Where Can I Purchase Season 2 of Lonesome Dove on Dvd

10 /10

Nothing else like it...at least until various sequels to the mini-series debuted.

"Lonesome Dove" is a unique mini-series, as these sorts of programs were popular in the 1970s and 80s, I cannot recall any of these being westerns. Additionally, many of the typical cliches and plots aren't to be found here in this sprawling six and a half hour movie.

The story centers on two main characters.... Gus (Robert Duvall) and Woody (Tommy Lee Jones). These two are lifelong friends, ex-Texas Rangers (the lawmen...not baseball players!) and bachelors and they are different in many ways. Gus is more personable and emotional...and a tough old goat who seems too tough to die. Woody is much quieter and self-controlled....probably too much so. The film follows them from their ranch in South Texas through a cattle drive all the way to their new home in Montana, as Woody heard marvelous things about this part of the country.

What you'll enjoy about the film is its long deliberate pace, excellent characters and its scope. But I am forewarning you....don't ever get attached to any of the characters, as through the course of the series, a lot of them die! After all, life is tough...and the film neve shies away from that.

By the way, while "Lonesome Dove" is a great milestone for television and westerns, it did not receive the Emmy for Best Miniseries....because it had the misfortune of debuting the same year as one of the greatest of all miniseries...."War and Remembrance". I can't say I blame them for picking this incredibly good WWII saga...but it's a shame both series couldn't have been recognized as they both are as nearly perfect as you can get.

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9 /10

A Sad Western Well-Told

This six-hour television mini-series was as good as advertised, which is saying a lot. I don't prefer long movies but this is very watchable. It's such an interesting story and so-well photographed that you don't mind the long length.

The acting is top-rate, led by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, with a deep cast that includes many well-known actors. As a male, I really enjoyed ogling Diane Lane and I've always liked Glenne Headley, too, although more for her voice.

Fredric Forest is absolutely brutal as the half-breed killer, one of the most unremorseful murderers I've even seen on film. Angelica Huston, Rick Schroeder, Danny Glover, Robert Urtich, D.B. Sweeney and Steve Buscemi all were superb, too.

The story has a great mix of drama, romance, action, sadness and just plain realism. The characters are bold and unrelenting and you find yourself getting wrapped up in this story and with these people, what they went through. It's just great storytelling but - as in real life - it isn't all roses; there's a lot of sadness here.

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7 /10

Western Fans Will Like This More Than Casual Viewers

My dad who is an aficionado of the Wild West gave me a loan of the first series of DEADWOOD on DVD which I enjoyed immensely . He then gave me a loan of LONESOME DOVE a series that I had heard great things about but I had never seen mainly because I'm not much of a fan of the Western genre . Great things ? Just look at this page to see the reviews or the fact that this series has an average rating of 9.1 , I think only BAND OF BROTHERS has a better rating on this site . So over two consecutive nights I watched the series and have to confess I was slightly disappointed mainly down to the story and production values

The story rambles around with a lack of focus . The central plot itself revolves around two Texas Rangers Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call who decide to move cattle all the way from Texas up to Montana which has all the making of an epic journey , but we're then introduced to countless characters who flit in and out of the story many of who are killed off which left me wondering why they were included in the first place . If JRR Tolkien had been a fan of the Wild West this is how LORD OF THE RINGS may have ended up looking like ! I was also confused as to what sort of audience the producers had in mind since McCrae and Call leave Lonesome Dove with a couple of friendly pigs in tow , ala a Walt Disney family adventure then later on we're treated to some very cold blooded killings . At least DEADWOOD knows it's for adults only but LONESOME DOVE mixes violence with sugary sentimentality which gives it a jarring quality

As for the production values it suffers from one of those made for television feelings with scenes having the camera locked onto a medium shot far too many times . Director Simon Wincer should be excused much of the blame since he's almost working on a tight budget and he does try but unfortunately when he tries to film a beautiful breath taking scene like McCrae's riding over the crest of the hill pursued by Indians you notice the scene doesn't really come across as cinematic . About the only scene where everything does come together in a visual sense is the final scene right at the end

