“Lost in Space” was an exceptionally popular show in
the 1960s about space explorers marooned on an unknown planet
— long before the bad Matt LeBlanc film remake.
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- It slices and dices … only $19.95. Call now. (Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)
The Robinson family spent three seasons trying to get back home.
Now, the second season can be seen on DVD. “Lost in
Space” is not the average show, justifying its release.
Joining the Robinsons on the spaceship are the pilot — the
handsome Don West (Mark Goddard) — as well as hoity-toity
stowaway Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris) and Robby the Robot,
owner of the memorable catchphrase, “Danger, Will Robinson!
Danger!”
The planet they live on is no barren wasteland. It’s
populated with many strange guests, including an enchanted knight,
a red monkey faced alien who makes androids, a dragon with a pink
bow on her head and the ancient Norse thunder god Thor. The series
is a sort of unbelievable escapism that could only have been made
in the ’60s.
Unquestionably, the most satisfying of the series was Dr. Smith.
He’s so snobby that he speaks with the most elevated diction
and manages to grab every single good line. Dr. It’s
hilarious to see the All-American Robinsons look confused at Smith
and his uptight ways. Smith’s fastidious nature seems almost
like a blueprint for the seminal TV character Frasier Crane.
The visuals on “Lost in Space” are as campy as
expected. Sparks shoot out of everything and Robby looks like
he’s made out of a plastic donut and some Christmas lights.
There’s a stock painted backdrop and an unfortunate wardrobe
choice that put all the astronauts in v-neck silver jumpsuits.
The features on the four-disc-set are exceptionally sparse. They
consist of only two radio interviews from 1966 — one with the
actors playing Mr. and Mrs. Robinson (Guy Williams and June
Lockhart) and one with Harris. Still photos from the set flash by
for visual accompaniment. The Williams and Lockhart interview
doesn’t reveal much, except that Williams once fell off a
sweaty horse and Lockhart really likes to read. The Harris
interview is far more entertaining.
“Lost in Space” is great journey back into the
history of television. It won’t tell a great story or amaze
with its special effects, but it is a fine example of ’60s
fare. Due in part to the lack of extras, this set would only be
worth the price for a classic TV buff.
Ratings:
Show: 3 out of 5 stars
Features: 1 out of 5 stars
Sound/Picture: 2 out of 5 stars