Description

Episodes: "The Dummy" (Ep. 98, May 4, 1962) - A ventriloquist (Cliff Robertson) is convinced that his dummy, Willie, is alive and evil. He makes plans for a new act with a new dummy. Plans that Willie does not support! "The Fever" (Ep. 17, January 29, 1960) - Tight-fisted Franklin Gibbs is not pleased when his wife wins a trip for two to Las Vegas. But things change when he falls under the spell of a slot machine that calls his name. "Living Doll" (Ep. 126, November 1, 1963) - Erich (Telly Savalas) is displeased when his wife buys an expensive doll for his step-daughter. He becomes even more displeased when the doll tells him it doesn't like him! "The After Hours" (Ep. 34, June 10, 1960) - A woman (Anne Francis) discovers that the floor of a department store, on which she bought a gold thimble, doesn't exist--and that her "saleslady" is really a mannequin! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of the very best Volumes in "The Twilight Zone" series!
When I looked at the lengthy list of "Twilight Zone" DVD volumes this one stuck out more than any of the others. In my opion, it has three of the most outrageously entertaining(yet still quite frightening)episodes "The Twilight Zone" has ever made. "The After Hours" is about Marsha White(Anne Francis), a simple woman who is merely looking for a gold thimble in a department store. However, when she steps into the elevator, she is guided to the 9th floor of the the 8 story building! On this supposed floor she meets odd people who turn out to be even odder when(on one of the regular floors)she sees on of them..........in manicane form! This is one of my favorite episodes of "The Twilight Zone"! Partly because of the completely unexpected ending. "Living Doll" is another shocker! Erich Sleater is a man who feels that his step-daughter is spoiled with too many dolls. So, you can imagine how he feels when his wife and daughter come home with an extremly expensive doll! You can also only imagine how he feels when(after everyone leaves the room)the doll starts saying things like "I hate you!" & "I'm going to kill you!". This is another classic that had me biting my nails to the very end of the show. I also enjoy Rod Sterling's ending words that seem to make the story feel a little too realistic. "The Dummy" is about a ventrilogoust that has an evil Dummy named Willie! Everyone thinks he's crazy but somehow he knows he's not. The only way to stop the crazieness is to get a new dummy, which the man does. However, Willie does not accept the replacement! This is a great one too but the ending doesn't really make sense. "The Fever" is by far the worst episode on the disk. It's about a man who doesn't enjoy gambling at all but while in Las Vegas a slot machine calls his name and then it seems he can never stop! The story was a little too limited for my liking and too unreal. After all, it's weird than the guy just started gambling after he hated it. Again, this is one of the best Volumes in the entire "Twilight Zone" set!

Three good, one bad episode
I did not care for "The Fever", as I found it to have bad acting, and it was implausible - the husband was so anti-gambling, yet, agrees to go with his wife to Las Vegas for a short vacation. Why else go there?

The other eps were good, with well-done TZ material.

In "Dummy", ventriloquist Cliff Robertson and his side-kick change places.

In "The After Hours", Anne Francis has a hard time finding good assistance in a department store.

In "Living Doll", Telly Savalas argues with a back-talking doll.

This is the best of all the Twilight Zone Volumes
For those of you who are being selective in which Twilight Zone volumes you're buying; and, you plan on watching this DVD more than once, this is the best. This volume includes (1) Living Doll (Talking Tina) with Telly Savales, (2) The Fever (a taunting slot machine), (3) The After Hours, with Anne Francis, who is left in a department store after the store closes and all the people have left. (4) The Dummy (a ventriloquist). The first 3 are great, the Dummy is OK, but again the first 3 are worth the cost alone. Also, the fact that you don't have those annoying commercials anymore makes watching Twilight Zone that much better.

Some of the very Best Episodes
THE FEVER from the First season aired on January 29, 1960 and was written by Rod Serling. Everett Sloane is brilliant as a married man who continually lectures his wife on the pitfalls of gambling after winning a trip to Las Vegas. Goaded into it Sloane puts a coin into a slot machine, wins and the cycle begins. This is an interesting episode, not necessarily against gambling but one that addresses the nature of obsession and the lengths of self-destruction that it can lead to. It also addresses a familiar TWILIGHT ZONE theme about man and his confrontation with the machines that he creates. THE DUMMY from the Third season aired on May 4, 1962 and was written by Rod Serling. Cliff Robertson plays a down-and-out ventriloquist who has dilutions that his mannequin may be getting the better of him. This is an interesting study into the mind of man and the manmade with a denouement that is riveting. THE AFTER HOURS remains just as fresh and effective as when it was first aired on June 10, 1960 and its lingering haunting imagery remains engraved into one's subconscious. Who can ever forget Anne Francis as Marsha. Her impeccable performance and exquisite face are indelible. "Marsha" that very name and the way it was repeated over and over was so eerily unsettling sending chills down one's spine. This episode when compared to WALKING DISTANCE demonstrates the great versatility of Rod Serling as a writer. WALKING DISTANCE is probably the best prose that Serling ever penned where every bit of dialogue was so heartfelt and moving. In THE AFTER HOURS Serling gives us a more visual tale where the storytelling is more dependent on the images. Serling gives us a story of two strikingly opposite worlds that co-exist within a department store. The vivid contrast and the realistic depiction of those two worlds is at the core of this story that has a strange tinge of melancholy about it. Thanks to effective lighting, production design, photography, Douglas Heyes' Direction and impeccable acting it succeeds on all levels and is one of the definitive episodes of the series. Your heart kind of goes out for Telly Savalas in LIVING DOLL. As much of a no-good creep of a stepfather Savalas is, you just gotta feel bad for this guy as he gets outdone by a doll, Talky Tina. The doll is almost as evil as he is and this becomes very evident in the final scene at the bottom of the living room staircase. A lot of the viewers' ambiguous feelings are the result of Bermard Herrmann's innovative score. It has a childlike quality that taunts and teases both Telly Savalas and the viewer. This is an excellent episode written by Charles Beaumont from the Fifth season and is one of the best and most memorable from the entire series. This is an excellent volume.

!!DOLLS GONE WILD!!
To the best of my knowledge there's no specific theme to any of the Twilight Zone DVD's, but this one does, and it's --DOLLS GONE WILD!
The first episode contains the classic ventriloquist corrupted by his dummy tale ("Magic", "Dead of Night"). It stars Cliff Robertson, who looks like a puppet to begin with.
The third episode is the legendary Talking Tina story where she tells Telly "Kojak" Savalas how she's going to kill him, and accomplishes the deed.
The final episode stars Anne "Honey West" Francis as a girl trapped in a department store who gets an earful from a bunch of creepy, chatty mannequins.
The animated menu with the TZ title eyeball is classic TZ mind-bending psycho-delia. The episodes themselves are as clean as early 60's televideo can get. The sound quality ranges from good to muddy, but overall the content of these shows make up for their technical shortcomings.
Tell 'em Jerry Mahoney sent you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What is it about director Richard Donner that Mel Gibson enjoys so much that he's appeared in five of Donner's films? Is it the on-set pranks? Could it be the big-budget perks and $20-million paychecks? Or is it just a well-stocked catering table? Whatever the case, the Lethal Weapon star and director teamed up again, along with fellow superstar Julia Roberts, for this typically glossy, entertaining but ultimately hokey thriller. Gibson plays New York cab driver Jerry Fletcher, whose wacky belief in conspiracies finally hits on a coincidental truth involving an evil figure named Jonas (Patrick Stewart) and a secret program of government-funded mind control. Roberts plays the Justice Department attorney who finally believes in Jerry's paranoid ramblings. With a plot (from LA. Confidential cowriter Brian Helgeland) that's a lot of fun as long as you don't think about it too critically, Conspiracy Theory benefits immeasurably from the charisma of its high-magnitude stars. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (73)

A Thrilling Movie Starring Some Great Actors
Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts are among the highest paid actors in Hollywood, and the director of this movie, Richard Donner, is also the director of the Lethal Weapon movies. I figured that putting all these people together to make a movie would result in a great product. Though Conspiracy Theory isn't bad, it isn't that great, either.

