Reviews by Craig Byrne
Anyone who knows me or has read my writing for a while knows that I am a big fan of TV on DVD. When the Warner Archive launched their program to manufacture rare movies on demand, I was very happy, but hoped that this initiative would continue to television. Fortunately, I am in luck.
The Warner Archive recently released on-demand-only DVD sets for further seasons of 1980’s TV series Falcon Crest and Night Court. Totally different genres of shows, but both are enjoyable in their own ways.
Prior to these releases, I had bought Night Court Seasons 1-3 on DVD, and I realized that this was a show that I didn’t really “get” when I was younger; but now that I’m older (32) I can appreciate it and be amazed with all of the characters that come in and out of this… well, night court. Night Court: The Complete Fourth Season is the first season that features Marsha Warfield as Roz, which means it’s also when the cast finally comes together as the iconic Night Court cast that we all know and love.
A good sitcom, in my opinion, is made up of its ensemble; and fortunately for Night Court, everyone in this finalized cast has something to bring to the table.
I am so happy that this set was released by Warner Bros. directly because it would be a shame for the series to be abandoned after only three years. I have some DVD sets from other studios that I would love to see more of (Maude I’m looking at you), so to have the studio put out more like this is a treat. The price is a little bit more expensive than what you’d get if it is a widespread release, but look at it this way: By purchasing you’re continuing the program, you’re getting a much rarer collector’s item, and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than the “$25 for 4 episodes” that many of us paid for collections of video tapes in the 1990’s.
The video quality for this set seems to be on par with previous years – it’s a good looking set. I did notice some audio issues toward the end of the season premiere; I don’t know if it was a pressing issue or if they are all like that, but be warned, and fortunately it doesn’t seem to be a problem anywhere else.
Night Court: The Complete Fourth Season is now available at WBShop.com.
The other recent set put out by the Warner Archive is Falcon Crest: The Complete Second Season. Being under 10 years old for most of the 1980’s, I think it is to be expected that I didn’t watch this show the first time around. I did have some curiosity about this show, however, after a recent visit to the winery areas of California, and this is a series where the wine country is the show’s backdrop. Heading this cast is the legendary actress Jane Wyman.
When it comes to 1980’s prime time soap television, I admit Dallas was by far my favorite and the one I was the most familiar with. I’ve seen and liked some Dynasty and even a little bit of Knots Landing but Falcon Crest was a new experience to me – one I am glad that I had.
It’s so different than anything you’d see on TV today. The pacing is slower; the median age of the cast seems to be around 50, which would be unheard of today. But instead of focusing on the young and pretty (though there’s some of that), the focus is instead on Jane Wyman’s Angela Channing. I’m only a few episodes in and I’m really enjoying it. Sadly there are no extras on the Season 2, but the show obviously has left a legacy – there was a cast reunion just last night at the Paley Center. I have a feeling I’m going to get addicted so the Warner Archive had better hurry up and produce a Season Three set.
(Question for Falcon Crest fans by the way: I’m not totally spoiled but I want to be… Richard is Angela’s actual son, isn’t he? Just seemed by her body language and tone when referring to him….)
The video here doesn’t seem to be remastered and at some parts even looks like it has video tracking issues, but honestly? It’s either that or actual videotape from 25+ years ago, which would surely look worse. I think it’s best to even just have these episodes handy.
You can purchase Falcon Crest: The Complete Second Season exclusively at WBShop.com.
If you like classic TV like I do, check these out, because I want the Warner Archive to put out more shows that might not work for retail release but could possibly have the demand for a MOD type setup. At the top of my list would be the Dick Van Patten series Eight Is Enough; other shows like The Dukes of Hazzard spin-off Enos or even season sets of 1990’s sitcoms like Step By Step would definitely catch my attention.
3 Comments
I was obsessed with Falcon Crest, and Lorenzo Lamas was mesmerizing.
Spoiler – Yes, Richard is Angela’s son (though she doesn’t know it), but you won’t find that out for a few more seasons.
Ha! Nice. They were not so subtle when Angela was talking about him being her step-son. You knew there was something convoluted that she was hiding there. I’m really enjoying the show.