49 reviews
Very Good, But A Tough Act To Follow...
The 1985 version of "The Twilight Zone" begins with a major disadvantage: it trailed the original Rod Serling vintage 1960s version! That original series was, and continues to be, the Gold Standard for programs of this type and for better or worse it's unlikely that any show in its wake could achieve that level of greatness.
However, this second attempt did have some positives going for it: First, it featured stories from a host of brilliant s/f writers, including such iconic names as Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen King, just to name three. And it had the advantage of better special effects, and color photography.
Unfortunately, the parallels to the original series meant this one was doomed to be considered an also ran, which is a shame, because there were some incredible episodes that I would rank among the best of any science fiction program from any era.
Examples: The astonishing "Profile In Silver" tells the story of a time traveling distant relation to John F. Kennedy, who goes to Dallas in 1963, intending to document, but then preventing the assassination of the President, which creates some surprising results. A remarkable story that is most certainly worthy of the "TZ" moniker.
The amusing "I Of Newton" tells of a professor who offhandedly says he would sell his soul to calculate an equation, but then has to try to back out of the deal when the devil shows up in his classroom to claim it. This is reminiscent of many of the humorous episodes from the original series.
They even did a "remake" of a few eps, like "Button Button," where an impoverished couple was offered the chance to receive a large cash amount if they simply pressed a button. The catch: someone they didn't know would die.
There were some hits and misses in this series, and to a degree, it did often reflect the mentality of the 1980s, rather than tell stories that had a "timeless" quality, which is another disadvantage it has to the original series, but it is most certainly worthy of bearing the name, and is worth seeking out, either on reruns or DVD.
However, this second attempt did have some positives going for it: First, it featured stories from a host of brilliant s/f writers, including such iconic names as Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen King, just to name three. And it had the advantage of better special effects, and color photography.
Unfortunately, the parallels to the original series meant this one was doomed to be considered an also ran, which is a shame, because there were some incredible episodes that I would rank among the best of any science fiction program from any era.
Examples: The astonishing "Profile In Silver" tells the story of a time traveling distant relation to John F. Kennedy, who goes to Dallas in 1963, intending to document, but then preventing the assassination of the President, which creates some surprising results. A remarkable story that is most certainly worthy of the "TZ" moniker.
The amusing "I Of Newton" tells of a professor who offhandedly says he would sell his soul to calculate an equation, but then has to try to back out of the deal when the devil shows up in his classroom to claim it. This is reminiscent of many of the humorous episodes from the original series.
They even did a "remake" of a few eps, like "Button Button," where an impoverished couple was offered the chance to receive a large cash amount if they simply pressed a button. The catch: someone they didn't know would die.
There were some hits and misses in this series, and to a degree, it did often reflect the mentality of the 1980s, rather than tell stories that had a "timeless" quality, which is another disadvantage it has to the original series, but it is most certainly worthy of bearing the name, and is worth seeking out, either on reruns or DVD.
If Rod Serling was watching this, he would most likely be proud
Stories so unique they can only be found in....................
Rod Serling's series is resurrected and given new sparkle as these episodes were released in the mid-80's. They still capture the twist and intensity that the original Twilight Zone offered. Using a strong cast and many new names, at the time, the stories were able to keep viewers on the edge of their toes.
Season 1 has currently been released on DVD. Nostalgic enthusiasts who remember the show well may strongly be interested in adding this to their collection. Great stories like 'Button, Button', 'If She Dies', 'Kentucky Rye', and 'Nightcrawlers' have won fans over for the series.
I feel that in it's day, the people who set up the program schedules didn't really give it a chance. Though this is personal opinion, I believe that they had done that with several shows with strong potential. Great collection to add for any Zone Fanatic.
Season 1 has currently been released on DVD. Nostalgic enthusiasts who remember the show well may strongly be interested in adding this to their collection. Great stories like 'Button, Button', 'If She Dies', 'Kentucky Rye', and 'Nightcrawlers' have won fans over for the series.
I feel that in it's day, the people who set up the program schedules didn't really give it a chance. Though this is personal opinion, I believe that they had done that with several shows with strong potential. Great collection to add for any Zone Fanatic.
