This week, some television you may have missed the first time around.
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. - The Complete Series
This brilliant-but-cancelled series combined the genius of Bruce Campbell and the pseudo-sci-fi/western mashup sensibility of Wild Wild West. See Billy Drago in his other great role (he was Frank Nitti in The Untouchables) and Julius Carry in his other great role (he was Sho-Nuff in The Last Dragon). Hear one of my favorite snippets of prime time dialogue: "Sorry, Dixie, but existential thought doesn't hold much water out here in the territories."
Incidentally, the dearly departed Jeffrey Boam (the talent behind such action scripts as Lethal Weapon II and Indy III) was one of the co-creators.
This well-tricked-out 8-disc collection (apparently there were 27 episodes, who knew?) includes commentary by Bruce Campbell and show co-creator Carlton Cruse on the pilot; "Brisco's Book of Coming Things," which catalogs the show's various references to future items and ideas; a doc; a round-table; liner notes by Bruce and something called "A Reading from the Book of Bruce."
Amazing Stories - The Complete First Season
As big a Spielberg nut as I am now, I was even more ridiculous in my youth. So when I found out he was putting together a television show, I went reliably ape shit. I wasn't disappointed (at least not with the first season). I still remember the theme song and the now cheesy-ass graphics in the opening credits. Anyway, the first season featured such classics as:
"The Main Attraction" - Hilarious story about a magnetized guy. Written by Incredibles maestro Brad Bird.
"The Mission" - Gunner gets trapped in the belly of his plane. With Kevin Costner, Kiefer Sutherland and an extremely schmaltzy dénouement. Directed by Señor Spielbergo himself.
"Vanessa in the Garden" - I remember it being only an OK ep, but written by Spielberg, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Harvey Keitel. That just doesn't happen every day.
"The Sitter" - Babysitting, voodoo and a very young Seth Green.
"No Day at the Beach" - Basically a preview of Saving Private Ryan.
"Mirror, Mirror" - If I remember correctly, this one's actually pretty creepy. Directed by Marty Scorsese.
"Hell Toupee" - My favorite title of any Amazing Story. Pretty funny, too.
In the end, the show ended up being the warmer, fuzzier cousin of the Twilight Zone resurrection that was going on simultaneously on another network, but it still stands out as a showcase for name actors and directors trying their hand at the short form.
Article comments
1 - Dynamo of Eternia
A question about the 'Amazing Stories' DVD release... does this set include the "Family Dog" cartoon? If so, I may have to look into getting it.
At any rate, the Best of She-Ra is on my list of DVD's to buy!
2 - David Dylan Thomas
Sadly, Dynamo, you'll have to wait until Season 2 comes out to get the best. amazing. story. ever.