Gibson plays Jerry Fletcher, a cab driver who obsesses over government conspiracies in his spare time. He pours over the newspaper everyday to try and uncover secret plots that the government doesn't want the public to know about. He's also infatuated with Alice Sutton (played by Julia Roberts), an attorney in the Justice Department. Jerry gets this idea that NASA is trying to kill the President by deliberately causing an earthquake in Turkey while he's there on a diplomatic visit. Alice, of course, thinks he's absolutely crazy. However, it turns out that Jerry might not be as crazy as everyone thinks as one of his conspiracy theories suddenly begins to materialize. Now Jerry must convince Alice that the government is out to get him, and together they must team up to uncover the conspiracy.

This is a pretty demanding role for Mel Gibson, but he's definitely equal to the task. This is the kind of role that earns an actor an Oscar nomination, though he didn't receive one. Julia Roberts' role in the movie isn't very demanding, and we never really get to see the full range of her acting ability, but she still does a solid job as the level-headed lawyer who is also trying to solve the mystery behind her own father's murder. Patrick Stewart is also in the movie, and he plays some sort of evil doctor in charge of running a government experiment that turns average people into raging assassins.

This is an action movie, so by rule, the feasibility of the plot is of less significance than the gunshots, chase scenes, and burning buildings. This is probably a good thing, considering that the plot is rather far-fetched. Most people would probably agree that there are secret conspiracies that the government does not disclose, but this whole project about turning humans into assassins doesn't seem very viable, neither do the attempts to capture Jerry Fletcher and extract information out of him. It all seems pretty bogus.

Regardless, I have to say that I was entertained. Though I might not remember what the movie was about a month from now, it was definitely two hours well spent. I recommend this movie.

Conspiracy Theory - An extremely well made film!
I would definitely have to say that "Conspiracy Theory" is one of my favorite films of all times. The overall premise, pacing and the performances given by the actors lends heavily to this opinion. The one intriguing yet very strange thing about this movie is seeing Patrick Stewart playing the bad guy. After years and years of parts in which he is generally one of the good guys and then of course, his role as Captain Jean Luc Picard on Star Trek The Next Generation solidified his status as the "ultimate" good guy, it's very difficult to see him on the wrong side of the script. As usual though, his performance is as top notch as it is in any project he immerses himself.

Mel Gibson's performance as Jerry Fletcher in this film is quite a show. Just imagine his demeanor as Riggs from the "Lethal Weapon" movies and "crazy" it up a few notches and you have Mel Gibson as Jerry Fletcher, an Oscar caliber performance unrewarded. What can one say about Julia Roberts; she does her thing in this film and it works very well. That's the one strange thing about Julia Roberts, in most of her films, you don't see a very drastic difference in her performances, she pretty much does the same thing film for "most" of her films and they keep on being box office hits.

As testament to the quality of this film, one only needs to look at the name of the director which is Richard Donner. For many years now, Richard Donner has directed some of the most successful television shows and films ever produced such as; "Gilligan's Island," "The Rifleman," "Superman" the movie in 1978 and all four of the "Lethal Weapon" movies, hence Mel Gibson's casting in the lead role of "Conspiracy Theory." Needless to say, if you see his name as the director of a new film, it will definitely be worth your time to watch.

The Premise:

Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson) is an extremely neurotic cab driver in New York City. Very early in the film, you'll see that he appears to be obsessed with a lawyer by the name of Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts). As the title of the movie suggests, Jerry sees conspiracies every where and despite telling everybody about it to include Alice, nobody seems to believe him and he doesn't even appear to believe himself until Dr. Jonas and his crew steps in and abducts him...

What follows from there is clearly one of Mel Gibson's best films that I've found to be quite enjoyable over several different viewings as this film is quite well worth multiple viewings. I highly recommend this film to any and all who are interested in films from this genre of action/adventure and mystery. {ssintrepid}

Special Features:

This is the only downside to this DVD version, a serious lack of special features.

-Production Notes
-Theatrical Trailer

Serendipity Cinema #9
A film you may never have heard of, but really should see. Trust me. You may hear the word Hitchcockian thrown around, everyone would like to achieve something that sings of the master, and, so, it gets used when anybody turns a corner and the music makes you jump. You could go a long way before you find anything that has even the slightest resemblance to the works of Sir Alfred.
Well, look no further. No, don't pay attention to the fact that it is Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts (with Patrick Stewart and Director Richard Donner thrown in) Rather see the everyday people thrown into the madness that only real life can destroy us with, and spit us out when it is done. Everyman fights the insanity that shouldn't be happening, but is, like "The Lady Vanishes," "The 39 Steps," even "The Man Who Knew Too Much." These are all precursors of this story of the obviously deranged man who is in love with this fairly normal girl, and is here to protect her from imagined danger. Or is it? Buy your copy of "The Catcher In The Rye" and follow us, it's a ride down the stairs streight-jacketed in a wheel chair!

MEL O DRAMA ALMOST WORKS
The charisma that Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts have developed over the years is the saving grace of this convoluted, overly plotted movie. Written by Brian Helgeland (LA Confidential, Mystic River, A Knight's Tale), it tells the story of a conspiracy obsessed cabbie (Gibson) who finally stumbled onto a conspiracy that involves his unrequited love (Roberts). Heading up the bad guys is X-Men's Patrick Stewart, who gives a solid performance as Dr. Jonas/Henry Finch.
the movie seemed a little too long, and some middle sags deleted some of the suspense. Gibson performs admirably, although it's just a little bit more of the Lethal Weapon personna unharnessed. Roberts is not a great actress (in spite of Erin Brockovich), but she is a great presence, and Donner films her with all the right lights and angles to enhance this. Someone like Laura Linney would have made the role much more memorable.
But as entertaining, if confusing, fluff, CONSPIRACY THEORY is a fun movie to watch.

