will miss this season is that Darrin's parents are not present, Mr. and Mrs. Kravitz are no where to be seen, however, they are spoken of, and a few other characters like Uncle Arthur are not present as well.
So Bewitched Fans get ready, get set, and GO get Bewitched: The complete 8th and Final Season coming this July!! You won't want to miss out on the last season to put in your collection!

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Elizabeth Montgomery twitches up one last round of magic and mayhem in Bewitched: The Complete Eighth & Final Season along with Dick Sargent, Agnes Moorehead and David White. A European tour launches the final season in which Samantha and Darrin encounter the likes of King Henry VIII, the Loch Ness Monster and a Leaning Tower of Pisa that's suddenly standing straight!Back at home, Tabitha faces her first day in school while Adam's witchcraft powers are put to the test. Serena flirts with a wealthy client after losing her powers, and the Stephens family becomes an unlikely host to George and Martha Washington after the first President is arrested for exercising his right to free speech.Look for special guest appearances by Peter Lawford (of the original Rat Pack), Julie Newmar (Catwoman on TV's Batman), Bernie Kopell (Doc on TV's The Love Boat), Billie Hayes (Witchiepoo on TV's H. R. Pufnstuf) and Will Geer (Grandpa Walton on TV's The Waltons).Also returning are series regulars Alice Ghostley (Esmeralda), Maurice Evans (Maurice), Erin Murphy (Tabitha), Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay) and Kasey Rogers (Louise Tate).

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The Golden Girls - The Complete Third Season (1985) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the third season of the 1980s-1990s hit show, "The Golden Girls." There are twenty-five episodes, with a total runtime of appx. 550 minutes (9 hours and 10 minutes). Below are summaries of the shows written by myself:
1. "Old Friends"
Sophia befriends an old man on the boardwalk whom she becomes quick friends with, but his actions seem a little strange. Also, Blanche accidentally gives away Rose's favorite teddy bear at a garage sale.
2. "One for The Money"
The girls reminisce about times they've tried to quickly make money after Sophia attempts a get-rich-quick plot.
3. "Bringing Up Baby"
Rose's dead uncle leaves a pig with her and the girls. The only thing keeping the girls from killing Rose is the money they get when Baby dies.
4. "The Housekeeper"
The girls hire, then fire a housekeeper who may have magical powers, when it seems as though the girls may be cursed.
5. "Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself"
Rose has to conquer her biggest fear: Public speaking. This prompts Dorothy and Blanche to reminisce about their greatest fears.
6. "Letter to Gorbachev"
When Rose writes a letter to Mikhail Gorbachev about nuclear war, she becomes stunned when she finds out Gorbachev wants to personally speak to her.
7. "Strange Bedfellows"
The girls partake in a campaign to help a local man get elected to office. However, Blanche's sexual desires seem to have a way to mess that up.
8. "Brotherly Love"
Blanche attempts to go for the stereotypical rich doctor. Sadly for her, the only one he's interested in is Dorothy.
9. "A Visit From Little Sven"
Before his marriage, Rose's cousin pays her a visit. But, when Sven goes ga-ga for Blanche, will the marriage hold up?
10. "The Audit"
When Dorothy gets a visit from Stan, it's never pleasant. This time, when taxes are involved, it becomes a lot worse.
11. "Three on a Couch"
During a visit with a therapist, the four reminisce about times they've argued and bickered.
12. "Charlie's Buddy"
An old friend of Rose's husband stops by for a visit. But, is it more than just that?
13. "The Artist"
The girls pose nude for an artist who will unveil his sculpture at a gathering.
14. "Blanche's Little Girl"
When Blanche's overweight daughter comes to visit, she notices something a little off about her daughter's soon-to-be-husband.
15. "Dorothy's New Friend"
Dorothy befriends an author who really displeases the other girls.
16. "Grab That Dough"
The girls go on a game show together. But, after the events before that, they'll need all the luck in the world.
17. "My Brother, My Father"
Sophia's religious brother pays a visit. However, he has no knowledge that Dorothy and Stan are seperated.
18. "Golden Moments, Part One"
Sophia plans on moving in with Phil. This makes the girls reminisce about all the times they've shared.
19. "Golden Moments, Part Two"
The girls continue reminiscing as Sophia is contemplating on where to go.
20. "And Ma Makes Three"
When Dorothy feels sorry for Sophia, she lets her tag along on one of her dates. Now, that's all she ever does.
21. "Larceny and Old Lace"
The girls become suspicious of Sophia's new boyfriend, claiming he's a thief.
22. "Rose's Big Adventure"
When Rose's boyfriend retires, he turns into a couch potato when she wants to do a lot more than lie around.
23. "Mixed Blessing"
When Dorothy's son comes to town to announce his engagement, it's not so bad until two bombshells are dropped.
24. "Mr. Terrific"
Rose begins to date, of all things, a local kid's show host.
25. "Mother's Day"
The girls wait for phone calls wishing them a good Mother's Day. While waiting, they remember past Mother's Days.
The extras for this set are:
- Golden Moments: a montage of humorous moments from Season Three
- The Golden Girls Scrapbook: a collection of hilarious clips from each Golden Girl
Altogether, this a wonderful show. And, if the first two sets are any indication, this season should be a wonderful set.

