 |
If you do not compare this 2002 version with Rod Serling's original, it is entertaining enough. It works best if you try think of it as a separate series all on its own. Yes, the famous Twilight Zone twist ending is definitely here, and the writing really isn't all that bad. There are quite a few episodes that leave you thinking about the story lines long after you have watched them. If, however, you are looking to be entertained by actors of the 1950s/1960s caliber, you won't find them here. In this series there is no one comparable to the likes of Burgess Meredith, Lee Marvin, Agnes Moorehead, Jack Klugman, Gladys Cooper, Art Carney, Robert Redford or any number of other character actors from that period whom you used to see all the time on TV but never could put a name to. Except for Cloris Leachman, Jeffrey Combs, Lou Diamond Phillips and Jason Alexander, if the guest stars of the 2002 Twilight Zone series are the most inspired performers of today (as is advertised on the box) TV may in a whole lot of trouble! I'm not sure if this is an indictment against the actors and actresses in movies and TV today, but there just doesn't seem to be anyone here that you can imagine folks talking about 30-40 years from now. The actors and stories of the 50s/60s Twilight Zone are not only just talked about today, they are held up as the benchmark for everything that has followed. Forest Whitaker, however, does a very nice job as the Serling-like narrator, although as mentioned by others here, he lacks the air of mystery that Mr. Serling projected. Lastly, the music for this 2002 series really leaves much to be desired. At times it will loudly overpower what is said or done by the narrator or the actor, and never does it seem set the proper atmosphere or mood. The theme and background music sound as though they were meant to be jarring for the simple sake of being jarring. I hate to make another comparison here, but the music of Bernard Herrmann, Nathan Van Cleave and Jerry Goldsmith did as much for the storylines of the original 50s/60s series as did the writers, directors and actors. Those composers could literally send you through the ceiling by a striking a simple violin chord at a suspenseful moment! It was great! Again, even after all the negatives listed, I still can suggest you see this series -- just don't expect more than a nice bang for your buck. And above all, enjoy it for its own sake and merit.Read full review
This latest installment of the Twilight Zone series has been panned by many as an unworthy descendant of the original Serling masterpiece... I have to disagree... the Twilight Zone is known for unexpected twists and the dilemmas faced by its too-human subjects (and the consequences of making the wrong decision)... in that respect, these episodes preserve the tradition, if not the quaintness, of Serling's originals... I liked them, as I did the 1980's installments... the appeal is the story the episode tells, and TZ stories are timeless, whether in black and white or color... enjoy them for what they are...
I was delighted with this dvd box set of the twilight zone.the sound and picture quality was excellent
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I loved the 80's version of the Twight Zone so I was really looing foward to this. After viewing the entire 1st season, I didn't think it was as good as the 80's version but it still had some episodes that were very interesting. "Cradle of Darkness" is probably the best episode of this entire season. It's story about time travel and Hitler. Other notable episodes are "Dead Man's Eyes", "Hunted", and "How Much Do you love your kid". All in all it's a good season.
Like any anthology series with a mix of writers and directors, you get the good with the bad. Unfortunately, with the 2002 version of The Twilight Zone, you get more bad than good. With a rotating cast of familiar actors, one is easily distracted from some the stories. It's like watching the Love Boat (does anyone remember that?) where a bunch of has-been or B-lists actors huddle together for work. Forest Whitaker in the role of narrator never fills Rod Serling's rather large shoes. This series is a pale imitation of the 1985 version and is just plain laughable and not a little bit pathetic when held up to the original series which ran from 1959 to 1965. Don't waste your time like I did.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
