Saturday, April 09, 2011
Digital Digest: Dragnet 1970 - Season 4 DVD Review
The birds can sing as we are in the full swing of spring, but here, we sing all year long in Digital Digest, our weekly feature about all things sitcom related in the home media realm! This week, in addition to our regular news (which, lamentably, is about as slow as it has been regularly lately), we have a review of Dragnet 1970 - Season 4. Let's get going!
DIGITAL NEWS
We know that you're excited about Car 54, Where Are You? - The Complete First Season making it's DVD debut on Tuesday (check out our review here), and you probably aren't thinking "season two, where are you?" just yet... but you should! Because even though no firm date is set for the second season, it IS on the horizon for sometime in 2012. We'll let you know when we have more information, of course.
Our only other news this week is a bit of "housekeeping" news with an announcement (somewhat) of a current season of a current season coming to DVD. This time it is ABC's The Middle, with The Middle - The Complete Second Season. No date is given yet (August or September is a VERY safe bet), but it will come at a $44.98 MSRP.
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (April 12) has one sitcom release with the debut of the classic TV series Car 54, Where Are You? - The Complete First Season, finally available on DVD for the first time ever! You can check out our review of this excellent set here. There are also a few classic drama releases on Tuesday, including Dallas - Movie Collection, which contains every single one of the televised movies based upon the series of Dallas. You can read our review of this set here. Finally, "it's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday" with Joe Friday in Dragnet 1970 - Season 4, the final season of the most popular version of the franchise about Los Angeles police detectives. We have a review of this set today in Digital Digest.
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Joe Friday (Jack Webb) and Bill Gannon (Harry Morgan) are back together one last time for the final season of the late 60s/early 70s incarnation of the series Dragnet. Working together, the crime fighting duo sees it all (and it is all based upon true stories) in the city of Los Angeles, in the era of "sex, drugs, and rock and roll," and do their part to fight back. Check out our review of Dragnet 1970 - Season 4.
DVD Review - Dragnet 1970 - Season 4
by skees53
Dragnet 1970 - Season 4 (Shout! Factory, $34.93) is the end of an era for Jack Webb's iconic series about the police detectives who work hard to keep crime off of the streets of Los Angeles. The final 26 installments of the series, in this four disc set, find Sergeant Friday and Officer Gannon dealing with cases from homicide to forgery to bigamy to drug pushers and even to dognappers. The streets of Los Angeles aren't the safest place in the world, but Friday and Gannon are going to do their best to make those streets just a little bit safer.
The season begins with "Personnel - The Shooting," where the wives of two officers have to comfort each other during an injury in the line of duty. Friday and Gannon come across $25,000 in stolen loot in "S.I.U. - The Ring." Friday and Gannon are working in Central Receiving Hospital in "D.H.Q. - Medical," where they have to deal with some difficult cases. In "Juvenile - The Little Pusher," a junior high school drug bust turns out to be much more than it seems. Friday and Gannon are on the trail of a missing juvenile in "D.H.Q. - Missing Persons." Technicalities may turn a guilty man free in "Burglary - Courtroom."
Friday and Gannon may have to save a 19 year old former addict who may have gone back to old habits in "Narco - Missing Hype." A murder mystery has to be solved in "Homicide - Who Killed Who." In "A.I.D. - The Weekend," a weekend of rest and recreation for the two officers turns out to be anything but that. A dangerous personality changing pill is what the guys are after in "Narco - Pill Maker." What better way to make money than to steal dogs and collect reward money from their owners? That is what one crook does in "Auto Theft - Dognappers." Friday and Gannon have to identify a dead body using very few clues in "Missing Persons - The Body." Friday is in night school in "D.H.Q. - Night School," but making an arrest after class may jeopardize his entire education. The series ends with "D.H.Q. - The Victims," where Friday and Gannon investigate two homicides, an armed robbery, and a purse snatching.
