The phenomenon of "fan favorites" always seems a bit dubious to me, just another marketing strategy. But CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount recently conducted a Facebook poll on seven of its popular classic programs (Cheers, Happy Days, Frasier, The Odd Couple, Hogan's Heroes, The Honeymooners, and MacGyver) to determine what would be included on these Fan Favorite DVD releases. These are no-frills editions for only the most casual viewer (each of these shows is readily available in complete seasons and/or series editions), so if you already own the previous, and more complete, releases--this really adds nothing to the discussion. These bargain priced entries, therefore, might appeal to newer viewers who wish to sample a program or to someone who just wants a few episodes of their favorite show for those rainy days with nothing better going on.
However, as the number of episodes and which ones are not being provided (as of 2/28/12), I thought I'd give a rundown to the interested parties about what is included on each DVD set.
Hogan's Heroes: In Dolby Digital English Mono with English SDH subtitles
(1) The Flight of The Valkyrie (Season One, Episode 5): Hogan tries to help a baroness escape, but Klink upsets the plans with an unexpected transfer.
(2) Hogan's Hofbrau (Season One, Episode 13): Hogan sneaks out to a local watering hole to get information about nearby German troops.
(3) Happy Birthday, Adolf (Season One, Episode 17): Hogan and crew seek to destroy a artillery unit so a bombing plan can go through.
(4) The Safecracker Suite (Season One, Episode 27): Klink partners with Hogan to aid a friend and the two attempt to steal plans about a murder plot on the Fuhrer.
(5) Praise the Führer and Pass the Ammunition (Season Two, Episode 19): Hogan and crew attempt to create havoc during nearby war exercises.
(6) Some of Their Planes are Missing (Season Three, Episode 2): A German plot involves sending troops to England in stolen Allied planes.
(7) D-Day At Stalag 13 (Season Three, Episode 3): Hogan convinces everyone that Klink was promoted to Chief of Staff.
(8) War Takes a Holiday (Season Three, Episode 21): Hogan convinces Klink that the war is over so that some prisoners will be released.
These descriptions do little to showcase the wacky slapstick nature of the show which is really unlike anything else of its era. Hogan tends to be a love-it or hate-it proposition for modern audiences. This is a nice way to introduce yourself to the show if you haven't seen it, but it is much better in context and complete. KGHarris, 2/12.