Tom Atoe
Conspiarcy theory is one of those movies that makes you stop and wonder what if? I loved all the twists and turns throught the story line. The acting was superb, Mel Gibson really accuratly protrayed a crazy man. If you dont pay attention for 2 minutes you'll be lost for the rest of the movie. I didnt completely understand the moviw untill the second or third time I saw it. Once you really get what it is saying you'll love it. In short it was excellent. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Nick of Time" (Ep. 43, November 18, 1960) - A superstitious newlywed (William Shatner) becomes obsessed by a penny fortune-telling machine. But are his pennies revealing his future--or determining it? "The Prime Mover" (Ep. 57, March 24, 1961) - Ace Larsen has discovered that his business partner (Buddy Ebsen) can move things with his mind! They set out for Las Vegas and win--for a while anyway. "It's a Good Life" (Ep. 73, November 3, 1961) - He knows your every thought, can feel your every emotion. He can eliminate all you hold dear. Who is he? A 6 year old boy (Billy Mumy) from Peaksville, Ohio! "The Mind and the Matter" (Ep. 63, May 12, 1961) - A book on the power of thought enables an irritable worker (Shelley Berman) to re-create the world exactly as he wants it. But what he wants and what he gets are two different things! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Excellently Conceived Volume
THE PRIME MOVER from the Second season aired on March 24, 1961 and was written by Charles Beaumont and is an episode that deserves repeated viewing. Dane Clark and Buddy Ebsen operate a small diner. When Clark discovers that Ebsen has telekinetic powers he drags him off to Vegas to make a killing at the casinos. This is a good-natured episode as opposed to THE FEVER on the allure and pitfalls of gambling. What really makes this episode so repeatedly viewable are the performances of Dane Clark and Buddy Ebsen. It's like water and oil. Clark is the "fly by the seat of your pants - happy go lucky guy" who will try anything for a dime. Ebsen stands for reason and patients. Ultimately we learn to use the tools we are given with a sense of responsibility tempered with passion. This is an excellently conceived and delivered episode. IT'S A GOOD LIFE from the Third season aired on November 3, 1961. It was written by Rod Serling and is one of the most famous episodes of the series. Serling's introduction, which leads up to Billy Mumy's wide-eyed stare into the camera, is an indelible and disturbing image. The jack-in-the-box scene is also unforgettable and equally disturbing. Even Serling's dialogue is so memorable and conjures up images of fear. Just the mention of "the cornfield" sends chills down the back. Anyone who has seen this episodes knows what I am referring to. Anyone who has not must see it! The excellent cast includes John Larch, Cloris Leachman, Tom Hatcher and we must not forget Billy Mumy. Director Jim Sheldon really captured the fear and terror of the captive inhabitants of this rural community. NICK OF TIME from the Second season aired on November 18, 1960 and was written by Richard Matheson. Traveling newlyweds William Shatner and Patricia Breslin stop in a luncheonette while their car is being repaired. While in a booth an ever-confident Shatner puts a coin into a fortune-telling machine adorned with the bobbling head of a smiling plastic devil. Each question and answer begins to make Shatner question his fate to the point that he becomes unraveled about his future. Thematically this is similar to THE FEVER where just one more coin in the machine may give you solace. This is a fascinating episode that bears repeated viewing just to observe the ease at which one can be drawn in. However, the denouement makes the morality of the story clear. THE MIND AND THE MATTER directed by Buzz Kulik from the Second season aired on May 12, 1961 and was written by Rod Serling. Clerk, Shelly Berman eliminates people from the face of the earth by using the power of thought that he mastered from a book given to him. He soon repopulates the planet with people who look exactly like him with disconcerting results. Though lighthearted in nature this episode attempts to reveal life as others view each of us. Be careful of what you wish for. Volume 9 is a good well-balanced representation of THE TWILIGHT ZONE.

The power of the human mind unleashed in the Twilight Zone
The power of the human mind comes into play in the four episodes included on Vlume 9 of "The Twilight Zone" DVD Series. First up is Richard Matheson's "Nick of Time," which stars William Shatner and Patricia Breslin as newly weds Don and Pat Carter. The honeymooners are waiting for their car to be repaired in Ridgeview, Ohio when the superstitious Don becomes obsessed with a tabel top fortune-telling machine that dispense little cards answering yes or no questions. A classic "Twilight Zone" episode with a wonderful performance from a rather restrained Shatner. Buddy Ebsen stars as Jimbo Cobb in "The Prime Mover," written by Charles Beaumont and based on an unpublished story by George Clayton Johnson. Jimbo has psychokinetic power and when his friend compulsive gambler Ace Larsen (Dane Clark) learns about this, he takes Jimbo to Las Vegas to make big bucks. But while Ace is getting Jimbo to manipulate the dice in the craps game, he is blowing off his girlfriend Kitty (Christine White). That is when Jimbo blows a fuse. A nice little story, one of the few to actually show some heart in the Zone. "It's a Good Life," adapted by Rod Serling from Jerome Bixy's short story, is one of the most horrifying Zone episodes and features Billy Mumy as Anthony Fremont, the monster who is terrorizing Peaksvillle, Ohio. You see, Anthony can not only read minds, he has enormous power and no restraints. That is why all the adults in town always tell him, whether he turns someone into a huge jack-in-the-box or kills the crops by making it snow, "That's a good thing you did." "It's a Good Life" is an absolute classic that was unnecessarily redone in "Twilight Zone--the Movie," which only proved that imagination is more terrifying than special effects. Finally, in "The Mind and the Matter," also written by Serling, Archibald Beechcroft (Shelley Berman), reads a book on mind power that allows him to do whatever he wants just by concentrating hard enough. Unfortunately, what Archibald wants to do is make every person on Earth disappear. While it has some nice moments, this is an average episode at best. But this volume clearly has two of the greatest Zone episodes ever, so it is a must have for your collection.

Behold the power of the mind¿ only at the Twilight Zone.
This is one of the few DVD's in the collection that you could actually consider conceptual: somehow all episodes deal with the powers of the mind. Who wants to know the future? William Shatner's character does, but does he realizes the price? Find out in "Nick of Time" (Season 2). "The Prime Mover" (Season 2), is about telekinesis at the service of a gambler... and that equals risky business. "It's a Good Life" (Season 3), stars a very young Billy Mummy with incredible and dangerous powers. Finally "The Mind and the Matter" (Season 2) shows a guy how the power of thought can create his perfect world. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Third from the Sun" (Ep. 14, January 8, 1960) - With all-out nuclear war about to ignite, William Sturka (Fritz Weaver) and a friend steal an experimental spaceship, load their families, and set out for an unknown planet. "The Shelter" (Ep. 68, September 29, 1961) - When a UFO invasion appears imminent, several suburban friends and neighbors are reduced to selfish, conniving animals in a fight over one family's bomb shelter. "To Serve Man" (Ep. 89, March 2, 1962) - The Kanamits, 9 foot tall aliens, arrive on Earth with one lofty goal: To Serve Man. They end war. They end famine. Theymake the military wonder: What's the catch? "The Fugitive" (Ep. 90, March 9, 1962) - Old Ben is a fugitive from outer space with a heart of gold. He risks it all to help a crippled little girl--without fear that alien pursuers from his home planet will find him! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great DVD
Third From the Sun- I really wanted to like this episode... but my dad just had to blab the ending! Oh well it was good. (****)

The Shelter- I liked it, but it kind of reminded me of Monsters are Due on Maple Street. (***)

To Serve Man- Wow, a great episode. The end really freaked me out. Probably my favorite episode. There are only a few episodes I'll give five stars, the others being "Time Enough at Last" and "Walking Distance" (I've only watched so far to this volume.) (*****)

The Fugitive- many people seem to not like this episode. I thought it was cute. It calmed me down after watching "To Serve Man" (***)

Mostly so-so
"To Serve Man" is a favorite of mine, though it is kind of funny to see Richard Kiel in costume with the big head - and he never speaks.

"Third From the Sun" has a neat twist, but is otherwise not special. I like Fritz Weaver in almost everything, especially the movie "Fail Safe".

"The Shelter" is a formulaic plot that seems well-used. This was probably much better when it was first shown, because of the political time-frame.

"The Fugitive" is pretty light and a little fluffy for my taste, almost like Disney wrote it.

I think there are better collections. I like #7.

Amazing!!!
Volume 8 of the twilight zone dvd series is one of the best. Four great episodes, cool special features, and it's not that expensive. Let's start with Third From the Sun. William Sturka, played by Fritz Weaver, is a scientist. A fellow scientist, Carling, tells him that th large nucular war that is about to happen will happen in 48 hours. So, William and a friend get ther familes steal a spacecraft and fly into space. A nice twist of an ending but I shouldn't tell you it. Next, The Shelter. When it seems there is going to be a alien invasion a neighborhood of friends get crazy over one family's bomb shelter. Next, To Serve Man. This is one of the Twilight Zone shows that are great, chilling, and have a shocking twist at the end. It all starts with aliens landing on earth. One of the aliens, played by my faviorite actor Richard Kiel tells everyone thre purpose on earth is to serve man. The twist comes when they find out that they misinterpretated the phrase to serve man. Finally, The Fugitive. This one is very awesome but very confusing and you have to see it for your self. ...