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Bewitched - The Complete Third Season (1964) Review

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(More customer reviews)The third season and first colour episodes (filmed in colour, not colourised) of this timeless and magical show are on their way! The episodes on this set will include:73. Nobody's Perfect
First aired: 9/15/1966
Writer: Douglas Tibbles
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), C. Lindsay Workman (Dr. Koblin) , David Lewis (Mark Robbins), Robert Q. Lewis (Diego Fenman)
Samantha takes Tabitha for her check up, only to discovers that she (now a little toddler) has her powers! Endora can hardly wait to tell Derweed and watch him "fall to the floor in a emotional heap." Meanwhile, a client of McMann & Tate insists on using Tabitha's image to sell transmitions, and famous baby photographer Diego Fenman thinks he's lost his mind as Tabitha creates chaos in the studio. In the final tag, Darrin is still unaware of Tabitha's magical abilities.
74. The Moment of Truth
First aired: 9/22/1966
Writer: David V. Robison, John L. Greene
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara) , Kasey Rogers (Lousie Tate)
Aunt Clara visits and believes her powers have finally blown a fuse, but in truth, Tabitha is the culprit. Samantha sends Aunt Clara home. Without a baby sitter, the Stephens invite the Tates over to their house. Darrin is convinced the floating objects are the result of Clara's power failure until he pratically catches Tabitha in the act. The Stephens decide to make Larry believe he's had too much to drink in hopes he and Louise will leave before the night is a complete disaster.
75. Witches and Warlocks are My Favorite Things
First aired: 9/29/1966
Writer: David V. Robison, John L. Greene
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara), Maurice Evans (Maurice) , Estelle Winwood (Enchantra), Reta Shaw (Hagatha)
The Witches Council orders a coven. Tabitha is being tested for her powers by Hagatha and Enchantra, Endora's sisters who certifies true witches and warlocks. Tabitha passes with flying colors, proving to be an exceptionally talented witch. Hagatha, Enchantra and Endora insist that Samantha enroll Tabitha in a witches' school. After being booby trapped by phone cords and flat tires, Darrin comes home exactly when the decision is made. Darrin, Samantha and Aunt Clara stand against Hagatha, Enchantra and Endora, but Maurice chills the three witches--zapping them to the top of Mount Everest.
76. Accidental Twins
First aired: 10/6/1966
Writer: Howard Leeds
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara), Kasey Rogers (Louise)
Samantha is babysitting little Jonathan Tate, and Aunt Clara turns him into a set of twins. Now how are we going to explain this to the Tates? While Aunt Clara tries to remember the spell, Samantha does everything to keep Larry and Louise from knowing that they have an extra son.
77. A Most Unusual Wood Nymph
First aired: 10/13/1966
Writer: Ed Jurist
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Jean Blake (Maid) , Henry Corden (Muldoon), Kathleen Nolan (Gerry O'Toole), Michael Ansara (Rufus the Red)
Meet Gerri O'Toole, a nymph who hates witches. She has a curse on Darrin's family, that can only be broken by having Sam go back in time to meet Darrin's ancestor, Darrin the Bold.
78. Endora Moves in For a Spell
First aired: 10/20/1966
Writer: Robert Riley Crutcher
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Paul Smith (Floyd), George Tobias (Abner), Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur) , Sidney Clute (Noel), Arthur Adams (Desk Sergeant), Sandra Gould (Gladys Kravitz)
Endora and Uncle Arthur have a falling out over who is to live in a house across the street. Gladys wants to find out about the disappearing and reappearing house, much to Sam and Darrin's dismay!
79. Twitch or Treat
First aired: 10/27/1966
Writer: Robert Riley Crutcher, James Henerson
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), George Tobias (Abner), Sandra Gould (Gladys), Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur) , Jeff De Benning (Councilman Green), Willie Mays (Himself), Barry Atwater (Boris), Jim Begg (Morgan), Joan Huntington (Eva)
While Endora throws a Halloween party, she and Uncle Arthur are still clashing over the house across the street, and Gladys is still dumbfounded
80. Dangerous Diaper Dan
First aired: 11/3/1966
Writer: David Braverman
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)) , Don Keefer (Kimberly), Alex Gerry (Mr. Wright), Jim Begg (Peterson), Billy Beck (Bartender), Marty Ingels (Dan)
A mysterious man named Diaper Dan has bugged the Stephens' household to steal advertising ideas from Darrin for a rival advertising company. No one finds this out until Samantha and Darrin gets into an argument. Dan hears all this and has flowers delivered to the house. After Samantha finds out that the flowers were delivered by Dan, she discovers the leak and the bug! Sam and Endora both give Dan a hard time.
81. The Short, Happy Circuit of Aunt Clara
First aired: 11/10/1966
Writer: Leo Erwin
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), George Tobias (Abner), Sandra Gould (Gladys), Kasey Rogers (Louise), Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara) , Arte Julian (MacElroy), Leo DeLyon (Jenkins), Reginald Owen (Ocky)
Hey, who turned out the lights? Aunt Clara knocks out the entire Eastern Seaboard's electricity with her magic. Her only hope is her old boyfriend Ocky, who can keep the lights on by having his arms raised. Since they are the only house that mysteriously has power, The Tates and their new client Mr. MacElroy go over to Sam's house. Aunt Clara tries her best to keep Ocky hidden from view by hiding him in the closet. Darrin discovers him, but all he sees is a pair of walking shoes, a perfect campaign for his client!
82. I'd Rather Twitch Than Fight
First aired: 11/17/1966
Writer: James Henerson
Director: R. Robert Rosenbaum
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Parley Baer (Dr. Kramer), Kasey Rogers (Louise) , James Millhollin (Salesman), Burt Mustin (Old Man), Riza Royce (Saleslady), Bridget Hanley (Salesgirl), Norman Fell (Dr. Freud), Bridget Hanley
When Samantha gives away Darrin's favorite jacket to Goodwill, it ends up tearing the marriage apart. The Stephens get counseling from the Tates and Endora conjures the famous Sigmund Freud to help them all out.
83. Oedipus Hex
First aired: 11/24/1966
Writer: David V. Robison, John L. Greene
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Irwin Charone (Mr. Parkinson), Paul Smith (Policeman) , Paul Dooley (TV Man), Ned Glass (Milkman)
Because of a spell placed on a bowl of popcorn by Endora, Darrin becomes a great big couch potato. Samantha finds out what is going on when she finds Darrin, the milkman, and a TV repairman lazing around the messed up house. Samantha calls on Endora to take the spell off of them.
84. Sam's Spooky Chair
First aired: 12/1/1966
Writer: Coslough Johnson
Director: R. Robert Rosenbaum
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), Kasey Rogers (Louise) , Howard Morton (Salesman), Roger Garrett (Clyde), Anne Seymour (Adelaide Cosgrove), J. Pat O'Malley (Max Cosgrove)
A chair is smitten with Samantha and proves it by hurting Darrin every chance it gets. The new clients, the Cosgroves, are crazy about the chair, especially Adelaide who will not let McMann and Tate sign their contract. Of course, the chair ends up hating Adelaide for her behavior. Samantha gets to the bottom of this mess. The chair is actually an old boyfriend whom Samantha rejected a long time ago.
85. My Friend Ben
First aired: 12/8/1966
Writer: James Henerson
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), George Tobias (Abner), Sandra Gould (Gladys), Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara) , Harry Holcombe (Judge), Hollis Morrison (Reporter), Billy Beck (First Man), Tim Rooney (Teenager), Donald Mitchell (Policeman), Mike Road (Hawkins), Fred Wayne (Benjamin Franklin)
Aunt Clara tries to help Samantha fix a lamp, and conjures an electrician, none other than Benjamin Franklin. Darrin is amazed at Franklin's appearance and Larry thinks it is a great advertising campaign for his new client Franklin Electronics. Samantha agrees to take Franklin out to demonstrate how his inventions are used in the twentieth century, but he goes out alone! After a mishap with a fire engine, Ben is arrested. Out on bail, the Stephens return home, but now, Ben disappears! Clara has remembered the spell........ to be continued.
86. Samantha for the Defense
First aired: 12/15/1966
Writer: James Henerson
Director: William Asher
Guest star: Robert F. Simon (Frank Stephens (1) 14- 228 (6 episodes)), George Tobias (Abner), Sandra Gould (Gladys), Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara) , Harry Holcombe (Judge), Jonathan Hole (Principal), Paul Sand (Whalen), Violet Carlson...Read more›