A fantastic series that CBS deliberately threw away
I'm a big fan of the original Twilight Zone, and just as big a fan of this reworking of the 1960's anthology series. My family was thrilled in 1985 that the series had been resurrected. We watched it faithfully every week, no matter what strange day or time slot CBS moved it to and they moved it around to a new time slot each and every week it seemed. It was not a retread of the original show but an updated, modern incarnation that stood on its own. It featured amazing shows which were adaptations of short stories by acclaimed writers.
In the wasteland of 80's TV it stood out for its ingenuity and originality. Alan Brennert's "Her Pilgrim Soul" was, for me, the single best episode produced for weekly series TV since the original went off the air. For my husband it was "Profiles in Silver", a "what if?" for JFK fans. "Nightcrawlers" was a true imaginative nightmare that no one forgot once they watched it. "A Message from Charity" is the second favorite episode for most of the people I talk to. But with the network moving the show around to different days it became hard to find in the listings, and people gradually stopped looking for it because it was too difficult to keep track of. In short, CBS never gave this series the chance it deserved, and it sank into oblivion where the final insult was badly butchered episodes thrown into a syndication package. But despite this the series refused to fade away in fans' memories.
Finally, the first two seasons and the syndie third season (which for the most part is completely forgettable) are out on DVD. They are virtually uncut; some music has been replaced, and there are a few other anomalies. These wonderful stories haven't been seen in their entirety since the series aired over 20 years ago, until now. There are commentaries by Alan Brennert, Harlan Ellison, Phil DeGuere, actors, directors, writers, etc.
This is a must-have for all fans of the Twilight Zone no matter what incarnation, and Night Gallery as well. In many respects this show is a blend of the spirit of the original Twilight Zone and Night Gallery; it uses quality stories by many of the classic sci-fi and horror writers of the past forty years. TV in this new millennium is a wasteland of garbage and nauseous reality TV, and we could use stories and writers like this today. The 1980's Twilight Zone deserves to be seen as the classic it is, and this DVD release does it justice.
In the wasteland of 80's TV it stood out for its ingenuity and originality. Alan Brennert's "Her Pilgrim Soul" was, for me, the single best episode produced for weekly series TV since the original went off the air. For my husband it was "Profiles in Silver", a "what if?" for JFK fans. "Nightcrawlers" was a true imaginative nightmare that no one forgot once they watched it. "A Message from Charity" is the second favorite episode for most of the people I talk to. But with the network moving the show around to different days it became hard to find in the listings, and people gradually stopped looking for it because it was too difficult to keep track of. In short, CBS never gave this series the chance it deserved, and it sank into oblivion where the final insult was badly butchered episodes thrown into a syndication package. But despite this the series refused to fade away in fans' memories.
Finally, the first two seasons and the syndie third season (which for the most part is completely forgettable) are out on DVD. They are virtually uncut; some music has been replaced, and there are a few other anomalies. These wonderful stories haven't been seen in their entirety since the series aired over 20 years ago, until now. There are commentaries by Alan Brennert, Harlan Ellison, Phil DeGuere, actors, directors, writers, etc.
This is a must-have for all fans of the Twilight Zone no matter what incarnation, and Night Gallery as well. In many respects this show is a blend of the spirit of the original Twilight Zone and Night Gallery; it uses quality stories by many of the classic sci-fi and horror writers of the past forty years. TV in this new millennium is a wasteland of garbage and nauseous reality TV, and we could use stories and writers like this today. The 1980's Twilight Zone deserves to be seen as the classic it is, and this DVD release does it justice.
If you didn't watch it-you missed out!
I honestly don't understand why someone would give a negative review for this show. To say it was "garbage" -as one commenter stated- is very inaccurate. I watched this show as a child...in fact, I grew up on it. The story lines were dark and original. The acting was actually pretty good in my estimation. Especially in comparison to the overabundance of bad acting in that day. The stories were so eerie and unique that they stayed in my head decades after I saw them. I actually had the pleasure of watching several episodes at a friends house recently and loved the nostalgic feelings they brought back. They were even more enjoyable now that I am older. I was able to pick up on the stuff that I had missed as a kid. My faves are the one about the man that was court ordered to be "invisible" for a year, the woman that had a magic necklace and could freeze the world by saying "shut up!", the woman that got offered a box with a button in it...and if she pressed the button she would win a large sum of money...but then a stranger had to be killed and SO many others!