"It's a Cookbook!"
This eighth installment in the Twilight Zone DVD collection is all about To Serve Man, as far as I'm concerned. That is the episode that I most remember from when I watched this series as a kid (not in the sixties, I saw the repeats and the annual marathon on the Sci-Fi Channel). I remember that those tall aliens scared the cr*p out of me! I used to "see" them in my room while lying in bed at night (which sucked if I had to go to the bathroom, seeing as I was too scared to move). And yet, this was always my favorite episode. The plot is just so cool! Aliens come to Earth to "help" humans, they teach us to efficient ways to farm and things like that. They even take some of us back to their home planet (as dinner guests perhaps?-ha ha). A couple of U.S. code breakers get a hold of one of the aliens' books and try to crack the code. They figure out the title "To Serve Man" (which they naturally assume means to help man, since that's what the aliens appear to be doing), but can't figure out the rest. Until one of them decides to go on one of the many trips to the aliens' home planet. Just as he's getting on the spaceship, his partner figures out the meaning of the book... God! Now that is television!
Oh yeah, the rest of the episodes are great(as Twilight Zones episodes all tend to be). "Shelter" is another one that I can remember watching as a kid. It's about this family who obviously has a bomb shelter, and when a UFO invasion seems eminent, the whole neighborhood is fighting to get in. (This was also spoofed by the Simpson's.) The other two are also very good and definitely deserve a place in this collection, but aren't "classics".
The DVD is great, too. The picture is of course great, but it also has a cool extra. It has commentary on each season, information on the brilliant Rod Serling, and reviews of each episode.
If you like these Twilight Zone collections, I suggest that you also get the movie Requiem for a Heavyweight. It was written by Rod Serling and stars TZ regular Jack Klugman and Jackie Gleason, and is about a washed up boxer.

Aliens and the end of the world are offered up from the Zone
Aliens abound in the first pair of episodes of "The Twilight Zone" on Volume 8 in this DVD series. "The Fugitive," written by Charles Beaumont, features J. Pat O'Malley as Old Ben, an alien who befriends a lovely little girl named Jenny (Susan Gordon). "To Serve Man," adapted by Rod Serling from Damon Knight's short story, is one of the most famous Zone episodes with its "Solyvent Green" ending. A Kanamit (Richard Kiel) has come to earth to create a golden age with the advanced technology of his race. Michael Chambers (Lloyd Bochner), a government decoding expert, learns to learn the true meaning of the title of the book left by the Kanamit. In both of this episodes we learn appearances can be deceptive.

The second set of episodes focuses on the end of the world (almost). "Third from the Sun." adapted by Serling from Richard Matheson's short story, tells of scientist William Sturka (Fritz Weaver), who is convinced the world is about to end in a nuclear war. Along with test pilot Jerry Riden (Joe Maross), they escape with their families to a new planet. My favorite, and the best episode on the disc, is "The Shelter." This is one of Serling's "preachy" scripts where he hits the mark perfectly. The neighborhood is gathering for a surprise party for Doc Stockton (Larry Gates), when the radio announces radar has detected what appears to be incoming missiles. Doc, his wife and young son go to the shelter he has built in his basement. His unprepared neighbors beg to be let it, but there is not enough room or supplies. That is when things get ugly. Some people consider "The Shelter" to be melodramatic, but I always found it rather chilling. So three of the episode included her are well above average, making this one of the better volumes in "The Twilight Zone" DVD series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Three episodes dealing with dreams, with two excellent forays into Zone-ishness and one clunker. Also on the disc are special hidden zonesthat contain the isolated music score for each program and a few of the show's original ads.

"A Stop at Willoughby"
"A Stop at Willoughby" is Rod Serling in top form, using one of his favorite themes of escaping to a simpler time. James Daly is a businessman frazzled to the breaking point by an insensitive, demanding wife and a blubbery plutocrat of a boss who importunes him to "Push! Push! Push!" On the train ride home, he begins to dream of an idyllic town called Willoughby, not on the map or train schedule, but perhaps more than just thestuff of imaginings. Ah, Willoughby! Still relevant after all these years.

"Twenty-Two"
"Twenty-Two" is one of the show's six episodes shot on videotape, but still achieves a rare degree of eeriness due to its strong concept and acting. Barbara Nichols stars as a stripper who's checked into a hospital with nervous exhaustion, where she begins having precognitive dreams aboutdeadly doings in the hospital's basement, an exotic nurse leading her there with the foreboding phrase, "Room for one more, honey."

"I Dream of Genie"
"I Dream of Genie" shows the strain of TZ's change from half-hour tofull-hour format. A nebbish accountant (Howard Morris) acquires a magical lamp whose genie grants him one wish. The only highlight of this not-too-funny humoresque is the genie, played by veteran character actor Jack Albertson in a brief cameo, smoking a fat cigar and cracking wise. All else is drawn-out Walter Mitty-style fantasy sequences of said nebbish imagining the results of his prospective wish. Oh, and that signpost up ahead? Boredom. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Five stars for "stop at willoughby" and "twenty - two"
Although I think that the first installment on this dvd is an absolutely fabulous episode, "twenty-two" is without a doubt my all time favorite episode of twilight zone. The line "room for one more, honey" has become a family catch phrase. This episode really achieves that eerie quality and the suspense that you come to enjoy from the better examples of the twilight zone, rivaled only by such episodes as "the after hours" and "to serve man". And the repetitive actions that the stripper goes through still don't prepare you for the final amazing twist at the end. I recommend that everyone see this, or you're not a real TZ fan!

Five stars for Willoughby alone
Maybe it's because I AM in the advertising business. Maybe it's because I'm a nostalgic romantic who yearns for the "simpler days" of a hundred years ago (which is why I enjoyed Jack Finney's "Time and Again" novel so much). Maybe it's just because I enjoy Rod Serling's writing so much.

Don't know. All I know is that "A Stop at Willoughby" is one of my all-time three favorite TZ episodes ("Time Enough at Last" and "Walking Distance" being the other two).

Sharing a theme similar to "Walking Distance" (another episode about a burned out advertising executive who gets to step back in time), "A Stop at Willoughby" is the story of a harried, "average" man caught up in a lifestyle that pushes him to ulcers and dreams of days gone by. While on board a train returning home one evening, he dozes off only to be awakened by the conductor calling out the stop -- "Willoughby" -- a place not even found on the map. Of course, it's summer in Willoughby. And the townspeople are happy, slow-paced and friendly...a life the ulcerated ad-man wishes he could step into.

Of course, he does. And there's a typical TZ twist at the end.

I bought this DVD just for "A Stop at Willoughby." And it's a good thing, too. Althought the episode "Twenty-Two" is interesting (especially watching Lost in Space's Jonathan Harris in the role of a doctor), it's not even close to Willoughby's finesse.

The third episode -- "I Dream of Genie" -- is interesting only because Andy Griffth Show's Howard Morris stars. Other than that, it's nothing worth remembering.

If you're a middle-aged advertising executive, you need to see "A Stop at Willoughby." Or, then again, maybe not. That first step is a doozy.

