The first television series to depict the American soldier in combat during the Vietnam War, producer Zev Braun's Emmy-nominated
Tour of Duty earned critical acclaim during its three-season run. Judging by the number of Internet sites devoted to the program, it also remains a fan favorite more than a decade after its 1989 cancellation; said fans should be pleased with this five-disc set, which compiles the entire 1987 debut season in a slightly altered format. What's untouched on this set is the drama and tension endured by the men of Company B, a racially and socially diverse platoon led by Sgt. Zeke Anderson (Terence Knox), as they serve their twelve-month tour in 1967. The 21 episodes of the first season (largely helmed by veteran TV writer-director Bill W.L. Norton) take the platoon from their formation at Firebase Ladybird ("Pilot") to the brutal battle to take Hill 1000 ("The Hill") that concludes the season on a downbeat note. What's missing, as longtime fans will immediately note, is the theme song (the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black") and much of the vintage rock music that played throughout the series. They've been replaced by generic (if effective) library tracks, which may lessen the impact of certain favorite scenes for viewers familiar with the broadcast versions. Also, no other extras are available on the disc, which is a slight disappointment, but for fans, simply having the entire first season might be satisfying enough.
--Paul Gaita
1 thanks for the memories
I found the reviews here very helpful when making my own decision to purchase both seasons 1 and 2. The reviews from retired vets especially touched me. It's not about the music. I knew I would miss hearing Paint it Black, and I do, but that's where any disappointment ends for me. Both these sets are fantastic. I'm part of the generation of viewers whose father fought in Vietnam. I have great respect for him and everyone who served. Tour of Duty was the ONE and only tv show that I watched with my dad. We never missed an episode. This series helped me to better understand a part of my father I may never have known otherwise. For that I am grateful. This show brought reality into my living room. The pain, the fear, the friendships. I learned things from this show that I never would have learned by reading a history book. It sparked a great interest in me to study the war and Vietnam era (from the soldier's point of view) in college. I have since met some wonderful people through several organizations I now belong to, such as the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association. I look forward to season 3 and to sharing these moments with my dad once again.
2 I fixed mine... kinda
Well like many other people on here I was looking forward to ToD on DVD. The show holds up well even today, but yes the music is missing and replaced with some rather bland library rock stuff... But the stories, acting and arc are still all intact.
I especially missed Paint It Black over the intro and the music used really is awful... though I can't remember if they even used it before season 2. Anyway, I've added Paint it Black back in over the intro, and it certainly helps me get into the spirit of the series more! I did this on my computer reauthoring the intro then putting it back on all the episodes then back onto DVD. I would have liked to have gone back and readded all the music, but some of it I'm not sure what goes where, and it would have been much much more time consuming. I'm happy not with the DVD versions and the Stones!
3 Did they cut my song?
I wrote the episode "USO Down," about the chopperload of USO entertainers shot down in the jungle. When writing the scene where the band says, "Here's the national anthem of Vietnam!" and begins playing "We Gotta Get Outa This Place," I was recalling my own tour of duty with the Marines in Vietnam and having that exact thing occur at a USO show. And I was never more sincere in my writing than when I placed the same song over the helicopter flying away, leaving the boys behind at the end. I haven't seen this DVD, mainly out of fear that those two moments have been ruined by replacement of the song in each case by generic music. How did the studio handle those moments? (Thanks to all who've praised the show here.)
4 Where's your American Spirit
I have not seen the DVD seasons, although I watched the broadcasts. In regards to the music changes, somebody's missing something when they complain about the music score on the DVD seasons. Jaggar or Hendrix have nothing to do with the morals that the writer is trying to convey to the audience. The music merely adds an emotional element to the film. We can't forget about the horror and ultimate sacrifices that our men and women endured. They are all heros, in my opinion. That is what the writer is trying to show, the facts. A glimps into a small portion of the Vietnam war (police action). The deaf see the real picture and writers try to create a film that communicates to all the veiwers. Was Hendrix or Jaggar in the Vietnam war? The songs they wrote during that era seemed to have insight into the solders experience, but where did they get the knowledge needed to relate to it! Don't get me wrong, I love the music also. Never the less, Tour of Duty is an excellent series.
Sincerely,
Jonathan McConeghy (Morrice Michigan)
A close friend to all Vietnam Vets!
5 tour of duty season 1 review
The First depiction of the ace's high American soldier in the vietnam war.The first season centeres around a tour in the jungle or vietcong territory for a group of fearless soldiers in a platoon lead by Stephen caffrey and Terrance knox his second in command. The first season focuses on infantry men who represent the different racial backgrounds in America with some story lines devoted to that fact of that era.Although that fact has nothing to do with reason's of the cause of the Vietnam war the episodes are based on Mission's accomplished by the platoon for the benefit of mankind and exclusion of tyrany in a new more fruitful democratic earth.The first season has it's up's and down's although not hugely grapic and not hugely exciting with combat action some huge lesson's can be learnt from this series about justice for the oppressed and respect for the brave women and men that conqured the oppressors in such uncharted territory.The platoon of men bond as a group in the first season which is important as friendships are tested to the limit with survival depending on each others training and determination to live while being pinned down by the enemy.The First season is a worthy buy but i hope that season two can achieve a higher star rating than season one.
6 Great Show Missing Its Soul
This was a fabulous series, but the missing music really leaves a hole in the experience of watching it. The show was so good that it's still good work without the music, but the music, especially The Stones' "Black" in the intro really got you into the mood. I was shopping with a Christmas gift certificate, saw the first two seasons and grabbed them. It never occurred to me that the music might not be part of the package. What the heck is going on here? It's like Miami Vice would be without the music, still pretty good but not at all the same. I'm sorry I bought the dvd's. Had I known about the music, I'd have waited for a new version and just passed entirely if it never came.
7 Sorry, it's just not the same w/out the music
I eagerly awaited the delivery of this great series which was aired in Singapore about a year after it came out in the US and wish I had taped it way back then. After getting about half way through the 3rd episode, I had heard enough of the artificial electronic muzak that sounds out-of-place with the era. If you watched this series when it came out and enjoyed the mood it set, this will make you feel that something is now missing. I have ordered Season 2 but it has not arrived and I will throw both out if Season 2 is the same. I hope the DVD producer can work out whatever problem they have with the music or copyright.
8 At last!!
Tour of Duty - my staple Saturday night viewing in the late 80s when it was shown on TV in the U.K. I absolutely loved this show, which not only boasted some great characters, superb and pretty gritty action sequences, but actually dared to go explore a great many themes of the war in a pretty unbiased way. I've been waiting a long time for a DVD release, and finally it's got one! The main issue here seems to be the fact that the music has been changed, and it has. Yes there's no Paint It Black on the opening credits - but the music is not as 'generic' as people say. It's actually the end theme, and theme that was used throughoput the show that starts it off. The music through the episodes is thematically decent (i.e Hendrix style guitar tracks, and bluesy riffs etc) that don't sound out of place - they're just not instantly recognisable - and it takes NOTHING away from the sheer brilliance of this series. Given the choice - yes I would rather have the original musics, but given the choice between what has been released, and nothing - it's a no contest. If it's a case of a company needing to avoid royalties in order to get me the complete seasons of a great TV series - I'm all for it, and any true fan will tell you the same.
9 Another DVD mistake...
I loved this series. I saw this at Best Buy and grabbed it immediately. Poped in the first disc and low and behold the Rolling Stones were not there to get me pumped up. So yes I was that poor sap who got taken.
