Rich Man, Poor Man: The Complete Collection - Classic TV Miniseries

In this review of Rich Man, Poor Man: The Complete Collection, the verdict is straightforward: this set is for viewers who appreciate character-driven drama and television history, offering a sweeping family saga that rewards repeat viewings. The collection gathers the original multi-award winning dramatic miniseries that first appeared on American television and follows the Jordache family from 1945 into the late 1960s. For anyone curious about how television long-form storytelling began to evolve, or fans of the cast, this collection is the single best way to experience that landmark series in one place.

Key Features

• Complete saga: The set compiles the full dramatic miniseries that traces the Jordache family across decades, making the entire story easy to watch in sequence.
• Adapted from a best seller: Based on Irwin Shaw's novel, the series preserves the novel's broad themes and narrative scope, which benefits viewers who like literary adaptations.
• All-star cast: Performances from Edward Asner, Bill Bixby, Susan Blakely, Robert Reed, Peter Strauss and Nick Nolte give the drama weight and memorable character work.
• Historical span: By covering 1945 to the late 1960s, the collection contextualizes social and political change that shapes characters and plot across generations.
• Emotional range: The story alternates between ambition and hardship, delivering both dramatic tension and moments of resolution that reward patient viewing.

Who It's For

This collection is ideal for fans of classic television drama, viewers who enjoy long-form character arcs, and anyone studying the evolution of the miniseries format. It particularly suits those who appreciate ensemble performances and a narrative that unfolds over multiple generations rather than episodic plots.

Those seeking modern picture-restoration standards or a briskly paced contemporary drama might prefer newer releases; some viewers report mixed comments about picture quality. Still, viewers focused on story, acting quality and the historical significance of the series will find the collection valuable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich, multi-generational storytelling that captures decades of character development.
• Strong performances from a notable ensemble cast that elevate the material.
• Good value for viewers who want the entire miniseries in one package and enjoy revisiting classic television.

Cons

• Picture quality receives mixed feedback from customers and may not match modern restorations.

Specifications

Title	Rich Man, Poor Man: The Complete Collection
Source material	Based on Irwin Shaw's best-selling novel
Time span	Story covers 1945 to the late 1960s
Notable cast	Edward Asner, Bill Bixby, Susan Blakely, Robert Reed, Peter Strauss, Nick Nolte
Format	DVD collection (Movies & TV)
Genre	Drama, multi-generational saga

Our Verdict

Rich Man, Poor Man: The Complete Collection is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who values classic, character-led storytelling and the historical importance of the early miniseries format. While picture quality varies by customer report, the acting, story quality and overall enjoyment make this an excellent value for viewers who want the full Jordache saga in one set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the full miniseries?
Yes. This collection includes the complete dramatic miniseries that follows the Jordache family across the stated decades.

Does the set follow the original novel closely?
The series is an adaptation of Irwin Shaw's novel and preserves the broad themes and multi-generational scope of the source material.

Are there modern restoration or picture improvements?
Customer feedback notes mixed picture quality, so expect a faithful presentation rather than a modern high-definition restoration.