Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Roy Roberts, Charles Seel, Tom Brown, Hank Patterson, Dabbs Greer
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: January 8, 2008
I was not around for the phenomenon that was Gunsmoke. That being said, it would be hard to disrespect a show that was around when episodic television was so new. Originally airing as a radio show, Gunsmoke would reach deep into the creativity pool and offered a long reign as one of the truly adult Westerns of its time. Fans loved it and now, on DVD, new fans have the chance to embrace the magical show which offered a stomping ground for many celebrities that had done great things and would go on to do many more.
I have reviewed a number of television shows, both new and old. I do not normally handle the Westerns because Westerns are not normally my thing, but considering the classic nature of this show there are things here to appreciate. If you love Westerns, this will be right up your alley. The same can be said if you have a fondness for classic television, which, in this case, is in black and white.
Release Information:
Gunsmoke had its time as a black and white and a color television show. It also did time as a 30 minute show that moved to an hour. While the show hasn’t been on television in decades, people that grew up watching it tend to remember it fondly. Now on DVD, Gunsmoke can delight fans new and old. The first volume of the second season will be available on January 8, 2008. This is when you will be able to find it at numerous retail stores and online outlets including Amazon.com.
The Gunsmoke: The Second Season, Volume One Plot
In this set of Gunsmoke you receive half of the second season. This means you can look forward to 20, thirty minute episodes that are spread over three discs. For those that are new to the Gunsmoke world, the show is set in Dodge City. Here you can follow the story of a U.S. Marshal, Matt Dillon (played by James Arness). Dillon works with Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) and his assistant Chester (Dennis Weaver). The saloon keeper/prostitute, Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake) is always there, as well. Watching the show will give you the impression that she’s hot for the Marshal, which is amusing considering her profession, but that is never really the central focus of the season.
Dillon is interesting as the lead because he is so much more than just a Marshal. The people in the town use him as a problem solver (no matter what the problem is) and they become considerably unruly when they cannot have their way. Naturally, Dillon has issues with this and is impatient, but things continue on this path throughout nearly every episode.
Whether you like Westerns or not, there are some episodes that will likely stand out and cause you to take notice. In one episode, “Sins of the Fathers” it is implied that a Native American is raped by some of the town’s outsiders. It is shocking to think that in this era, television was allowed to go there, but then this was the first Adult Western on the air, and from the sounds of it the powers that be really weren’t kidding when they classified the shows in this way. Other tales are more shoot-em-up with ‘High Noon’ Western moments that fans of the genre will love.
Other episodes of Gunsmoke revolve around crooked gamblers, thieves, and frightening wives. If you like people that stir up trouble, you will love some of the company that ends up hanging out in Dodge City. To say the cast of characters have some wild times would be an understatement. While the scripts were solid, offering an entertaining 30 minutes, the actors also gave excellent performances, which really helped to sell the show.
As Dillon, Arness does the best job of any of the talent on set. While he did not always receive the praise that he deserved, I don’t think anyone could have played this role better than he did. As the Marshal, it was Dillon’s job to be somewhat reserved. This resulted in a quiet, yet fair Marshal who would pull his gun the moment it was needed, but not a second before. He was accompanied by a slightly off-center assistant, Doc, who was more emotional and impulsive in every way that Dillon was not.
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Audio/Visual:
Gunsmoke: The Second Season, Volume One looks incredible considering the age of the original television show. There is a warning on the box that claims that some editing may have occurred in comparison to the original network versions. I cannot say whether this happens frequently or not, but I can say that it does not appear to happen often or if it did the editing was done well enough to hide things. As for sound, the Dolby Digital mono works well, is clear, and gets the job done as well as can be expected.
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Bonus Features:
This set does not offer a huge amount of special features, but what is here is certainly amusing. The set includes a number of sponsor commercials featuring Blake and Arness. You will see some amusing L&M filter-tip cigarette spots and a funny commercial that claims that the electric razor is the best invention since the automatic pistol.
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Bottom Line:
Gunsmoke is an excellent option for Western lovers. The show is worth watching if only to show the vast accomplishments and growth that has come to be, in the genre, over the years. Since Gunsmoke first aired, there would be many changes to Gunsmoke, but fans will tell you that for many years to come the show would improve greatly and would be a sparkling example of what television should be. This comes recommended, especially for those that love classic television.
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Technorati Tags: Gunsmoke, Classic Television, TV on DVD, Western, DVD Review, Paramount, Home Entertainment