It's very unfortunate that the original music is not there. If I can "steal" all these songs off the net in mp3 format, why the heck can't studios secure the rights for the original music? Seems so backwards to me. A job done poorly.
Season two doesnt have the orignal music either. There are too many of these TV shows on DVD that have not been done correctly. It's really a shame if you ask me.
10 No extras/no original music? UGH!
I actually cried when this show was cancelled, I loved it so much. I have MOST of Season 1 on VHS and the entire Seasons 2 & 3. Ahhhhh the joy of 'Paint It Black'!! And every rock song that was played! How in the WORLD could they duplicate the episode wherein the platoon is with the 'Vietamese Indians' with the AWOL US soldier and they perform for them using a James Brown tune??? Remember ToD fans? Goldman puts a cape over Taylor and guides him 'offstage'...GREAT episode! Will they just SKIP this episode? Kinda hard for Taylor to lip synch James Brown with muzak playing..Or the episode where they rescue a USO troup and 'We Gotta Get Outta This Place' plays at the end, trailing off into an echo, as the chooper takes off showing the platoon on a hilltop from the air?? It will hardly have the same impact without the song!
And why no extras?? Ive seen web sites all over the web where actors from the series do 'chats', so why would they be opposed to adding their viewpoint, interviews, behind the scenes stuff, etc? I waited so so so long to upgrade my my nearly worn out tapes only to find no extras and NO ORIGINAL music? ACK!
Loss of 2 stars for no extras/no music.
Anyone think Season 2 (released 12/28/04) will have extras OR original music??
11 The music on the DVD is not the same as the original series.
This is a great series seriously lessened by Sony Pictures neglecting to secure the rights to the original music on the series so instead it replaced the music with much newer and much more inappropriate music. I rented the series and am now sure that I will not buy it, nor will most of my friends and family, it is not the same without the original music.
12 One of the Top Series of the '80's
It's about time this series made it to DVD. One of the top series of the 1980's (ok - that's my opinion)this was one of 2 series to hit the small screen about the Viet Nam war, the other being China Beach. It came out at about the time it was ok to be nostalgic about a war that seemingly went on forever with a number of big-screen flicks on the war also coming out about the same time. Terence Knox was ideally cast as Sgt. Zeke Anderson, and if you were one of those people unfortunate enough to have been there, or knew someone who was, you know it was really the wizened-battle hardened sergeant who ran the platoon and not the lieutenant who was in charge.
With a cast featuring a number of minorities the show may have been a bit ahead of its time which might explain why it only lasted a few years. One thing to remember about Viet Nam was that it was the minority groups that made up a large percentage of the troops.
Musically, the soundtrack will bring back some memories although some of the tunes on the original series have been replaced due to copyright difficulties. No big deal since its the storylines that make the program and the music- while certainly not a distraction - adds that '60's flavor to it.
If you like a realistic portrayal of the war and a better understanding of the times, you owe it to yourself to pick up this series.
13 awesome
if you are a fan of TOD you have to get this. its truly amazing. also the people gripping about the music, i have all the eps recorded from broadcast. paint it black doesnt come in till the second season. so i dont understand what their malfunction is. im already waiting for dec 28 for the release of season 2. thanks to the powers that be for putting the greatest tv series on dvd.
14 great gift
When I saw season one of Tour of Duty in the store, I had to have it (and many thank you's to my husband for buying it for us). I hadn't seen the show for nearly as long as it has been off the air, and as someone else stated, I don't remember the Rolling Stones Paint it Black being the theme song in the 2nd or 3rd season. I do miss the RS at the beginning, and yes, the music has changed within the episodes, but the feeling I get from watching them hadn't changed. My husband had not been familiar with the series, but he, too, enjoys the DVD's. I will buy the second season and hope that Sony does follow up with the third.
15 If They are gonna release also with original soundtrack:
If they are going to do that, I'm going to buy it too! I already have this one, but I really miss the music. It's a shame they replaced it. The music is part of the tour and were carefully selected I guess. Now in some parts of the series it all seems a bit without the power it had when I saw the series on the network! Truly release it again and shove this one in the garbage bin!
Greetings Floris
PS: The episodes are still great!
16 EXCELLENT!
I could be wrong, but I don't think "Paint It Black" was the theme song until the second season. I seem to remember thinking how well it fit the scenes in the intro as compared with the music from the first season.
I'm certainly willing to believe that other original music was replaced, because there have been a few scenes where I noticed that the music was kind of generic, crappy guitar, but it hasn't made the shows any less meaningful. All in all, this DVD set is at the head of my collection, and I'm not at all disappointed in the presentation.
17 Best of the best
While I have heard many complaints from others about the fact that the sound tracks for the series were taken out and replaced with other music (not anything I ever heard during this period of time) the series itself far exceeds the importance of the original music scores that were a part of the series.
I served in the US Army from June 1970 to May 1973 during a time in our history that was the Cold War. I volunteered for service in Viet Nam but was instead sent to Germany as part of a much bigger picture of the war that was being fought against Communism. I am however proud to say that our guys who were called to fight in Viet Nam were the braviest of us all. This series was and is dedicated to them and the music only represents a very tiny part of the times. I highly recommend this series to all who thought it was great at the time of its run on TV regardless of the change in the music. If I want to listen to the music I can always put CD's on my sterio while I watch Tour of Duty over and over again.
Will I buy Season 2?? Absolutely!!!!! That's the only way I can insure that they come out with seasons 2 and 3.
18 A must watch series if you were a fan of the show....!!!!!
In a word this box set is "AWESOME" !!!!!! The quality of the video is fantastic as well as the sound.Sure the origonal music isn't there,but if you were into the show just for that you were really missing the whole concept of the series to begin with.This series brought the real experience of the hard times the young soldiers endured in Vietnam.The good and the bad were portrayed in great fashion...The protesters,coming home to nothing,sacrafice,bravery,friendships made and lost.This has it all.My hat's off to SONY for releasing this tight and well done project.I only hope they release season 2 and 3......I'm looking forward to that happening some day.Do yourself a favor and buy this set if you were ever a fan.
19 False Representation of DVD Set
This DVD set is labelled as "The Complete First Season" which is a lie; all the music has been replaced. I am surprise that someone hasn't sued Sony for misrepresentation.
20 Tour of Duty - Definite in my collection
I love war movies and tv shows about all the wars America has been involved in. This is one of my favorite tv episodes of all time. I remember watching it each and every week when I was younger. I was so excited when I got the set that I watched the entire set within a two week period. That was about 2 months ago, I'm starting over again.
It's not a dvd that I would let my 3 and 6 year olds watch, but it's definitely one that I will enjoy for years to come. I can't wait until the next season comes out.
21 TOUR OF DUTY
This was a great series but i dont under stand why they have taken out all the early music and added the library rubbish. Why not just release it as it was 1st layed out. SHAME COULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT SET OF DVDS.
22 Where's the music???
This was a great series, but I have to say that much of what made it so good was the music from the era. Why were the classic songs removed and the bland instrumentals added? I am very disappointed...
23 Finally!!!!! I've been waiting years for this!!!
Tour of Duty is one of my all-time favorite shows. I'm so thrilled that it has been released on dvd. The acting, the writing were (and are) incredible. The fact that Tour of Duty was realistic is part of what made it so great. It is a gritty look into what it must have been like to be there. The characters grow as the season goes on, becoming closer to each other, and you believe in them. This show is incredible, and if you didn't see it when it was on tv, you must watch it now. If you were a fan of China Beach, don't miss this either. I only hope that Season 2 & 3 are released quickly.
