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Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

post #1 of 8
5/20/09 at 5:17pm
Thread Starter 
To those that have seen the Gunsmoke and Perry Mason 50th Anniversary sets, as well as the season sets that started coming out after. How is the quality between the two?

The seasons sets are very good quality and appear to have come from remastered episodes, but the anniversary sets came out first and have all the extra's. Did they remaster the selected episodes for the anniversary sets, or are they subpar in comparison?

I doubt I will get all the Gunsmokes or Perry Mason seasons, nor do we even know if they will be completed. My thoughts are to get about 3 seasons of Perry and then get the anniversary to round it out and get all the extras. Same with Gunsmoke but probably carry it a bit further if possible and just get the second volume anniversary set.

This obviously all hinges on the quality of the anniversary sets in comparison, so what say thee?
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post #2 of 8
5/20/09 at 5:41pm

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

The Gunsmoke 50th Anniversary sets were released in January 2006, before CBS/Paramount made it a policy to create their DVDs off digital masters. The episodes in these sets are either off video masters, or transfers that are not as high-quality as would come later. In particular, the color episodes in the 50th Anniversary set are an abomination, and one of them, "The Moonstone," is a 46 syndie minute version. Little to no digital remastering was done.

For a better best of set, get Gunsmoke The Director's Collection. It was released in December 2006, and by that time, CBS/Paramount decided to do high-quality digital transfers on all their releases. The picture quality on the episodes in this set, including the color shows, is much, much better.

As for Perry Mason, CBS/Paramount has always given it the first class treatment on DVD. All Perry Mason releases feature stellar, high-quality digital transfers.
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post #3 of 8
5/20/09 at 6:18pm

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

On the Perry Mason set, the only episode that doesn't look that great is the TV Movie.

However, there's nothing Paramount could really do with that, with the movie being on video and all. So, it looks as good as it can.

The original series episodes look great, though. Plus, the 50th anniversary box set includes a lot of now-famous guest stars, and the only color episode of the original run. So, I'd say it's a wise choice to buy it.
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post #4 of 8
5/20/09 at 7:55pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

Great feedback. Much appreciated.
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post #5 of 8
5/21/09 at 3:44pm

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

I totally disliked the 50th anniversary set. It started out ok, just ok. And it got worse...and worse. I felt sorry for James Arness who had to tell his audience before each show what it was all about. The later shows I couldn't finsih watching. I paid all that money only to take them to a shop that bought used DVD's. I watched Gunsmoke as a kid but only for the first 100 years. These guys just didn't want to stop. For all of you who want to witness for yourself the worst western shows in one dvd collection I highly recommed this set. If any of you feel ill and can't quite upchuck, again this anniversary set is the answer for your stomach. Just begain by watching the last two discs! Make sure the path to the closest toilet is clear of small children, roller skates, girlfriends, wives or any living or inorganic object that would hinder your release valve. Gosh, I hate to say this because I can't believe anyone did, BUT if anyone did enjoy the final two discs (The last one I did not watch...Couldn't bring myself to do it). There are medications on the market that just might help.
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post #6 of 8
5/21/09 at 4:04pm

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

The PERRY MASON 50th set is top notch. As a PM and Gardner buff I would have bought it for the bonus features alone. The screen tests were a revelation and the CBS documentary on Gardner was quite fascinating, especially the scene of Gardner dictating what would end up being his last PM book.

Barbara Hale and series producer Art Marks contribute meaningful segments and comments. Marks is chock full of good behind the scenes stuff and both of them are in remarkable shape for folks in their 80s.

Although some of the episodes were selected solely based on the guest star it is nice to have such landmark episodes as TWICE TOLD TWIST, DEADLY VERDICT and FINAL FADE-OUT in one collection. I would have replaced some other episodes but that's just my personal preference.

As previously posted, the A/V quality on this is superb.

Steve
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post #7 of 8
5/21/09 at 5:03pm

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
The PERRY MASON 50th set is top notch. As a PM and Gardner buff I would have bought it for the bonus features alone. The screen tests were a revelation and the CBS documentary on Gardner was quite fascinating, especially the scene of Gardner dictating what would end up being his last PM book.

Barbara Hale and series producer Art Marks contribute meaningful segments and comments. Marks is chock full of good behind the scenes stuff and both of them are in remarkable shape for folks in their 80s.

Although some of the episodes were selected solely based on the guest star it is nice to have such landmark episodes as TWICE TOLD TWIST, DEADLY VERDICT and FINAL FADE-OUT in one collection. I would have replaced some other episodes but that's just my personal preference.

As previously posted, the A/V quality on this is superb.

Steve

YEAH! WHAT HE SAID! And, you get to see Perry in COLOR... with Victor Buono, no less!
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post #8 of 8
5/21/09 at 5:13pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Gunsmoke/Mason 50th sets vs. seasons

In some sense I would just as well keep the Gunsmoke characters younger in my mind. Plus, I'm a Chester fan. So I probably wouldn't go past the Chester years anyways, but it would be nice to see some extra's about the show and hear it from the actors themselves. That is the only reason I was considering a Gunsmoke anniversary addition in the first place since the season sets don't include any.

Perry Mason is another story. I'm not sure I want to dedicate the funds to the whole series even if released. Therefore, having a few solid seasons and the anniversary set with a few episodes of the later years, plus the last episode and movie with an abundance of extra's works out well for me.

So the Perry Mason anniversary set seems like a given to get. The Gunsmoke is another issue. It seems to depend on how much I want th extras since the quality of the included episodes is more in question. There is also the mentioned Directors set but it does not seem to have nearly as much from an extras standpoint. I'll have to think about the Gunsmoke one's and hope for a really really good deal to justify the expense.
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