Bonanza: The Official Fifth Season, Volume 1

By the time NBC's famous Western series hit its 1963–64 fifth season, the show was approaching the top spot in the ratings (only The Beverly Hillbillies scored higher), while the crew and cast—Lorne Greene as Ponderosa ranch patriarch Ben Cartwright, and Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon as sons Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe—were confidently turning out episodes that ranged from tense mysteries and rugged action pieces to tender dramas and raucous comedies. This compilation even includes one segment (“Twilight Town”) that qualifies as a sort of period Twilight Zone, as well as stories that feature historical characters such as Charles Dickens, Calamity Jane, and Doc Holliday, and a guest star list that included Gena Rowlands, Stefanie Powers, and Keenan Wynn. Thanks to carefully restored transfers that easily surpass all previous releases, this will be a mandatory acquisition for those who have been collecting the series; but it will also appeal to anyone interested in taking a nostalgic trip to the golden age of the television Western. Compiling the first 18 episodes of season five, DVD extras include audio commentary on the beloved episode “Hoss and the Leprechauns,” an appearance by Greene and Blocker on The Andy Williams Show, and photo galleries. Highly recommended. [Note: Bonanza: The Official Fifth Season, Volume 2 is also available.] (F. Swietek)