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Released by: Warner Brothers
Released on: January 8, 2013.
Director: Various
Cast: Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Josh Henderson, Jesse Metacalfe
Year: 2012
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The Series:
The original DALLAS (1978 -1991) was probably both the best and most influential example of a great but now almost extinct beast - the prime time soap with universal appeal. While later competition like DYNASTY and FALCON CREST focused on glitz and romance and overarching camp, the original DALLAS had a badass and distinctly male streak. It was, first and foremost about the oil business, and the family dynamic between the brothers Ewing - manipulative J.R. and saintly but hot-tempered Bobby.
When this 2012 reboot was first mooted skepticism was at a high. DALLAS 2012 now is the story of Bobby's adopted son Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) and the scion of old J.R himself, John Ross Ewing III (Josh Henderson). The ten episode arc of this season revolves around the battle for Southfork Ranch between Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) and J.R (Larry Hagman). We open with John Ross drilling secretly for oil on the family ranch. This enrages Bobby who swore to his dead mother that he would never allow this to happen. Meanwhile Bobby's adopted son Christopher is involved in a clean energy company on the verge of a major breakthrough while John Ross is hitching his wagon to traditional big oil. The old devil himself J.R. is in a nursing home suffering from depression but he won't be there long once he finds out his son is drilling for oil on Southfork.
The new DALLAS works best when the old pros are on stage. Hagman, looking almost ghostly but with a gleam in the eye is terrific - Hagman sadly passed away recently but his acting here is full of life. This was his greatest role and he's getting a massive kick out of playing it one last time. Duffy has always been a criminally underrated actor and his steely decency makes him a great foil to the charming but sleazy J.R.
We also have the The ladies - which is the weakest part of the show. Elena Ramos (Jordana Brewster) and Rebecca Sutter (Julie Gonzano), playing John Ross and Christopher's respective love interests. Elena Has been involved with both men and Julie is recently married to Christopher. The love triangle stuff is boring as hell but the blackmail and Venezuelan villain subplots certainly help alleviate the boredom. Of the new blood Henderson is by far the best of the group. In his ten gallon hats and neatly tailored shirts Henderson strikes a handsome and slightly sinister figure - and is believable as the son of J.R.. Mitch Pileggi is a supporting cast standout as a sleazy trucking magnate as well. His scenes with Linda Gray (Sue Ellen - J.R.'s ex-wife) are terrific.
Murder, betrayal, double and triple crosses - it's all here and with some fantastic Texas scenery to boot. Indeed, Southfork is a real character here and it's a kick to see the old guard out again and mixing it up with some youngsters.
Video/Audio/Extras:
Though it would have been nice to have this on Blu Ray, as far as DVD transfers go there are no complaints here. Shown in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, color and detail are strong with very little grain visible (though aggressive DNR seems absent). Edge enhancement pops up occasionally but it's not a serious problem.
The Dolby Digital English 5.1 audio track is well mixed and nicely immersive whether you are hearing cattle in the distance or ambient conversation in a restaurant. The set also has English subtitles.
Extras include an informative commentary track for the pilot from the show creators, some interesting deleted scenes, and a small group of promotional featurettes that show the cast and crew's enthusiasm for the reboot.
The Final Word:
DALLAS 2012 comes recommended for fans of both soap operas and well acted dramas. Fans of the original series and people who have never seen an episode of Dallas may want to give this a shot. Hopefully the show can figure out a way forward for season two despite the death of Hagman.
