Still, these 18 episodes include some fine examples of enduring quality, such as Matheson's "Death Ship," starring Jack Klugman and Ross Martin in a recurring nightmare scenario, and featuring the same spaceship model used in the 1956 sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet. Beaumont's "Miniature," starring Robert Duvall, was the only hour-long episode pulled from initial syndication (due to a plagiarism lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed), so its inclusion here (along with color scenes from its eventual syndication) is a welcome treat. Serling lampoons the medium of television with "The Bard" (with an early appearance by Burt Reynolds), and his teleplay for "On Thursday We Leave for Home" is the season's highlight, ranking among Twilight Zone's finest science-fiction episodes. It remained clear, however, that Twilight Zone was past its prime, and when the series was renewed for a fifth season in the spring of 1963, a return to its original half-hour format was a belated step in the right direction.

Of course, season 4's overall strengths and weaknesses won't matter to collectors of The Definitive Edition DVD sets, and a wealth of archival bonus features make this a must-have addition to anyone's TZ collection. Image Entertainment and features producer Paul Browstein deserve extra credit for their diligent assembly of supplements that render all previous TZ releases virtually obsolete. Nothing has been overlooked, from the commentary (on "Death Ship") and interview clips by acclaimed TZ expert Mark Scott Zicree to the inclusion of a vintage TZ spoof from Saturday Night Live, radio-show adaptations starring Blair Underwood, Jason Alexander, Lou Diamond Phillips and others, and a vintage Twilight Zone comic book, accessible on computers with Adobe reader installed. There's even a brief Rod Serling blooper taken from a scratchy 16-millimeter print, proving that no stone was left unturned in making this a truly definitive TZ collection. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.5

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-08
Content: Even if you have the series on VHS or previous DVD releases, the picture and sound quality is SUPERB. The transfers are perfect. The extras make it worth the purchase. It even contains a disc with one classic TZ comic book from the 1960s and 1970s in PDF format so you can read a classic issue on your computer.

One small note: I definately agree with other reviewers. THE TWILIGHT ZONE: UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO A TELEVISION CLASSIC by Martin Grams is 800 plus pages includes "everything" about the classic series and is a wonderful companion with the DVDs. The book details Serling's writing career on radio, early television and Twilight Zone is well researched and highly detailed. Exclusive interviews with cast and crew and behind-the-scenes trivia will floor you. What you do is watch an episode and then read up on it in the book and you'll discover a wealth of trivia that makes this worthy of appreciation. Both the DVD set and the book is on Amazon.com. Do yourself the favor and get both. You'll thank me for it.
Summary: Before You Buy This Set . . .

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-09-24
Content: I spent over $800 on the VHS videos from Columbia House two decades ago. I spent less than $140 for the complete DVD set and discovered more treasures, rare filmed interviews, bonus extras and high-quality transfers that are far superior to what I have been watching the past 20 years.

The Serling blooper was the same featured in Season 1 box set. The color footage of "Miniature" was clearly from a VHS. But don't let that keep you from buying this must-have. The rarely seen hour-long episodes are available uncut and commercial free. Anne Francis gives a superb video commentary. The commercial billboards are great and perhaps the best of the season.

The retail price keep lowering over the months but by now it's beyond affordable. I recommend you grab this season box set today.

I also suggest you buy "The Twilight Zone: Unlocking the Door to a Television Classic" because the 800 plus page book is a P-E-R-F-E-C-T companion to the DVD box set. Before or after you watch an episode, you can use the book to uncover the in-jokes, bloopers and trivia that make viewing these episodes fun. Watching the shows is one thing, knowing the behind-the-scenes stuff is even more fun. Both are available on Amazon.
Summary: rare footage included

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-04-06
Content: This is one of the best seasons for the TZ. A return to the 30 minute format and classic episodes like the "Living Doll" with Telly Savalas. I watch these each night in bed. If you like TZ, you'll love this season.
Summary: Timeless Twilight Zone

Rating - 5 Date: 2007-03-28
Content: I would recommend this item to anyone. I have not had any problems with the merchandise that I have received so far. Everything has been perfect.
Summary: DVD recommendation

Rating - 5 Date: 2007-01-16
Content: Great gift idea, My Wife loved every episode.
Summary: The Twiligh Zone Season 4 ( The definitive Edition )