The episode runtimes are fairly consistent this time, with no problems to note at all. Runtimes are as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "Personnel - The Shooting" (25:04)
2. "Homicide - The Student" (25:04)
3. "S.I.U. - The Ring" (25:04)
4. "D.H.Q. - Medical" (25:04)
5. "Burglary - Mister" (25:03)
6. "Juvenile - The Little Pusher" (25:02)
Disc 2:
7. "Homicide - Cigarette Butt" (25:05)
8. "D.H.Q. - Missing Persons" (25:05)
9. "Burglary - Courtroom" (25:02)
10. "Internal Affairs - Parolee" (25:06)
11. "Burglary - Juvenile Genius" (25:02)
12. "Bunco - $9,000" (25:05)
Disc 3:
13. "Narco - Missing Hype" (25:05)
14. "Burglary - Helpful Woman" (25:05)
15. "Homicide - Who Killed Who" (25:05)
16. "Burglary - The Son" (25:04)
17. "A.I.D. - The Weekend" (25:04)
18. "Narco - Pill Maker" (25:03)
19. "Auto Theft - Dognappers" (25:05)
Disc 4:
20. "Missing Persons - The Body" (25:05)
21. "Forgery - The Ranger" (25:03)
22. "D.H.Q. - Night School" (25:05)
23. "I.A.D. - The Receipt" (25:05)
24. "Robbery - The Harassing Wife" (25:03)
25. "Burglary - Baseball" (25:05)
26. "D.H.Q. - The Victims" (25:05)
The set is packaged a bit different this time than the previous sets, as it has gone to the standard Viva cases like many other DVD sets have (as opposed to the previous slimcases). On the cover, we have a simple shot of Friday and Gannon (smiling, believe it or not) and the back has another shot of Friday along with the basic information about the set. Inside the case, we have the four discs (the only artwork is the series logo on a blue background) and a listing of all of the episodes (along with descriptions and airdates) inside the case. Disc 1 contains episodes 1-6, Disc 2 contains episodes 7-12, Disc 3 contains episodes 13-19, and Disc 4 contains episodes 20-26.
The menus are along the same lines as the previous sets, with the main menu displaying the series logo on the main menu with the closing theme playing in the background. The options are the same as the previous sets, with options of Play All, Episodes, and Bonus (on Disc 1 only). Selecting Episodes will give you a menu that shows brief video segments of each episode on the disc. There are chapters placed throughout each episode.
I didn't really notice any problems on the set as far as video and audio is concerned, although there was some of the usual grain and debris. Still, the series doesn't look all that bad considering how old it is. Unfortunately, the episodes are neither closed-captioned nor are they subtitled.
The set contains only one bonus feature, which can be found on Disc 1. "Jack Webb and Harry Morgan on The Jack Benny Second Farewell Special" (5:34) is a brief skit from the second farewell special for Jack Benny where Webb and Morgan reprise their roles as Friday and Gannon to investigate Benny for a purse snatching. It isn't a very long feature, but it is nice to have, at least.
I never thought that this series would be finished on DVD after being stalled for so many years, but now, in less than one year, we've gotten all three of the remaining seasons of the series. It is disappointing that special features have not been too impressive on these sets, but what has been available has been a nice touch to each of the sets. It would be nice to see some of the other incarnations of the series (particularly the version from the 50s) released on DVD now, but aside from the few public domain sets that are out there now, I wouldn't count on those being released anytime soon. Fans of crime dramas are sure to enjoy this, but there is definitely some crossover appeal for this series as well. The series appears to have been removed from online streaming from Netflix, so this is now the best way to view the series. But remember, even though these are true stories, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
(4/5 stars)
To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Dragnet on TV.com
LOOKING AHEAD
It's a wrap for this week in Digital Digest! We've got some Hanna-Barbera animated DVD reviews in the upcoming weeks and more. We hope that you'll be back with us next week and every week thereafter. Until then, keep it digital!
DIGITAL NEWS
We know that you're excited about Car 54, Where Are You? - The Complete First Season making it's DVD debut on Tuesday (check out our review here), and you probably aren't thinking "season two, where are you?" just yet... but you should! Because even though no firm date is set for the second season, it IS on the horizon for sometime in 2012. We'll let you know when we have more information, of course.
Our only other news this week is a bit of "housekeeping" news with an announcement (somewhat) of a current season of a current season coming to DVD. This time it is ABC's The Middle, with The Middle - The Complete Second Season. No date is given yet (August or September is a VERY safe bet), but it will come at a $44.98 MSRP.
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (April 12) has one sitcom release with the debut of the classic TV series Car 54, Where Are You? - The Complete First Season, finally available on DVD for the first time ever! You can check out our review of this excellent set here. There are also a few classic drama releases on Tuesday, including Dallas - Movie Collection, which contains every single one of the televised movies based upon the series of Dallas. You can read our review of this set here. Finally, "it's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday" with Joe Friday in Dragnet 1970 - Season 4, the final season of the most popular version of the franchise about Los Angeles police detectives. We have a review of this set today in Digital Digest.
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Joe Friday (Jack Webb) and Bill Gannon (Harry Morgan) are back together one last time for the final season of the late 60s/early 70s incarnation of the series Dragnet. Working together, the crime fighting duo sees it all (and it is all based upon true stories) in the city of Los Angeles, in the era of "sex, drugs, and rock and roll," and do their part to fight back. Check out our review of Dragnet 1970 - Season 4.