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Welcome back to 1164 Morning Glory Circle for the third magical season of BEWITCHED! Join Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), Darrin (Dick York) and Endora (Agnes Moorehead) as they celebrate three major television events in this spellbinding four-disc DVD collection: the first episodes filmed entirely in color, the delightful debut of baby Tabitha's "wishcraft" powers and the first-time Emmy® nominations for Montgomery and Moorehead. Featuring the hysterical return of mischievous Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde) and the hilarious misadventures of bumbling Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne), BEWITCHED: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON is 33 enchanting episodes of comedy, fun and magic.

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The West Wing: The Complete First Season (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't watch many telly series anymore. They come, they go and by the time you get interested, they are cancelled. I enjoy movies, but series often just do not have the quality that I seek.
I resisted this series. I am not fond of politics; the process
often is more PR than real substance. It frustrates me, so why would I seek out a series about a subject that makes me want to toss a brick at the screen? Due to my husband getting hooked on it, I ended up catching bits and pieces as I would pass by. I found myself captured by the incisive writing, the amazing insight into the different characters, the humour, the pathos, the drama. The acting is top drawer, the casting amazing.
The show is simply addictive.

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Go behind the scenes and experience the inner workings of the White House in this innovative drama series with humorous overtones from Emmy winner John Wells, Emmy nominee Aaron Sorkin and Emmy winner Thomas Schlamme. Winner of 24 Emmy Awards and 3 Golden Globe Awards!DVD Features:Deleted ScenesDocumentariesGag ReelOther

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Gunsmoke - 50th Anniversary Collection, Volumes 1 & 2 (1955) Review

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(More customer reviews)Look, I know "Gunsmoke" ran 20 years and filmed 636 or so episodes, but cant we still get a full season-by-season DVD in motion?
This "50th Anniversary Edition" looks to be chock full of extras, and that's great, but it's another "compilation" collection, with just a few espisodes here and there from the series' run.
And if we're lucky enought to GET a full seasonal DVD release on "Gunsmoke" (finally), will these same wonderful extras still be available on those??
I am NOT excited about this middling tossed-together package--- no matter how many interviews and commentaries it has... Yes, I WANT those extras, but with a full episodic collection to go with them!

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Marshall Matt Dillon is responsible for bringing law and respectability to the Dodge City in this western action-drama. The show still holds the record for being the longest running primetime drama series in television history.

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The Twilight Zone: Vol. 5 (1959) Review

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(More customer reviews)I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC was Ray Bradbury's sole contribution to the "Twilight Zone." One of the more subtle episodes, this story is strong on characterization and reaches out on an emotional level rather than to any notion of scientific curiosity of the introduction of a robot grandmother, beautifully played by Josephine Hutchinson, into a family (including Veronica Cartwright). This is a very good episode and is one of my favorites. THE LONELY is one of Rod Serling's classics from the series. Jack Warden convincingly plays a convict sentenced to forty years alone on a distant asteroid. A periodic supply ship commanded by John Dehner one day leaves him a companion, a robot played flawlessly by Jean Marsh. Bernard Herrmann's poignant score evokes the enigmatic inner feeling of Jack Warden's love for his companion. And subsequently Herrmann's score captures the human quality of this female robot as she reciprocates that love. The combination of scripting, acting and scoring realistically captures our perceptions of loneliness, love, loss and reality. PROBE 7 - OVER AND OUT leisurely written by Rod Serling for the 5th Season examines the relationship of two beings, Richard Basehart and Antoinette Bower, the sole survivors of their respective annihilated planets. Basehart and the much underrated and forgotten Bower give good performances. LONG DISTANCE CALL written by Charles Beaumont and William Idelson is one of the six episodes recorded directly to videotape instead of being photographed on film. The story concerns a little boy played by Billy Mumy who communicates with his dead grandmother over his toy phone. Thematically it rounds out this volume as it examines our attachment to those we love.

