DVD REVIEW: TOUR OF DUTY – The Complete Collection

Shane | 20 March 2014 | Reply

DVD REVIEW: TOUR OF DUTY – The Complete Collection
Shock Entertainment
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7.5/10

Fans of this important Vietnam War drama series will doubtless rate this comprehensive tin box collection as a ten out of ten, featuring all 58 one hour episodes from the three seasons of the show, which originally ran from 1987 – 1990.

Additionally, there are informative documentary features talking to the principal writers, creators, producers and actors about their experiences before and during the show, as well as the original soundtrack from the show. Can’t ask for more than that!

Tour Of Duty was pivotal in reclaiming the memories of the war for many Americans who had either been involved in the conflict, or were touched by people who had, showing the very real, human, futile face of war, as well as the camaraderie of those on the ground, whilst not flinching from the obstacles they faced, from a government who didn’t care, a public back home who had turned against them, an enemy who would always have the upper hand, and the tensions that simmered in them as men and women in a foreign land where they were unwanted, and struggling with their own desires, often deprived upbringings, racism and sexism, drugs and more.

I never watched its initial run, but found myself fascinated by the realism of the show, and the real emotions it addressed. Far more than a mere war show, this was human drama, and is well worth revisiting.