Since the folks at Mill Creek Entertainment have been releasing Highway to Heaven on DVD, I have been sharing reviews, as I was and still am a huge fan of this original family series, starring Michael Landon, which aired on television from 1984-1989. Like I have shared in past posts, I used to love watching this show with father. I would record it and then stay up late until he got home from a police detail, and we would watch it while he had dinner. This was our special bonding time that I cherished then, and get to enjoy again, whenever I get these DVD releases, as we make time to watch some of our favorite episodes from each given season, and talk about the others.
Were you fan of this show growing up? I first started watching it, as I was a fan of Michael Landon from Little House on the Prairie. And, after watching the first few episodes of this popular series, was hooked. I liked how each episode was a new story line, that had Jonathan Smith, an angel sent back to Earth on probation (played by Landon) and Mark Gordon (played by Victor French) working together to complete assignments given to them from the man upstairs. I personally loved seeing Landon and French's character work together. You could tell that through their meeting and having to work together, that they were building a strong connection and friendship. They worked well together, and you found yourself wishing you could have a friend like Jonathan. :-)
This past summer, my father has been coming down weekly to visit and spend time with the girls and I. And, when the girls finally nap, I will put on one of the Highway to Heaven DVDs to watch. And, lately, it has been this recent release. With 24 full length episodes and over 19 hours of viewing time, we have been enjoying spending time watching these classic episodes, which would include guest appearances from famed actors and actresses of the time, as well as rising stars, who are now big today. Remember how I shared that in the Season 3 DVD, you could see , Paul Walker, who starred in the Fast and Furious franchise movies, and passed away earlier this year in a car crash. I was quick to point out the scenes Paul Walker, who was a teenager at the time of filming.
Season four of Highway to Heaven saw guest appearances from Will Estes (who later starred as Will in The New Lassie, Chad Allen (played David Witherspoon on Our House), Danny Pintauro (played Jonathan on Who's the Boss, and even Bob Hope, just to name a few.
Here is a clip from the episode that featured Chad Allen, where his character was spanked by the father. While back in day spanking was considered a normal form of punishment, in today's society, it is frowned upon. Funny how clips like this from shows of yesterday make you look at how life seemed simpler back then, and how they are so different now.
When you watch this television series, you can't help but walk away with a feel good attitude. If only more shows were like this today, as this show didn't contain drugs, violence or vulgar language. Lessons were taught and you saw what true friendship was by watching Jonathan and Mark work to help others.
Out of the four season that have made it to DVD -- Season five will be releasing in early Sept. -- I have to say that this season is by far my favorite. Not only did it have guest stars from other 80's and early 90's family shows I watched, but the stories were all touching. I admit that a few even brought me to tears, as you could feel the genuine and sometimes raw emotions of the characters. I could go on and on about how great this how and season was, but if you are fan of Highway of Heaven, then you already know that! :-)
In addition to the recent release of Highway to Heaven: Season 4 and the soon to be released Season Five, I just saw on the Mill Creek Entertainment that they will be offering the Highway to Heaven Complete Series soon, too! How great is that! :-)
series for that special Highway to Heaven fan in your life. I already know what I will be surprising my father with -- the complete series. :-)
Don't forget to follow Mill Creek Entertainment on their social media channels to stay up-to-date on news, upcoming releases, special offers and more...
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
I used to watch this show all of the time. I sure miss Michael Landon he made such great family shows.
ReplyDeleteheather [email protected]
I've never seen this show, but it sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteI use to watch this one as well, good show
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