If it wasn't for the cast I would have certainly struggled with this because the cast are by far the best thing . Never mind Pacino and DeNiro , Robert Duvall is the greatest living American character actor alive today and once again he gives a greatly understated and consistent performance as Gus McCrae while Tommy Lee Jones ( An actor who can be very uneven ) gives one of his career best performances . Mention must go to many of the other cast members like eternal good guy Robert Urich being cast very much against type , DB Sweeney whose character is in love with a prostitute and most especially the then unknown Chris Cooper who gives a truly haunting performance as former lawman July Johnson . I wasn't too impressed with Frederic Forrest though since I don't think he made a convincing Indian and having a character who conjures up images of Donald Duck doesn't help at all

So as it stands the cast save LONESOME DOVE for the casual viewer , but it's almost certainly a mini series that will appeal to Western fans than to casual viewers and I'm looking forward to seeing the second series of DEADWOOD more than I am to RETURN TO LONESOME DOVE

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2 /10

Far too violent for my taste

Warning: Spoilers

I'd been looking forward to watching Lonesome Dove for years, having heard rave reviews from countless people. There's a 22-part remake from 1995, but when I finally settled down to watch it, I wanted to see the original. Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Diane Lane, Robert Urich, Ricky Shroder, D. B. Sweeney, Fredric Forrest, Chris Cooper, Steve Buscemi, and Anjelica Huston made up a pretty irresistible cast especially when you consider their various ages. Tommy Lee sported a ridiculous white wig to make him look ancient, Robert Duvall looked exactly the same as he does now, and Chris Cooper looked like a teenager!

But as much as I was looking forward to it, I didn't end up sticking with the 4-part miniseries all the way through. It was just too violent and upsetting. In one scene, a man gets attacked by dozens of poisonous snakes while crossing a river on his horse. In another, Diane Lane gets kidnapped and promised to be passed around a group of bandits. Some of the grit and violence was realistic given the setting (the Wild West is definitely not glamorized here) but it was too visceral to be entertaining.

I was also surprised by the slow pace of the first two episodes. In the first episode, nothing happens! A friend of mine read the book and loved it, so I have to believe that a large chunk of the novel was dedicated to character development and the slow pace of life on the ranch. Because of the heavy violence and dramatic plot points, you can expect some good acting to go along with it - but you're going to have to wait a long time. In the first episode, Tommy Lee just stares out at the sunrise and sunset for an hour, Bob just flirts around with Diane, and Danny barely has any screen time. In fact, Tommy Lee doesn't get any opportunity to act until the third episode! Danny continually gets shafted by his lack of screen time, but again, I'll credit that to the original novel. I was pretty impressed by Diane's performance, though. Although far too pretty to look like a prostitute in the Wild West, she had some great subtle expressions that kept up with all the powerhouse actors around her.

If you loved No Country for Old Men, you'll probably love this miniseries. I was also bored to tears during that modern western. I normally love westerns, but I just couldn't stick with this one. Oh well; you can't win them all.

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9 /10

A stellar adaptation

I don't want to muck about with hyperbole on this, but . . . yeah, "Lonesome Dove" really is that good. And even though the word epic has been vastly diluted lately, it certainly applies here. This miniseries ably translates the sprawling journey to the screen, a story that spans the length of the United States, Texas to Montana (and back). Characters converge, separate and reunite later on, the trip fraught with peril, but a deeply moving adventure nonetheless.

Captain Augustus McCrae is one of my very favorite literary characters, and Robert Duvall is the ideal casting choice. Same for Tommy Lee Jones; theirs is a curmudgeonly but unbreakable bond. And they're backed by a cast that's pretty much everyone who was working in Hollywood in 1989.

If there's a negative to this, it's that the claustrophobic TV aspect ratio doesn't do the vistas justice. But it works wonders in spite of the format's limitations.

Good luck keeping a dry eye by series' end.

9/10

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7 /10

Iconic Characters Lead The Way In This Epic Western Miniseries

Warning: Spoilers

There are many people who consider "Lonesome Dove" to be the greatest Western saga ever created. While I can't quite go that far in my praise for it, I will say that it was easily worth watching for the iconic characters (bolstered by incredible acting) it cultivates throughout.