24 The long wait is finnally over! Thank you Sony Pictures!
The long wait is Finnally over! Thank you Sony Pictures!
IT was well worth every cent! If Season 2 & 3 will be released I will buy them as they're released! No doubt!
Hoping to see Season 2 & 3 soon!
"Tour of Duty" is without a doubt the very best TV-series I have ever seen! Since they aint available on VHS or DVD until now I sure hope to see season 2 & 3 VERY SOON!
If I would rate thew DVD's personally I would give them 10 stars, if not more!
25 Excellent
Doesn't matter that the music had to go instrumental, it's still our beloved Tour of Duty with all our favorite characters and shows. Just waiting for the remaining series to be released. With everything else that is being released in multiple series, it would be a shame to exclude this all time favorite.
26 unfortunately a flawed set
I wish I could buy this set, but due to the lack of it's original music score I won't. I don't want korny instrumental music inserted because the maker is too cheap to pay licensing fees. Tour of duty was one of my favorite shows years ago, I hope they correct this mistake and re-release it.
27 Incomplete
I would pay twice the price if the music was included. As a USMC Vietnam vetern who served in RVN during that time (1966-67) I feel that the episodes dealt with every aspect of the Vietnam experience and did it well, although the improbabilities are easy to spot if you've been there. The music was important, punctuating the events in profound and moving ways. It is incomplete without the original score. To the publishers (and I am sure speaking for my fellow "Tour" fans): do it right and charge more. We will pay the price for the real thing.
28 good even without the music
I watched this show as a kid and enjoyed the plots and the acting. After watching reruns on scratchy ex-rental videos this DVD is a godsend. If you love the music so much make yourself a compilation tape to play before you watch. Future releases should not be delayed or boycotted for this minor blemish. TV is acting, story and music. Here we have 2 of the 3 and the replacement music is pretty good anyway and does not detract. I much prefer solid acting of a good story to a soundtrack. Eagerly awaiting further releases.
29 don't buy this set!!
The people who are saying that their used to be lots of negative reviews of this DVD set are absolutely correct. Three weeks ago there were over 90 reviews, most of them negative. Amazon has removed all of them, and won't reply to mails asking what happoned to them.
Sony chose to release "Tour of Duty" without any of its original 1960's rock soundtrack because they chose to not pay the license fees needed to release the show complete. When this set came out I'd waited so long for a DVD release I bought it anyway. What a mistake!! Without the rock music it's practically unwatchable!! The show's writers masterfully used 1960's rock music not only to compliment the scene, but also to help tell the story, sometimes with music that sarcastically contrasted with the events unfolding on screen (like the use of "Train A' Coming" in episode 3). You wouldn't watch "Apocoplyse Now" without "Satisfaction," and watching "Tour of Duty" in this version is no different.
The best way to get Sony to release season two with it's music intact isn't to buy this set. Instead, vote with your dollars. Only a loss of sales will make Sony change its minds, and give us "Tour of Duty" as it was intended to be seen.
30 The Vietnam veterans' story, finally on DVD
"Tour of Duty" came on TV in 1987, a time in which Hollywood began to address the Vietnam War with a deluge of movies, many of them memorable, others not. "Tour of Duty" was unique in that it lacked the sensationalized stories of films like "Platoon" and "Full Metal Jacket," but it was also missing the realistic, graphic battle scenes of the later "We Were Soldiers." "Tour of Duty" focused on a company of young men in Vietnam, beginning in 1967. The episodes revolve around the camraderie and teamwork of the men, their attitudes towards the war, their inner frustrations, and ultimately the bold actions that keep them alive. The attitudes, feelings, and exploits of the Vietnamese forces (NVA, VC, and ARVN) are also examined.
Strong acting all-around gives life to the characters. In particular, viewers can see Sgt. Anderson (Terrence Knox) as a father figure to the young infantrymen, and watch Lt. Goldman (Stephen Caffrey) as he develops his leadership abilities over the course of the show.
The plots of the episodes range in quality from average to excellent. In the best episodes, viewers feel genuine suspense and develop a sense of despair from watching the soldiers of Bravo Company fight for their lives. Of all the first season episodes, a few really stand out: "Notes from the Underground," "Brothers, Fathers, and Sons," "Nowhere to Run," "Roadrunner," "Under Siege," and "Soldiers." However, none of the episodes are really bad.
The weakest aspect of this DVD was the music. The original show played popular songs from the Vietnam era at various points in the episodes. For the DVD, a composer tried to substitute instrumental versions of these songs. Often, they come on at inappropriate times and detract from the mood of the scene. Disappointingly, the show's original theme song ("Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones) has been purged from the show. The instrumental closing theme has been substituted instead.
As a DVD compilation, this collection is average in terms of conversion to the DVD format. All 21 episodes from the first season are here (including the pilot episode, which reveals significant retooling took place before episode 2.) There aren't any special features, aside from trailers for other DVD's being sold by Columbia Tristar.
Overall, this is a solid but under-appreciated TV show that has finally made it to DVD to be enjoyed by new generations. I can't wait for seasons 2 and 3 to show up on DVD.
31 Disappointed fan
I have been a fan of Tour of Duty since it first appeared and I
was thrilled to see the DVD set available. When I discovered that the original music was removed I was shocked. It is part of the experience that was the original series. I will not purchase something that is only a part of what it was intended to be. I hope the second season is released as it was intended. I would gladly pay for the DVD's (even if they were more expensive) if they appear as originally broadcast.
32 Wonderful show
I came to love Tour of Duty when TNT aired it. I have managed to obtain tapes of the original showing, and I loved the way they used 60s music. However, I know it's never going to happen that the original music will be restored to the DVDs, even if they *could* get the rights to all of it. It would make these DVDs very expensive. That said, the DVDs of season 1 are very well packaged, and the quality of transfer to DVD is excellent. They are well worth buying.
The lack of any extras *is* annoying. I wonder if good old Columbia/Tristar bothered to even talk to any of the actors? Or the creators of the show? I hope they will make some effort on the next season's release. Also, there are a few errors in the episode guide included with the DVDs.
33 Coverup
I agree, at the time I write this there are only 5 other posts when there should be hundreds. I think Amazon got rid of them because they knew everyone was blasting it for not having the original music. It matters to many people, like me, and they won't buy it. I will continue to watch the original episodes on VHS with ALL the original music brcause it it PART OF THE STORY!
34 My Favorite Show, 5 Stars for a very Exciting Show
I rated this show 5 Stars for the fact that this show is truly a very well written show, the actors were also excellent.
I never seen this show before until this DVD set, so the music did not bother me that much, although I would like to have the original music on the remaining 2nd and 3rd Seasons and also for the sake of those who saw the show with it's original music because I understand what it means for them.
Thank you very much for reading my review and please rate this show FIVE STARS so we will have the chance to own season 2 & 3.
Have a nice day :)
35 Greatest T.V. Vietnam War Depiction Ever!!
I grew up watching this amazing t.v. show in the eighties and was overjoyed at its release on dvd format. The stories, and the actors involved in the Tour of Duty series are truly moving, and stir emotions of an era long since gone, but not forgotten. While I agree that the music is pitiful, that should not detract from this brilliant series depicting third squad's battle for survival in the Vietnam conflict. The men of third squad represent a generation that America owes a great deal of gratitude to, and I encourage everyone who wants to get an idea of what the Vietnam war was really like to watch this amazing series.
36 NOT the show you love
This is a warning for all fans of the television classic 'Tour of Duty'. This DVD release DOES NOT contain the show you know and love. All music from the soundtrack has been removed, presumably for copyright reasons, and replaced by generic stock music, rendering the show almost unwatchable.
