Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Vol. 2 (2006)

3 Discs DVD

When watching television shows, what is it that demands our attention? Do we appreciate comedies because they make us laugh? Do we enjoy action/adventure programs because they pump us full of adrenaline? The general consensus on why Americans have watched television for many decades is because we want to be entertained. However, another plausible explanation is that we look to television shows to relate to the world today.

One random example of a modern television show is 24. While action-packed and addivtive, it also sheds light on the contemporary fears of terrorism. While Lost is a fast-paced enigma, it is also commentary on the internal conflicts between human beings. If one were to sit down and dissect every drama on TV, they would likely find a subtext reflecting our concerns and desires today.

As the previously mentioned shows revolve around current events, so too did shows on classical television. Today, programs reflect on courtrooms, city streets, and hospitals where drama and danger are stirring right around the corner. However, during times of war, American television depicted the invading "others". Just as Orson Welles brought about panic in the hearts of citizens during his broadcast of War of the Worlds, television focused on the conflict of "us against them". Following World War II, in the midst of the Cold War, and at the beginning stages of the Vietnam War, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was one of these shows to hit the airwaves. Today, the program could likely be interpreted as a series of silly storylines, lackluster performances, and poor technology. However, Voyage rings true during a time of war-fearing America. The second volume of episodes from 20th Century Fox is now available on DVD.

These particular episodes aired around 1965, and are presented in crisp black and white. The show's protagonists, Admiral Nelson (Richard Basehart) and Commander Crane (David Hedison) spend every episode in their high-powered submarine, Seaview. The marine experts plunge the depths of the sea and trek land where they make new discoveries and overthrow potential evil.

I am a child of the 1980's and 1990's. Therefore, it is difficult for me to find original entertainment value in this collection of episodes. While I realize the technical choices were standard in the 1960's, I am sure it is tough for anyone in this Internet generation to derive enjoyment from fake sea creatures, and a toy submarine moving through what is clearly a small tank of water. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea may be a guilty pleasure for members of the baby boom generation. However, it does not hold much for the generation of digital pioneers.

So is there anything for younger viewers to enjoy with this DVD? I certainly like to think so. This is not a DVD that I wish to pop in for instant gratification, but it is a historical artifact that I've come to respect. Beneath the overacting and low-budget effects is a show brimming with historical perspective. One particular episode revolves around post-war Nazis trying to take over the world. Other episodes deal with mad scientists and robots. Of course, what would this show be without giant jellyfish as imminent threats?

The legitimate fears of 1960's America are all here: war, technophobia, and general paranoia of invaders. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea may be good for a laugh with drunken friends, or a blast from the past for older viewers. However, I can't help but be intrigued by this combination of vintage cheese and true American angst.

David Hedison Interviews
The star of the program is still alive and well, and addresses a series of questions for the DVD. Viewers must choose from a menu of interview topics. These topics include how Hedison joined the show, the late Richard Basehart, and creator Irwin Allen's obsession with blooper reels.

Blooper Reel
This feature comes as a shock to me. Bloopers are common on contemporary shows, but how often are they salvaged from classic programs such as this one? These are not laugh-out-loud, but it is a treat to see on-set shenanigans from the 1960's. There are even moments of profanity!

DVD also includes a still gallery.

I am not encouraging readers of this review to run out and buy this volume of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. I myself can only handle so many of these episodes in one sitting. However, my habit of reading into things has given me a profound respect for the history of this series and the television industry itself. Comparing the villains of yesteryear to the threats of today is a rather enjoyable process. Unless you are a fan of the classic series, I simply suggest renting this show and enjoying it for the camp and sense of history.

Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com