Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)[Addendum added below]
Back in June of 2008, when this set was first issued, CBS/Paramount had replaced all of the original underscore with newly commissioned music. It ripped the heart and soul out of the show and its fans. But CBS/Paramount wisely listened to its fans, through letters to the company, from online reviews at places like this, and Internet chat forums where the subject was discussed at great length.
In February of 2009, CBS/Paramount announced and instituted a program whereby purchasers of this set could send in their proofs of purchase and receive a revised set with nearly all of the original music restored. Early returns are in among fans, and overwhelmingly this set is now back to where it should be, given the limitations of some "minor" music replacements.
Music replacement is a reality in this litigious society, so if it has to be done, then CBS/Paramount has done its homework and given us an acceptable Season Two Volume One set for THE FUGITIVE. The vast majority of Peter Rugolo's magnificent music cues are back, as are most of the CBS library cues that originated with shows like THE TWILIGHT ZONE and GUNSMOKE. There are minor instances of some apparently troublesome cues now replaced with fairly innocuous newer cues. The important thing is that the soul of the show (the music) has largely been returned.
As Amazon doesn't allow revised ratings in edited reviews, unfortunately, the star rating system for this release will tend to skew lower than it should. I'm unable to change my initial one-star review to anything higher, but if I could, I'd raise it to four-and-a-half.
The video, as is customary from CBS/Paramount is exceptional, and the series has never looked so good. The black-and-white imagery is sharp and clear, with great shadow detail. The original mono sound quality is also good with clear, understandable dialog, and now with the corrected music, is no longer much of an issue.
While there are no extras with these FUGITIVE sets thus far, it's not a critical factor. This series doesn't NEED extras - the show itself is good enough to sustain anyone's interest and holds up well to repeated viewings.
For reference, it took about two weeks from mailing in the proofs of purchase to my receiving the corrected set. By the way, you get a full and complete second set - complete with artwork, improved keep case, and printed inserts, which are now readable on the inside without removing discs!
CBS/Paramount has taken our issue to heart and made good on their promise to put classic TV on a pedestal. Support their efforts with your purchases of this exceptional series on DVD.
[Addendum, several years later. I'm learning that new orders of THE FUGITIVE, Season 2, Volume 1, are still being shipped with the totally replaced music. If indeed THAT is the case, then this set should be avoided at all costs. CBS/Paramount did the right thing in re-issuing the set with largely corrected music, but, if this is true, have dropped the ball again by foisting the replaced-scores-by-Heyes upon an unsuspecting public. Unfortunately I know of no way to tell in advance whether you'd get a set with bad music or good music, but buyer beware. The exchange program is long gone, as far as I know.]
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Dr. Richard Kimble is accused to be the murder of his wife. The night before his execution, he escapes. The only chance to prove his innocence is to find the man who killed hi wife. Kimble, persecuted by the Lt. Gerard, risks his life several times when he shows his identity to help other people out of trouble.
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