Here are some newly released TV shows on DVD, led by an excellent 1970s miniseries, "Captains and the Kings," based on Taylor Caldwell's novel.
"Captains and the Kings" (Koch/Universal, 1976, three discs, $39.98). Television miniseries have long been neglected by DVD but the success of "Centennial" and "Holocaust," among others, has opened the door for more. And this one, a thinly veiled reworking of the Kennedy dynasty is the latest.
Richard Jordan stars as a poor Irish immigrant who becomes an oil tycoon and obsesses over one of his sons becoming the first Irish-Catholic president. Sweeping saga features many familiar stars, including Henry Fonda, Patty Duke, Jane Seymour, etc.
Extras: full frame, nine episodes, featurette
"The Beiderbecke Affair" (Acorn, 1985, two discs, $39.99). Amusing British comedy-mystery about a pair of teachers becoming amateur detectives when one of them receives the wrong set of LP records sold by a door-to-door saleswoman, which leads to a deeper mystery and high-level corruption.
Extras: full frame, six episodes, text biography of jazz artist Bix Beiderbecke
"The Invaders: The Second Season" (CBS/Paramount, 1967-68, seven discs, $39.99). Fans (and I am one) will be happy to see this exciting series on DVD with its second (and final) season, as Roy Thinnes learns more about an alien invasion and encounters other believers. Guests include Gene Hackman, Anne Francis, Louis Gosset Jr. and Ed Asner.
Extras: full frame, 26 episodes, introductions by Thinnes, audio commentary, interview with Thinnes
"Mystery Science Theater 3000, Volume XIV" (Shout, 1989-99, four discs, $59.99). Four more episodes of "MSTK3" that have never been on DVD, lampooning the very bad movies "Mad Monster," "Manhunt in Space," "Soultaker" and "Final Justice." Funny stuff for fans of snarkiness.
Extras: full frame, four episodes, new interviews; Mike, Tom and Crow visit ESPN's "Cheap Seats," trailer; four mini-posters
"Bewitched: The Complete Seventh Season" (Sony, 1970-71, four discs, $39.95). In a break from tradition this penultimate season's first eight episodes frame a single story as Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) and clan head for Salem and a witches' convention. Paul Lynde and Agnes Moorehead are great, as always.
Extras: full frame, 28 episodes
"Dave's World" (CBS/Paramount, 1994-95, three discs, $42.99). Harry Anderson ("Night Court") stars as Miami-based humor columnist Dave Barry in this family-oriented sitcom. Patrick Warburton joins the show this season, adding laughs as a goofball handyman.
Extras: full frame, 25 episodes
"The Love Boat: Season Two, Volume One" (CBS/Paramount, 1978, three discs, $39.99). Guests for this first half of the second season include Utahn Laraine Day, Edie Adams, Billy Crystal, Vincent Price, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sandra Dee, Rhonda Fleming, Soupy Sales, etc.
Extras: full frame, 13 episodes, promos
"Emergency!: Season Five" (Universal, 1975-76, five discs, $39.98) Jack Webb's fine, no-nonsense salute to paramedics depicts more daring rescues around the Los Angeles area. Although the box says 24 episodes there are only 22. My research indicates that a two-part crossover with "Adam-12" is missing — although included here is a different crossover episode of "Adam-12"!
Extras: full frame, 22 episodes, of "Adam 12" episode
"Walker, Texas Ranger: The Sixth Season" (CBS/Paramount, 1998-99, five discs, $54.99). Chuck Norris' over-the-top action show continues in this sixth (or is it really the seventh?) season, which begins with part two of the cliffhanger wedding episode that ended the previous season. One more season to go.
Extras: full frame, 23 episodes
"Duckman: Seasons Three & Four" (CBS/Paramount, 1996-97, seven discs, $49.99). Vulgar animated series about a private-eye duck and his dysfunctional comrades. Funny but crude.
Extras: full frame, 48 episodes, featurettes
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