"If you are a fan of R Lee Ermey from Full Metal Jacket and are interested in military hardware past and present this is a great buy. The DVD extras leave a little to be desired, but Ermey's sense of humor combined with his giddiness for the military equipment make this DVD alot of fun. An example of the witty sense of humor is the take off of MTV's cribs showing Ermey's command tent from the series. An ex Marine drill instructor combined with MTV style left me rolling on the couch. I recommend for anyone who wants to start learning about military equipment to people who have knowledge already. Semper Fi"
A boatload of fun and history
briw | New York, NY | 05/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I like the History Channel (aka the War Channel) a lot to begin with, but this show puts it over the top. Not only is R. Lee Ermey an amazing host, but he clearly relishes the job as well. That only adds to the fun. What other show has displays of firepower against communist watermelons, or does a home visit a-la MTV Cribs to the Gunny Sergeant's field tent? Plus each historical period or military device is presented in a quick but detailed fashion, with plenty of respect for all those in uniform who've served freedom over the years. 5 stars isn't high enough a rating for this first rate DVD."
The best of the History Channel
Damon K. Tanner | Tooele, Utah USA | 04/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whether your a military buff, fan of R. Lee Ermey, or just like being entertained this is the dvd for you. 7 episodes of The History Channel's "Mail Call" and a few bonuses thrown in. What are you waiting for maggot--buy it now!!!"
A heck of a fun ride!
Kurt A. Johnson | North-Central Illinois, USA | 12/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"R. Lee Ermey, a real life Marine gunnery sergeant, is best known for his roles in Full Metal Jacket and Toy Story 1 & 2 (the green army man!). Now, he's got his own show - Mail Call. In this great History Channel original, Gunnery Sergeant Ermey answers people's questions on anything and everything military. With a gung-ho, oo-rah spirit, the Gunny makes the whole thing a heck of a fun ride!
This DVD represents the best of Season one, and has the following seven(!) twenty five minute episodes:
Episode 14 (December 15, 2002) - Sgt. Ermey talks about grenade launchers, the Browning 30 caliber machinegun, the new Flyer 21 special forces vehicle, shrapnel, how American paratroopers were equipped for D-Day, and jet packs.
Episode 22 (March 9, 2003 - Season 2) - The bazooka (did you know that the original bazooka was a musical instrument?), Gunny's Mail Call HQ, an Army Tactical Operations Center, Pararescue Jumpers (PJs), and the history of the 21 gun salute.
Episode 11 (October 7, 2002) - Grenades, LAPES drops, the history of the Dog Tag, German helmet spikes, MREs, and Tunnel Rats.
Episode 4 (August 25, 2002) - Civil War cannoneers, WWII first aid kits, night vision, fruit salad (ribbons on uniforms) and scrambled eggs (clusters on officers' hats), clearing minefields, and Kukri knives.
Episode 3 (August 18, 2002) - Body armor, crossbows, the Duck (DUKW), WWI planes shooting through their propeller, and the meaning of Semper Fi.
Episode 2 (August 11, 2002) - Knight's armor, the meaning and origin of "gung ho," land mines, G force, the WWI backpack (yuck!), and the white flag.
Episode 26 (April 12, 2003 - Season 2) - Coast Guard, the US carrier battle group, tanks (WWI and the Sherman = Ronson "It always lights the first time!"), the XM-29 Rifle, and V-Mail.
As you can see, Sgt. Ermey covers a lot! This is a fun show, sure to please the man in your house. I love it, and highly recommend it to everyone!"
Gunny Is The Man
J | NY | 02/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a fan of this show(who watches it every chnce I get) I think that the DVD of the best of Season 1 is great. It highlights all the best episodes from the first season. I also really like the cool info about military gear and tactics past, present and future and the fact that Ermey presents it in a very cool way(this guy is a funny as hell).I highly recommend this DVD for history and military buffs"