DVD Review - Dragnet 1970 - Season 4
by skees53
Dragnet 1970 - Season 4 (Shout! Factory, $34.93) is the end of an era for Jack Webb's iconic series about the police detectives who work hard to keep crime off of the streets of Los Angeles. The final 26 installments of the series, in this four disc set, find Sergeant Friday and Officer Gannon dealing with cases from homicide to forgery to bigamy to drug pushers and even to dognappers. The streets of Los Angeles aren't the safest place in the world, but Friday and Gannon are going to do their best to make those streets just a little bit safer.
The season begins with "Personnel - The Shooting," where the wives of two officers have to comfort each other during an injury in the line of duty. Friday and Gannon come across $25,000 in stolen loot in "S.I.U. - The Ring." Friday and Gannon are working in Central Receiving Hospital in "D.H.Q. - Medical," where they have to deal with some difficult cases. In "Juvenile - The Little Pusher," a junior high school drug bust turns out to be much more than it seems. Friday and Gannon are on the trail of a missing juvenile in "D.H.Q. - Missing Persons." Technicalities may turn a guilty man free in "Burglary - Courtroom."
Friday and Gannon may have to save a 19 year old former addict who may have gone back to old habits in "Narco - Missing Hype." A murder mystery has to be solved in "Homicide - Who Killed Who." In "A.I.D. - The Weekend," a weekend of rest and recreation for the two officers turns out to be anything but that. A dangerous personality changing pill is what the guys are after in "Narco - Pill Maker." What better way to make money than to steal dogs and collect reward money from their owners? That is what one crook does in "Auto Theft - Dognappers." Friday and Gannon have to identify a dead body using very few clues in "Missing Persons - The Body." Friday is in night school in "D.H.Q. - Night School," but making an arrest after class may jeopardize his entire education. The series ends with "D.H.Q. - The Victims," where Friday and Gannon investigate two homicides, an armed robbery, and a purse snatching.
The episode runtimes are fairly consistent this time, with no problems to note at all. Runtimes are as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "Personnel - The Shooting" (25:04)
2. "Homicide - The Student" (25:04)
3. "S.I.U. - The Ring" (25:04)
4. "D.H.Q. - Medical" (25:04)
5. "Burglary - Mister" (25:03)
6. "Juvenile - The Little Pusher" (25:02)
Disc 2:
7. "Homicide - Cigarette Butt" (25:05)
8. "D.H.Q. - Missing Persons" (25:05)
9. "Burglary - Courtroom" (25:02)
10. "Internal Affairs - Parolee" (25:06)
11. "Burglary - Juvenile Genius" (25:02)
12. "Bunco - $9,000" (25:05)
Disc 3:
13. "Narco - Missing Hype" (25:05)
14. "Burglary - Helpful Woman" (25:05)
15. "Homicide - Who Killed Who" (25:05)
16. "Burglary - The Son" (25:04)
17. "A.I.D. - The Weekend" (25:04)
18. "Narco - Pill Maker" (25:03)
19. "Auto Theft - Dognappers" (25:05)
Disc 4:
20. "Missing Persons - The Body" (25:05)
21. "Forgery - The Ranger" (25:03)
22. "D.H.Q. - Night School" (25:05)
23. "I.A.D. - The Receipt" (25:05)
24. "Robbery - The Harassing Wife" (25:03)
25. "Burglary - Baseball" (25:05)
26. "D.H.Q. - The Victims" (25:05)
The set is packaged a bit different this time than the previous sets, as it has gone to the standard Viva cases like many other DVD sets have (as opposed to the previous slimcases). On the cover, we have a simple shot of Friday and Gannon (smiling, believe it or not) and the back has another shot of Friday along with the basic information about the set. Inside the case, we have the four discs (the only artwork is the series logo on a blue background) and a listing of all of the episodes (along with descriptions and airdates) inside the case. Disc 1 contains episodes 1-6, Disc 2 contains episodes 7-12, Disc 3 contains episodes 13-19, and Disc 4 contains episodes 20-26.
The menus are along the same lines as the previous sets, with the main menu displaying the series logo on the main menu with the closing theme playing in the background. The options are the same as the previous sets, with options of Play All, Episodes, and Bonus (on Disc 1 only). Selecting Episodes will give you a menu that shows brief video segments of each episode on the disc. There are chapters placed throughout each episode.
I didn't really notice any problems on the set as far as video and audio is concerned, although there was some of the usual grain and debris. Still, the series doesn't look all that bad considering how old it is. Unfortunately, the episodes are neither closed-captioned nor are they subtitled.
The set contains only one bonus feature, which can be found on Disc 1. "Jack Webb and Harry Morgan on The Jack Benny Second Farewell Special" (5:34) is a brief skit from the second farewell special for Jack Benny where Webb and Morgan reprise their roles as Friday and Gannon to investigate Benny for a purse snatching. It isn't a very long feature, but it is nice to have, at least.