For a basic plot summary, "Lonesome Dove" tells the story of Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow Call (Tommy Lee Jones), two cattle ranchers who decide to leave their dusty Texas ranch and move the herd to Montana on the advice of fellow friend Jake Spoon (Robert Urich). Along the way, they deal with the harshness of the Old West territory, Indian warrior Blue Duck (Frederic Forrest), and (more importantly) cultivate new relationships. Lorena Wood (Diane Liane) is a prostitute who wants to turn over a new leaf and start a life with Gus, but first the old cowpoke must deal with his feelings toward old flame Clara (Anjelica Huston). A side plot sees a Sheriff, July Johnson (Chris Cooper), set off with his son Joe (Adam Faraizal) to hunt down Spoon, who murdered another in a dispute and must be given justice.

The reason "Lonesome Dove" is such an iconic miniseries is because it creates characters that seem so real. Often, westerns can fall into the "stock character" trap where the participants are a bit too cut-and-dry, or black-and-white. The exact opposite happens here, as pretty much each and every character is given something to do and room to grow.

That being said, the whole film pretty much revolves around Duvall's Gus, and fortunately that actor is up to the task. While the surrounding acting performances are also great, everyone else (as characters) are really defined by their relationship to Gus. I don't want to sound like I'm taking anything away from the film as a whole, but I was always invested when Gus was at the forefront (physically or emotionally) and that wasn't always the case otherwise.

The only criticism I have of "Lonesome Dove"? I felt that some of the subplots didn't live up to the main emotional backbone of the whole thing. I was underwhelmed by the July Johnson angle, I didn't like Blue Duck's character at all (it felt to me as if he were shoe-horned in because the producers thought an Indian presence was needed), and I felt that a bit too much time was spent on Dish Boggett (D.B. Sweeney), a ranch hand on the drive. The one sub-angle that works in spades? Newt (Ricky Schroder), Call's unrequited son. There was some real emotion there. Other than that though, I felt that those other auxiliary pieces (even if they were still well-acted, for the most part) distracted me from Gus, Call, and the really good material taking place on the cattle drive.

So, while I can't put "Lonesome Dove" at the tip top of my list, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to Western film fans. When Duvall, Lane, Jones, Schroder, and Huston were on center stage, this miniseries truly was as good as it gets. The interactions feel real, not derived, and there is real drama, both physical and emotional. It strayed down a few paths that didn't hold my attention (especially in the second and beginning of the third acts), but overall easily deserving of a solid 4-star ranking.

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Real Texas Rangers, none of that 'Walker' crap here

This is the finest western I've ever seen. It tells the tale of a group of Texas Rangers as they take on renegade thugs as well as rogues in their own ranks. They become cattlemen at one point, but come back to what they know best, range riding. This is a picture with a lot happening with many lives involved. Well worth seeing.

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10 /10

Flawless

This may be the only time that a television adaptation is as good as the source. Lonesome Dove is a great book which won a Pulitzer Prize for Larry McMurtry. The mini series runs six hours, and is never boring. Robert Duvall is Gus McCrae, and Tommy Lee Jones, Woodrow Call, both former Texas Rangers who run a livery in Lonesome Dove in Texas. Joshua(Danny Glover) is their scout and tracker who joins them on a cattle drive to Montana with another ranger named Jake(Robert Urich),who is on the run after shooting a dentist in a barroom brawl. Along with them is a prostitute, Lorie(a young and beautiful Diane Lane), to make the journey a lot more interesting, especially when Gus repeatedly tells her, Lori, you're just a whore. The dialogue is real, and not your typical western with all good and all bad guys; it is not all black and white in this world, and McMurtry is a genius. The story is a long and all encompassing one, with beautiful scenery from start to finish. It is the best television series ever made, ranking with any theatrical release in its depth and character development. The biggest difference being the length, which provides the time to fully realize the novel. A 10/10.

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wonderful!

A great film adaptation of a great book. A great cast, great writing, and great scenery-in short, great. Anyone who loved the book will love this movie, and Jones and Duvall are great in the leads, as are Glover, Schroeder, Urich, etc. See it!

