Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978) {DVD Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

If you were anything like me as a kid growing up you watched the reruns of Gilligan's Island and would think when will they ever get off that island? Each episode wondering how Gilligan was going to mess it all up! And he did to each and every time.

As they years went by we came to the realization that the castaways were never going to get off that island. All three seasons of the show came and went and no rescue. Than 11 years after the series ended. The Cataways returned for one more adventure this time to finally be rescued. Now Alpha Video has released this Made-for-TV movie on DVD so that collectors can add this to their Gilligan's Island collection.

The film follows the castaway who have been on the Island for almost 15 years. The Professor realizes that a tsunami of disastrous magnitude is going to hit the island and destroy it. The castaways make their huts into a raft. They ride out the storm and US Coastguard spot their raft and tow them to Hawaii.

As the castaways try to acclimate themselves to society. They see how much the world has changed in their 15 year absence. Can they find a way to adjust to their new lives? Well, you'll have to watch the film to find out.

Now as cool as it is to have this film on DVD, Alpha Video went above and beyond and gave us a special bonus Bob Denver film that is in the same style as Gilligan's Island.

In 1974 Gilligan's Island creator Sherwood Schwartz decided to put a new spin on the concept. Putting Bob Denver in the old west and thus was born Dusty's trail.

The series follows a wagon heading west get separated from the rest of the wagon train thanks to Dusty (Denver). Now they must make their way to California alone. The wagon master is played by Forest Tucker (F Troop) in the role similar to the Skipper. 

While the series was a fun little escape, it didn't seem to get the ratings and thus only lasted 26 episodes. Later four episodes would be edited together to make the film "The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West". This movie is included as a special bonus. I love that.

This is a really fun little double feature DVD. Both films are presented in full screen format. They look and sounds pretty good when you think this is a made-for-TV movies, they are not a big Hollywood blockbuster releases. There is some minor flaws in the picture but nothing that should take away from the viewing pleasure.

This release gives you a lot of bang for your buck. So if you are a fan of Bob Denver or Gilligan's Island this release is a must add to your collection. Head over to www.Oldies.com and get your copy today!

Moral Rating: Nothing offensive
Audience: Families
Genre: comedy
Released: 2019
Rating: A