Reviews (26)

This groundbreaking comedy series is Dyn-O-Mite!
When I was a kid, Good Times was one of those TV shows I simply would not miss each week. Even after its hilarious run ended, it was a constant companion of my youth in the form of syndicated reruns. Eventually, it faded away from the airwaves, and that is why I am so happy to see the release of this complete Season One DVD collection. The trials and joys of the Evans family have always been an indelible part of my memory, but watching these early episodes again is in many ways like seeing the show for the very first time. I used to just laugh at the crazy antics of J.J. and enjoy the show only for its comedy, but now I can more clearly understand the deeper meaning behind it all. While the Evans family life is far from typical, it does nobly reflect the struggles, pride, and humanity of families trying to survive and make a good life for their children in ghetto conditions. This truly was a groundbreaking television show, the first to feature a realistic African-American family trying to overcome life's great adversities together. However much they bickered and argued, the Evans family members supported and loved one another a great deal, and I believe it is this facet of the show as much as its unsurpassed comedy that explains its appeal to viewers of all races then and now.

Almost thirty years later, Good Times is still funnier than almost every other television show ever produced. What impressed me is the way the show began; the look and feel of the series was already firmly established in the very first episode, as James struggles to pay the rent and keep his family off the streets. When I was little, I didn't particularly like James because he seemed mean to me with his constant yelling. As an adult, I am a tremendous fan of John Amos' portrayal of the proud, hardworking family patriarch. This man worked like a dog in order to provide for his family, and the constant problems he faced getting and then keeping jobs is more than enough reason to explain his sometimes heated words and deeds. I no longer look at Good Times as the J.J. show; this first season seems to me to built around James Evans, Sr., although Esther Rolle, Jimmie Walker, Ralph Carter, Bernnadette Stanis, John Amos, and Ja'net Du Bois all delivered truly wonderful performances. Toward the end of these first 13 episodes, J.J. does begin to emerge as the prominent comedic talent, having served earlier as dependable but not yet featured comic relief. Jimmie Walker really comes into his own on the final episode included here, "My Son the Lover," setting the stage for great and equally hilarious things to come in later seasons.

I won't go into an episode by episode discussion, but I will mention a few of the really significant storylines that appeared. The struggle James has bringing home the bacon is a constant, but the burdens caused by his lack of education deliver a strong message to both J.J. and the viewing audience in "Junior the Senior." Teenage sexuality is addressed in "Sex and the Evans Family," a story featuring a classic display of the double standard that exists between males and females. Racism is constantly at the fore, personified in young Michael (or as James often calls him, "the militant midget"). The importance Florida places on religion and always doing what is right, no matter the costs incurred by your decision, is another strong element of the show, one given a brilliant exposition in the very second episode, "Black Jesus." Every episode imparts a meaning to the audience, one never lost amidst all of the comedy - and I do mean comedy. Good Times is still laugh-out-loud funny; it actually seems funnier now than it did years ago. While young viewers may not "get" some of the jokes based on 1970s pop culture, there is more than enough comedy spread around to guarantee a fun time will be had by all. There are no frills to this DVD package, though. I would have liked to see at least some sort of special feature, be it interviews with cast members or some kind of feature relating the story of how Good Times made it on to CBS as a somewhat controversial spin-off of a spin-off (All in the Family begat Maude, and Maude begat Good Times). You do get a little promo advertising the other vintage television shows already released by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, but this can hardly be called a special feature. In the end, though, what matters most is the newfound opportunity to enjoy the episodes themselves once again. I hope more seasons of Good Times are forthcoming because the thirteen shows from Season One, as great as each and every one of them are, are simply not enough to satisfy my demands for more.

John Amos MAKES This Show Good!
This is a nicely-packaged 2-disc set of the complete first season of the 1974-1979 TV series.

Video quality isn't perfect, but still good enough to make you appreciate this funny sitcom again on the DVD format.

There are many funny episodes during the truncated, 13-show debut season of this "Maude" spinoff. With most of the laughs provided (in my view) by the head man of the Evans' household, James (John Amos). Mr. Amos can be very, very funny (doing a lot with just a stare from those big eyes of his). The frequent family altercations between James Sr. and James Jr. (Jimmie Walker) make for some delightful comic moments.

So, if you want to dive back into some classic 1970s television, grab this "Good Times Season One" boxed set on DVD.

family matters
i think family matters would be a great show to have on dvd. It's nice to sit with your family and share some laughter

Great Times!
Wow,it was three decades ago that Good Times premiered on CBS. This is a grand spin-off of ALL IN THE FAMILY. What I mean by that is it's a spinoff of MAUDE starring Beatrice Arthur. She is Edith Bunker's cousin Maude Finlay. The late Esther Rolle as Florida Evans was first seen on MAUDE. As Florida's husband James Evans Sr.,is John Amos. The most popular character is their son James Jr. or J.J.,played by Jimmie Walker. His trademark catchphrase is "Dynomite!!" Janet DuBois is J.J. sister. DuBois's vocal is heard in the Jeffersons' theme song. The Jeffersons' Mike Evans co-created the series and produced it after leaving the Jeffersons in 1976.

Good Stuff, too!
The subject matter of these earliest episodes of Good times have already been discussed. But fans of the show may also want to know that each episode contains scenes that have not been seen since their first run in 1974. Usually the codas of these stories that have been cut for syndication in recent years and a few bits of introductory business that help with the telling.

But in either case, these episodes recall Bobby Kennedy's 1967 statement that he would like for all networks to show a no-punch -pulled documentary of ghetto life to wake White America up out of it's apathy. "Good Times" was probably the closest thing to what he may have had in mind, although it's actual effect was limited. These early episodes, prior to the emergence of JJ's clowing, did more to tell the truth about ghetto life than any other of it's time, and even now for that matter.