*** 1/2 out of ****

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10 /10

Western Does Not Get Any Better!

Warning: Spoilers

A lot of Westerns are out of date these days. But this is an exception. Due not just to the star power headed by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. As both are the lead characters.

With the support from Rick Schroder, Danny Glover, Angelica Houston, Diane Lane, Robert Urich, etc. As they face lots of adversity and lots of casualties due to the fact, of moving the cattle of Duvall's and Jones from the South to Montana for a better life.

It has a great a script and a great acting along the way. For four nights. It also spawned two sequels in the process. It turned into a ratings blockbuster for CBS when it aired originally in 1989.

We now have the tapes to the mini series! You will not be disappointed.

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10 /10

All Star Cast in Western

Warning: Spoilers

Really Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones in a cast about a western and trying to make a better life as two former Texas Rangers.

And that it has also Ricky Schroder, Angelica Houston, Diane Lane, the late Robert Ulrich, Fredric Forest, and last but not least Danny Glover.

It is an masterpiece. And that it has great acting and writing. The two leads have great chemistry. Duvall as down to earth and Jones as tough, cynical, but fair.

Nobody will ever replace a masterpiece like this.

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8 /10

One of a kind

My God, what a movie. If it is not the best western ever made (that honor goes to THE SEARCHERS), it is certainly among the best. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones as former Texas Rangers who head up a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, where Jones intends to establish a ranch. We are with them every step of the way. And along the way, we meet an old flame of Duvall's (Huston), who runs a sizable ranch in Nebraska along with her two young daughters and a single ranch hand. We also cross paths with buffalo hunters, a woman (Lane) who was kidnapped and raped by the Indians, a former sheriff (Cooper) searching for his missing wife (Hedley) and a vicious band of horse thieves/murderers, one of whom is a former Ranger (Urich) and one-time friend of our two heroes. Rick Schroder plays Jones' son and one of the drovers. You will also recognize several other actors in small roles, such a Barry Corbin and Steve Buscemi. What a herculean task it must have been making this 400-minute miniseries. Duvall is magnificent as the honorable Ranger Gus, and it is no surprise that he went on to play a similar roles (right down to the hat) in two subsequent flicks, BROKEN TRAIL and OPEN RANGE. In fact, I suspect Kevin Costner, who costarred with Duvall in, and made the latter film, got plenty of ideas for his epic western from this unforgettable TV movie.

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9 /10

One of the greatest things that ever graced television

If you thought the cattle drive was all fun and games, think again. Lonesome Dove is a four part miniseries that follows two former Texas Rangers from Texas to Minnesota in one of the most daring and brutal cattle drives imaginable. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones star as the two leaders of the drive. The story follows many different characters and subplots that pop up along the harsh trail north. It is a story of absolutely epic magnitude as the cattle drivers fight everything from Indians to thunderstorms in their long journey north. It's incredibly gripping, vastly entertaining, and wildly imaginative. It's simply one of the greatest things to ever grace the face of television.

Lonesome Dove works so well on so many levels. It tells of an incredibly exciting western adventure but it succeeds as a charming comedy at points and a harrowing drama at other points. And being that it is a miniseries that all together clocks in at around six hours, we get plenty of all these elements. It's stunning how well the show shifts tones and moods so seamlessly, never missing a beat and never feeling awkwardly paced. Events move from light hearted and spirited to much more serious and powerful. Character relationships act the same way. The dynamics between characters will start very easy going and laid back, but as the situations they are presented with grow more harrowing, their relationships grow deeper and more complex.

There are moments in Lonesome Dove that will make you laugh out loud in immense joyful pleasure. Then there are other moments that are downright chilling and so haunting that you cannot shake them as you are pulled further and further into the show. And then there are those moments that are so profoundly heartfelt that it is a challenge holding back tears. Lonesome Dove ranges from the most charming comedy to the most heartfelt drama so perfectly. What more could you want? The one thing you would have to ask for with a range of events, moods, and characters like that would be great actors, and Lonesome Dove certainly delivers in that department. I might even say it over delivers. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones couldn't have been cast more perfectly and they couldn't have played their characters any better. They are astonishingly good with performances so dramatic, so believable, and so sincere that it would be criminal to say anything against them in this series.

