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Modern audiences
have a tendency to dismiss older shows or
movies, especially those that are in black
& white. The mentality is that they
are of low quality, the acting is going
to be stilted, or the writing trite (though
most people who think this way would have
to look up the word, ‘trite’).
What they don’t realize is that TV
‘back then’ and TV ‘now’
share the same levels of ‘good and
bad’ the idea is to know where to
look.
But even those who realize this often only
go to the known properties. You’ll
see them watching the original “Twilight
Zone” or “Outer Limits”
for example. Of course, unless they get
the great DVD sets, they usually only get
to see the horribly edited versions. Personally
I like to go on treasure hunts for ‘lost
gems.’ One such gem was “One
Step Beyond.”
I had heard of “One Step Beyond”
from my parents, but never had the pleasure
of seeing an episode that wasn’t edited
or marred by terrible video releases.
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I never really had the opportunity to find out
what an excellent show it was until just recently.
Thanks to the folks at Paramount, the first season
is out this month on DVD. All 22 episodes first
season episodes are available and I have enjoyed
watching them immensely.
“One Step Beyond” was often compared
to “The Twilight Zone” because it
was an anthology series based on supernatural
events. Of course, this was a disservice to both
shows because they were actually very different.
Where “The Twilight Zone” presented
works of pure fiction (occasionally meant to point
the finger at social injustices), “One Step
Beyond” found its stories based on ‘fact’
and based on true events. While they were similar
in style (having a host) and utilized a lot of
the same stable of actors, the two shows were
very different.
One other thing they did share was the ability
to chill audiences to the bone. I made it a point
to watch “One Step Beyond” late at
night with the light off, and most of the episodes
really gave me the creeps. We’re not talking
full blown terror or anything, but I was definitely
unsettled. Each episode is introduced by director
and host John Newland and his cool demeanor perfectly
set up the mood for what was to come.
I have to hand it to Paramount on this one. For
the most part, older shows like these are released
with little or no restoration or special features.
These episodes have actually been remastered,
allowing for a cleaner and sharper image than
they probably ever had, even in their initial
airings. And surprisingly, there are also several
special features, including an extended version
of the Pilot episode “The Bride Possessed.”
You’ll also find video of the original opening
for the series (brought to you by Alcoa), a weird
1990’s computer generated opening, and old
audio interview with writer Don Mankiewicz.
I am totally loving this set and cannot wait
for the release of second and third seasons. Great
work Paramount!!
Episodes:
The Bride Possessed
Night of April 14th
Emergency Only
The Dark Room
Twelve Hours to Live
Epilogue
The Dream
Premonition
The Dead Part of the House
The Vision
The Devil’s Laughter
The Return of Mitchell Campion
The Navigator
The Secret
He Aerialist
The Burning Girl
The Haunted U-Boat
The Image of Death
The Captain’s Guests
Echo
The Front Runner
The Riddle
Hosted by: John Newland
Extras: Extended Pilot “The Bride Possessed”;
Promo; Alco Opening; Main Title Sequence (1990’s
Version); Archival Interview with Don Mankiewicz
Specifications: Widescreen (1.66:1); Dolby Digital
5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 9/15/2009
MPAA Rating: Unrated
http://www.paramount.com/homeentertainment
We'll give One Step Beyond: Season 1 an A.
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