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I Love Lucy - The Complete Fourth Season (1951) Review

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(More customer reviews)Over 50 years ago during the early years of broadcast television, the very inspired talents of Lucille Ball (1911-1989) and her then husband Desi Arnaz (1917-1986) were showcased on their hilarious television show "I Love Lucy". TV execs had initially rejected the plausibility of the show because of Desi and because they intended to tape the shows. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of Lucille Ball and Desi's obvious talents, the show first aired in 1951 and quickly became one of the most successful TV shows during all six of its regular seasons. As Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on "I Love Lucy", Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were joined by William Frawley (1877-1966) and Viviane Vance (1909-1979) as their best-friends/apartment landlords of Fred and Ethel Mertz.
The fourth season of "I Love Lucy" that aired between 1954 and 1955 has 30 memorable episodes:
1. "The Business Manager": Ricky's hired business manager (Charles Lane) for Lucy's household budget only allows her $5/month to spend.
2. "Mertz and Kurtz": When Fred poses as a real-estate tycoon to impress an old vaudeville partner (Charles Winninger, 1884-1969), Lucy helps by posing as the Mertz' maid.
3. "Lucy Cries Wolf": Lucy's multiple phony attempts to see if Ricky will rush home to save her finally backfires.
4. "The Matchmaker": In spite of Ricky's objections, Lucy tries to get two singles to propose to one another.
5. "Mr. and Mrs. TV Show": Ricky's reluctance to do a live morning TV show with Lucy from their apartment backfires for Lucy when she tries to get back at him by sabotaging what she believes is only a dress rehearsal.
6. "Ricky's Movie Offer": When a talent scout comes to audition Ricky at the Ricardo's apartment, Lucy isn't about to give up her big chance.
7. "Ricky's Screen Test": Lucy wants more than a bit part in Ricky's audition for "Don Juan".
8. "Lucy's Mother-in-Law": Lucy tries to impress Ricky's mother on visit from Cuba by having a Spanish-speaking translator on an earphone.
9. "Ethel's Birthday": Fred asks Lucy to pick out Ethel's birthday gift, Ethel's reaction angers Lucy with hilarious results at a play.
10. "Ricky's Contract": Overly anxious to hear back from Hollywood, Fred leaves a phony message that Ricky got the part, but Ethel can't get there fast enough to prevent Lucy from telling Ricky the "good" news.
11. "Getting Ready": When the gang decides to drive to Hollywood, Fred purchases an old used car.
12. "Lucy Learns to Drive": When Ricky gets a new convertible, Lucy insists that she learn to drive; but when Lucy wants to teach Ethel, uh oh!
13. "California, Here We Come": Confusion ensues when Lucy's mother (Kathryn Card, 1892-1964) decides to join the car trip to California, but a better decision is made as Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel head west!
14. "First Stop": With everyone tired of riding in the car, Lucy pulls over to a run-down restaurant/hotel.
15. "Tennessee Bound": When Ricky is arrested for driving too fast, it's up to good ol' Cousin Tennessee Ernie Ford (himself, 1919-1991) to save the day.
16. "Ethel's Home Town": When the gang stops in Albuquerque to visit Ethel's family, Ricky, Lucy & Fred aren't happy when the whole city thinks that Ethel is the star.
17. "L.A. at Last": Lucy, Fred & Ethel eat the famous Brown Derby where Lucy makes a mess of William Holden (himself, 1918-1981) in a nearby booth.
18. "Don Juan and the Starlets": Lucy wants a divorce when it appears that Ricky stayed out all night with five starlets.
19. "Lucy Gets in Pictures": Lucy finally gets her big chance to appear in a film thanks to Ricky, but the headdress is too much to handle.
20. "The Fashion Show": Lucy finds a way to get a free original Don Loper (himself, 1906-1972) dress; but she quickly learns that sunburns and wool don't mix.
21. "The Hedda Hopper Story": Lucy tries to further Ricky's career by trying to impress the rumored hotel guest Hedda Harper (herself, 1885-1966).
22. "Don Juan is Shelved": When Ricky's movie is shelved, Lucy tries too hard to make Ricky popular and get him another role.
23. "Bull Fight Dance": When Ricky lets Lucy appear with him on a TV show, she's not too happy about being a bull.
24. "Hollywood Anniversary": Ricky frantically attempts to find out his forgotten anniversary date and plans a huge surprise nightclub party for Lucy, who is miserable thinking that he's forgotten it.
25. "The Star Upstairs": Desperately wanting to see Cornel Wilde (himself, 1915-1989) whose hotel room is directly above the Ricardos, Lucy will do anything to see him and ends up trying to climb back down using bedsheets.
26. "In Palm Springs": With Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel bored with other, Lucy & Ethel travel to Palm Springs and meet Rock Hudson (himself, 1925-1985).
27. "The Dancing Star": To impress the visiting Carolyn Appleby (Doris Singleton), Lucy convinces Van Johnson (himself) to let her dance with him.
28. "Harpo Marx": Again to impress the visiting Carolyn Appleby, Lucy pretends to be Harpo Marx, but the real Harpo (himself, 1888-1964) shows up!
29. "Ricky Needs an Agent": When Lucy poses as Ricky's agent, she accidentally has his movie contract cancelled.
30. "The Tour": Lucy & Ethel leave their Hollywood tour bus so that Lucy can pick a grapefruit from Richard Widmark's (himself) garden.
Paramount Home Video's superb job of packaging all 31 episodes of the third season of "I Love Lucy" onto 5 DVD's is a good indication as to how they will similarly package the fourth season. Overall, for superb packaging and a great price, I rate the "I Love Lucy: The Complete Fourth Season" DVD box set with an anticipatory 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it!

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It's I Love Lucy's fourth season, and it's the best one yet! Ride along with the Ricardos and the Mertzes as they head out to Hollywood to launch Ricky's film career in this laugh-filled five-disc collection. Lucy runs the gamut—from faux Marilyn Monroe ("Ricky's Movie Offer") to TV-hostess-in-a-potato-sack ("Mr. &TV Show"). In Hollywood, our favorite redhead sets fire to her nose ("L.A. at Last"), struggles in her big movie scene and bigger headdress ("Lucy Gets in Pictures"), dangles from a movie star's penthouse balcony ("The Star Upstairs") and even goes one-on-one with one of the Marx Brothers ("Harpo Marx"). Come on and join in all the fun, along with guest stars William Holden, Van Johnson, Rock Hudson, Richard Widmark, Harpo Marx, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Teensy & Weensy—and more!

