Hell on Wheels: The Complete Series

DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:

Overall a very good watch. I felt the first 3 seasons were excellent but then it became less “deep”. What I’m trying to say is they seem to have not been able to maintain the complex story line, and keep the characters as captivating as the season progressed. I myself didn’t like how it ended. That being said, I very much liked, conceptually, the characters, the actors chosen for each character, and the many connections to what was real at that time…..proper use of props, character development based on real, well documented period correct historical figures, and a serious commitment to presenting an accurate portrayal of life during this time…..the filth, the social and interpersonal interactions and such.

For me, well worth the time and money to watch. Had it maintained that riveting quality I felt it had for the first three seasons, through all 5 seasons, even with my not liking the ending I would have given it 5 stars PLUS. I felt this to be some of Anson Mount’s (Cullen Bohannon) best work! Colm Meany, Christopher Heyerdahl, and Common all were spectacular in their rolls as well.

Again, while not perfect, well worth the “price of admission”!

-Nathan

This story of building the intercontinental railroad is superbly told through the eyes of Bohanan, a former slaveowner and Confederate officer. The series builds the character of Bohanan up over time, with occasional missteps, while he drives the building of the railroad forward. It is all believable and well-done until the point where a man who has killed men to avenge the death of his wife abandons a woman who clearly loves him. After building up Bohanan’s honor throughout, showing a slow redemptive arc, this was completely out of character and the story line, serving almost no purpose the overall scheme of the series.

Had the series ended one season earlier, and left Bohanan with Naomi after some misunderstandings and further growth on both of their parts, it would have been excellent. As it is, it seems the show’s writers ended up grasping at straws to build a few more episodes, ultimately destroying the plotline and arx they originally built, and then trying desperately (and unsuccessfully) to rebuild it again at the very end.

-Russ White

DVD Wholesale Main Features:

Actors: Colm Meaney, Anson Mount
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 17
Rated: Unrated – Not Rated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: November 1, 2016
ASIN: B01KYUEACE