The classic "A Stop at Willoughby" and two lesser Zones
People unhappy with their lives look for something better in the three episodes on Volume 34 of "The Twilight Zone" DVD series. First up is Rod Serling's wistful story, "A Stop at Willoughby." James Daly plays ad exuctive Gart Williams, who loses an important account. Riding the train home he has a dream of a restful little town called Willoughby. Williams believes that Willoughby is where he really belongs, but his wife ridicules the idea, forcing him to go back to the job he hates. This is Serling at his lyrical best. "Twenty-Two," was also written by Serling, based on an anecdote in Bennett Cerf's "Famous Ghost Stories." Barbara Nichols plays Liz Powell, a professional dancer who has recurring nightmares that make her associate the number 22 with death. Again, everybody she tells this to thinks she is crazy. This is a below average episode of the Zone. Finally, we have "I Dream of Genie," written by John Furia, Jr. Howard Morris plays bookkeeper George P. Hanley, who buys a tarnished Arabian lamp for Ann (Patricia Barry), the attractive secretary at his office. Too embarrassed to give it to her, he takes the lamp home, rubs it up and a genie appears! The deal, the genie informs George, is that he gets just ONE wish. But every thing George comes up with is not going to give him the happiness he wants. A great idea, especially given all the stories we have scene where the genie's wishes are traps, but the execution suffers somewhat, especially since it gets stretched out to an hour long episode. So what we end up with on this episode is one Twilight Zone classic and a couple of sub-par excursions.

Focussing attention on the episode entitled "Twenty-Two"
As a longtime fan of the Sci-Fi & especially the Twilight Zone, I was very disappointed that the episode called "Twenty-Two" from the second season had not been released on DVD.

Here it is --- & you wont want to miss it.

A dancer recovering from from a nervous breakdown is plagued by a recurring nightmare. When her plight enters the Twilight Zone, things become very interesting.

One of the eiriest and most memorable episodes of the Twilight Zone, it may have served as source material for the horror movie Final Destination. After watching this episode, I doubt you'll ever forget the words "There's room for one more". ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Classic "Eye of the Beholder" and the Zone pilot
"Where Is Everybody?", written by Rod Serling, was the premier episode of "The Twilight Zone," so it makes perfect sense that it is on the last volume in the DVD series. Earl Holliman plays Mike Ferris, who finds himself wearing an Air Force jumpsuit in a deserted town and no clue who he is or why he is there. While this episode was obviously good enough to get the series on the air, it ends up being a lesser effort given what is to come. Compare it, for example, to the classic "The Eye Of The Beholder," also written by Serling, where we have the story of Janet Tyler, a woman whose hideously deformed face has made her an outcast all of her life. Now she faces her eleventh and final operation in a last chance to look normal. Maxine Stuart plays Janet under the bandages, and Donna Douglas plays her as revealed. This is one of the show's finest episodes and it is nice to see they saved a gem for this late in the DVD series. "A World of His Own" was the final episode of the first season, which was actually written by Richard Matheson despite the fact Serling makes an appearance IN the episode! Keenan Wynn is Gregory West, a writer who has a wonderful dictation machine: whatever he describes, from beautiful women to elephants, materializes. A cute little episode for which Serling's appearance is a fitting punch line. Finally, "A Thing About Machines" is a nice coutnerpart to the previous episode. Writtten by Serling it tells of Barlett Finchley (Richard Haydn), a man who really, really hates machines. What he fails to realize, however, is that they hate him back. However, there is really nothing special to this episode beyond that idea. So when all is said and done this is an above average volume in the DVD series, which probably deserves a 4.5, but gets rounded up because even if two of the episodes are average, one of them is historically important.

What's on #43?, and 2 "lost" episodes...
I don't own this DVD yet, but I wanted to find out what are the Episodes included on it -- NONE of the previous reviews, despite lengthy numerical analyses of how many episodes are included in the series, mention the simple fact of "what's on #43"!! Secondly, I browsed thru all the Amazon descriptions, and could not find on ANY Volume the following 2 Episodes: "The Masks", and "The Howling Man". Where are these two?? -- HELP!! (thanks...)

Wish they were in order
Got all 43 DVDs (45 if you include the 2 "Treasures"). They are great and ALL 156 episodes are represented. The last reviewer somehow miscounted and thought two were missing. They are not missing. The "Passersby" is on DVD #6 while "Come Wander With Me" is on #41. Its terrific to finally have this great series on DVD, I just wish they appeared in order of release.

Repetitive, but still one of the best....
This is the last volume in the series. For those of you still looking for episodes not in the numerical series, they may be on "More Treasures of the TZ" or "Tresures of the TZ" which were produced prior to Vol. 1.
While two of the episodes on this DVD are found elsewhere in the series, the other two are not. However, there are a couple of surprises on this disc which make it important to history buffs and die-hard fans. "A World of His Own" is one of my personal favorites. It has the most "unique" ending of any episode, as it should -- it was the final episode of the first season.

Does Anybody Know What Episodes Are On This DVD?
Am I the only person who knows what episodes are on this DVD. All the reviews I have read doesn't mention the episode that are on this volume. Well I guess I will have to give them. Below are the episodes of this volume: 1)"Where Is Everybody?" (Episode 1- Oct. 2, 1959) 2)"The Eye Of The Beholder" (Episode 42- Nov. 11, 1960) 3)"A World Of His Own" (Episode 36- July 1, 1960) 4)"A Thing About Machines" (Episode 40- Oct. 28, 1960) Those are the episodes in this volume. This is a great volume of the Twilight Zone. It is so great that we should at least let people know what episodes are on this volume. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Mr. Dingle, the Strong" (Ep. 55, March 3, 1959) - A timid salesman (Burgess Meredith) is given super strength by a Martian experimenter. He eventually returns to normal--briefly. For the experiments have just begun! "Two" (Ep. 66, September 15, 1961) - Two lone survivors (Elizabeth Montgomery, Charles Bronson) of a nuclear holocaust must start the world anew--a difficult prospect since they are from opposing sides in the war! "A Passage for Trumpet" (Ep. 32, May 20, 1960) - After committing suicide, an unsuccessful trumpet player (Jack Klugman) is given a second chance at life. But first he must learn what it means to be dead in a world full of life. "The Four of Us are Dying" (Ep. 13, January 1, 1960) - Gifted with the ability to change his face, Arch Hammer devises a plan to elevate himself. The plan works perfectly until he's caught with the wrong face at the wrong time! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great DVD!
More great episodes!

Passage for the Trumpet- Best on the disk. great episode. (****)

Mr. Dingle the Strong- This was a fun episode. It was kind of funny. (***)

Two- Didn't care for this one too much. It was ok I guess, but I kept wondering when it would be over. (**)

The Four of Us are Dying- Didn't like this one too much either. It probably would have been better if it were longer. (**)

Good but not Compelling
Volume 4 features the various twists and turns that made the Twlight Zone famous, but this DVD does not impress as much as others will. In "Mr. Dingle, the Strong," a saleman played by Burgess Meredith, realizes that he has been blessed with awesome strength (from Martians). The story fails, however, when the Martians take back the powers they gave only to give Dingle new powers that will lead to predictable results. "Two" is very interesting dramtically. Two survivors of a nuclear holocaust, Elizabeth Montgomery and Charles Bronson, find themselves alone in a barren town. Unfortunately, there is little conflict here, and while the Bronson and Montgomery do a fine bit of acting, there is not much story for them to perform; the ending is rather anti-climatic. In "A Passage for Trumpet," Jack Klugman plays a trupet player who learns what it is like to be dead. This is possibly the best episode of Vol. 4. Possibly the most disappointing episode is "The Four of Us are Dying." Arch Hammer is able to change his face at a moment's notice, but in the Twilight Zone, such "talent" brings unexpected consequences. The ending is somewhat predictable and there is little to care for in the characters.

Overall the stories on this DVD have potential, but one suspects that given more time, they could have been polished further.

