China Beach – The Complete Series (1988 - 1991/TimeLife
DVD Box Set)
Picture: C+ Sound: B- Extras: B- Episodes: B
The long awaited release of China
Beach: The Complete Series on DVD has finally
arrived! China Beach
had a similar effect on people as the series M*A*S*H did as it was set in a hospital during the Vietnam War; actually referring to the beach My
Khe in Vietnam. The drama series premiered in 1988 with much
critical and viewer praise; but terrible ratings. Oddly enough (unlike today) ABC stuck with
the series and let it run its course.
The series lasted a total of 4 seasons (1988 – 1991) airing 62 episodes,
but took until 2013 to get a formal DVD release. The reason for the delay was most likely due
to the large number of hit songs that were used throughout the series, not
excluding the opening sequence song “Reflections” by Diana Ross & The
Supremes (one of their 12 big #1 pop hits from their hit run and their big
Psychedelic song with electronic instruments,) causing a host of rights/monetary
issues.
Here on DVD we are delivered all 62 episodes with most songs intact;
it is said there were 302 songs used total with the rights to 268 of them
obtained for this release. We are also
treated to over 10 hours of bonus features never before seen!
The series addresses serious war time issues (perhaps even better than
M*A*S*H ever did at times) as we
explore the psyche of a host of characters including but not limited to
soldiers, civilians, doctors, nurses, and many more. The internal monologue is used to express the
inner turmoil individuals were having during this turbulent time in world
history. The William Broyles/John Sacret
Young series can feel dated at times but remains quite enjoyable. I mostly attribute the ‘datedness’ to the
filming styles, rather than the storylines or acting. They use the unique perspective of women and
civilians during the wartime to get an array of points across, but never being
so crass or audacious to make it “M*A*S*H
for women.” It is a very smart series
that takes place in Vietnam
at the 510th Evacuation
Hospital. As previously mentioned the series did
utilize internal monologues to drive home the point of the high emotional state
the characters were in during this time; but it doesn’t end here as China Beach also goes on to use
elements of animation, chronologically disordered events, one on one
interviewing techniques, and much more to take the series to the next level.
Not only are the episodes from this series gripping and brilliant, but
launched the careers of many up and coming stars that would go on to other
great TV series and films. Dana Delany
as 1st Lt. Colleen McMurphy, Mary Marg Helgenberger (CSI) as KC Koloski, Robert Picardo (Star Trek Voyager & multiple Stargate series) as Captain Dick
Richard, and many more familiar faces star in this series.
Much like The Wonder Years (still
not released) China Beach was one of the most highly anticipated
DVD releases and now is the time to get it!
With this being a 21 disc set (again 62 episodes and 268 amazing songs)
the price isn’t cheap, but well worth it as much time and effort has gone into
getting it available for home consumption.
The downside I would argue are some of the technical elements.
The episodes here are brought to you in a 1.33 X 1 full screen image
that is (well) not very good, often having the appearance/quality of a VHS
tape; which most likely were the masters these episodes came from so the show
may have been filmed on 35mm film but finished on professional analog video. The colors are duller than would be expected almost
having a faded appearance and grit/grain run rampant, so purists might be happy
(one could argue that there is some slight styling to make the show visually a
period work) but others may be a little disappointed. There is somewhat of an improvement when
comparing sound to picture as sound is presented in a adequate (though not
thrilling) lossy Dolby 2.0 Stereo track.
The dialogue is clear (sometimes distant sounding) and the GREAT music
projects with ease. I guess I wanted
something more technically from this limited edition set.
The extras are very nice and offer the following:
·
Audio Commentaries on 5 episodes
·
Deleted Scenes for 2 episodes
·
Gag Reel (Season 3)
·
Cast and Crew Roundtable Discussion [one of the better
extras]; 3 in total
·
China Beach Origins Featurette
·
The Real Hello Goodbye Featurette
·
China Beach TV vs.
Reality
·
China Beach Legacy: China Beach
Lives On featurette
·
And Much More, including limited edition Dog Tags wrapped
in with the set
A pricey set, but well worth it for content. The technical features leave something to be
desired but as I always say when it comes to long awaited series such as this,
at least it is FINALLY available.
You can order the set at this link:
ChinaBeachOnDVD.com
- Michael P. Dougherty II
