By the last half of season three Lost In Space was certainly showing its wear. The stories would sink to simply camp with little or no redeeming value remaining. It’s no surprise that this once smart bit of space humor was on the way out after season 3. By now it appears the writers were fresh out of anything new and opted to recycle already tired formulas. Just how many times can Smith sell the family out for a long-shot return to Earth? Will and the Robot remain the best reason for watching the show.
Audio
Season three, like season two, features an upgraded Dolby Digital 2.0 mono track. Due in part to its preservation for syndication. Remember that the black and white season one was rarely seen after its original broadcast. Dialogue is quite clear.
Video
Lost In Space Season 3.2 is presented in the expected 1.33:1 full screen format. Bright yellows and oranges leap from the 60’s costumes in quite a stunning display. There is the anticipated grain. Blacks are not nearly as deep as more modern shows exhibit, but for its time this is a nice print. Fans should not be disappointed.
Special Features
An unusual feature is the very short cut in and out for commercial break provided. It literally lasts 10 seconds. A Blooper, not from the show, but from the Irwin Allen special where most of the entire series of DVD releases gets its extras, is provided. Watch the Robot literally fall apart. Interview clips with Harris and Mumy from 1995 offer little new. Mumy discusses his aborted attempts to resolve the series in a TV film. Harris, of course, gloats in grand Smith style about how he completely invented the character of Dr. Smith.
Final Thoughts
Season three signals the end of Lost In Space, at least for now. The WB filmed a new pilot, but it was quickly scrapped. Considering they planned no Smith and initially no Robot, it was doomed to failure from the start. The New Line film had its moments, but most fans disregard it as a feeble attempt. I’m sure that Lost In Space will one day return in one form or another. For now the entire series is available on DVD and worth a spot in any fan’s collection. Excuse me now, I have to “return to the Jupiter, immediately”.