Burgess Meredith and Jack Klugman revisit the Twilight Zone
When all of the reviews for several DVDs of "The Twilight Zone" disappear, should we be surprised? In "Mr. Dingle, the Strong," written by Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith returns to the Zone as a mousy little salesman who is given the strength of 300 men by a double-headed Martian as an experiment. When his super strength goes to Dingle's head the Martians abandon the experiment, which is not the end of the story. "Two," written by Montgomery Pittman, stars Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery as the last survivors from the two sides of a nuclear war. Bronson gets all of the dialogue except for a single word in Russian by Montgomery in this surprisingly realistic and gritty little tale of survival. There is also the wonderful reversal of stereotypes: the rugged Bronson is the pacifist and the lovely Montgomery who turns to violence. The first episode of the show's third season, this is a top-rate tale.

Another familiar face in the Zone, Jack Klugman, plays Joey Crown, a down on his luck musician who decides to commit suicide in "A Passage for Trumpet," written by Serling. However, after throwing himself in front of a truck, Joey discovers he has a second chance to choose which way to go. This episode features a nice turn by John Anderson as "Gabe." Finally, we have "The Four of Us Are Dying," written by Serling from an unpublished story by George Clayton Johnson. Arch Hammer (Harry Townes) can make his face change into a trumpet player (Ross Martin), a murdered gangster (Phillip Pine) and a boxer (Don Gordon), all in order to take advantage of people. But this is the Zone and Fate conspires against Hammer in a most satisfactory manner. Volume 4 of "The Twilight Zone" DVD series has at least one outright classic episode with "Two," while "Mr. Dingle, The Strong" and "A Passage for Trumpet" are well-above average and even that last episode has some nice moments, as when Hammer's face changes while he is shaving. As a rule of thumb anything in the series with Meredith or Klugman is worth having and this disc has them both. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great DVD
More great episodes!

Long Distance Call- This one freaked me out. It was a great episode though. (****)

I Sing the Body Electric- Didn't like it too much. Felt like one of those 50's family sitcom's and not Twilight Zone. (**)

The Lonely- great episode. better that the previous. (****)

Probe 7 Over and Out- Great episode with a great and surprising ending. (****)

Grandmothers, Robots and War
Volume 5 of Collection One features four good episodes. "Long Distance Call" is somewhat predictable, but the acting makes it entertaining. "I Sing the Body Electric" was written by Ray Bradbury and is about the newest member of the family: Grandmother/Robot. The story focuses on family as its theme, however, not science fiction. "The Lonely" is the best episode of Volume 5 and involves a convict in years of solitary confinement. "Probe 7" is initially suspenseful, and ends with an interesting twist. Overall this collection is quite good and recommended.

Grandmothers, Androids and Love in "The Twilight Zone"
There are some interesting links between each set of episodes in Volume 5 of "The Twilight Zone" DVD series. Billy Mumy makes his first appearance on the Zone in "Long Distance Call," written by William Idelson and Charles Beaumont. Billy gets a toy telephone for his birthday from Grandma Bayles (Lili Darvas), who promptly gets ill and dies. Sad for a while, Billy suddenly spends all his time on the toy telephone, claiming Grandma is on the other end. When Billy tries to kill himself because the voice on the phone told him to, his father (Philip Abbott) grabs the phone and begs his dead mother to let Billy stay in the land of the living. Josephine Hutchinson plays a kinder, gentler but android Grandmother in "I Sing the Body Electric," written by Ray Bradbury from his short story. David White plays a widower who buys Grandma to take care of his three children and the focus of the story is on Anne (Veronica Cartwright), who refuses to accept the substitute for her dead mother. Hutchinson's performance is on target from start to finish.

Androids are also featured in "The Lonely," where Jack Warden plays Corry, a convicted murderer sentenced to fifty years on an asteroid in this story by Rod Serling. Captain Allenby (John Dehner) of the supply ship that stops by leaves him a present: an android named Alicia (Jean Marsh). But when Corry is pardoned, he is told he must leave the "woman" he loves behind. The idea of being in love while stranded out in space is also found in Serling's "Probe 7, Over & Out." Colonel Cook (Richard Basehart) learns that a nuclear war has destroyed his planet. Exploring the new world on which he is stranded, he discovers a footprint that leads him to Norda (Antoinette Bower), the sole survivor of her own planet, which went out of orbit. Together they will start over. And you will never guess what their first names happen to be. The linkage of these episodes is certainly creative and these are four solid episodes even if none rise to the status of certifiable classics (i.e., 4.5 stars to be completely accurate).

Richard Basehart is the best actor you will see !
No matter what anyone says about this volume, watch it for the benefit of seeing the actor Richard Basehart in "Probe 7-Over and Out". He went on to star in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and that was the most sucessful action series on television in the 1960's. David Headson did the series entirely because of him. Another note worthy episode is "I Sing the Body Electric" starring Veronica Cartwright. On her webpage she says it was the most successful episode of her appearance on the series.

Watch it !

The Meaning of Love and Attachment
I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC was Ray Bradbury's sole contribution to the "Twilight Zone." One of the more subtle episodes, this story is strong on characterization and reaches out on an emotional level rather than to any notion of scientific curiosity of the introduction of a robot grandmother, beautifully played by Josephine Hutchinson, into a family (including Veronica Cartwright). This is a very good episode and is one of my favorites. THE LONELY is one of Rod Serling's classics from the series. Jack Warden convincingly plays a convict sentenced to forty years alone on a distant asteroid. A periodic supply ship commanded by John Dehner one day leaves him a companion, a robot played flawlessly by Jean Marsh. Bernard Herrmann's poignant score evokes the enigmatic inner feeling of Jack Warden's love for his companion. And subsequently Herrmann's score captures the human quality of this female robot as she reciprocates that love. The combination of scripting, acting and scoring realistically captures our perceptions of loneliness, love, loss and reality. PROBE 7 - OVER AND OUT leisurely written by Rod Serling for the 5th Season examines the relationship of two beings, Richard Basehart and Antoinette Bower, the sole survivors of their respective annihilated planets. Basehart and the much underrated and forgotten Bower give good performances. LONG DISTANCE CALL written by Charles Beaumont and William Idelson is one of the six episodes recorded directly to videotape instead of being photographed on film. The story concerns a little boy played by Billy Mumy who communicates with his dead grandmother over his toy phone. Thematically it rounds out this volume as it examines our attachment to those we love. ... Read more

Reviews (127)

Time warp in modern times
Based on Michael Crichton's novel of transposing modern day humans back into medieval times, it follows the book nicely. Personally I would much rather have seen a film of the trilogy written by Stephen Donaldson on the same hyposis and along similar times, one of which is titled A MAN RIDES THROUGH. Both usemirrors to achieve the time warp experience from medieval to this century.

This story takes place in 1971 where a diverse group of archaeology students, working under the auspices of ITC in New Mexico, are involved in excavating the ruins of Castlegard in France. Their professor has disappeared and, using a
wormhole in a wooded area, are transported back in time to rescue him. They have six hours in our concept of time and given markers to use for their return within that timeline.

Arriving on April 4, 1357, the day of a French attack on this particular castle, we see a lot of action. Only the modern men showed fear in combat. William Decker, stranded there 400 years in the past because of transcription errors, exemplified the savage cruelty which is second nature in a hostile environment. He showed this young group 'the price we pay' for discovery, that knowledge of history depends upon survival. One thing worse than dying here is living here, they were told.

This film uses a primitive set of castle grounds complete with thatched roof. The church at the base of a mountain on which a fortress stood contained a tomb of a couple holding hands in death. In the modern scene, the female student was intrigued with the dead man having only one ear. The mystery is revealed
during the fireworks of a fierce battle that evening.

One of their group was ready to change history over a woman; instead, he spends 25 years back in time to die in 1382. Andre Merick had his ear cut off and stayed behind with his love, Lady Clare.

