Previously on this site I had reviewed Season 4 of this legendary program (http://upcomingdiscs.com/2010/10/15/gunsmoke-season-4-volume-1/) and Season 5 still predates the major changes that occurred over this show’s 20 year run, primarily consisting of supporting cast changes so that review can just about double as fair coverage of this season as well; which I hope conveys a testament to this show’s consistency of quality and not to my personal laziness as a writer. Indeed, this season continues to provide entertaining evidence as to why this show lasted so long and remains beloved to this day.
James Arness’ Marshall Matt Dillon keeps a stern, watchful eye on the city of Dodge. The stakes were always high in each episode’s adventure, and any slip up, be you a hero or villain, could cost you your life. Being a production from the late 1950s we do deal with more than a few character stereotypes. The gypsies are devious, the natives are primitive, and the white yokels are frighteningly ignorant and violent. Dillon, as the final word of the law in all situations, makes a decent mediator and remains without prejudice so long as you keep on the happy side of his law…or you end up on the business end of his gun in many cases
Video
(from previous review since it has remained consistent)
1:33 Fullscreen. An extremely nice transfer to DVD. Shown in its original black & white, the picture is very crisp and clear. As good as one could hope from a show this old. The original masters were obviously very well kept (I suppose it doesn’t hurt being a legendary show).
Audio
(from previous review since it has remained consistent)
English Mono, which is par for the course when it comes to revived shows like this. Despite the simple track, the sound quality is very strong. Such as when I wrote about the video quality, this really is as good as one could hope. Whatever aging has shown is perfectly forgivable, but none of it is disrupting in the least.
Subtitles available in English.
Special Features
Sponsor Spots: The cigarette ads are particularly dated and amusing.
James Arness: In Memoriam: A loving, but brief assembly of clips.
Final Thoughts
This is only the first half of the season but it is clear to see how each episode is largely contained to itself, with very few characters plots stretching over multiple episodes. This format is refreshing and suits the atmosphere of these American Western adventures.