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The Unfinished Nation II: Introduction to US History Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a high school librarian, and from time to time I am given the opportunity to purchase items for the benefit of the school population. Over the past few years I have purchased titles from the "The Unfinished Nation . . . Introduction to US History" series. (One year I even collaborated with an American History teacher and combined our N.Y.C. "Teachers Choice" funds to buy titles in this series.) The DVDs cover the subject matter completely and touch upon certain themes that are not readily available elsewhere (at least that's been my experience) at a reasonable price. You may purchase individual titles to hold down costs or purchase a whole set (there are two sets). Sometimes a private individual lists these items on Amazon at considerably less cost than would an established vendor, and at that point I think it would be wise to take advantage of the price break.

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Seinfeld - Season 3 (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)While there were some select excellent episodes during the first two seasons of Seinfeld, I've always thought Season three was when the show really hit its stride and found its comfort zone where it would remain for the next six years.
This season really defined the whole irreverance of the show and the pure ridiculous idiosyncracies of the characters. Among the great episodes of season three:
"The pen" Jerry visits his parents in florida and Jack Klompus gives Jerry the famous Astronaut pen that writes upside down.
"The Library" The library asks Jerry about a book he checked out in 1971 and never returned, so Jerry looks up an old girlfriend for his defense against a library cop. Phillip Baker Hall is priceless as the Libray Cop Bookman.
"The Subway" Everyone has an uncommon experience while going their separate ways on the subway. George meets a beautiful woman who distracts him from his intended destination, a job interview. Jerry falls asleep and then wakes up across from a fat naked man and winds up discussing with him, the New York Mets & Coney Island.
"The Pez Dispenser" Kramer joins the "Polar Bear Club." Jerry gets one of Kramer's Pez dispensers which makes Elaine laugh during a piano recital of George's girlfriend, and that puts their relationship in jeopardy.
"The Boyfriend Parts 1 & 2" Jerry meets Keith Hernandez and wants to make a good impression. Meanwhile, George is out of time on his unemployment and he works harder than ever on his scheme to get a 13 week extension. He tells the unemployment office he was really close on Vandelay Industries, a company that makes latex products and whose main office is Jerry's apartment. Kramer and Newman hate Hernandez back to a time when they were allegedly spit on by him; however, Jerry supports the "second-spitter theory." The First of Many legnedary Episodes.
There is commentary on several episodes and many more extras. This is the season that would catapault Seinfeld to top 10 status!

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Relive your favorite Seinfeld moments like never before in this 4-disc set with all 22 episodes from the third season remastered in high definition for the best possible picture and sound quality! With approximately 13 hours of exclusive special features from the creative talents behind the show, this DVD is a must own!

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The Golden Girls - The Complete Second Season (1985) Review

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(More customer reviews)1. "End of the Curse" - Blanche thinks she is pregnant but is even more mortified after her doctor tells her that it is menopause. Meanwhile, Dorothy, Rose and Sophia go into the mink breeding business.
2. "Ladies of the Evening" - Blanche wins tickets to a Burt Reynolds movie premiere but the girls are mistaken for prostitutes and arrested when their hotel is raided. Reynolds makes a cameo appearance.
3. "Take Him, He's Mine" - Blanche and Dorothy's ex, Stan, become chummy which infuriates Dorothy. Rose and Sophia sell sandwiches on the Boardwalk but make enemies with another vendor, "Johnny No Thumbs."
4. "It's a Miserable Life" - The girls want to save a 200 year-old tree in the neighborhood but the owner, the most hated woman on the block, wants the tree cut down.
5. "Isn't It Romantic" - Dorothy's friend, Jean (Lois Nettleton) comes to visit and Dorothy decides not to tell Blanche and Rose that Jean is a lesbian. (One of the funniest episodes ever, this one won an Emmy Award).
6. "Big Daddy's Little Lady" - Blanche's father visits and brings his new finace. Blanche is upset when she discovers the woman he is about to marry is younger than herself. Meanwhile, Dorothy and Rose enter a song writing contest.
7. "Family Affair" - Dorothy's son, Michael, and Rose's daughter, Bridget, each come to visit and they become a little too friendly for Dorothy and Rose's liking.
8. "Vacation" - The girl's go on a Caribbean vacation but find that their hotel is far from what it was advertised to be. Sophia takes advantage of her time alone to get acquainted with the gardener.
9. "Just Between Friends" - Blanche gets Dorothy a part-time job at the museum where she works but gets jealous when her boss starts giving Dorothy all of the assignments.
10. "Love, Rose" - Rose places an ad in the personals column but becomes discouraged when she doesn't get a repsonse. Blanche and Dorothy feel sorry for her and begin responding.
11. "'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas" - The girls each plan to spend Christmas with their families but a series of strange occurrences lead them to spend Christmas together in Miami.
12. "The Sisters" - Dorothy decides to surprise Sophia on her brithday by flying in her sister, Angela (Nancy Walker). But Dorothy gets the surprise when she learns that they hate each other.
13. "The Stan Who Came to Dinner" - Stan returns to tell Dorothy that he has to have open heart surgery.
14. "The Actor" - The girls fall head over heels over a handsome actor at their local community theater.
15. "Before and After" - Rose wants to live life to the fullest after she experiences near-death experience. When Dorothy and Blanche complain about her new lifestyle, she moves out.
16. "And Then There Was One" - Dorothy, Blanche and Rose babysit for participants in a walk-a-thon but when the event is over, a baby is left unclaimed.
17. "Long Days Journey into Marinara" - Sophia is none too pleased when her sister, Angela (Nancy Walker) comes back for a visit and decides that she wants to move to Miami.
18. "Whose Face is This, Anyway?" - Blanche is upset that her beauty is fading when she attends her high school reunion and sees that many of her classmates have had plastic surgery.
19. "Dorothy's Prized Pupil" - Dorothy tutors a young man who is an illegal alien.
20. "Diamond in the Rough" - Blanche falls for a hunky caterer but soon becomes blind-sighted by his unsophisticated demeanor.
21. "Son-in-Law Dearest" - Dorothy's daughter, Kate, has a surprising announcement. Blance and Dorothy watch an "I Love Lucy" marathon.
22. "To Catch a Neighbor" - Joseph Campanella and George Clooney play two detectives who use the girl's house to spy on the neighbors, who are suspected of dealing in stolen gems.
23. "A Piece of Cake" - The girls reminisce about their memorable past birthdays.