I sent numerous email complaints to Sony Pictures Home Video customer service department, and got the following brush-off reply:
Thank you for your recent inquiry!
CTHE created all new music for this product as we were unable to obtain clearance to utilize the original music for the DVD.
Thank you.
Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment
Consumer Relations
I guess that shows how much they really value their customers. I encourage all fans to boycott this release and email complaints to Sony Pictures.
37 What happened to all the other reviews
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong Mr.Amazon, but last time I looked there were 10 to 15 reviews of this product, all lambasting it for being substandard, and atrocious, due to the "lifting" of all period music, and having it replaced with generic muzak. I know this, because one of those reviews was mine.
Why have they all disappeared?? Did Sony get to you? Was it affecting sales?
Don't be fooled people - I would NOT have pre-ordered this and been stuck with it if I'd known not one track of the original period music survived this edition. No "Paint it Black", no nothing. It sucks. It sucks even more that all the negative reviews pointing this out have been conveniently deleted?
38 This Show deserve to be rated 5 Stars, not 1 Star for Music
In my opinion this Show should be rated 5 Stars, and if we rate it 1 Star just for not having the original music, then I think we will never see the Second Season. Please rate this show FIVE STARS and just mention that it should contain the Original Music.
Thank you very much.
I wish ALL SEASONS of TOUR OF DUTY will be released very very soon including the original music. Thanks.
39 Better TOD with generic music than no TOD at all.
I thank Zev Braun and his top notch advisers for telling our story right, and Sony for offering it to a new generation at risk. Once again, our precious youth are being sent into harm's way by a weak president, based on lies and disinformation.
All you teenagers: buy and watch this before you enlist! And if you still do, God bless you and keep you from harm. HUA?
To Sony: I'll buy season 2, and season 3 no matter what. But yes, I'd also like to see the original music, and I'd buy season 1 again if a version with the original was released.
40 Good show, good music
I wish I could give this show 500 stars to counteract some of the reviews here that seem to think Tour of Duty is nothing more than a soundtrack.
This is an incredible show, with outstanding plots and wonderful actors. TOD manages to tell meaningful stories about world-shattering events on a personal level, without resorting to melodrama or overblown special effects. This tv show compares well with the best of the big screen, where characters and plot are often sacrificed for big explosions and fancy camera work.
I watched the entire first season in less than a week. I can't wait for Season 2, with or without the Rolling Stones.
41 Disappointed...
How can there be no original sound track in this DVD??? Initially, I wanted to buy this D.V.D very much, as these series has being part of my teenage days. Without the Original Sound track, it makes me feel that something is not there in these Series...
I prefer to own a set of DVD with the Original Sound Track than having some missing feelings for it.
42 One unhappy lady!!!
As a die hard TOD fan i am desperate to buy this on DVD, but i just can't do it!!!!!!
How could anything replace the original music, especially those first few beats of the title
'paint it black' that sends shivers down my spine and takes me back to being a teenager when i was allowed to stay up late on a Friday nite to watch it with my dad.....
As people have said before, think i'll stick to my VHS copies!!
43 Missed the Music, but the stories are still GREAT
At first I missed the music, but by the time we were done watching the complete set, I never knew the music was missing. Instead I just bought me a Rolling Stones CD to listen to.
We were sorry there were none more to be watched. Can't wait for the next set to be released!!!!!!!!!!
44 ...but -5 stars for the music
Like a broken record...I can't believe they took away the original music.
I loved this series (I was 11 in 1987) and have been awaiting its DVD release for a long time. I'll never forget CCR's "Have you ever seen the rain" in the Decker episode. This series made me an oldies fan, and now that is gone. At least I still have some episodes I taped off of TV.
I think it should be re-released with a trade-in program. I was kind of expecting the shows to seem cheesy and outdated now 15yrs later, but its just as great now as it was then. Well, everything but the music. I can live with the video quality (this IS 80's TV after all; better than my vhs tapes of the show, though - its all relative) and the graininess of the low-light filming parts, but the music is unacceptable.
Did I mention that I disapprove of the music replacement? Just checking.
45 Disappointed but glad to see TOD on DVD
When I saw the DVD at the store my heart skipped a beat. However, I am one of those purists who was also disappointed with the music or lack thereof. I encourage the producers to include the origional music on the subsequent seasons to insure positive reviews and sales. I was in Vietnam in 1963 and TOD was my show during the 80s when it became cool to be a Vietnam vet. I especially enjoyed the last season when the squad was assigned to SOG. As far as I'm concerned this is our show and we would like to see the music of our era included. This series reflected in some ways the way we felt in country and when we came home. I should point out that the cast would travel to Vietnam reunions and events to make an appearance on behalf of the show. It was very gratifying to see these young actors pay tribute to those of us who were really there. Please do not abandon this series just because you dont like the music and allow the subsequent series to not be released. Funny, isn't that what happened with the war in Vietnam? We were not allowed to continue and win the war because people disagreed. Sounds like history repeating itself. To you who are undecided and stressed about the generic music, be satisfied that the series is on DVD and buy it to insure the future release of the next two seasons.
46 Wrong Music = No Sale, Sorry
Tour of Duty without the original music, especially 'Paint It Black'; I don't think so. It just wouldn't be the same. I am sure if I had never seen the originals it would be ok. For me though, even now years later I think first of Tour Of Duty each time I hear that song from the Stones. A series of DVD's costs enough for the producers to get it right if they want my money. I'd love to have Tour Of Duty & China Beach both complete series, but not without the music for them.
47 Original music would have been nice, but not essential...
Although I suppose I shouldn't be, I am continually amazed that people would give 100% negative reviews based on music rights not being negotiated.
Yes, its not entirely the same show without the music. Yes some scenes loose their initial effectiveness (or even don't make sense - see the references to Marvin Gaye playing on the radio when the music has been replaced by muzak). However, I found that after the first few shows, I didn't miss the music anymore - indeed without it, I found myself concentrating more on what was going on, the nuances of the characters and their reactions to each situation, instead of tapping my foot to the music.
I'd go so far as to say ToD might be a better show without the songs, if you watch it as a commentary about the issues surrounding the Vietnam period of US history.
In the first season, the show had the support of the US Armed Forces, and it showed - equipment and for most of the season, the focus was on the war. Later episodes of the season began to focus more on the characters and the effect of being in Vietnam had on them as people. The best example of this is in Short Timer, where Taylor is faced with the realization that Vietnam is where he belongs, and "re-ups" when he could be going home at the end of his tour. The observation is made that this makes him a "lifer".
I loved this show when it was first on CBS. For the longest time, I hoped it would be released on VHS, but then DVD came along and I knew that with the growing popularity of TV on DVD, it was only a matter of time before ToD was released.
The thing is, if sales are low for season one, the other two might not be released.
Main complaints are the music a a few grainy scenes, which by the way, were like that on the original transmission, but the actual show itself is A+ quality.
So, if you are a fan and want seasons 2 and 3 released, but know someone who gave a poor review because of the music, or isn't buying, be sure to thank them if the rest of the show isn't released (see NYPD Blue for what can happen if sales are poor).
48 Great Show, Can't wait for season 2
This show is amazing, I wish they release the 2nd season soon along with all seasons.