- ChillyWhacked
- Dec 25, 2008
- Permalink
Fantastic Series. Why oh why not on DVD?
I remember the "new" series of The Twilight Zone with much fondness. I grew up with them. I don't remember many films/TV programs from childhood, but one episode from this series stood out for me more than any other. It was called "The Burning Man" and it was the most eerie piece of film making I had ever witnessed as a kid. In fact it first inspired me to start film directing.
I know now that this short episode came from a book by Ray Bradbury, but it was the way the short film was shot that awe-inspired me. I seem to remember it featured a young Danny Cooksey as the kid. Had Piper Laurie in it too.
Please CBS, bring them out on DVD. (And do it proper with extra features!)
I know now that this short episode came from a book by Ray Bradbury, but it was the way the short film was shot that awe-inspired me. I seem to remember it featured a young Danny Cooksey as the kid. Had Piper Laurie in it too.
Please CBS, bring them out on DVD. (And do it proper with extra features!)
Twilight Zone 1980's: not as good as the original,but has its moments
- moshomaniac
- Sep 18, 2017
- Permalink
In the Zone
This show is another relic from my childhood and it's my fourth favorite anthology horrors and TV shows of all time. At the time I never even knew about the original Twilight Zone, so in a way this show was my way to it. Some would say that this show is not as good as the original but lets face it, the original is a tough act to follow. What makes this version stand out for me is that it's not trying to, it's trying to do it's own thing but at the same time stay true to the spirit of it's predecessor.
The effects are solid, well OK not all but effects for me aren't what make this show but really the storytelling and there are lots of great stories in this show that are great editions to the Twilight Zone mythos. I really love the theme opening which is another one of my favorite themes, it's also one of the creepiest one's I've ever seen up there with the openings of "Tales from the Darkside" and "Are you Afraid of the Dark" as we see some globe come through a window and there are some random bizarre images along with really creepy tunes from a carousel horse, a creepy looking doll, a nuke explosion. But that opening perfectly set the tone for the anthology where anything can go and anything is possible.
This show also had a lot of well known directors and writers whom have contributed to this show. Directors like the late great Wes Craven, Joe Dante, etc. Down to some writers like one of my favorite sci-fi writers "Greg Bear" if you can believe that, J.Michael Strynski, Steven King, etc. These facts make watching the show all the more interesting just to see their imput/contributions to the Twilight Zone mythos.
There are plenty of memorable stories a few of my favorites are "Matter of Minutes" which is a bizarre story that really tackles a very interesting concept about time. "Profile in Silver" this story predates Steven King's "11/22/63" as both uncannily have the same plot line about a man traveling back in time to prevent the assassination but comes back with mixed results. "His Pilgrim Soul" which was written and directed by Wes Craven is a really bittersweet tale that can really tug at your heartstrings. And of course my favorite "Dead Run" which is thrilling and really takes some turns you'd never see coming.
The 80's Twilight Zone is a dimension worth visiting.
Rating: 4 stars
The effects are solid, well OK not all but effects for me aren't what make this show but really the storytelling and there are lots of great stories in this show that are great editions to the Twilight Zone mythos. I really love the theme opening which is another one of my favorite themes, it's also one of the creepiest one's I've ever seen up there with the openings of "Tales from the Darkside" and "Are you Afraid of the Dark" as we see some globe come through a window and there are some random bizarre images along with really creepy tunes from a carousel horse, a creepy looking doll, a nuke explosion. But that opening perfectly set the tone for the anthology where anything can go and anything is possible.
This show also had a lot of well known directors and writers whom have contributed to this show. Directors like the late great Wes Craven, Joe Dante, etc. Down to some writers like one of my favorite sci-fi writers "Greg Bear" if you can believe that, J.Michael Strynski, Steven King, etc. These facts make watching the show all the more interesting just to see their imput/contributions to the Twilight Zone mythos.
