I grew up watching this and "Gunsmoke", both of which
were big favorites of my dad. I always loved watching the
cute boys, especially Little Joe and Adam. The plots were
often very fun, not always serious. Looking at it now, I can
see that the Cartwrights were very liberal for their time.
They were generous with everyone, and kind, and they stood
up for the little guy and the wrongly accused, especially
people of color.
If you're looking for a classic TV western, this is a
great one. If you're looking for realism, this is not it. TV
didn't do realism too much back then. The Cartwrights are
pretty much saints and can do no wrong. The show was in
color, but most of the characters are black and white. Good
guys are good and bad guys are bad, and it's all pretty
obvious. The plots are very obvious. You can tell right away
what's going to happen, and everything is wrapped up by the
end of the hour, usually with a happy ending of some sort.
You have to watch old shows like this in context.
Having said that, for an old show, it doesn't drag or
seem super slow like so many. They kept it moving.
This is the first season without Adam, which is a shame. I
read that Pernell Roberts hated being on the show (I wonder
why?). Too bad! There are lots of great guest stars, though.
The color and photography is beautiful, and they've
really done a great job restoring it. The show was shot near
Lake Tahoe, and it's just gorgeous. The costumes are very
colorful as well.
There are some fun extras on the DVD set. They include
all of the bumpers and themes, and the NBC peacock, and a
few commercials. I wish there were more! There are a few
interviews and some photos. I guess they did the best they
could on something so old where most of the cast is dead.
Watch it and enjoy, classic TV fan! Your kids will
probably like it, too.
MORE INFORMATION:
One of the most
popular Western series in television history,
Bonanza: The Official Seventh Season
– Volumes One and Two, rides in on DVD September 2.
Featuring the legendary ensemble cast of Michael Landon, Dan
Blocker and Lorne Green, as well as guest appearances from
Clint Howard and Sally Newton, the newly remastered seventh
season centers on the conflict and passions of the
Cartwrights as they attempt to maintain and operate their
half-million acre Ponderosa ranch in mid-1800s Nevada.
Jam-packed with exclusive special features,
Bonanza: The Official Seventh Season
– Volumes One and Two will be available in stores,
September 2.
DVD Basics:
-
Street
Date: September 2, 2014
-
Price: $46.99
(each)
-
Rating: Not
Rated
-
Runtime: 761
minutes (Volume One) and 913 minutes (Volume Two)
Click on the link above (on the DVD cover) and you'll see
some really good reviews with lots more details.
Proofread and Edited by
Brenda
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Page updated 9/29/14
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