49 Overdubbing is unacceptable
I had to spend some time in Europe for my job, had a layover in France and found a Seinfeld episode on TV. To my surprise, the familiar voices were replaced by French speaking actors! This totally ruined the show - in Sweden they keep the original dialogue and use Swedish subtitles. I can't believe that they would ruin such a great show as TOD by tearing the musical heart out of it. If you don't think that the music is an integral part of TOD, or you weren't around when 60's music was new and fresh, maybe it won't matter to you. I am so disappointed now that I will not buy the series until they use the ORIGINAL MUSIC.
50 Worth it, still awsome, but not the same!!!
I loved this order, and looked forward to getting it every day.. Watched all 5 DVD's in 3 days.. and loved every min of it.. but the soundtrack is the only reason it lost a star.. with the original sountrack it would have been perfect.. and for the price, even more perfect.. but they changed it so I guess we'll have to adapt.. lol... anyways its worth it..
51 Show is great, but quality not good.
I know a lot of comments have been made about this set. Yes, I was disappointed about the lack of original music, but I still bought the set. What I'm most disappointed about is the quality of the set. I have only had a chance to look at the first two DVD's so far, but there have already been several moments where the quality of the picture is dismal. Grainy, fuzzy, whatever. Maybe it's just a fluke and I should return my discs for another set, but I am pretty sure that's not the issue. Also, I read a comment here (from some nut who is blaming the Republicans on the lack of original music, among other things). Sure, he's an idiot. I know the Rolling Stones are very picky about their copyrights. I was actually surprised when the show came out that "Paint it Black" was being used as the theme song in the first place. Anyway, the guys who produced "Freaks and Geeks" did a little more work themselves to small-time produce a great set for their show, with all of the original music, including the Dead and the Who. If they can do it, surely a big-time corporate giant like Sony/Columbia Tri-star can do this. Please release the rest of the seasons with the original music. People who want to own the set will be willing to pay a little more for it. Just ask the "Freaks and Geeks" guys. And do not, under any circumstances, edit any material from this show. No matter what the Republicans say.
52 The Music is Important
I've read with interest all the reviews and viewpoints on this new release. It's an obvious statement on the popularity of this show to see such a reponse. I see both sides of the music argument, and if it doesn't bother you to see the original score removed, then more power to you. But I'm joining all the others who are not buying this release. I just found out it was released and was so excited that I had been jumping back and forth between Ebay and Amazon to find the best deal. Then I decided to read the reviews just to make sure, and I'm glad I did. After always being dissapointed by the sound track changes on the TNT TV versions, I had eagerly awaited a release on DVD by the studio, certain they would release it in its true, original form. I was a Huey door gunner just after Vietnam (shooting at dead tanks at Fort AP Hill makes me a lot less braver than my older brethern getting shot at over the rice patties in Vietnam), and there was nothing that made my hair stand up on the back of my neck like the opening scenes of TOD with "Paint It Black" turned way up high. That one song being taken out is enough for me not to buy the DVD. For me, and like many others who have commented, the music is an integral part of the scenes. The writing and acting was great, but the overall effect just isn't the same when the music is changed. However, I'm not certain I buy into the conspiracy theories being floated about regarding the licensing. Several years ago, while TNT was running TOD every day, one of the TOD web sites reported that the Stones refused to negotiate a licensing agreement, and that was why there was a different opening. Not sure how accurate that is and it seems strange that all the bands associated with the original soundtrack would take the same stand. Regardless, I have all 3 seasons on VHS that I recorded off the TV, and I watch them regularly. They have the commercials, they don't have Paint It Black, and the picture isn't great. But the new DVD has little more than all that, so I'm saving my money. Hopefully sales will be dissapointing to the studio and they will reconsider their strategy.
53 DON'T BUY THIS SET!!!!
Despite knowing that the original 1960's rock and roll soundtrack was removed by Sony for this release I went ahead and bought it anyway. I've been waiting so long for this series to come out on DVD I just couldn't wait any longer. What a mistake!!
I can't imagine how anyone can stand watching this show without the rock music. It was like watching "Apocalypse Now" without "Satisfaction," or "The Big Chill" without the music. It's totally unwatchable. Not only did the music take you into the 1960's era of the series, it helped tell the story, often with songs that sarcastically commented on the events unfolding on screen, such as "Train a' Coming" in episode three.
Sony saved a few bucks by not paying the license fees for the show's music, and now they're hoping you won't notice. They don't even mention the changes on the packaging!! Vote with your money. Until Soney releases this incredible show complete, fully remastered and with all its original music intact don't buy it. Otherwise they never will, and season two and three will come out edited, not remastered, and without the music as well.
54 NOT the "COMPLETE" 1st Season!
This is being sold under false pretenses.It says on the cover "The Complete 1st Season". This is not true. It has been hacked to pieces. After contacting TNT Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga after it was pulled off the air in the United States I uncovered the truth. As a direct result of the Bush Administrations request, the music tracks were changed and the show was literally banned from airing on television in the US. TNT says the reason for theese changes were due to requests from the government in light of the September 11 attacks. This series shows all too clearly the "human side" of war and posed a conflict of interest to the new LIE called the "War on Terror". Anyone who would even consider voting for shrub, or his Nazi American Terror Organization (The Republican Party), should have their head examined. After all, its a "FREE" country right? Give me a break. Another victory in the War on Terror. Enjoy folks.
55 Why didn't they tell the fans?
I only saw a few episodes of this show in syndication awhile ago and I liked it. I was thinking about purchasing the DVD's, but after seeing the reviews here I've decided not to. I disagree (at least in theory, since I didn't see that much of the show) that the lack of the original soundtrack wouldn't make that much of a difference - of course the songs were used in the first place exactly because the producers KNEW they would greatly enhance the realism of the show. Perhaps the licensing fees for the DVD's were deemed too expensive by Tristar, or perhaps the licensing was simply unavailable in some cases. What bothers me is that the company didn't tell prospective buyers that on the packaging of the DVD. Obviously they guessed a lot of fans wouldn't buy the set knowing that up front, so they chose to not say anything and see how many people they could sucker. That really is a ripoff, and I think Tristar SUCKS for doing that. I am a musician myself, and for the studio to treat the original musical concept and tapestry of the show so cavalierly is unacceptable - even if the added new tracks by the composer are well done, as I'm sure they are, and if the other aspects of the show are still good (it's also a bit disturbing to read that the DVD picture quality is sub-par). I won't buy the set now, unless I find that the licensing for the original songs has magically become available and that they have been restored.
56 Loving it
I am excited to see that this finally made it to DVD. I hope they continue with the other 2 seasons. I had this set on pre-order as soon as I was notified it was coming out. I'm psyched to be able to watch it over again. I think the soundtrack issue that everyone seems to be concerned about is totally blown out of proportion. Yeah, the music is cool but it is the show that makes it. I agree with one of the other reviewers: If the only reason you watched it was for the soundtrack, buy a cd/tape with that music on it.
57 Music
I really hope they plan on putting the music in for the next (that is if they decide to) season. It really changes the mood of the show. I feel that music can make or break a TV show or movie. If the people that made the DVD set are reading this please add the music if you decide to do another release. I would even have paid an extra 15$ for the music. If it had the proper music it would recive a well deserved 5 stars but due to the music issue I have to just give it 4 stars. The sound quality & video quality are great & I have no complaints about anything else.
58 Tour of Duty without original Sound Track Sucks
I never thought I would ever write a review of anything, however I was so disappointed with the first season of Tour of Duty whch was one of my most favorite programs (I don't think I ever missed an episode) when it was first released. I guess I never realized how much the soundtrack added to the series. I served in Nam for 18 months 1966-1968 and found when viewing the season one release, that the music, like the theme song "Paint it Black" added a lot to the overall feeling of the period. The insipid sound track that has replaced the original driving 60's rock music has made this release more like a soap opera than a window on the Vietnam experience.