But the show also dishes out a laundry list of other huge actors who all do an incredible job. Danny Glover couldn't be any more lovable and the beautiful Diane Lane couldn't be a more compelling prostitute. Then there are other smaller performances that are all equally phenomenal with everyone from Anjelica Huston to Steve Buscemi. Every character that shows up in Lonesome Dove, no matter how long, is always interesting and always does something great for the epic plot, and every actor gives it their all, always with fantastic results, no matter how big or how small the role.

Lonesome Dove is simply one of the greatest things that ever happened to television. You couldn't ask for more from this magnificent series. It is, in a sense, a six hour long movie, but I found myself wishing it were even longer. I couldn't get enough of the beauty and grandeur that is Lonesome Dove, and I missed it as soon as the credits began to roll, carried by the immense score, on the final episode. Lonesome Dove is a series that encapsulates the beauty and adventure of the old west in all its glory. It is simply the best.

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10 /10

A must watch!

This is much more than a Western – it's a great story. Everything in this six hour epic is captivating – the characters, the settings, the music. There is an authenticity that is beyond reproach. It's got tenderness and pain (get the Kleenexes out for the last couple of hours). This is truly a magnificent performance by all. A must watch!

I have watched it a few times since it was first released on TV in the late 1980's. I am still enthralled by it and so happy to see it now on the clarity of Blue-ray (still remember the crappy version I recorded on VHS)!

Read the book too – it provides more depth to this awe-inspiring story!

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7 /10

Cut above the rest - but . . .

Warning: Spoilers

There is no doubting that Lonesome Dove does stand head and shoulders above the usual Western fare produced by Hollywood. Stylistically — all that grit and dirt and its very unromantic portrayal of life and especially death in the West — it reminds me of Sergio Leone's spaghetti Westerns. And thankfully there is none of that mawkish sentimentality so beloved by Yanks which all but ruins a film for me. My one quibble is the degree of coincidence in the film. And if it wasn't for its other major strengths, that would turn me off completely. Given the size of Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas etc., it is astounding how all the characters keep bumping into each other in the same neck of the woods, the same small town, the same farm. I thought the idea was that you could get lost in the West . . .

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10 /10

How The West Was Won and Done.

Warning: Spoilers

This was one of the best wester mini-series ever. I just finished watching it today. I forgot how old this movie is; but it is a classic and one that can be watched over and over again. I remember after the movie mini-series, there was a T.V. series that was with Kenny Rodgers, I didn't care for the TV series; but the movie was excellent. I guess what made the movie great was the all star cast; and a great storyline.

The story is about three ex-Texas Rangers, who are from a town in Texas called Lonesome Dove. The group go into Mexico and get some more horses and Tommy Lee Jonee, Capt. Call, wants to take cattle from Texas to Montana. The journey is a rough one; but with the help of hired hands along the way they make it up there. Along the journey they come across old enemies, Indians, misfortune, and bad weather conditions. This movie is not only about cattle driving. It's about friendships made along the way, mistakes done in ones life, a young man hoping to find out who is father is; and basically how life was back in those days. This movie is an excellent one for the whole family. It came out in the late 1980's and it has a great message to it. I would recommend this movie to anyone and definitely to those who love westerns; this is a great one.

Kris L. CocKayne

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10 /10

The greatest western ever filmed.

I first read the book and then rented the mini-series this movie stopped me cold. It had me feel almost every emotion that a movie could make someone feel and it all struck me as being true. Lonesome Dove is not just a movie it's a event. The success of this astonishing movie rests with Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall. Both men create Roles that can only be called Iconic and Easily their finest roles to date in their legendary careers. Of course the rest of the cast cannot be overlooked Robert Urich deserves praise for his portrayal of the doomed Jake Spoon and Fredric Forrest delivers chills as the murderous Blue Duck. This movie transcends Genre boundaries and that alone makes it unique. It is not just a incredible Western and a enthralling story it is a story of Human nature and the flaws that come from it. Lonesome Dove has more then just one story to it yes it can be said it's about Woodrow Call And Gus Mcrae and their friends but it's also about love and loyality and strong bonds of friendship. In short this is a western that's not just a western it's the greatest story ever told about a period in our history when men were men women were women and friendships lasted and you could trust a man by his word. Superb film superb acting a legendary movie well worth seeing more then once.

