Timothy Bodzioney
Reviewer
Timothy Bodzioney submitted a new blog post
Wagon Master Blu Ray Review
Continue reading the Original Blog Post.
Wagon Master Blu Ray Review
Continue reading the Original Blog Post.
Do you know, is the show in generally available from a more legit source? Not opposed to paying for a disc or stream if it’s available that way.
It's available for purchase on Amazon for $34.99-37.99I have the 10-disc set of "The Complete Fourth Season Wagon Train." 38 hour-long B&W episodes released on DVD in 2014. I picked up my copy off of Ebay several years ago for $30-$40.
Wagon Train lasted eight seasons. In many ways, it is an anthology series, much like Gunsmoke became when it expanded to hour long episodes; stories told centered on the special guest star(s) who interact with the show regulars. So yes, I think it's a good show. It's a staple on MeTV. And like Gunsmoke, the story-writers know how to use their 'fish-hook' openings to catch the viewer and not let go.
TBH, I think "Gunsmoke" was the most boring western TV series I have ever seen. Not a fan of it and found the chemistry of the cast not enough for me to overcome how I would never watch it much during its heyday.I haven't made it through the entire Wagon Train series yet, but I would rate it closer to Death Valley Days in terms of the quality of writing. It isn't bad, but to me it just isn't in the same league as Gunsmoke. Some episodes of Wagon Train are fantastic, but so many fall into the decently average category. The lone color season of Wagon Train (season 7) in the 90 minute format was pretty great throughout though. It gave the stories room to breathe, and did not feel "padded" like so many of the Virginian eps. did.
Much like the original Star Trek is to sci-fi, Gunsmoke is to the classic TV Western. If Wagon Train had that charismatic chemistry of a cast like Doc, Kitty, Festus, and Matt, it would pull a lot more weight with me. That being said, "Wagon Master" is now in my immediate "buy" category thanks to the review!