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Join Dorothy, the smart one, Sophia, the glib one, Rose, the naive one, and Blanche, the ... well, you know ... for the second season of one of television's funniest shows ever, THE GOLDEN GIRLS. Loved by fans and critics alike, Season 2 garnered its second straight Emmy award for "Outstanding Comedy Series" and a Golden Globe for "Best TV Series Comedy/Musical." It's a star-filled season with special guests, including Burt Reynolds in a surprise cameo and a young George Clooney playing a Miami policeman who saves the day! Now you can "travel down the road and back again" with all 26 original episodes on one incredible 3-disc set. From the opening lines of the theme song to the end credits you'll enjoy all the racy and hilarious moments you've come to expect from THE GOLDEN GIRLS.

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Kimba, The White Lion, Volume 1-4 from Cartoon Classics (Set of 4) Review

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(More customer reviews)Kimba the White Lion is such a great show, it's a real shame it has not been treated well on DVD. There are several things that need to be explained about these "Cartoon Classics" DVDs.
First, longtime fans of Kimba will be surprised that these episodes sound totally different than what they remember. These episodes do NOT have the original English soundtrack, made in 1966 with Billie Lou Watt as Kimba. These episodes have an English soundtrack made in 1993 with Yvonne Murray as Kimba. To be fair, though, it is this newer version that has been on TV worldwide over the last decade, and is on TV here in the US right now. Newer Kimba fans will likely want this version. (This is the same version of Kimba that was released on VHS some years back as "Kimba The Lion Prince". The full set of 4 DVDs has four episodes that were not on VHS, however.)
Are these episodes uncut? Well, yes and no. Each episode was shortened by at least 3 minutes by the producers of this 1993 version. These DVDs contain as much as is available for each episode, but if you have the feeling that something was cut out, you're right, and the missing material simply does not exist in this version of Kimba.
Now, the reason for the low star rating: These episodes have been transferred to DVD very poorly. There is no reason for this, since the 1993 masters were made on videotape from very beautiful Japanese originals. The picture on these DVDs is often "blown out", meaning that light-colored areas are too bright, and all detail is lost in them. Considering the coloration of the title character, this is a major problem.
Something not mentioned on Amazon's page is that all episodes can be played in either English or Spanish.
Kimba The White Lion is one of the greatest animated shows of all time. If you want the current version that's on TV, this is the only way to get it right now. Just be warned that the picture isn't going to be very good.

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Bewitched - The Complete Fifth Season (1964) Review

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(More customer reviews)I believe the one thing above all else that really made the classic series "Bewitched", so special was the near perfect chemistry between actress Elizabeth Montgomery and actor Dick York as the beautiful housewife witch Samantha and her often harried but always loving husband Darrin. This well thought out teaming of two performers who were so compatible together and who actually seemed to be like a real husband and wife on screen certainly helped to carry "Bewitched", to the incredible success it enjoyed right from Episode One. By the beginning of Season Five, which is now happily being released onto DVD, the classic comedy series had really hit its full stride. With its ratings still high and with the show still collecting an annual batch of Emmy nominations the future for "Bewitched", looked very bright indeed. Season Five despite being very entertaining, as every true fan will know unfortunately has a dark side to it in that Dick York's ongoing back problems meant that he began to miss episodes as the show progressed through its fourth year and on into the fifth. About half way through Season Five with Dick York's health problems growing worse with him often unable to perform, the character of Darrin was repeatedly written out of many of the stories thus loosing that famed "Sam and Darrin", basis to the whole story. His characters absense was usually explained away by having Darrin "away on business", during the episode. Unfortunately York's health crisis didn't improve and he was forced to leave the series all together before the end of the season. It wasn't certain whether he would return for Season Six at that time which explains why an earlier filmed episode "Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City", was held back and shown as the last episode of Season Five.
Despite the tragedies going on behind the scenes during this season on "Bewitched", for the most part it's a terrific season with some wonderful episodes, a few of which even tackle some quite serious social issues that are timely even today. Ironically enough in the light of Dick York's declining health some of the earlier episodes in Season Five such as "Samantha's Wedding Present", and especially the classic "Mirror Mirror on the Wall" in my belief contain some of his greatest and very funniest work and give no indication of the terrible agony he was usually in with his back at this late stage of his involvement with "Bewitched".
Season Five of "Bewitched", holds some real favourites for me and a few of what I feel are the standout episodes are listed below.
"Samantha's Wedding Present", which introduces a more tanned and blonde Elizabeth Montgomery in a story borrowing heavily from the Sci Fi classic "The Incredible Shrinking Man", wherby Endora shrinks Darrin down to miniature size which causes him some harrowing experiences when he encounters the Kravitz's over sized new dog and is captured by an Irish drunk who thinks Darrin is a Leprechaun who he'll only release when he grants him three wishes.
"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall", a great favourite of mine with an absolutely hilarious performance by Dick York when Endora zaps a vanity spell on him making him the most egocentric and vain person imaginable. The sight of Dick York swishing around and camping it up in a Gold Lame Suit, hippy beads and Elvis-like sideburns will have you laughing out loud.
"Samantha's Super Maid", a great performance by Mabel Albertson as the interfering Mrs Stephens Snr. who forces Samantha to hire a new maid much to her and Darrin's opposition considering the witchcraft happening in the house all the time. Endora and Samantha join forces to undo Mrs Stephen's plans to "give Samantha more time away from home duties to socialise with the people who can help boost Darrin up the ladder of success".
"Going Ape", An episode Dick York missed but a very funny story of Tabitha changing an ape into a man who Larry feels has great potential for McMann and Tate's latest ad campaign. Desite his initial reluctance to allow Tabitha to change him back the Man/Ape gets bored with all the attention and with Samantha's help literally "goes ape", in the television studio causing complete mayhem and forcing Larry to fire him.
"Tabitha's Weekend", Another episode without Dick York but a great family domestic story when Phyllis attempts to have Tabitha stay for the weekend much to Samantha's opposition. Phyllis' plans however go astray when Endora and Samantha both also turn up causing all sorts of domestic tensions especially between long time rivals Endora and Phyllis. The resulting mayhem causes Phyllis to develop one of her famous "sick headaches".
"The Battle of Burning Oak", a wonderful story and another great favourite of mine where Endora turns Darrin into a terrible snob who aspires to join the exclusive Burning Oak Country Club. However when Samantha learns of the type of discrimination and "screening" used to gain membership, at the club she sets out to teach the snobs a very humbling lesson in tolerance and acceptance of others regardless of creed, colour, or status, with hilarious results. Samantha's catty lunch with the snobby "ladies", at the club is a comic highlight.
"Daddy Does His Thing", not really a great episode but significant to all "Bewitched", buffs in that this was the final episode Dick York actually filmed before collapsing with a massive seizure. Quite heart breaking to watch as you can clearly see for the first time how terribly ill Dick York was during its filming.
"Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City", an earlier episode held back to finish the season off with a Dick York appearance. Complications arise for Darrin when Endora casts a spell that makes him disappear everytime he attempts to speak Spanish to a potential client group while in Mexico City. Samantha saves the day with a few spells of her own that allows Darrin to deliver a long dinner speech in both English and Spanish.