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Positively the best there's ever been.

Not a man to use many superlatives, Lonesome Dove, for my money is the best of the long form TV dramas. It's a superlative story (unfortunately not found in many of Larry McMurtry's other works) and patiently delivered, never forced, the tale blooms.

Could there be any more memorable performances than Tommy Lee Jones as Woodrow Call and Robert Duvall as Augustus McCrae? The strength of the characters combined with the skills of these actors, provides a marvelous experience for us. We are indeed humbled in their presence.

With each tale of this epic, we meet wonderful new and diverse characters, delivered by such outstanding performers as Diane Lane, Danny Glover, Frederick Forrest, Chris Cooper. Even the on again, off again types, the Barry Corbins, the Glynne Headleys, the Robert Uhrichs, the Anjelica Hustons, all shine in their roles.

Robert Duvall many times has commented on how lucky he was to be blessed with the opportunity to play Gus, indeed it is us who are the lucky ones.

1001 plaudits to director Simon Wincer, who indeed, caught lightning in a bottle with this wonderful effort..

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10 /10

Yes it IS the best western ever made!

I've read most of the comments here on Lonesome Dove and there's not much more I can add than to say that these people are not over-reacting. This is one heck of a film classic! Western or otherwise. I have seen it at least 7 times over the years and it amazes me at every single viewing. Yes, it has a fabulous sound track, the cinematography is awesome, it is deftly directed, has a literate, intelligent, entertaining script, the acting does transcend acting and by EVERY single cast member from the leads to the smallest bit players. Tim Scott is remarkable! Duvall has never been better nor has Tommie Lee Jones. I feel bad for anyone who doesn't "have the time" to watch this epic at least once. It is amazingly engrossing, but I will reiterate what a few have said. The first 30-40 minutes are a bit slow moving but essential to the story. Stick with it and you WILL be rewarded with an experience that few films offer!

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1 /10

Boring beyond measure

This Lonsome Dove "series" is the most boring series I have seen in decades. The story is "epic" and considered a fine jewel among many people. proving once again there is no accounting for taste. With such a sterling, almost legendary cast it is impossible for me to understand why anyone thinks this is an interesting film. There is nothing authentic about it. There is no great driving adventure. There is no deep revelation about the characters. It is like watching a video of sober men fishing. If anyone doubted that Americans have no taste at all, this film is the proof that should put that argument to rest. I tried and tried to get interested in the story. There is no story. In the end, I am embarrased that I tried this hard to watch something this useless.

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10 /10

The Best Western Ever Filmed

As a boy, I never liked western films. My father loved them all, all the John Wayne classics, the Spaghetti Westerns, the whole lot.

I despised them all. They were all the same. Same plot. Same rotten cinematography. Same unbelievable characters. Couldn't understand the attraction.

Then I saw Lonesome Dove. This film (actually a mini-series) is an absolute masterpiece.

It starts with the cinematography and locations. It was not your stereotypical Utah-canyon photography, it was the great plains, the Texas deserts, the wide rivers, the mesquite groves. Not marvelous vistas, but simple, real, gritty scenery. You can taste the dust of the panhandle and smell the Kansas plains.

Then there's the action. There's lots of it. Flooding rivers, driving rains, realistic fights, thundering cattle drives, horrible scenes of rape and torture (just under TV censor radar), plenty of death and sadness. All of it believable. All of it heart-tugging. All of it amazing.

But above all of these great features are the characters and the writing. Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call have become two icons of pop culture, polar opposites who work well together and, in the end, are incomplete without one another. The supporting cast as well is fabulous, well written, patently interesting, and tremendously played. Even the evil characters are fascinating.

This is what television and film should be. It is very, very rare for anything of this quality to ever appear on the small screen, and with today's "reality TV" craze, it is even rarer still.

