Automan The Complete Series [DVD]

I only rediscovered this fading memory of a series thanks to Amazon's link from fellow 80's TV series "Street Hawk".... In this 1983/4 sci-fi/action series produced by the prolific Glen A. Larson, Walter Nebicher (Desi Arnaz Jr) works for the police as a computer expert, and eventually creates a computer-generated crimefighting hologram named "Automan" (Chuck Wagner). Automan is charged with sufficient power to exist in the real world (while occasionally having to recharge when on the move). Appearing like some video game character, Automan quickly learns about life (and romance!) in the real world by watching movies via Walter's suitcase-sized video recorder (nostalgic memories!).... When not putting his newly-acquired crimefighting knowledge to good use, "Auto" can occasionally be involved in some humorous scenes, whether it's strutting his stuff on the dance floor a la John Travolta or parading a stereotypical Humphrey Bogart impersonation.

As well as Walter, Automan is also accompanied by a brightly-lit airborne "Cursor" that can create the likes of hi-tech vehicles (hi-speed car, helicopter etc) on command. OK - you've probably guessed by now that it gets a bit cheesy at times - and it does. The scripts are fairly regulation & the gags are a bit corny but there's a kind of dated charm about the show. The 6'5' Chuck Wagner as the titular character towers over the rest of the cast & carries enough winning charm, as does Desi Arnaz Jr's performance as the geeky creator of the amiable superhero, along with Gerald S. O'Loughlin as the grumpy police chief, while the delectable Heather McNair is welcome eye-candy as a female detective.

Almost 30 years on, the special effects still hold up rather well. The storylines are predictable 80's fare but with a pleasing humour. The guest stars include Doug McClure and Patrick Macnee (in the first episode). The picture and sound quality is good. There are no subtitles. This complete series includes all 13 episodes (12, fifty-minute episodes + the 72-minute opening episode).

***SPECIAL FEATURES***
*'CALLING AUTOMAN' - THE AUTO FEATURE: A 42-minute documentary featuring interviews with Chuck Wagner, Glen A. Larson, Desi Arnaz Jr & Heather McNair.
*THE STORY OF AUTOMAN (text information).
*FEATURE STORY (text information).
*ORIGINAL CAST AND CREW BIOGRAPHIES.
*COLLECTABLES GALLERY.
*'MANIMAL' TRAILER.

Started to watch this only to find that the Pilot Episode/Movie is not included?!
Yes you can launch straight into the series.... but that would be like watching The Six Million Dollar Man without seeing how he became Bionic- Major chunk of the story would be missing (hey Lee).

This is an excellent piece of nostalga from the 80s and worth every penny. The picture quality is very good even though it looks like it has been transferred from an NTSC master. One of the reviewers says there is no pilot included and he is mistaken. The original pilot of Automan is included (yes it does not go into much detail how Walter found the hologram but it is the pilot that was produced for the show) among the 13 uncut episodes that were produced along with animated menus and an excellent retrospective documentary. It is a pity it did not go into a second series but like a lot of classics you will get far more entertainment value than much of what has been produced over the last 20 years. Congratulations to Fabulous Films for releasing this long overdue gem and may they delve into the vaults and find some more.