It's been over forty years since I saw an episode of 'Steve Canyon' so it was with a real sense of nostalgia that I put on the special edition DVD, wondering what my initial reaction was going to be. I'm sure anyone reading this has faced a similar situation. When you're a kid, a TV series, or movie if it comes to that, can have an indelible impact on your psyche. Half a lifetime later, you can be elated, or dramatically disappointed.
The episode 'Operation Zero Launch' was my selected re-introduction to 'Steve Canyon'. I'm pleased to write that I was elated. Not only was the quality of the re-mastered image and sound outstanding, the story was entertaining. The rocket-assisted launch from the ground vehicle was really something to see and I didn't envy the real life pilot! There are 3 other episodes yet to be viewed, but I decided instead to watch the promo 'teaser' which shows clips from many other episodes. It surprised me to see many later big names listed as having appeared as supporting cast members in the series.
So far I've not mentioned Dean Fredericks in the title role. Like those other 50s TV action immortals, George Reeves, Richard Webb, Richard Crane, Marshall Thompson and Bill Lundigan, Dean comes across as a totally believable hero you feel comfortable with, a guy you can trust with your life. You no longer see such actors, and television is a poorer place for the disappearance of their type.
February 2009 update.
I've received vol.1 of the official release containing the first dozen episodes and can report that the picture quality is generally outstanding. The only exceptions, as you would expect, are the occasional stock footage inserts. The sound quality is EXCEPTIONAL, better than on any DVD release I've reviewed. I've only just begun to listen to the audio commentaries but the one for the first episode contains many gems of information from cast member Morgan Woodward regarding his other acting roles. If you're a fan of the show, and love watching those beautiful F102 jets in flight, you'll be more than happy with this volume.
In addition, the original promos for other ABC shows are included, so it's easy to sit back and imagine you're watching the show when it first aired in the late 1950s.
The episode 'Operation Zero Launch' was my selected re-introduction to 'Steve Canyon'. I'm pleased to write that I was elated. Not only was the quality of the re-mastered image and sound outstanding, the story was entertaining. The rocket-assisted launch from the ground vehicle was really something to see and I didn't envy the real life pilot! There are 3 other episodes yet to be viewed, but I decided instead to watch the promo 'teaser' which shows clips from many other episodes. It surprised me to see many later big names listed as having appeared as supporting cast members in the series.
So far I've not mentioned Dean Fredericks in the title role. Like those other 50s TV action immortals, George Reeves, Richard Webb, Richard Crane, Marshall Thompson and Bill Lundigan, Dean comes across as a totally believable hero you feel comfortable with, a guy you can trust with your life. You no longer see such actors, and television is a poorer place for the disappearance of their type.
February 2009 update.
I've received vol.1 of the official release containing the first dozen episodes and can report that the picture quality is generally outstanding. The only exceptions, as you would expect, are the occasional stock footage inserts. The sound quality is EXCEPTIONAL, better than on any DVD release I've reviewed. I've only just begun to listen to the audio commentaries but the one for the first episode contains many gems of information from cast member Morgan Woodward regarding his other acting roles. If you're a fan of the show, and love watching those beautiful F102 jets in flight, you'll be more than happy with this volume.
In addition, the original promos for other ABC shows are included, so it's easy to sit back and imagine you're watching the show when it first aired in the late 1950s.