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59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great episodes!, January 31, 2005
This set contains eight episodes on three DVDs -- five from the first season and one each from the third, fourth and fifth -- that show the broad range of this series that ran from September of 1959 through January of 1973. All of these are family fare and can stimulate good discussions with children about moral issues we all face (even if not as dramatically), or can be enjoyed simply as good entertainment.
The DVDs are of good quality, and as they are licensed, contain all the scenes, all of the original music, and all of the artwork from the credits, unlike many other DVDs and VHS tapes of Bonanza episodes.
1 - Mr. Henry Comstock. The second episode filmed, this is the humorous story of the arrival and impact of Henry Comstock on the future Virginia City. Guest star Jack Carson. From season one, originally aired November 7, 1959. aka "The Henry Comstock Story"
2 - Death on Sun Mountain. Based on actual incidents, a merchant tries to corner the meat market in Virginia City by selling antelope meat to the miners for outrageous prices. When the Cartwrights begin selling cattle as an alternative, the merchant stirs up trouble with the Paiutes. Written by Gene L. Coon and David Dortort; guest star Barry Sullivan. From season one; originally aired September 19, 1959. aka "The Sun Mountain Herd"
3 - The Saga of Annie O'Toole. Based on the story of Eilley Orrum and her future husband, Sandy Bowers. In a light-hearted episode, Adam helps Annie get legal claim to one of two of Swede Lundberg's silver mines. Written by Thomas Thompson, guest stars Ida Lupino and Alan Hale. From season one; originally aired October 24, 1959.
4 - Paiute War. Based on the actual conflict between the Paiutes and the white settlers in May and June of 1860. The Cartwrights get involved when Adam is captured and held hostage by Chief Winnemucca. Written by Gene L. Coon; guest stars Jack Warden, Anthony Caruso, and Michael Forest. From season one; originally aired October 3, 1959.
5 - Enter Mark Twain. Samuel Clemens arrives in Virginia City to write for the Territorial Enterprise (factual) and stirs up trouble with his wild tales. Written by Harold Shumate; guest star Howard Duff. From season one; originally aired October 10, 1959.
6 - The Crucible. Left in the desert to die by thieves, Adam is befriended by Peter Kane, who gradually reveals himself to be a madman. One of the most gripping episodes of the entire 14-year run, Dortort had this episode written and cast to challenge Pernell Roberts, who turned in one of the best performances of his career. Written by John T. Dugan; guest star Lee Marvin. From season three; originally aired April 8, 1962.
7 - Any Friend of Walter's. In one of the funniest episodes, Hoss and prospector Obie are helped to escape from incompetent robbers by Obie's amazing dog, Walter. Written by Lois Hire; guest star Arthur Hunnicutt. From season four; originally aired March 24, 1963.
8 - Bullet For A Bride. Little Joe proposes to a girl he accidentally shot and blinded. Written by Tay Garnett; guest stars Marlyn Mason and Denver Pyle. From season five; originally aired February 16, 1964.
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64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Western classic!, September 21, 2003
So,the waiting time is over.A beautiful DVD in Top Quality of the great Bonanza TV-Show.I am astonished about the remarkable Choice about the episodes.The Crucible and All about Walter,one dramatic and one funny,are truly some of the greatest from the complete Run.And the Orginal Sound and Opening Sequence let the heart jump.Bonanza Fans,this is the first real deal on DVD.Buy it and lets hope there will be more.And my wish is that there will be more classic shows like Branded,Man called Shenandoah,Lancer,High Chapparal,Bronco,Laramie or Gunsmoke.I think there is a big market for these treats.
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92 of 98 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BONANZA...AT LAST RESTORED TO ITS BEST QUALITY, July 6, 2004
(*This review and this DVD release will probably offend the licensees and sellers of the inferior video and DVD releases of Bonanza.)
Bonanza is at last available as its meant to be...Digitally-Mastered, with the original music, the burning map, the beautiful watercolor drawings of the opening and closing credits.
The various repeat airings on television since the series ended were edited by up to 10 minutes to allow for more commercial time. This DVD presents the episodes in their original form. And the excellent picture quality is no doubt better than what was seen on the then-new color TVs when the series originally aired in the 1960s.
May this Volume 1 sell enough that Republic/Artisan continue to remaster the original master prints from the series. There are many classic episodes that have never seen release on DVD or video, and were sadly edited in tv repeats...
Springtime, The Hayburner, The Wooing of Abigail Jones...just to name a few.
The original masters of the Bonanza series (at least through 1966) need to be restored and preserved on DVD.
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