M*A*S*H - Martinis and Medicine
Complete Collection starring Alan
Alda, Wayne Rogers, McLean
Stevenson, Gary Burghoff, Larry
Linville
Mash Box Set
This M*A*S*H-tastic 36-disc collection is one for the television time
capsule. It contains all 11 seasons of this multi-Emmy Award-winning
series, PLUS Robert Altmans 1970 iconoclastic anti-war classic, PLUS two
discs of special features, including two reunion specials and a series
retrospective episode of A&Es Biography. As with the individual season
sets, there are no new episode commentaries, a major disappointment.
But M*A*S*H-ophiles will enjoy this sets other bonus features, including
emotional behind-the-scenes footage of the filming of the last half-hour
episode, As Time Goes By, the inevitable bloopers, interviews with cast
members as well as fans about their favorite episodes, a segment about
the series Jocularity, a parade of PSAs (cut down on salt to avoid heart
disease), and the text of an unproduced script penned by Alda for an
episode titled, Hawkeye on the Double. All of this material (except for a
commemorative booklet) is available elsewhere in different co nfigurations,
but this space-saving (albeit ungainly packaged) box set collects them all
under one tent. Adapted for television by legendary comedy writer Larry
Gelbart, the series has long since supplanted Altmans film in the publics
consciousness. Life and death at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during
the Korean War doesnt seem like ripe fodder for a comedy series, but
M*A*S*H masterfully balanced laughter and tears (less so in its later, more
preachy seasons). It often does play better without a laugh track (a viewing
option for all episodes). During its run, M*A*S*H survived several delicate
operations, including the departure of Gelbart after season 4 and the loss
of core ensemble members McLean Stevenson as Col. Henry Blake and
Wayne Rogers as Trapper John (after season 3), Larry Linville as Frank
Burns (after season 5) and Gary Burghoff (a veteran of the original film) as
Radar (after season 8). The show thrived with the introduction of some
new blood, Henry Morgan as regular Army Col. Potter and Mik e Farrell as
compassionate BJ (season 4) and David Ogden Stiers as elitist Charles
Emerson Winchester III (season 6). M*A*S*H was honored with the
prestigious Peabody Award for the depth of its humor and the manner in
which comedy is used to lift the spirit and, as well, to offer a profound
statement on the nature of war. This was a sitcom that did not always
leave you laughing, as witness the classic season 3 episode Abyssinia,
Henry. And throughout its run, M*A*S*H broke the sitcom mold with
several episodes, including The Interview (season 4), in which Clete
Roberts interviews the staff of the 4077th, Point of View (season 7),
subjectively seen through the eyes of a wounded soldier and Life Time
(season 8), which unfolds in real time. M*A*S*H boasted one of televisions
greatest ensembles, fully embodied characters who each became icons,
most notably Alan Alda, who served with distinction as Hawkeye, the
series soul and conscience. But a special salute to Loretta Switt, whose
Margaret Houlihan went from Hot Lips to nobodys pushover. From the Pilot
to the feature-length finale, Goodbye, Farewell & Amen, still the most-
watched episode in history, this essential (but not so much if you bought
the individual season sets) collection honors one of televisions greatest
half-hours. --Donald Liebenson
Wonderful series.Loved it back then, and watch it whenever it comes on
TV now.Since I have the series, I am going to start at th beginning and
watch it all the way through in order.Thanks
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