Bonanza: The Official Fourth Season, Volume 1

Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) and his sons Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon) continue their ride through a 14-season run in the latest installment of the “official” DVD issue of the NBC series, set on the Ponderosa ranch in 19th-century Nevada territory. Accelerating toward the top of the ratings, this fourth season features guest stars including Robert Vaughn, Claude Akins, Dan O'Herlihy, and DeForest Kelley (Star Trek's “Bones” McCoy, who also plays a doctor here). The storylines focus mostly on Hoss and Little Joe, although their pa and older brother have occasional opportunities to shine as well. While the plots sometimes refer to matters of broader scope (like the Civil War or prejudice against Native Americans), the episodes mostly concern local and domestic matters (such as the appearance of Joe's half-brother), often involving someone wrongly accused of murder (either one of the Cartwrights or an outsider they're determined to help). Compiling the initial 18 episodes of the 1962–63 season (boasting excellent digitally-remastered transfers), extras include select episode commentaries, archival clips of appearances by Greene and Blocker on Perry Como's variety show, and a photo gallery. Highly recommended [Note: Bonanza: The Official Fourth Season, Volume 2 is also now available.] (F. Swietek)