59 To all naggers about the original music
Well, i was a bit scared after reading all those negative comments on the music, but i must confess that this feeling went away rather quickly. Ok, without the music, the feel is a bit different, however, i feel they've done a great job trying to recreate the music feel. The generic music imitates the original music (in for ex ep 2 or 3, where they should play Voodoo Chile Slight return from Jimi, they play a tune which closely resembles voodoo chile). The reason why you buy this, is for the series. And that rocks ! If you want music, buy one of the best of sixties CDs or so. Great show !
60 Orginal music and more
First off, let me say that I think some people are blowing this whole music thing way out of proportion. I have copies of some of the original Tour of Duty shows on tape, as aired on TV. All the original Tour of Duty instrumental music (including the shows instrumental theme song) is still here, and still the same. Only the professional, licensed artist music is missing. In place of that music, is more instrumental music that very often fits in and compliments the mood and feel of this great show. Some of the added music isn't all that bad either. Sure, some may not be as great as some of the missing period bit songs. But if you look at it closely, you might find that the show now has a more concentrated feel to it and lets you think more about what's going on in front of the camera and what the actors are doing, instead of grooving with popular tunes. It actually is a step up in the realism department in some ways. This does not mean I don't care about the missing music, just that it has its good points as well. For the people who only just care about the missing music, they need to learn some of the lessons taught within the show itself...
The fact is, that Tour of Duty was an incredible show, with fantastic acting, good writing, and great crew work. A lot of sweat and pain obviously went into it and it still stands as a great testimony to being one of, if not the greatest, war series ever to be filmed. They provided not only a record of insight into the Vietnam War, but into humanity.
61 Tour of Duty
Wow! Of course I miss the music, but this serie is so well done, no sugar coating a horrific war! Well done, great actors, realistic, what else can you ask for?
Hope to see season 2 and 3 soon!!!
62 Official response from Columbia Tristar
Have a read of this, look what these jokers take us for:
Thank you for your recent inquiry!
CTHE created all new music for this product as we were unable to obtain clearance to utilize the original music for the DVD.
Thank you.
Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment
Consumer Relations
63 Bitter disappointment
I made the mistake of buying Tour of Duty without researching or reading any reviews. I was in the dvd section of a retailer and saw it on the shelf. I watched every episode on tv and was really looking forward to watching it again. The omittance of the orginal music is a slap in the face to the true fan!! If they intend to release season 2 and 3, and do not have the music that was originally in the show I absolutely will not purchase the dvd's. I for one demand a re-release of season one with the original music!!
64 Original Music
I've had this set in my wish list for a long time and was about to purchase, when I read a few reviews and came to find out that they omitted the original music score for the set. Hello!!!, but am I wrong or what, didn't this set the mood for the series.
65 TOD on DVD is GREAT, and I want more, but....
I loved this show and was quite annoyed when they took it off the air where I am altogether. I was thrilled to tears when I heard it was coming out on DVD, and my husband (bless his heart) pre-ordered it for me.
Yes, I admit I would love the original music and I would really like extras - even just bloopers and stuff, if not beyond that. So if the people who release it are looking for suggestions, I speak for most TOD fans, trust me. HOWEVER, even without extras and without the original soundtrack, by all means PLEASE make sure you get Seasons 2 and 3 out as soon as you possibly can!
THANK YOU!
66 TOUR OF DUTY DESERVES BETTER, so do we!
This was one of the greatest groundbreaking series in television history and to not release it on DVD in it's ORIGINAL form is an injustice to the writers, producers, actors, anyone involved in the show and most of all, WE THE FANS. We have been waiting for this day since the invention of the DVD and I am truly disappointed with this release. The show deserves five stars but this DVD set only deserves two. Yes, I am outraged at the fact they did not use the original music, but, beyond that, this series deserves a digitally remastered transfer, the video quality is at best the equivelent to a good VHS and the sound is okay, but should have been mastered in 5.1. And then I read these other reviews from people claiming to be Tour fans saying that "Paint it Black" wasn't used until season 2 and that this DVD set is exactly how the originals were as far as the music. People, please re-assess your knowledge of this show and please do not call yourselves diehard fans! TOUR OF DUTY DESERVES BETTER!
67 The Day the Music Died.
I was very excited to hear that Tour of Duty was being released on DVD. I always enjoyed the series since it showed the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in our longest of wars. I knew that the soundtrack was going to be different from the series but I still begged for it for Father's Day. Well, it is different and unfortunately, it does make a difference. The period music added to the feeling of the show, especially if you were around when that music was new. The sound quality itself is okay since it is only reproduced in Dolby 2.0. The generic music is not very good but the original score from the series is fine and still brings back memories. The video transfer is not much better than VHS and is a small disappointment too. So, it's great to see Zeke and the boys again but I would have paid twice as much for the original soundtrack, Dolby 5.1 and a digital video transfer. It was that important of a show to some of us SONY Pictures. Season 2 and 3 should be upgraded accordingly.
68 OUTRAGE!!!
OMG I've waited YEARS AND YEARS for a (complete) video or dvd release, and now the show comes without the original period music. I can't believe it! Instead, it's generic sixtyish, umh, music---even when the characters are actually TALKING about what's playing on the radio in a scene! Utter outrage. Do they believe a score has nothing to do with atmosphere, emotions, historicity, zeitgeist, or, say, coolness?!?! Not to speak of goose bumps, reminiscences, memories? Why not change the lines while we're at it. Or the actors! How about that. Brave new licensed world. Know what? Don't buy.
69 Best DVD set i've purchased
I remember my early teenage years desperately forcing myself to stay awake until the late night showing of Tour of Duty was on (in the UK). Sometimes i would fall asleep and wake myself only to see the ending credits. It was one of the few programs i favoured on television still to this day.
In response to the missing music suggestion, i've only noticed a few examples with episodes. The music in the radio scene may or may not have been licenced but most episodes are the way they were. I might be wrong but the 'Paint it Black' theme only came in on the second season. If you remember, the ending with the platoon walking across the sunset was also a late addition. So we'll have to wait and see if that is true. The music rights should have already been secured when the program was first aired.
Besides this, the DVD box set is superb, the reproduction quality is as good as when i first saw the program. The presentation of the DVD is great. I would have loved to see some behind the scenes footage but i am grateful they released the series at all. It took over a decade for the release of the Lord of the Rings cartoon adaption. To see how many unworthy DVDs are put into production it was about time someone woke up to this series potential.
If you are a true fan of Tour of Duty then you will stop complaining and support this release. I look forward to revisiting the other seasons. Oh & for all UK viewers, my copy works fine on my multi-region player.
70 Best Series
This was one of the best series and I have waited a long time for this to come out on DVD. One thing I'm disappointed about is that they removed some of the oringinal sound tracks that was in the series, for example... song "Paint it Black". Other than that I am very happy it is out.
71 Great show without original Music also.
Yes, I too miss the original music, but that is not the heart of the show. It took me about 5 seconds of getting in to the first show in the DVD set (the pilot) to get over the lack of "Paint It Black" and the other music. If the music is the only reason that you like this show, then you are truly missing the point. You are missing the depth of one of the best shows ever made. And if your boycott succeeds and the rest of the series never come out on DVD then we all suffer. If you have to have the music, drag our your 8-tracks and your koss headphones and play it in the background while you watch. For the rest of the world, your gotta watch this show. The next 2 seasons get even better, the characters get deeper and more intense. This is also a show for the kids since it was on American TV.
