DVD Review: “Perry Mason, Season One, Volume One”

Before there was Law & Order, L.A. Law, etc., there was Perry Mason, the defense attorney who never lost a case to District Attorney Hamilton Burger in nine seasons (1957-66). These shows were filmed, not videotaped, so quality is very good. Raymond Burr starred with William Hopper (detective Paul Drake), Barbara Hale (faithful secretary Della Street), William Talman (Burger), and Ray Collins (Police Lieutenant Tragg), and the chemistry between the stars is there from the start. Great title theme by Fred Steiner. No extras at all in the set. Season One, Volume Two is due in November, with the remaining 20 episodes of the first season.