There are plenty of memorable stories a few of my favorites are "Matter of Minutes" which is a bizarre story that really tackles a very interesting concept about time. "Profile in Silver" this story predates Steven King's "11/22/63" as both uncannily have the same plot line about a man traveling back in time to prevent the assassination but comes back with mixed results. "His Pilgrim Soul" which was written and directed by Wes Craven is a really bittersweet tale that can really tug at your heartstrings. And of course my favorite "Dead Run" which is thrilling and really takes some turns you'd never see coming.
The 80's Twilight Zone is a dimension worth visiting.
Rating: 4 stars
- hellraiser7
- Jan 8, 2016
- Permalink
A door closes, a window opens
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) was a great show; the first revival (1985-1989) set a precedent for its resurrection, an exercise that's been repeated twice more. The '80s TZ makes some changes from Serling's old format. We never see the narrator; there isn't narration for the opening and closing of every story. But I actually think that's respectable - I really felt, watching the first season, that the makers recognized their show couldn't be the same as Serling's, and thought it was more important to try to capture the spirit of it. Also notable is that, despite the fact that non-sitcoms are expected to have hour-long episodes, the makers evidently agreed with Serling that the stories shouldn't be that long, telling two to three stories per episode. The flash of Serling in the new opening is a nice touch to show how important they felt it was to get the spirit right.
The problem in trying to capture the spirit of the original TZ is that the '80s series is inconsistent. It's hard to rate individual episodes, in fact, when the segments within the episodes are inconsistent - "To See the Invisible Man" is a novel concept but is followed by something stupid (and stupidly titled) like "Tooth and Consequences." ("The Elevator" is also in there- creepy and atmospheric, well made, though not totally TZ-esque). "Take My Life...Please!" is a weak piece that sets up "Devil's Alphabet", which is well made and atmospheric.
There are some great stories in season 1: "Nightcrawlers" features some phenomenal acting from Scott Paulin and spectacular scenes recalling the nightmare of the Vietnam War. Ditto Glynn Turman in "Paladin of the Lost Hour", despite the humiliating fact that episode was directed by Alan Smithee.
Ultimately, would Serling approve? I think, in answering that question, you have to keep in mind the fact that Serling himself wasn't infallible. There are less than stellar episodes of the original, and he personally wrote several of them.
Unfortunately, there's a noticeable quality drop in season 2, when the network began to lose faith in the show. "Nightsong" is soap opera-esque and predictable; something like "Lost and Found" is a jokey throwaway before going into "The World Next Door" which is a drag despite starring Jeffrey Tambor (who appeared in the brilliant "Dead Woman's Shoes", a superior reimagining of an original TZ episode). However, "Shelter Skelter" is great, followed by "Private Channel" which is gripping enough. The quality drop is steeper and more severe in season 3, where the narrator Charles Aidman (who didn't really sound like Serling but had the right tone) was replaced by Robin Ward, who sounded way too upbeat. The acting across season 3 becomes, on average, terrible; the production values are sacrificed. That said, there's still some great work here; I particularly found "The Hellgramite Method" terrifying. Altogether, the '80s TZ is head and shoulders above the 2000s version, but neither can touch Serling.
The problem in trying to capture the spirit of the original TZ is that the '80s series is inconsistent. It's hard to rate individual episodes, in fact, when the segments within the episodes are inconsistent - "To See the Invisible Man" is a novel concept but is followed by something stupid (and stupidly titled) like "Tooth and Consequences." ("The Elevator" is also in there- creepy and atmospheric, well made, though not totally TZ-esque). "Take My Life...Please!" is a weak piece that sets up "Devil's Alphabet", which is well made and atmospheric.
There are some great stories in season 1: "Nightcrawlers" features some phenomenal acting from Scott Paulin and spectacular scenes recalling the nightmare of the Vietnam War. Ditto Glynn Turman in "Paladin of the Lost Hour", despite the humiliating fact that episode was directed by Alan Smithee.
Ultimately, would Serling approve? I think, in answering that question, you have to keep in mind the fact that Serling himself wasn't infallible. There are less than stellar episodes of the original, and he personally wrote several of them.
