****This review is for the All Region DVD release****
Originally broadcast from 1963/4, this final collection of thirty-six episodes of the classic original series is a triumphant return to the 25-minute episode format of the first 3 series. Presented and reflected on by the legendary Rod Serling, the tales are a familiar collection of the unusual and strange, with the occasional dash of dark humour. What elevates this series to greatness is the intelligent and thought-provoking scripts, which are backed up by some excellent performances from a number of familiar faces.
Disc one contains two of my favourite episodes of the entire series, with the classic "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" in which William Shatner's former psychiatric patient is pushed to the limit of mental endurance during a stormy night flight. After spotting a hairy gremlin ripping away at one of the aeroplane's engines, the frantic man's pleas are dismissed as a figment of the imagination by his wife and the cabin crew. "Living Doll" sees Telly Savalas playing the part of a wicked stepfather, who's character is tormented by a toy doll's murderous threats. Vintage sci-fi/fantasy TV doesn't get much (if any) better than THE TWILIGHT ZONE!!!
The digitally remastered prints used for this black and white collection are very good. There are no subtitles.
****SPECIAL FEATURES****
*Stunning brand new transfers remastered from new high-definition film transfers using the original camera negatives and soundtracks.
*Commentaries and interviews featuring Mickey Rooney, Martin Landau, Michael Constantine, Bill Mumy, Carolyn Kearney, Mariette Hartley and Earl Hamner Jnr.
*American Masters: "Submitted For Your Approval" An interesting 86-minute documentary, which takes a look at the life and career of the writer and creator of "The Twilight Zone" - Rod Serling.
Here is a list of the episodes:
*DISC ONE:
In Praise of Pip.
Steel.
Nightmare at 20,000 Feet.
A Kind of Stopwatch.
The Last Night of a Jockey.
Living Doll.
The Old Man in The Cave.
*DISC TWO:
Uncle Simon.
Probe 7, Over and Out.
The 7th is Made Up of Phantoms.
A Short Drink From a Certain Fountain.
Ninety Years Without Slumbering.
Ring-a-Ding Girl.
You Drive.
*DISC THREE:
The Long Morrow.
The Self Improvement of Salvadore Ross.
Number 12 Looks Just Like You.
Black Leather Jackets.
Night Call.
From Agnes - With Love.
Spur of The Moment.
*DISC FOUR:
An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge.
Queen of The Nile.
What's in The Box.
The Masks.
I am The Night, Colour Me Black.
Sounds and Silences.
Caesar and Me.
The Jeopardy Room.
*DISC FIVE:
Stopover in a Quite Town.
The Encounter.
Mr. Garrity and The Graves.
The Brain Centre at Whipple's.
Come Wander With Me.
The Fear.
The Bewitchin' Pool.
*DISC SIX:
American Masters: "Submitted For Your Approval" - the aforementioned documentary on Rod Serling.