 "Dedicated fan, but ...." | 2009-12-20 |
| - Reviewed By pab920 from Norfolk, VA United States |
| In an effort to be more modern the opening sequence tries too hard. The music is so glaring I push the mute button on and the visual effects more resemble the Outer Limits. Also although I think Forrest Whitaker is a fine actor (and in this case producer) he seems miscast. In the 80's version you only had a narrator and this series would have done well to follow suite-no one can take Rod Serling's place. As for the episodes themselves, some are pretty good and others so-so. Being a fan I still bought the set knowing all of the aforementioned from watching some of the shows when they first aired. This may well be the last attempt to revive this otherwise outstanding series which is likely the most beloved sci-fi gem. Maybe we'll all luck out and an unlikely network like AMC will take it on in the same quality format as they did w/ their hit show Mad Men. |
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 "Fantastic Show" | 2009-12-02 |
| - Reviewed By E. Dexter from Salt Lake City |
| This is one of my favorite TV shows. It has 6 discs, all with great episodes. |
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 "A for Effort?" | 2009-10-03 |
| - Reviewed By R. Rice |
I was hesitant to buy the latest installation of The Twilight Zone after reading all of the extremely negative reviews, but I'm glad that I did. Before some internet browsing, I wasn't even aware of this most recent failed attempt.
Firstly, there will never be another Rod Serling, or any other Twilight Zone reenactment that fully captures the essence of the original. That said, I think there are quite a few episodes from the first installation that fall flat and are weak or nonsensical. It never was perfection, although it was close.
This series did what it could. Personally, I was intrigued to see how the aspects of current culture would play out. At times it is fairly interesting; at others, cheesy. Similarly, the music is horrible. Try to tune it out. Additionally, the 2002 version doesn't quite seem to "get" the essence of the original Twilight Zone, although it certainly tries. The Twilight Zone is mysterious, it is chilling, it is at the very core of each and every one of us. Here, the Twilight Zone is something to be played at, and fallen into briefly. What I liked about the original is that it made you think. The same applies here, but the answers seem to come more easily. Perhaps that is the adaption to modernity- ouch.
Also, what were they thinking in casting Forrest Whitaker as narrator? This man falls flat when it comes to conveying the chilling and perplexing conundrums found within the Twilight Zone. He is far too happy, peppy, and all over the place strange- which, for the most part, isn't what the Twilight Zone is about. I'm sure they could have found someone much more captivating. Maybe this new upbeat attempt at narration was another modern, "fresh" spin that just didn't work.
For serious Twilight Zone fans, I would probably recommend skipping the two remakes. "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" is my all time favorite episode, and I literally cringed when watching it. The acting is so laughingly shameful and annoyingly grating. The new premise (terrorism) is thought-provoking, but far less inciting than the original. The usage of aliens just wasn't so obvious in what they represented politically. Also, the acting found in "Eye of the Beholder" by Molly Sims doesn't even begin to compare to Maxine Stuart or Donna Douglas. I appreciated the attempt, but I really don't feel it was needed.
I guess what is to be learned is that no one will ever be fully satisfied with the remakes. However, there are some good moments- it's not a total waste. It is still captivating, but in a smaller way. If another attempt is ever created, however, I can only hope that no episode is "revamped" and predictably slaughtered, and that Forrest Whitaker stays far, far away. |
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| "The Twilight Zone (2000's) DVD Set" | 2009-08-04 |
| - Reviewed By Dr.Eagle.DC |
| Item was priced very decent for being brand new, and there was no issue or problems with the transaction or delivery of the product. |
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| "Not tat ad of a bargain" | 2009-03-11 |
| - Reviewed By An Amazon User |
| I got a used copy for $10. It's a bargain. i am almost thru dsk one and believe it's better than some give it credit for. But it's far from perfect. I respect Forest whitaker but he is the biggest weakenss! He doesn't 'sell' the Twilight Zone. Some of his deliveries ar like he's practicing. I alsways like antholgy shows. Hardly anybody ca ike every eisde of an anthogy. But veriety is the game. Since the shows are about 20 minutes long, a lame episode is not that unbearable. It's not as good as the original, but that has some klinkers and redundant stories too. Maybe the next Twilight Zone incarnation will be better, but I am kinda enjoying this. |
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| "Twilight zone series" | 2008-10-24 |
| - Reviewed By An Amazon User |
| Watched them all within a week. Very pleased with the series and prompt delivery. |
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