It is a credit to the writing and actors that they showed the Evans family retaining their dignity and humanity in spite of some really dehumanizing conditions. ... Read more

Description

"Elizabeth! I'm comin, honey!" Those were the words oftenheard coming from 9114 South Central, home to Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx)and his son Lamont (Demond Wilson) - known more affectionately to each other as "Pop" and "Dummy" - and their junkyard business.Sanford and Son was the second TV series from Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, whocreated the groundbreaking "All in the Family" the year before. "Sanford and Son" aired from 1972-1977 and was NBC's most popular prime-time series for four of its five seasons, earning four Emmy nominations and a Golden-Globe Award for Redd Foxx during its run. Enjoy this hysterical first season - or you'll get one across the lip. ... Read more

Reviews (56)

"Lamont, you big dummy!"
Complete first season of the hilarious sitcom about a 65 year old junk dealer, Fred Sanford(Redd Foxx), and his son/partner, Lamont (Demond Wilson) is a classic. The same people (Norman Lear, Bud Yorkin, etc.) who dominated 1970s television comedy by bringing us All in the Family (1971), Maude (1972), Good Times (1974), and The Jeffersons (1975) also did Sanford and Son (1972). Sanford & Son does not play much on TV anymore, so if you havent had the pleasure of seeing it, but are a fan of any of the previously listed shows I highly recommend it. Redd Foxx was a comedic genius and this show features his best work. This DVD set will feature the first 14 episodes (Jan - April 1972), here are the titles:

01) Crossed Swords
02) Happy Birthday, Pop
03) Here comes the bride, there goes the bride
04) The copper caper
05) A matter of life and breath
06) We were robbed
07) A pad for Lamont
08) The great Sanford Siege
09) Coffins for sale
10) The Barracuda
11) TV or not TV
12) The suitcase case
13) The return of the Barracuda
14) The piano movers

Also recommended:
All in the Family: Complete first season 3 dvd set (13 episodes)
The Jeffersons: Complete first season 2 dvd set (13 episodes)

Here Comes The Big One
This first season of Sanford and Son is the best! The episodes are hysterical, with Fred up to his usual old tricks, and Lamont being a big dummy. Get this and enjoy a good laugh.

My all time favorite.
This is the season that changed the face of television. No longer were african-americans placed in the supporting role as Redd Foxx marched the show to the top of the charts with his antics. "Five across your lips" and "This is the big one" soon became household punchlines. Never before has a show impacted television as this program demonstrated life from the ghetto and how people, regardless of race, are really all the same!!!!

i love the 70's
great show. Lamount was annoying with a funny dad who owns a junkyard in california. enjoy the good and bad times of their life

the comedic stylings of Redd Foxx
"Sanford and Son" was an American version of a British show "Steptoe and Son." The premise is the antics of junkman Fred Sanford and his son Lamont. Most of the episodes in the first season were basically adaptations of "Steptoe and Son" episodes.

Nevertheless, you get the entire first season here and it's worth every penny. Obviously, this show was ahead of its time and un p.c. as well. One significant plus with this first season is that you will get each episode in its entirety. TV Land obviously has to edit out certain parts (ie Fred using the N word)for today's audiences.

You also see the evolution of Fred and Lamont, along with Fred's buddy Melvin(played by longtime Redd Foxx partner Slappy White), and see early nemesis' of Fred like Aunt Hazel (Esther didn't appear until season two). All of the episodes are excellent, with my favorites being "Piano Movers", "Happy Birthday, Pop" "We Were Robbed", and "Color TV."

I can't emphasise how important this show was in the realm of pop culture and some of the issues tackled are still relevant today. Nothing like this will ever hit the airwaves again. Pick up the Season 2 and 3 sets as well. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Classic
This is a classic series. I never get tired of watching. My kids love them. Hours of entertainment I never tire of watching.

Redd Foxx is the GREATEST!!!
One thing I could always be sure of no matter what was happening in my life or what I might have been going through, "Sanford and Son" was a sure bet to snap me out of it and make me laugh so hard no matter how many times I had ever seen any particular episode. Foxx was a comic genius with delivery and timing that was unequaled.

Being somewhat of a "Sanford and Son purist", I have to say that I prefer the first three years of the show to the others. It wasn't that Redd Foxx was any less funny in later years, but sometimes the plotlines left something to be desired. Having said that, I would rather watch ANY episode of "Sanford and Son" from any season than much of what passes for comedy today.

What some people may not know is that when you get these DVD's you will get to see the complete, uncut, thirty minute episodes. On television reruns, there is always at least 5-7 minutes cut out of any episode. So if you think you have seen all of "Sanford and Son" you will be pleasantly surprised to see even more hilarious footage that you may never have seen before.

Get these-you won't be disappointed.

Totally Awesome shows to watch over & over again.
Awesome show. Redd Foxx is hilarious to watch over & over again.
Well worth it to have in your own collection.

Favorite show of all time
A definite classic masterpiece that should be in everyone's collection especially since it's not on TV

Go Ahead, you know you want to...
I was watching Sanford and Son on cable the other day, and was surprised to find that they had actually edited the episode that they were showing to remove what are now considered "Politically Incorrect" words or statements. The thought police run amok. If like me, you don't like the thought of someone trying to rewrite or erase a part of history, no matter how distasteful they may now consider it to be, then do yourself a favor and get these dvd's. I bought them separately and paid almost twenty five dollars more that this package deal costs, so it is indeed a bargain. I can't wait for the next season to be released. Get them before someone decides to edit these as well!!! ... Read more