Bonanza - Volume 1 (1960)

Television's sometimes fine contribution to the dramatic arts, Bonanza matured every season to be a legend. The best years (to me) of this series had Adam, the eldest son, wearing all black all the time. Also, You have to remember these are NOT movies. They are weekly production television shows that cut corners on everything. The deductions of 30-40% ratings from movies are unfortunate handicaps for television. This el cheapo dvd collection of early series episodes (from the first two years of the show) has fair graphics covering the dvd hard cover case. One look at Platinum Corporation's logo and then horrid menu will keep anyone from proceeding. But if you can get past all this and the loser, phony beginning theme music that starts each episode.... well then you can sit through anything. Cast includes: Michael Landon as Little Joe (youngest son) Dan Blocker as Hoss (an older son) Pernell Roberts (eldest son) Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright (father and 3 time widower) NOTE: The fictional "Ponderosa" ranch (named after the native huge pine tree there) was the Cartwright's ranch taking up hundreds of acres north of Lake Taho in the present state of Nevada, U.S. The actual house used on the set was a visitor friendly site some ten years ago. Tours of the Cartwright's home used in many episodes was available in the 90's. Check for current tours if still available. Interestingly, the cast used the home for some scenes (it had no upstairs bedroom in reality). Most of Bonanza was shot outdoors or in Hollywood according to tour guides. If you have no familiarity with the show Bonanza in its television form, do not expext movie grade cinema. Its pure television, with some episodes far better than others. Again, these early episodes from the first two seasons are pretty rough compared to the peak years in the early sixties. Episode titles include: Feet of Clay The Last Viking Bitter Water The Savage Running time: 200 minutes. Dvd, no stereo, no Dolby. Full Frame. No closed captions. English only, no subtitles.