Wanted: Dead or Alive ran for 94 episodes on CBS for three seasons spanning from 1958-1961. A spin-off from Trackdown, another CBS Western, Wanted: Dead or Alive is the story of Josh Randall (McQueen), a Confederate veteran turned bounty hunter with a soft heart. Randall is a good man. He carries with him a shortened Winchester known as "Mare's Leg," but only uses it if he has no other choice. Perhaps a bit conflicted by his line of work, he typically prefers to donate his earnings to the needy à la Robin Hood, and helps any prisoners who have been wrongfully accused.
If you're a fan of Westerns, particularly the TV shows being produced during this era, I can't recommend Wanted: Dead or Alive enough. A lot of Westerns ran during this time, some lasting much longer than Wanted (Gunsmoke and Bonaza quickly come to mind), but for my money Wanted tops them all. It features all the elements that make a Western a Western - a hero who despite being flawed always has the best of intentions, desolate settings, run ins with the law, shootouts, saloons and so forth. While all of that is good and well, what really makes this show stand out is the birth of a star.
For those of you that aren't fans of Westerns (if you're thinkg you're not, I suggest giving them shot because at some point in your life you will love them), this show is worth watching just to see the legend of Steve McQueen come alive. Before Wanted, McQueen's career was in a bit of a rut. He had appeared in a few TV shows and was the star of The Blob (a must-see!), but work was tough to come by. It wasn't long after the show premiered that producers came knocking. The show was a hit and McQueen was a star. Because of the show's success, McQueen became the first television star to cross over and become an equally big star on the big screen. Watching McQueen's performance as Randall, it's easy to see why.
In addition to McQueen, the series run offered up a wide variety of guest spots to many of the days biggest names including Lee Van Cleef, Lon Chaney Jr, DeForest Kelley and Michael Landon. The show even helped launch the career of an upcoming director by the name of Richard Donner, who would helm a handful of episodes.
The release from Mill Creek is really fantastic. It features all 94 episodes, including a bonus of 4 colorized episodes (the show was given a colorized run in the 80's). Mill Creek doesn't stop with just the episodes, also included in the set are 5 featurettes: The Art of the Replica, The Mare's Leg, Reckless, The Women of Wanted: Dead or Alive, and Winchester: A Weapon of Legend. Plus there's a photo gallery of the original Wanted: Dead or Alive comic book and if that weren't enough for you Mill Creek has also included The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery, a film featuring McQueen in his second starring role.
All episodes and features are spread over 12 discs allowing for excellent quality. While Mill Creek made sure to jam a lot into this release, they did a nice job of not putting too much on each inidivdual disc.
The show has been released a few times in the past, but this is by far the most comprhensive. For the first time the complete series comes in one set and you won't find these special features elsewhere. Whether you're looking to catch up with an old favorite or want to experience something new, Wanted: Dead or Alive The Complete Series Special Edition is a must at a price that can't be beat. Pick up your copy today.
To purchase your copy of Wanted: Dead or Alive The Complete Series Special Edition please visit Mill Creek online today.
DVD Rating: 5 out of 5
I could not agree more. McQueen had star power and does it show. People talk about McQueen riding a motorcycle and driving fast cars but boy is he so comfortable riding a horse in the series. Those episodes that were totally on on location in the Phoenix AZ area during Season 1 are excellent views.
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