Unfortunately, there's a noticeable quality drop in season 2, when the network began to lose faith in the show. "Nightsong" is soap opera-esque and predictable; something like "Lost and Found" is a jokey throwaway before going into "The World Next Door" which is a drag despite starring Jeffrey Tambor (who appeared in the brilliant "Dead Woman's Shoes", a superior reimagining of an original TZ episode). However, "Shelter Skelter" is great, followed by "Private Channel" which is gripping enough. The quality drop is steeper and more severe in season 3, where the narrator Charles Aidman (who didn't really sound like Serling but had the right tone) was replaced by Robin Ward, who sounded way too upbeat. The acting across season 3 becomes, on average, terrible; the production values are sacrificed. That said, there's still some great work here; I particularly found "The Hellgramite Method" terrifying. Altogether, the '80s TZ is head and shoulders above the 2000s version, but neither can touch Serling.
- gizmomogwai
- Feb 13, 2020
- Permalink
An Honest Review
Yeah, for the longest time I thought I was the only person that actually liked this, but thanks to the internet I now know that I'm not alone.
And, like the first series, you get your fill of horror and science fiction ironic twists... more with an eye to horror in the 80s version and not so much science fiction. And one episode that seems like an updated Wicker Man.
Anyway, everything has been said already, so the best thing I can do is point out that it had everyone. I mean it had EVERYONE, every actor that wasn't a leading man in the 80s and some actors that were, it had has beens and will bes in it.
You're going to sit down and spend and episode screaming "Oh! I know him from!"
And in 2020, pure nostalgia.
And, like the first series, you get your fill of horror and science fiction ironic twists... more with an eye to horror in the 80s version and not so much science fiction. And one episode that seems like an updated Wicker Man.
Anyway, everything has been said already, so the best thing I can do is point out that it had everyone. I mean it had EVERYONE, every actor that wasn't a leading man in the 80s and some actors that were, it had has beens and will bes in it.
You're going to sit down and spend and episode screaming "Oh! I know him from!"
And in 2020, pure nostalgia.
- generationofswine
- Oct 10, 2020
- Permalink
So many stories were so lackluster
I was at the age when this came out that I should have loved it, but somehow it rarely seemed to click. There were some great stories that I still remember all these years later, like the Bruce Willis one and the "shut up" lady, the one where the secret to life is driving people insane, the one where the boy and girl are telepathically connected across time.
Still, so often it seemed like missed opportunities. The "shut up" lady one, "A Little Peace and Quiet" really stuck with me. I thought for years what that poor lady could do at the end. But the episode was short and was mainly her annoying day to day life. While that wasn't very pleasant (kind of the point) it seemed like it could have been fleshed out.
Still, so often it seemed like missed opportunities. The "shut up" lady one, "A Little Peace and Quiet" really stuck with me. I thought for years what that poor lady could do at the end. But the episode was short and was mainly her annoying day to day life. While that wasn't very pleasant (kind of the point) it seemed like it could have been fleshed out.
Magic TV
- Cristi_Ciopron
- Jul 25, 2008
- Permalink
Better than the original in some way worse in others.
The most HORRIBLE incarnation of The Twilight Zone of all.
I don't write reviews that often but after seeing so many inexplicable positive reviews for this trash I had to say something.
We all know the original Twilight Zone was great. This is not a comparison review at all, what Rod did at the time he did it cannot be replicated and that's that.
Now about THIS version.
METV for some crazy reason recently started airing the 85' version of TW, these are stories cut from the original airings of 3 stories in an hour episode whittled down to 1 story in a half hour. Which is fine with me I've never liked the hour episodes of any of my old favorite "fantasy" shows. Plus I don't have to sit through 3 of these vomitous airings in an hour.
METV has aired and I've DV'red about six of these so far, I've watched all six and instantly remembered why I hated them when they first aired. (Yes I'm that old, but not old enough for the first series).
I can't give you just one reason not to watch these shows, other than they are completely unentertaining.
Imagine combining The Love Boat (because of the not so famous actor cameos), with those old After School Specials ( because of the cheesy message each one tries to preach. That's basically the quality you get.