You've just got to see the Greek fire used in this fight in the name of justice. They were told, "God is on your side." The night arrows turned the tide. A lot of fire was used.

Because of the timeline (6 hrs. down to a few minutes) for anyone to safely return, a battle was also going on in the lab as time runs out. You must see the entire episode to discover who indeed returns and who is lost. "Well done, my Lord."

Zero artistic effort here
What a lazy, sophomoric effort by Richard Donner. I read Timeline a few years ago and I recall enjoying it. It wasn't great literature, but it was fast and fun and I looked forward to the film version. I regret to report that I honestly can't think of one single redeeming feature in this sorry excuse of a film. A script that butchers the book, which is amazing in itself. Crichton practically writes his novels for the screen these days. Uninspired directing. In the past Donner has given us some fine work like Ladyhawk and Lethal Weapon. It was painfully obvious that the person who made this turd just did not care if it was good or not. The cast was barely adequate, with only Gerard Butler making any kind of impression. The action scenes were cable TV quality, as were the sets and costumes. How bad was this movie? Congo (another Crichton novel that was mugged by the filmakers), by comparison, was a good movie. Zero artistic effort here. Sub-zero, if there is such a thing.

Could have been better
Abraham doesnt sound like too intelligent of a reviewer so I will try and make sense of it.

The movie is entertaining, if LOOSELY based off the incredible book by Michael Crichton. (Abraham, i suggest you read the book before blathering off about something you know nothing about)

There are plot holes, bad acting, and less than stellar wardrobes. But if you have read the book, it is still entertaining to see the characters on screen and see the story in action.

in my bottom 5, occupying # 2.
Book? I don't know about any book, I'm talking about the movie. I can't believe someone even dared to share this crapp with us.

Filled with flaws, TERRIBLE acting, stupid plot (ergo stupid screenplay), cheap unbelievable custome design, cheesy, artless, mindless, insulting, etc. etc. etc.

I wish I'd watch it more recently so I could make a list for you of all the flaws, mistakes, nonsense presented in this rubbish. I can remember an example though:

When the archeologists are discovering that new "whatever" underground, the girls says: "Who would destroy such a beautiful piece of art?" (the stone). Then, when they are back in middle age, she is infront of the stone and she must break it so they can escape, then she remembers what she said and answers herself: "Oh, I did it". (...) What?! The writer might've as well al least watched Back To The Future to get some lessons on time-traveling rules. Nothing you change in the past can be seen in the present before you did it (before the time traveling), because if wouldn't have any sense. In less words, what if she decided NOT to travel in time? Would that stone be broken? Who would've done it? crapp, crapp, crapp.

No opinions here, some movies are still about opinions (In my opinion it's good, in my opinion it's bad), this is plain bad and anyone who thinks the contrary has no idea what he's talking about, and if you son't believe me, check the general rating.

Wish it were longer, more details.......
My husband and I really enjoyed this film, it could have been longer, providing more details, like how they arrived at building the aparatus in the first place, why the first guy was killed, and by whom, Why Deckar was left behind, and felt compelled to kill the person that left him behind. Just develop it more, it has great potential for what might have been, but is still really enjoyable the way it is. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Static"
Dean Jagger turns in a finely tuned performance as an aging curmudgeon who eschews the picture tube for the old-time radio. But the radio in question tunes in only to the past, where Jagger might make amends for lost opportunities. The fact that Rod Serling repeatedly revisited this subject matter in episodes like this one and "A Stop at Willoughby" suggests a deep-seated penchant for romanticism--or that he was greatly overworked. One of only six episodes shot on videotape, the downgrade in visual quality lends a chamber-drama quality to theepisode's return-to-simpler-times theme.

"Four O'Clock"
A lone bigot holed up in his little apartment with a vast card catalog of "subversives" has come up with the answer to all the "evil" people in the world: At four o'clock he will make them all two feet tall! Only--as so often happens on TZ--the biter gets bitten and comes upa little short himself. Theodore Bikel plays the paranoiac with relish.

"The Parallel"
Bearing a striking resemblance to the classic 1969 film Journey to the FarSide of the Sun this is one TZ episode that deals strictly with science fiction, in this case the possibility of parallel universes. Steve Forrest plays an astronaut returning from a space mission only to find himself in a world askew, where everything looks the same but small differences keep cropping up (JFK isn't president, for example). Space exploration and the depths of the unknown make familiar bedfellows in this hour-long piece from the fourth season that earns every minute of screen time. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dean Jagger in the classic Twilight Zone episode "Static"
One classic episode of "The Twilight Zone" is included on Volume 35 of the DVD series. Dean Jagger turns in a wonderful performance as Ed Lindsay in "Static," written by Charles Beaumont and based on an unpublished story by OCee Ritch. Lindsay cannot stand television and retrieves his old radio set from the basement of his boarding house. He discovers that he can receive radio programs from the past--but only when he is alone. Vinnie Broun, an old maid who was once engaged to Lindsay, thinks he is losing his mind. "Static" represents nostagia with a Twilight Zone twist. "Four O'Clock," written by Rod Serling and based on Price Day's short story, stars Theodore Bikel as Oliver Crangle, a hateful little man who keeps files on people that he considers evil. Somehow, Crangle has decided that at Four O'Clock he will shrink every evil person in the world down to two inches tall. Want to guess how this one ends? Bikel's performance is wasted on Crangle, an over simplified caricature who gets his just deserts. Finally we have "The Parallel," an hour-long Zone written by Serling. Robert Gaines (Steve Forrest) is orbiting the Earth when his space capsule suddenly disappears. Gaines wakes up in the hospital, told his capsule landed 46-miles from where it lifted off for space. Although it looks like he has returned home, Gaines discovers that things are not the same and becomes convinced something is terribly wrong. An interesting premise, but like most of the Zones from the fourth season, "The Parallel" simply drags on too long. So what we end with is one classic episode of "The Twilight Zone" and a couple of lesser efforts. Sure looks like a marketing ploy to me.

STATIC Deserved Better
Six episodes of the "Twilight Zone" were recorded directly onto videotape instead of film. STATIC is one of those episodes. It was written by Charles Beaumont and directed by Buzz Kulik. It starred veteran character actor Dean Jagger as a cantankerous old man tired of the mundane quality of television. Confined to a boarding house full of idly comfortable couch potatoes, he longed for the simplistic days of his beloved radio broadcasts and for a fellow boarder whom he once loved but was never able to express his feelings for. This is one of the best episodes of the "Twilight Zone" and is a companion piece to KICK THE CAN. Because it was recorded direct to videotape it suffers from the technical shortcomings from that era and loses all its dramatic impact. I never realized how good this episode was until I watched this DVD. STATIC should have been the classic episode it was meant to be right up there with WALKING DISTANCE. I recommend this one from the heart.

FOUR O'CLOCK is a tour de force for actor Theodore Bikel as a man bent on exposing all evil at 4 o'clock. I believe that this is Rod Serling's commentary on the McCarthy era. This is a very memorable and important episode.

THE PARALLEL is a fourth season hour episode written by Rod Serling. Steve Forrest gives a very good performance as a returning astronaut whose life seems to contain very subtle changes. I read some criticism about Steve Forrest's "wooden performance." On the contrary, Steve Forrest is the professional United States Marine pilot who remains cool headed and objective while trying to analyze the dilemma he is now in. This is a good episode. ... Read more

Reviews (275)

One Super DVD
Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap the tallest building in a single bound. The world's greatest superhero has finally arrived on DVD with "Superman: The Movie" Special Edition. The film focuses on the young survivor of the doomed world of Krypton. After crash-landing on earth, the young alien is adopted by a caring farm couple and grows up with amazing superhuman abilities. Moving to Metropolis, he uses his incredible powers to protect the people and fight injustice. "Superman- the Movie" is probably the best superhero movie to date. The story is quite entertaining but does lose some strength during the second half though it still manages to preserve its entertainment value. The film contains some great performance by Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder and Marlon Brando as Jor-El. The cast also includes Jackie Cooper, Terence Stamp and Ned Beatty. From daring rescues to superhuman feats of strength, the film contains some impressive action sequence and terrific visual effects.