I never thought that this series would be finished on DVD after being stalled for so many years, but now, in less than one year, we've gotten all three of the remaining seasons of the series. It is disappointing that special features have not been too impressive on these sets, but what has been available has been a nice touch to each of the sets. It would be nice to see some of the other incarnations of the series (particularly the version from the 50s) released on DVD now, but aside from the few public domain sets that are out there now, I wouldn't count on those being released anytime soon. Fans of crime dramas are sure to enjoy this, but there is definitely some crossover appeal for this series as well. The series appears to have been removed from online streaming from Netflix, so this is now the best way to view the series. But remember, even though these are true stories, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
(4/5 stars)To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Dragnet on TV.com
LOOKING AHEAD
It's a wrap for this week in Digital Digest! We've got some Hanna-Barbera animated DVD reviews in the upcoming weeks and more. We hope that you'll be back with us next week and every week thereafter. Until then, keep it digital!
Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Monday, April 6
The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Gemma Johnson's Day Off" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Gemma reaches her limit at work, and when a car issue forces her to slow down, an unexpected break helps her rethink what she really wants next. Meanwhile, Marty and Malcolm’s plans are thrown off course when unexpected opportunities arise, and Dave embraces a new career path.
The Neighorhood - "A Farewell Special" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
CBS presents The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special, an Entertainment Tonight production, airing Monday, April 6 (8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier and filmed on location on The Neighborhood's stages, the special celebrates the acclaimed CBS comedy's final season, honoring eight seasons, 156 episodes, and eight unforgettable years of laughter, heart and community, leading up to the series finale on May 11.
This celebratory event features exclusive new interviews with the cast reflecting on their journey, revisiting early days on set, and looking back at the show's evolution and cultural impact. From its heartfelt exploration of friendship and family to its comedic take on life in a changing community, The Neighborhood has become a beloved part of CBS' comedy legacy.
The special includes never-before-seen footage and archival interviews from the ET Vault, offering fans a nostalgic look at the series' most iconic moments and the relationships built along the way. Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the emotional final days of production, including the cast and crew's last table read, intimate moments from the final tapings, and heartfelt goodbyes.
Additionally, The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special brings audiences inside the cast's final wrap party, capturing the laughter, speeches, memories, and surprises that marked the end of an era. To cap off the evening, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming series finale, with the cast and producers sharing what viewers can expect as the Butlers and Johnsons say farewell to the neighborhood they've called home for nearly a decade.
The Neighorhood - "Welcome to New Horizons" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dave’s silent auction wins lead to a classical concert outing with Gemma and the Butlers that quickly goes off the rails. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s ghostwriting gig takes a surprising turn when Tina encourages him to dive into reality TV for inspiration – sparking an unexpected obsession.
St. Denis Medical - "We Make Time" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When a doctor becomes a patient, his co-workers rally around him, whether he likes it or not; Matt and Serena need to talk.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins - "The Loyalty Swamp" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Tobin's past comes back to haunt him; Reggie and Brina struggle to set a wedding date.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 6)
Monday, April 6
- Jason Segel (Shrinking/How I Met Your Mother/Undeclared) - Watch Jason on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary/Emeril) - Lisa appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Keanu Reaves (Swedish Dicks) - Keanu is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS. He also talks about Outcome on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
- Melissa Gilbert (Stand by Your Man) - ABC's Good Morning America has George Stephanopoulos' exclusive interview with Melissa sometime between 7-9am.
- Laurie Metcalf (Big Mistakes/The Conners/Roseanne/The McCarthys/The Norm Show) - Laurie talks about Big Mistakes on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
- Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Mindy Kaling (Running Point/The Mindy Project/The Office) - Mindy talks about Mindy's Book Studio on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
- Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry and Rebecca King-Crews make an exclusive announcement on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am. Terry will also be on in the 9am hour.
- Sterling K. Brown (Starved) and Ryan Michelle Bathe (First Wives Club/Retired at 35) - Sterling and his wife Ryan Michelle tell Sherri about the highly anticipated new season of Paradise now streaming on Hulu & Disney+ on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
- Amanda Peet (Brockmire/Togetherness/Bent) - Amanda talks season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors and her new film Fantasy Life on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)
09/30 - Touché Turtle and Dum Dum - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
10/07 - Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - The Complete First Season (DVD)
10/14 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
10/28 - St. Denis Medical - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/04 - Happy's Place - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/11 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/11 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fifteenth Season (DVD)
11/11 - Two and a Half Men - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/02 - Tom and Jerry - The Golden Era Anthology (1940-1958) (Blu-ray) (DVD)
12/16 - Lippy the Lion and Hardy Har Har - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/16 - Wally Gator - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
01/20 - The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (Blu-ray)
01/27 - The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/11 - Tom and Jerry - The Complete CinemaScope Collection (Blu-ray)
03/24 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
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