JUST STAY AWAY!!,
Makes you realize how good it was
Post Rod Serling Dead Woman's Shoes version
Rod Serling would have been so thrilled about what came out from the 80's version of "Dead Woman's Shoes" which picked up from where Rod ended. Helen Mirren contributed to most of it. This episode was used to prove how much a woman could change after getting a new pair of shoes. Her grooming was dramatically a lot more notorious than what it was before she tried them on. This version had more dimensions that the first one didn't have, such as two different appearances paired w/personalities for the same woman. Viewers couldn't tell that Helen Mirren was the same woman before and after getting her new outfit. Helen Mirren looked so much different from the time that she was at the thrift store an the time that she was walking down the stairs. The bathroom scene was the transition
- enziangenciana
- Nov 30, 2012
- Permalink
A decent, though not spectacular, reboot of the old Rod Serling series
A decent reboot
After the tragic events in the Twilight Zone movie, this reboot (the first of three) is an honorable homage to the 60s original. Of course nothing can match Rod Serling's original and John J. O'Connor of the New York Times wrote in 1994 that "the new version of the series that started in 1985 failed."
But I don't think it's a failure because the spirit was still there, and besides, it was the 80s.
But I don't think it's a failure because the spirit was still there, and besides, it was the 80s.
Magic!
There is something about the 1985 "Twilight Zone" that makes it fascinating. It's that unique charm of the 80's, the intelligent writing, its ability to surprise, the eerie and mysterious atmosphere -who could forget the intro? The show also brings back memories from those times, which makes it a personal experience. But "Twilight Zone" is above all a document of the 80's, so if you want to emerge yourself in that era, for study or pleasure, this is it.
Even if a few stories don't excel in originality, the narrator's spoken lines are always so well put, it's exhilarating. My favorite episodes include "I of Newton", "Kentucky Rye", "A Small Talent for War", "But Can she type", just to name a few. There are many others, priceless pieces of story telling that make outstanding television, especially today. "Twilight Zone" is always thought provoking, poignant, insightful and simply magic – qualities that I couldn't find in the earlier black & white version or the more recent revival. The 80's version beats the original by far, in my opinion.
This is a review on the First Season of Twilight Zone. The second season is simply unwatchable. There's no trace of the Zone's mystery, the scripts, the actors and the direction are lousy. Stick to season 1.
Even if a few stories don't excel in originality, the narrator's spoken lines are always so well put, it's exhilarating. My favorite episodes include "I of Newton", "Kentucky Rye", "A Small Talent for War", "But Can she type", just to name a few. There are many others, priceless pieces of story telling that make outstanding television, especially today. "Twilight Zone" is always thought provoking, poignant, insightful and simply magic – qualities that I couldn't find in the earlier black & white version or the more recent revival. The 80's version beats the original by far, in my opinion.
This is a review on the First Season of Twilight Zone. The second season is simply unwatchable. There's no trace of the Zone's mystery, the scripts, the actors and the direction are lousy. Stick to season 1.
Awesome!
Here is my short review of the best episodes: 1. Shatterday: Excellent split-personality episode with Bruce Willis. One of the best all time episodes. 2. A Little Peace and Quiet: Also very strong. The final image is unforgettable. 3.Wordplay: Very interesting episode about language 4.Dreams for Sale: Terrifyingly scary sci-fi horror. Very spooky episode. 5.Children's Zoo: One of the best. The idea which is expressed in this episode is very significant. 6.Nightcrawlers: Also one of the best episodes. Very intense.7.Teacher's Aide: Terrifying episode about a monster on a school 8.The Shadown Man: One of the most powerful episodes with a terrifying ending. 9.The Beacon: Very nice Lovecrafian horror - also with a very spooky ending 10.The misfortune cookie: Great tale.11.Button,button: Also a great tale by a legendary storyteller.12.Shadow Play: Awesome movie about dreams and how they impact on our lives. But actually I think all the episodes are strong. Some are better than others but I have never come across a really bad episode neither in the 60s version or in the 80s.