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Veronica Mars: The Complete Second Season (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Thank you Warner Home Video, for releasing the second season of my favorite television series in August instead of waiting until October as you did for Season 1.
For those looking for the true heir to Buffy the Vampire Slayer in terms of a sharp script and snappy dialogue look no further than the UPN show Veronica Mars. Not since Sunnydale dropped into a deep chasm has television seen such a fabulous ensemble of talented young actors deliver such inventive dialogue in intelligent, darkly humorously directed fare.
For me Tuesday nights became the most anticipated TV night of the week and I could not get enough of the show or its hot star Kristen Bell. It quickly shot up the rankings on my TiVo season pass where it now sits at number one and my Kristen Bell TiVo wish-list was set to auto-record so I would not miss any program in which she was featured. I remember the anger when my local UPN station decided to air a baseball game instead of one episode - never have I felt more like putting pen to paper to express my displeasure with a programming decision.
So what is this show that induces such passion? It's a detective show, no it's a romantic drama, or is it a dark comedy? Well, in reality it is all of this and more. Set in the California city of Neptune, it paints the picture of a society split between the have's such as the rich Kane family or movie star Aaron Echoll's children and the have-nots (notably title character Veronica Mars and her friends Wallace and Weevil).
Veronica is the daughter of Keith Mars, the former Sheriff, who is now a private detective. The first season centered around the investigation into the murder of Veronica's best friend Lilly and Veronica's rape and the second season centers on the investigation into a bus crash that sent a group of students over a cliff to their deaths - a bus that Veronica was supposed to be riding. In addition a second mystery that is not resolved until later in the season is who was responsible for the death of Weevil's cousin Felix.
But, as Veronica continues her investigation each episode involves the investigation into a lesser mystery. From who was responsible for the death of a classmates dog to the blackmail of gay students
Veronica (with the help of Wallace, Mac and assorted other friends) must navigate a world of pirate radio stations, Irish gangs and still vie for the Kane scholarship, which would allow her to make her dreams of attending Stanford a reality.
In addition to the great script the other strength of the show is in assembling a wonderful ensemble of young actors. Led by Kristen Bell who as Veronica outdo's Buffy in the dry humor department, and ably supported by Canadian actor Enrico Colantoni as Keith Mars, the two really display a true father-daughter affection for each other which apparently was true off-screen as well. In addition to this dynamic there is also Percy Daggs III as Veronica's best friend (and cohort in her investigations) Wallace and Jason Dohring appears as Logan, the bad-boy rich kid son of Aaron (played by Harry Hamlin of "Clash of the Titans" fame).
Completing the talented young cast is Francis Capra as biker bad-boy Weevil and new to this season is the very appealing and spunky Tessa Thompson as Wallace's girlfriend Jackie. She was disliked initially by fans though as the season went on she became more popular - personally I had liked her from her first scene.
This show needs to be seen to be believed. Sure I am a diehard fan of the show, but I defy any viewer not to became charmed by the drama, romance, humor and well drawn characters. Yes, the mysteries are solved but a lot of the fun comes in the journey towards those last episodes of the season. The season finale aired just last night and I was blown away by it. I was shocked and drawn in to every emotionally powered minute of it and fans across the internet are raving about it. Season 3 simply cannot come soon enough for me.
On this DVD set of six discs we are promised a behind the scenes featurette, gag reel and deleted scenes which would be a vast improvement on the relatively bare-bones season 1 release. Warner Bros. was apparently surprised by the fan following that VERONICA MARS had developed during season 1 so they did not prepare adequately for that season's DVD release. Thankfully they were better prepared this time around.

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In the wealthy, seaside community of Neptune, California, the rich and powerful make the rules. Unfortunately for them, there's Veronica Mars, a smart, fearless 17-year-old apprentice private investigator. In season two, the Mars family finds themselves embroiled in another season-long mystery hitting closer to home, following a new local tragedy. Meanwhile, after a summer of surprises and sordid murder trials, Logan and best friend Duncan Kane find themselves at odds, while Veronica must deal with her increasingly complicated romantic life and a whole new school year with familiar and surprising fresh faces.