72 The Magic of Tour of Duty: What was then, what is now.
When I first remember this series on TV, I saw it from the second season on. It began with 'Paint it Black' theme which ran through the third season before its cancelation. So if anyone was wondering, the first season is complete with the music that it was released in. (I should know, I have the pilot on tape from the original airing and they didn't change a thing.) Now, to the quality of this show. I happen to do a lot of research with three Science Fiction war novels (Which happened to be on Amazon as "Battlecruiser." Where did I get some of my research; from "Tour of Duty." First was the development of the characters, then it was the way the covered individual episodes from all angles and all situations, There was the action and the drama. This show was a vision of men in combat, banding together to survive. For the Glory of war is to live through it to get home. Here was a very accurate depiction of some incredibly good acting and themes that should be on DVD. It showed what our fighting men had to go through just to survive day by day. The only thing they learned to depend on was each other. I am now waiting for the second season.... Enjoy and learn what war is really about.
73 No music, no sense of the times!
I have been waiting for the release of this series. However, without the orginal music, the sense, the very essence, of the message - the turbulent times, the hopelessness, the shear insanity of it all can not be accurately portrayed. Therefore, unless or, until the orginal music is part of the series, I will not buy this set.
74 Almost as good as I remember
This is a great series and it is great to see it out on DVD. The video quality is fairly good, for the most part, considering the series is 15+ years old. There are episodes where the quality varies within the same scene, but it seems like I remember that in the orginal run, too.
The major disappointment is the lack of appropriate 60's music. The title sequence uses the shows theme, which is not bad, but certainly not as good as the Stones' Paint It Black. Also, there are small segments in most of the episodes that were clearly used to showcase 60's hits, but have now been replaced by generic instrumental music. The original music played a big part in setting the scene and mood of the series. In "Sitting Ducks", the song "Louie, Louie" is used as part of a scene, and it immediately seems like the 60s.
In another episode, characters are listening to a radio and talking about the Marvin Gaye song apparently playing, but we hear generic 60s-esque music.
It is unfortunate that music nearly 40 years old cannot be licensed for this excellent series. Hopefully, the future seasons will contain more of the original music. At any rate, it is still a great series and fun to watch again after all these years.
75 Without the music, forget it!
Without the original music this is a total waste. This isn't the Tour of Duty that I watched. I want a refund.
76 Tour Of Duty
Excellent Program,i totally love this program, but i sure do miss, painted black, as the intro music, and i cannot wait for season 2 and 3, the only think wrong about this Dvd set was Disk 5 , one Dvd for just one epsiode, and the rest was just waste of space trailers, but apart from that the DVD is great.
77 Love the show miss the music
It has already been said several times. I absolutely love the show, but I miss the music. It has been so long since I watched the shows; it feels like the first time. The only problem I see is, don't mess with the true spirit of the show. We all think of Tour of duty every time we hear paint it black. Come on guys, on the next DVD bring back the original music.
78 Great series, but where is the original music?
This is a great tv war series, second only to Combat! What was very disappointing about the DVD, is the absence of the 60's music that laced the entire series. Especially disconcerting is the missing opening Stones' Paint It Black. The music set the entire tone of the series. If the stories and characters weren't so excellent, I would say try and find copies of the original broadcast episodes. Maybe they can acquire the rights to the music and charge a little more for the set.
79 Dad loved it!
This was my Dads favorite show in the late 80's. I remember him calling me into the living room to watch it with him. Being a Vietnam veteran himself this show made the hair stand up on the back of his neck, The music and the content left him telling me where he was when any certain song came on in the show. Sitting in a tent, eating a burger Christmas day in the back of a jeep in good old Vietnam...
I think this was the best Fathers day gift I could have given.
He has been promised the rest of the seasons, so lets go!
80 TOUR OF DUTY=5 Stars/ DVD set=4 Stars
I must echo a previous reviewer about the TOUR OF DUTY SEASON ONE DVD set. If you love the show, please buy the set anyway.
As a viewer who came to TOUR OF DUTY only in TNT syndication, I never experienced the show with the 60s music that was part of the soundtrack. But even with that music removed and replaced by Conlan's (rather good and unfairly maligned) score, the show is powerful and well-realized in every way. This was one of the greatest dramatic series in all TV history. Its only rival, in terms of war-themed drama, might be COMBAT, a magnificent series that is also coming to DVD this summer.
Rights to the music originally used in these episodes were probably only licenced for the original broadcasts, partly, if not largely, because of cost. For future airings, replacement music had to be used. While hearing the great songs of Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and others surely added immeasurably to the mood TOUR OF DUTY, the show does not truly suffer in its current form.
The episodes (including the pilot) look quite good in DVD format. Curiously, they have chapter stops, but there is no chapter menu. It's great to have the show uncut and without commercial interruption.
It would have been good to have some extras, like interviews with the cast, directors, writers, etc, but the price is fairly reasonable for this much quality in its presentation.
Please don't boycott TOUR OF DUTY on DVD, or we will be stuck with Seasons 2 & 3 on commercial-plagued videotapes.
81 Must-own show despite the music!
Incredible program on the lives of men serving in Vietnam. This show covers everything: fear, death, loss, friendship, drug addiction, racial tension, dear john letters, animosity from the homefront. I was really surprised to see this relatively unknown title appear on dvd, but I'm so glad that it did. Any "boycott" over Season One will not result in a rereleased version, but instead will only result in the loss of Season Two and Three. There's more to this great show than just the music! And after spending a few hours with the boys of Bravo Company you won't even notice the muzak! Bring on Season Two and Three!
82 Dissappointing
I also was a huge fan watching this every saturday night back in the late 80's. I was all set to buy this, waiting for "Paint it Black" to start with the credits, but they've all been wiped out. I think I'll pick this up used in "some foreign country" maybe they'll have gotten it right...
83 TOUR OF DUTY - LONG OVERDUE!!!
My husband (a Vietnam Vet) and I are thrilled this series is finally becoming available on DVD. Yes, the original music would have been an asset, however it is the powerful content/subject matter that really makes the statement of how it was for our troops. TOD's gripping stories and interactions of the characters portray profound realism in what my husband encountered "in country"! The actors involved in this series can be proud of their involvement in this project! This is not to be missed by anyone interested in the Vietnam conflict - even without the original soundtrack! I just hope Season 2 and 3 are available soon!
84 hope someone listens
Without the original soundtrack this is worthless.....I'm glad I read thru these reviews...I won't be buying this much to my sadness. The people who put this out must be morons. In my mind this is a giant RIP-OFF.
85 Not without the original soundtrack!
Sadly, I have to agree with many of the comments posted before. As much as I had looked forward to owning "Tour of Duty" on DVD I refuse to buy it unless it features the original soundtrack. It just wouldn't be the real thing. And so the one-star rating naturally does not reflect on the series itself but only to the careless way in which it was released.
86 EXCELLENT SERIES! Finally going to DVD.
Tour of Duty was only released in VHS on 3 videos in the past (just a few key episodes). Finally the full series is to go to DVD (hopefully) Giving this series a 1 or 2 star rating only because of music being left out is a drastic injustice to the series as a whole. It justly deserves 5 stars all the way. A very realistic portrayal (minus the swear words) of a series that runs next to "Combat" of the 60's with Vic Morrow and Rick Jason (also going to DVD now).
My final message is, if you enjoy a good war series, purchase this set and support Tour of Duty! The music was revamped, and it took some time to do this to get past copyrights. All the people involved helping to get this to DVD deserves gratitude, not complaints. Good going, and we hope to see the rest of the seasons hit DVD down the road soon.
