CHiPS:
The Complete Third Season (1979 - 1980/MGM/Warner DVD Set)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: D Episodes: C+
CHiPs'
Season Three explodes onto DVD with this 5 disc DVD set that is
packed full of 24 classic episodes from the renowned hit series.
These episodes ran from 1979-80 and is really nostalgic to watch
again. If you aren't familiar, the show centers around the
adventures of two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers that
come across all sorts of hairy situations and insane criminals along
the California Highway.
Officer
Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) was the straight, serious officer while
Frank (Ponch) Poncherello (Erik Estrada) was the more free-wheeling
member of the duo; both reported to Sgt. Joe Getraer (Larry Pine,
Chris Pine's real-life father), who gave out assignments and advice
in handling the cases. Each episode saw a compilation of incidents,
ranging from the humorous (e.g., a stranded motorist) to criminal
investigations (such as hijackings) and tragic incidents (such as a
fiery multi-car pile-up with multiple deaths.
Other
aspects of Ponch and Jon's daily work were highlighted as well; the
social lives of both officers (they were both single) often provided
the lighter moments. On occasion, Ponch and Jon were assisted by a
female (Chippie) at first, the very beautiful Sindy Cahill; and
later, the more wholesome Bonnie Clark. In 1982, Ponch got a new
partner, Bobby Nelson (series star Wilcox left the show that year),
while Nelson's younger brother, Bruce, was a trainee on the force.
By now, the female Chippie was the attractive Kathy Lindahan.
Episodes
include The Roller Disco Parts 1 and 2, Valley Go Home!, High
Octane, Death Watch, Counterfeit, Return of the Supercycle, Hot
Wheels, Drive Lady Drive Parts 1 and 2, The Watch Commander,
Destruction Derby, Second Change, Wheeling, Christmas Watch,
Jailbirds, E.M.T, Kidnap, Off Road, Tow Truck Lady, The Strippers,
Thrill Show, Nightingale, and Dynamite Alley.
Sound
and Picture on the disc are standard for DVD with a 4:3/1.33 X 1 full
frame aspect ratio and a lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track that
mirrors the original television broadcasts. Nothing too special or
attractive about the transfer here, but seeing that its an older show
its fine.
No
extras on the disc, but you can read about the previous seasons
elsewhere on this site.
Some
episodes of the show are better than others here, and this is
definitely for the older generation that loves seeing real cars blow
up and love nostalgia.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