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Route 66 The Collector's Edition (Birdcage on my foot and Thin White Line) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here's a superb example of the high quality TV was capable of reaching, once upon a time. And not on PBS, not on cable, but on network TV, as entertainment that appealed to millions of viewers & drew consistently high ratings!
These two episodes of the seminal series "Route 66" both deal with drugs; but like most episodes of the show, they also work as philosophical windows.
"Birdcage on My Foot" finds Tod & Buzz, along with a girlfriend of Tod's, agreeing to drop charges against a heroin addict who tried to steal their car. In return, they take him in over the weekend to help him go cold turkey & be ready to enter rehab on Monday morning. The addict is brilliantly portrayed by a young Robert Duvall, in one of his many guest appearances on TV shows of that time.
What strikes the viewer immediately is how the story doesn't hesitate to take a few minutes for a bit of existential discussion, as Tod & his girlfriend take a break on the roof of her apartment. They wonder about the meaning & purpose of life, of making human connections, of realizing just how much they don't know about the mystery of being. Now there's something you simply wouldn't see on a contemporary TV show!
And we see Buzz, tormented by his memories of failing an addicted father figure, slowly coming to terms with Robert Duvall's miserable Arnie. It reaches a raw confessional for Buzz, reliving his own failure to help in the past, clutching the shivering Arnie as he sobs out his repressed grief & guilt. Again, what contemporary show would be so emotionally naked, without any protective curtain of glib irony?
Notice also that the dialogue is peppered with literary quotes & references, taking for granted the audience's ability to catch & understand them. No dumbing down here!
"The Thin White Line" finds Tod accidentally drinking a beer spiked with an experimental hallucinogen & fleeing into the city night, on a shattering emotional odyssey. The black & white photography is nothing short of stunning, and Martin Milner gives a nonstop rollercoaster of a performance.
The scene where he goes home with a world-weary, lonely bar pianist, played by a perfect Sylvia Miles, goes from teasing to outright erotic to horrific as the drug plunges him from euphoria to paranoia & terror -- the seductive & willing Sylvia is suddenly a leering, malicious, Medusa-haired harridan out of "Carnival of Souls."
And when Tod reaches the depressive, suicidal low point in the early morning, and Buzz tries desperately to reach out to him, to pull him back from the brink, the scene is heartbreakingly honest. The men in this series aren't afraid to show their emotions -- on the contrary, they have more robust & sensitive & vital energy than most TV characters today.
It can be argued that some of the show's endings are a little too neat, that some of the writing is a little too artificial -- at least by contemporary standards. But consider the network restrictions of the early 1960s, where married couples were still depicted as sleeping in twin beds! Given those restrictions, shows like "Route 66" constantly pushed the boundaries & dared to ask some of The Big Questions. How many TV shows today can say the same thing?
(And no, the freedom to show more graphic & gratuitous violence & sex isn't always the same thing.)
Sadly, only a few episodes of this excellent show are available right now, and only then on out-of-print VHS tapes. When is someone going to put out a DVD collection of all four seasons, preferably with some commentary? Most highly recommended!

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Nip/Tuck: The Complete Third Season (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I realize that by saying anything negative, I will alienate fans of the show. TV fans are a notoriously fickle bunch. I defy you--go to any other TV show DVD listing on Amazon. Pick one that you think is terrible and the fan reviews there will be 5 star! I think you can be a fan, but still be objective. There are lots of shows that I have loved for various reasons--but that doesn't always make them good shows. It means that I have overlooked their flaws.
Now let's talk realistically about "NIp/Tuck". I have seen every episode and continue to watch Season 4. FX created a whole roster of "adult" programs designed to provoke the viewers--to "push the envelope". Trust me, I respect that and I watch them all. "Nip/Tuck" started out a bit erratically--the first season, for me, was about 3 1/2 stars. I saw the promise, yet the episodes lacked a certain cohesion and the characters didn't seem fully flushed out yet. Season 2, however, really hit the stride. It became a gloriously over-the-top soap opera that was good, nasty fun! I LOVED it, especially the deliriously campy Famke Janssen storyline. Still didn't make it a "great" TV show, but it made for "great" TV. I'd have given it 5 stars on entertainment value.
Then there's Season 3. People who object to this season often site the "Carver" storyline as being problematic. I couldn't care less, the "Carver" plot was just as valid as any other (killing mobsters and feeding them to alligators from Season 1, anyone?). The problem for me was a lot more serious.
The show began to sell out it's core characters. Now I have never been a big fan of the McNamara clan. Strangely enough, they are the least compelling part of this show. But I accepted the characters-- and as long as they made sense and the writers understood who they were--then I was fine. The problem with Season 3 was that they no longer made sense. The plots and outrageousness came first! The writers made up the situations that "pushed the envelope" and then just plugged the characters into those scenarios however conveniently. So we had characters doing or believing things every week that were not consistent with the "people" that we knew. And if they needed to flip flop back for another storyline, that's what they did. Don't ask me to care about your characters if you don't! (Another FX show, the sometimes brilliant "Rescue Me" went through the same crisis).
I wish "Nip/Tuck" well, it seems to be starting season 4 in good, fun shape. No matter what, Christian will remain one hell of a great TV character. KGHarris, 9/06.


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He -- or is it she? -- slices, they stitch. He maims, they heal. Plastic surgeons Sean McNamara and Christian Troy have vowed to make whole the victims of the elusive, mysterious serial slasher called the Carver. But mending the rifts in their own families and careers will require much more than their famed technical skills. Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon return for a sensational Season 3 filled with eroticism, suspense and medical challenges ranging from a daring facial transplant to a 650-pound woman whose skin has fused with her sofa. There's a new doctor on staff, too: Dr. Quentin Costa, a tango expert and perhaps an expert at dissecting the practice for his own ends. Plus: Julia launches a new career, troubled Matt falls in with skinheads and the Carver turns out to be.... Sorry, our lips are sealed. Watch and find out.DVD Features:Deleted ScenesDocumentaryFeaturette

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