87 Great Series Suffers without Soundtrack
Outstanding series about the Vietnam War, but missing the original soundtrack - this is wrong. It's like a body without a soul. I'll not be purchasing any of the other seasons. Hope they re-release with the original music.
88 Tour of Duty
A brief note regarding this DVD set.... It is greeat except
that the music has changed. I guess the copy right laws do not
apply to DVD.
Hope that set #2 is not far off... The shows are just as fresh
as they 10 years ago when I started watching the re-runs.
89 NOT the show you love
This is a warning for all fans of the television classic 'Tour of Duty'. This DVD release DOES NOT contain the show you know and love. All music from the soundtrack has been removed, presumably for copyright reasons, and replaced by generic stock music, rendering the show almost unwatchable. This is unacceptable from a company whose sales last financial year grossed $6.7 billion (source: Sony Pictures Corporate Fact Sheet).
A previous reviewer mentioned the importance of the music, likening its removal to taking 'Ride of the Valkyries' out of Apocalypse Now. He couldn't be more right. In fact, Tour of Duty had such a classic mix of great songs that it got it's own soundtrack CD release here in Australia in 1992.
I have sent an email to Sony Pictures Home Video customer service department CTHV_CustomerService@spe.sony.com - I have asked for the email address of someone responsible for the DVD release, if I get this, I will post it in a subsequent review. I encourage all fans to boycott this release and email complaints to Sony Pictures.
As soon as I became aware of the nature of this DVD release (about 1 minute in to the first episode, where I noticed the Rolling Stones 'Paint it Black' was REMOVED from the opening titles) I returned it to my retailer. I just hope you can do the same.
90 A disappointed fan.
Tour of Duty is one of best drama series I have ever watched and I was thrilled to see it available on DVD. When I learned that the soundtrack had been removed I was shocked. The music was integral to the artistic aspect of the film and its presentation. I will not buy it and I hope that someday it will be released as it was originally created. Until then I will still have my poor quality VHS tapes and maybe watch it in reruns.
91 Vote With Your Dollars
I've seen the episodes on TNT without the original music and the music substituted is like elevator music compared to the orignal track. I WILL NOT buy any DVD set without the original music, and I would have bought this series in a heartbeat - but no sale.
92 No Music
I'm a big fan and was waiting to buy it but I won't now, without the music. If everyone holds out, maybe they will do a "special edition" but I really suggest all to BOYCOTT!
93 Another Disapointed Fan
Like many other fans, I remember this show from when it originally aired. I was a fan of Terence Knox, having been impressed with his work on "St. Elsewhere" and was looking forward to seeing what he'd do with this new series. I really enjoyed the first season, although I lost interest in later seasons.
But I was excited to hear about the DVD release and eagerly preordered it. At the time I didn't know about the music. When I received my set, I opened the first disc and put it in the player and was so crushed when I didn't hear "Paint it Black" as the opening theme that I simply couldn't watch the show. I would return it, but I realize this isn't Amazon's fault. I just wish I'd known at the time that I ordered it that I'd be getting a bastardized version. The period music was an integral part of the show. I can't believe they would have the nerve to release this on DVD with generic Muzak in place of Hendrix, the Stones and other classic rock pieces. It's an insult to fans.
I give the show 5 stars, but the DVD release zero. Too bad Amazon won't let me rate it zero stars. Columbia/Tristar should be offering refunds to us for this, or at least print warnings on the packaging.
As for me, I guess I'll stick with my 17 year old videotapes, which may not have DVD image quality but they at least have the right music. And Columbia/Tristar - offering a refund to fans and promising a release with the right music would be a good way to make up for this debacle. Also, more extras on the discs, like interviews with the actors, would be nice. But the music's the important thing. Whoever came up with this release should be fired.
And despite what some reviewers have said, "Paint it Black" was used as the theme song from the very beginning. I have the pilot episode, taped off the air in 1987 when it premiered on CBS, and it and the rest of the season open with the music of the Rolling Stones.
94 THE BEST SERIES I OWN ON DVD
I just received this item 2 days ago and Ive watched all 5 dvd's already. IM LOVING IT !!!!! ITS AWESOME. This show was so amazing for its era. I first watched it in Guatemala where I'm from and I actually taped on vhs most of the 3 seasons it aired; but theres nothing like having it on dvd. GReat buy !!!! Hope the remaining 2 seasons make it on dvd as well.
95 Band of Brothers: Vietnam = Amazing
I dont write many reviews, but on this one I had to. This is one of the best shows ever put on TV. If Oliver Stone's Platoon or Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket is on your shelf then this should be right next to it. This is life in the bush. I watched it when I was a kid every now and then, and watched the re-runs religiously when I was old enough to appreciate it. If your sceptical about buying this season, rent a disc and I guarantee you will think 35 dollars is a bargain. Vietnam was a sad time, but atleast with programs like this we can learn to appreciate what so many did for our country.
96 NO orginal music - a disgrace...
Having pre-ordered this set, and being thrilled to hear it was coming out on DVD, I can't begin to describe the disgust I felt to realise as I watched and skipped ahead to my favourite bits - ALL the music from the original series has been lifted, and replaced with generic background music.
An absolute disgrace - and I probably would not have bought it if I'd known all the music was gone (the amazon review wasn't available when pre-ordered). Paint it black - gone. Hendrix "all along the watchtower" at the end episode 10 with the pilot rescue - GONE. All of it. Disgraceful, and it shows how heavily the series benefited from the music of the generation. Shame Sony/Columbia/Tristar, Shame on you. This SUX. They've ruined my favorite show of all time.
97 No music = No Purchace
I was so excited about Tour of Duty coming to DVD. But when I heard the original music would not be included I decided there would be no way I would give these lazy people my money. I will continue to watch the original episodes I recorded off CBS. And how will they handle Episede 5:"Sitting Ducks" when the guys start singing "Louie Louie" and then the ORIGINAL music kicks in? Or ALL of season 3 with McKay blasting ORIGINAL music from his chopper? WHAT A RIP OFF!!!!
98 The TOD DVD: They RUINED IT!!!
Tour Of Duty is one of my favorite TV shows ever, but these DVD distributors should be dropped somewhere over North Vietnam to release this fine series WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL MUSIC! The person behind this move should be fired and banned from DVD marketing. The horror...the horror...
99 finally my fav show on dvd
i taped all these shows when tnt showed them and now i can finally have tour of duty season 1 on dvd this my fav show when i first saw this show i was 5 i was blown away i loved every mintue of it. some reviews say they took out all the original music such as paint it black. but all the music they used in season 1 is there they didnt take anything out. for the song paint it black that was never used until season 3.
100 Tour of Duty - Excellent Series!
First of all, posting one or two stars all because some of the original music was not left in is nonsense. This was not WKRP in Cincinnati, it is a war series, and a very well done one. If you want music buy the originals on CD, put your headphones on and have a blast. Who cares!!! I am sure most will purchase this because of the content, the acting, and the action. Next to Combat! with Vic Morrow (going to DVD also in July), this is one excellent series, cut off in its prime three years later. Then again, so was Star Trek, and look at the legacy of that short series today with movie sequels. If you want action, great acting, and a sense of realism as to how it was in wartime Vietnam purchase this series! To the ones that withheld the copyrights give up the battle, all that music is right on the net anyway. No withholding of music will make me not purchase the Tour of Duty full set. Also it would be great to see these guys make a final movie and closure to this fine series.