The DVD honors the Man of Steel like it should. The comic book film is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a sharp video transfer and a fine 5.1 Dolby Digital sound with great surround effects. This amazing DVD features an audio commentary with director Richard Donner and consultant Tom Mankiewicz, additional footage including an extended sequence inside Lex Luther's underground gauntlet, behind-the-scenes documentaries, theatrical trailers, deleted scenes and DVD-ROM extras. With such a striking DVD presentation, "Superman" earns an "A".

Super features, super options, JUST PLAIN SUPER!
I enjoyed the Superman DVD. 25 years after this movie came out and seeing it so many times on TV with pan and scan, the newly remastered print blows everything out of the water. The music only option works for the title sequence and hearing the extra tracks on Side B adds to the genius that was John Williams soundtrack.

The audio is remastered and put on a surround sound system instead of the setup I have at home would shake your house to the core. The extra scenes were a good touch as well. Behind the scenes added the great touch of mystique that was Superman. Having Marc McClure host the BTS stuff added a bit of credibility.

Until Spider-Man last year and Batman in 1989, this was the film on which Superheroes were judged. The Hulk disappointed and Daredevil and X-2 were moderate hits.

Superman still stands the test of time, no matter what your views.

Spider-Man has kind of surpassed it...
Well now that we have seen the two Spider-Man movies, I tend to belive that they are now the standards by which other comic book films (both Marvel and DC) will have to live up to now. In a way, Superman is now kind of the odd film out. It works better as an origin story in how Clarke Kent becomes Superman and Chris Reeve's effective perfomance in the title role still works, In the comics, Lex Luthor has always been a one dimensional cartoon character, the only time that he was an effective villian was when Gene Hackman played him in this movie. The final scenes of Superman turning the Earth backward to save lois lane, are what they are. It might be a bit far fetched to put in a movie, but that does not stop audiences from enjoying it. and it doesn't stop me from watching it over and over again.

Born on Krypton, raised by the Kents on Earth, Becomes Hero
The Man of Steel flys into the spectactular motion picture, Based The DC Comic and also appearing in Action Comics, Christopher Reeve stars as Clark Kent.Reporter in Metropolis,Illnois for the newspaper the Daily Planet,And trouble emerges Clark Kent flys to the rescue as Superman, a blue suited red caped powerful wonder. He takes on Lex Luthor played Gene Hackman and falls for Lois Lane played Margot Kidder and Marlon Brand as the Krytonian father of Superman Jor EL. This Film is a Great Superhero movie and great film all around, probably the most imaginative thing the Man of Steel has been in. Superman began as the comic, then a radio show, several 1950s B movies, TV show and in 1978 the true Superman ovie. Superman is imaginative in everthing because hes an imaginative character. A pop culture icon on screen and in everthing else. the Special Effects are incredible, This a Super high flying ride. You Want a good superhero movie before Batman and Spider-Man this is it. If it wasn't for this classic we would'nt have superhero movies like Spider-Man 1&2,Batman,Hulk and X-Men 1&2. Thank Hollywood for making a great superhero film that lauched other superhero films. A thrilling Film of one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century, The Man of Steel, SUPERMAN.

Release Superman into our 21st century!
Very bad film.
They released Spiderman into the 21st century, why not Superman?
I've always found him to be the most appealing comic book character. He is sure for an amazing performance.
RELEASE HIM INTO OUR CENTURY! ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Miniature" (Ep. 110, February 21, 1963, 50 min.) - Robert Duvall is a shy bachelor who discovers a miniature doll apparently alive inside a 19th century dollhouse. Fascinated, he whiles away the hours peering into this little world and wishing he were part of it. "The Jeopardy Room" (Ep. 149, April 17, 1964) - In a deadly game of cat and mouse, Soviet defector Major Ivan Kuchenko (Martin Landau) has three hours to escape from a room with a ticking bomb and a gun pointing at his head. "Stopover in a Quiet Town" (Ep. 150, April 24, 1964) - Bob and Millie Frazier wake to find themselves in a strange town where everything appears to be fake. There are no other people, though they can hear the giggling of a little girl... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Robert Duvall in Charles Beaumont's classic "Miniature"
A charming little fantasy with Robert Duvall is the highlight of Volume 31 in "The Twilight Zone" DVD series. Duvall stars as Charley Parkes in "Miniature," an hour-long episode written by Charles Beaumont. Charley is a shy bachelor who still lives with his mother (Pert Kelton). In a museum he discovers a 19th-century dollhouse with a tiny mechanical doll (Claire Griswold) playing the harpsichord, only to be told the doll is carved from a single piece of wood and does not move. Charley does not fit in the real world and becomes obsessed with life in the dollhouse. "Miniature" is a beautiful love story by Beaumont with a touching performance by Duvall. "The Jeopardy Room," written by Rod Serling, features Martin Landau as Major Ivan Kuchenko, a defector from the Soviet Union, who is tracked down by an assassin, Commissar Vassiloff (John vanKreelan). Vassiloff has planted a bomb in Kuchenko's room: if her finds it within three hours he is free to go; if he triggers the bomb it will explode; if he stops looking for it or tries to leave the room he will be shot. No fantasy elements here, just good old fashion suspense. "Stopover in a Quiet Town," written by Earl Hamner, Jr., tells the story of Bob and Millie Frazier (Barry Nelson and Nancy Malone), an unhappy couple who get drunk at a party and wake up in a strange house where everything is fake. The "2001" twist on this one has little impact because these are such unpleasant people that you cannot identify with their plight. Actually, until you get to the very end of the second episode, this is a very good disc. On-balance this one ends up being slight better than average.

Good Episodes from the 4th and 5th Seasons
The 4th and 5th seasons of the "Twilight Zone" always seem to get poor marks for originality and production values. This DVD can testify to the contrary. 'MINIATURE' written by Charles Beaumont is a tour-de-force of underplaying a role by Robert Duvall. This is a beautiful story of an introverted man that escapes the real world into a fantasy one when he becomes intrigued by a museum's miniature replica of life in the 1890's. 'THE JEOPARDY ROOM' written by Rod Serling and directed by Dick Donner seems more akin to "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" but is a good play on words and strategies between Martin Landau and John VanDreelen with it 'cold war' views and interpolations. It is still a story of the individual who must emerge from a society that would suppress personal freedoms. 'STOPOVER IN A QUIET TOWN' is one of the most memorable episodes from the series. The Earl Hamner, Jr. story starring Barry Nelson and Nancy Malone as the stranded couple who wake up in a deserted middle class neighborhood returns back to the very origins of the series with a quite innovative ending. These are all well produced episodes and are very representative to the theme of the series.

GREAT DVD
This DVD features "Miniature" with Robert Duvall as Charley Parks. This one is such a sweet episode because he falls in love with this doll!

"The Jeopardy Room" is the best one on this DVD. It features Martin Landau trapped in a room with a ticking bomb and a gun pointing at his head. It's a great episode and I love it.

"Stopover in a Quiet Town" is one of the most remembered episodes of the series. It's when two people go to this town but everything is fake. There's no sign of anyone, except the evidence of the laughter of a little girl.

It's the best one released so far next to More Treasures, two, and fifteen. ... Read more