- PeterRoeder
- May 16, 2009
- Permalink
A Wonderful Show
I wasn't really a fan of the original Twilight Zone but when this came on I was hooked. It was among the shows that started off my weekend, along with Friday the 13th The Series, Freddy's Nightmares, Monsters and Tales from the Darkside. I would always look forward to the newest episodes and watched them religiously. What also peaked my interest was a couple of Stephen King's stories made it into the show and being a fan of his works really got my interest more. It was a shame that this show was buried by CBS, the same with the other previous shows I listed that were "black listed" by the "bible belt". Shows like these are few and far between and I am glad I have gotten the full series on DVD to watch until my hearts content.
More like Twilight Zone Lite
I have a weakness for anthology shows- you name it, I've watched it, from the brilliant (the original Twilight Zone, Night Gallery), to the down right cheesy (Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction anyone?) As you can see, I don't really discriminate. I had always heard about how good the Twilight Zone's 80's incarnation was, yet had never gotten to see it, since it was rarely ever aired.
After finally seeing it, I have to say, it misses the bite of the original. Many of these episodes are missing those shock and awe endings that were the hallmark of the series.
These episodes have more of a sentimental 'Kick the Can' feel to them- not to say that it's terrible. Yet, take a a somewhat schmaltzy episode from the original series, like 'The Hunt', and there is still that strange, eerie, uneasiness running throughout. We as the audience are left hanging as the protagonists, a man and his dog are unsure they've made the right choice in destination until the very end. Contrast that with, say 'Grace Note', in which a put-upon, sacrificing, aspiring opera singer is given a gift and a glimpse into the future by her dying younger sister- and well you can guess the ending of that one. The difference of tone is evident. Not to say that I didn't well up a little here and there, yet many episodes felt like they would be more at home on another 80's anthology show; the Stephen Spielberg produced, Amazing Stories.
Also there were too many retreads, like a pointless 10 minute remake of The After Hours. All in all, I would say that it's watchable, but I could definitely see why this didn't last for very long. Not exactly as Disney-schmaltzy as Amazing Stories, yet not as in your-face-bizarre as Tales from the Darkside.
After finally seeing it, I have to say, it misses the bite of the original. Many of these episodes are missing those shock and awe endings that were the hallmark of the series.
These episodes have more of a sentimental 'Kick the Can' feel to them- not to say that it's terrible. Yet, take a a somewhat schmaltzy episode from the original series, like 'The Hunt', and there is still that strange, eerie, uneasiness running throughout. We as the audience are left hanging as the protagonists, a man and his dog are unsure they've made the right choice in destination until the very end. Contrast that with, say 'Grace Note', in which a put-upon, sacrificing, aspiring opera singer is given a gift and a glimpse into the future by her dying younger sister- and well you can guess the ending of that one. The difference of tone is evident. Not to say that I didn't well up a little here and there, yet many episodes felt like they would be more at home on another 80's anthology show; the Stephen Spielberg produced, Amazing Stories.
Also there were too many retreads, like a pointless 10 minute remake of The After Hours. All in all, I would say that it's watchable, but I could definitely see why this didn't last for very long. Not exactly as Disney-schmaltzy as Amazing Stories, yet not as in your-face-bizarre as Tales from the Darkside.
- greensweater
- Jul 2, 2009
- Permalink
An outstanding series
Here's hoping that the 1985 and 1986 versions of The Twilight Zone will one day be released on DVD as it was an outstanding series with well written episodes. The beginning titles have a half-second animation of Rod Serling in them as a salute to the originator of the series. The episode "Nightcrawlers" was directed by William Freidkin and is brilliant. One episode called "Shatterday" features the TV debut of Bruce Willis. There is also a small budget third season which was made after cancellation to make up the numbers for syndication,but it's budget was small and apart from one good episode,where a man is possessed by what looks like Christ,it is a poor third season. But the first two seasons are brilliant.
Not as good as the original, but very good !!
Although not as good as the original "The Twilight Zone" remains very good; Each episode looks better, with a better and better story that if it were seen separately with a short one, for example, it would not have been funny.
One of the best horror series ever. Highly recommend.
- afonsobritofalves
- Nov 10, 2018
- Permalink
Fantastic
That's all.
Great revamping of The TZ.
I loved every minute of it.
- AbraxisDragon
- Sep 3, 2019
- Permalink