The critically acclaimed Young Indiana Jones series ran on network television from 1992 to 1994 and gave creator George Lucas an outlet to explore the emergence of the modern age while giving Indiana Jones fans a glimpse into the history of their beloved character. During that time, the show earned 11 Emmy Awards and 26 nominations. Two additional volumes are scheduled to follow the release of Volume One, which debuts on October 23.
In this first 12 disc set, the majority of the feature episodes follow Indy as a young boy (Carrier), beginning with his first adventure on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Although not exactly the gripping thrill ride of the original Indiana Jones films, Young Indy does enjoy some entertaining adventures as he, his mother and his tutor follow his father around the globe. Many of young Indy’s adventures are a direct result of his tendency to get into mischief, which may be effective as a plot device, but wears monotonous when viewing multiple episodes in succession.
The series contains impressive scenery, a fair amount of history, and presents it well enough to entice a young viewer to want to learn more; however, not every historical detail presented in the feature episodes is entirely accurate, as pointed out by a brief disclaimer appearing on the screen at the feature’s end. The documentaries , while not as entertaining, are more educational in nature and compensate for the creative license taken by the films. Also with the younger audience in mind, there is some mild language and the Travels with Father episode includes a naked rear view of father and son, save for their boots.
In the episodes where Indy (Flanery) is a young man, the feeling of adventure seems more true to its film counterpart, but Indy himself seems a bit more of a reluctant participant. As for the many special features of this DVD set, the most surprising aspect was the lack of the typical interviews with cast and crew, or the ever popular making of segment.
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