Buy the DVD set. You won't be disappointed. 10 out of 10.

Barky

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10 /10

The best miniseries ever made

Lonesome Dove is the finest miniseries ever made. It is perhaps the most faithful adaptation of a great book I have ever seen on film. There is riveting scene after riveting scene. I read Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize winning book of the same name in 1986 when it was a bestseller and watched this miniseries in 1989 during its first run on TV. I bought the DVDs when they were first released and have watched them many times over the years. I loved every version, every time.

There is now a Blu-ray edition of this great old series, which I just watched. The old 4:3 film has been reformatted to 16:9, widescreen, and digitally remastered, including a 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack. It was a marvelous experience. Highly recommended.

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Greatest mini-series ever, and perhaps, greatest western ever...

Lonesome Dove began a trend of big-budget, many-starred television epics at the end of the 1980s, but it still remains the grandest and the greatest.

Having read the book since, I truly see how well the film pulled off the incredible characterizations and interaction between the characters. Robert Duvall as Capt. Augustus McCrae and Tommy Lee Jones as Capt. W.F. Call are two of the most spectacular performances ever captured on film. They truly make you believe in them, and you are saddened by their defeats and losses. The underrated Robert Urich is also terrific as the haphazard Jake Spoon, as is Rick Schroder as Call's illegitimate offspring, the naive Newt Dobbs.

Other good performances abound including Diane Lane, Angelica Huston, Danny Glover, Chris Cooper, Glenne Headley, Tim Scott, and Frederic Forrest as the Comanchero bandit, Blue Duck. The film's six-hour length does not detract from its overall quality. Spend a day watching it, you won't regret it.

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3 /10

From an exceptional start to banality

Warning: Spoilers

The first part of the film staggered me with its non-clichéd, realistic and believable dialog. Then things started sinking (or stinking!) rapidly. Mexican bandits on horseback who were returning after a successful cross-border rustling expedition who couldn't hit the U.S. bandits stealing from them at four feet? Was this a Mexican joke being told by an Anglo? The Diane Lane character Lorena: another anachronism so dear to the heart of Hollywood. The beautiful, fragile, busty, articulate $2. prostitute. Duvall, Jones and most of the other actors could pass the muster for looking like 19th Century westerners but show me any period photo of a whore who looked like Diane Lake! Chris Cooper's July Johnson and Barry Corbin's Roscoe Brown: sure, every lawman in the west doesn't have to be a quick-drawing dead-eye shooter but unable to shoot and hit the characters at point blank range who had waylaid Roscoe? Frederic Forrest as Blue Duck is described multiple times as a mean killer but he allows himself to blunder into a scene where his old enemy Duvall is helpless and unarmed in a river and though armed with a Winchester fails to kill him. WTF? Then later in another scene Blue Duck 'knocks out' the kid instead of killing him when he kidnaps Lorena and when he bargains with a wild bunch of criminals they give up their horses for a p of a! There were at least two parts to this scene where Blue Duck walks away showing his back. This wild bunch would have shot him, got their stolen cattle and horses back and still have had as much of Lorena as they would have wanted. Lighting, thunder and rain storm and the stampeding cattle become neon signs supposedly showing they were hit by lighting. Folks, lighting strikes kill! And speaking of lighting strikes, when Robt. Urich's Jake Spoon commands and then physically starts pulling Lorena away from their tent you know lighting will strike it (though the horse tethered to it is unharmed). Finally, for at around this point I realized I was watching a Dove turn into the ship named Titanic, when Roscoe is joined by the forest sprite waif (whose screen credit I can't seem to find) she's pretty, slender and judging by her speech, educated; she and Lorena must have gone to Vassar.

I agree with a previous poster who suggested that those of you using 'greatest ever' in your critiques of 'Lonesome Dove' go to Netflix or Blockbuster and rent some of the Westerns made in the 30's, 40's and even 50's that could be called great; 'High Noon', 'The Gunfighter' and 'The Ox Bow Incident' to mention but three.

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Where Can I Purchase Season 2 of Lonesome Dove on Dvd

Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096639/reviews

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