Audio/Video:

American Dreams is presented in its original full-frame aspect ratio and in Dolby 5.1. The picture is sharp and mainly free of picture noise and digital transfer issues. The dialogue is easy to make out over the consistent background noise and music, but the surrounds only come into play during music performances.

Extras:

The seventh disc of the collection features two special features: A music video for "My Boyfriend's Back," sung by Stacie Orocio, and a 30-minute "Time Capsule" piece on the 1960s. The former is uninspiring (though fun to see stars Snow and Lengies lip-syncing backup) and the latter is clearly aimed towards those whom have never had a history course and never seen the newsreel footage. It is hosted by Brian Williams, who must be counting the days until someone else gets mop-up duty for NBC News.

In addition there are commentary tracks on three episodes and "Back to Bandstand" highlights – clips from the original show.

Final Thoughts:

A surprisingly smart drama, American Dreams is an interesting look at the dynamic of family life during a very turbulent time in American history, one of incredible change. And while at times the plot gets heavy-handed, and while it is remarkable how all of these historic events manage to touch the family somehow, the occasional "coincidences" aren't enough to frustrate.