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

Reviews (4)

A series of rare depth, power & humanity
It's astonishing to watch these stories, created during the early 1960s, and realize just how much TV was capable of providing when talented writers, actors & directors were allowed to tell real stories. Even with the restrictions of the culture in general & the networks themselves, TV could produce true quality that both entertained & left the viewer with food for thought.

It's a treat to see so many gifted actors at the beginnings of their careers, especially with such literate material. Let me especially single out "Hold For Gloria Christmas," the story of a dying poet struggling to send a precious gift to the future; and "The One Marked Hot Gives Cold," a poignant & heartbreaking tale of the inevitable betrayals & disappointments that come with growing up. Robert Duvall is remarkable as an angry, wounded, yearning man searching desperately for the father who abandoned him, while acting in turn as a surrogate father & friend for a sensitive 12 year old girl, knowing that she's going to be hurt, knowing that he's prolonging her fairy tale, but hesitant to destroy it even as he tries to prepare her for the end of childhood innocence.

But every episode is equally worthy, each one more like a small film than a weekly TV episode. I hope that the entire series is eventually released on DVD. If only TV could be this good today!

Highly recommended!

my favorite TV series all-time
Not only was this a groundbreaking series for such hits as "Hill Street Blues", but it had a profound effect on me as an adolescent, with its humanistic view of cops and criminals alike, its bittersweet and emotional musical theme, all the NYC locations, and especially the great scriptwriting. There is no doubt in my mind when I say that "Naked City" is my favorite series of all.

It featured so many actors who would go on to become superstars like Redford, Hackman, Duvall, Hoffman, Coburn, Hopper, and so many great character actors, but it was the regular cast of eminently likeable characters that held the show together week after week.

Now there are 4 dvds with 4 episodes each available, and should be in the collection of anyone who values fine drama, period. PLEASE BUY THESE DVD'S SO THEY WILL RELEASE MORE!!! There were 99 episodes in all (before it was mysteriously cancelled while still high in the ratings) so there is still a treasure trove of classic television drama for Image Entertainment to choose from...

Don't miss this DVD if you love New York
This is a must-buy for anyone who loves New York, and particularly the vastly different city of the late 50's and early 60's. If you like NYPD Blue, you'll go crazy over this gritty but heartwarming TV series. For fans of Diahann Carroll who stars in one of the episodes, it is a memorable experience as she protrays a teacher of blind children, one of whom is lost during a field trip. He must rely on his instincts and fortitude to make it back to his home in Brooklyn from mid-town Manhattan.

Another of the four memorable episodes in this single DVD stars a young Robert Duvall who finds that his naive kindness toward a young girl lands him in trouble with the police.
When I was growing up, I watched Naked City on a snowy black and white TV. The clarity of this DVD is outstanding. The poignancy of the stories, the beauty of New York, and the excitement of city life caught by the cameras resulted in my moving to the city as fast as I could get there.

A great anthology!
This is the latest of four DVDs that have been released for one of the most outstanding TV series of all time.
This particular DVD has one of the best of the Naked City series--"Hold for Gloria Christmas"--and in and of itself warrants a purchase of this DVD. It stars Burgess Meredith as a Greenwich Village poet, with the famous theatrical personality Sanford Meisner in a very rare supporting role. The episode was written by the blacklisted writer Arnold Manoff, under the pseudonym Joel Carpenter. It is not only a literate, mesmerizing and powerful drama but also a time capsule of New York City in the early 1960s.
Other episodes on this DVD feature Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall, with the other--a real gem--about a blind child's journey home from Midtown Manhattan.
Priceless stuff. ... Read more

Description

In "Portrait of a Painter" a struggling artist (Star Trek's William Shatner) awakens to find his wife has been murdered. He swears that he didn't do it, but Detective Flint is not convinced. In "Alive and Still a Second Lieutenant" a frustrated junior executive erupts with anger when a man named Mr. Binks (Deliverance's Jon Voight) taunts him. In "Don't Knock it Till You've Tried It" a stressed psychologist (The Odd Couple's Walter Matthau) seeks solace in a Las Vegas dancer who kidnaps him and threatens to kill him if he doesn't marry her. In "The Tragic Success of Alfred Tiloff" Lifelong failure Alfy Tiloff (Quincy's Jack Klugman) tries for a big payoff when he kidnaps a little girl, but his scheme's success may have a price he can't afford. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Dramatic and Nostalgic
This and the other DVDs of the early 1960s TV show "Naked City" are all excellent.

The New York locales give the episodes a distinct look. It was very nostalgic for me to see what the city that I grew up in and still work in looked like in 1961.

The stories are interesting and unique in that the guest star/criminal is on camera more than the policemen investigating the case.

I especially liked the Walter Matthau episode in which he's kidnapped by a Las Vegas showgirl who threatens to kill him unless he makes good on his promise to marry her. The humor of this situation makes this episode a nice light-hearted change of pace from the other more dramatic and poignant ones that are on this disk, such as the Jack Klugman episode revolving around the kidnapping of a little girl.

I can't wait for the next batch of "Naked City" DVDs to be released. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There are eight million stories in the Naked City, and this disc compiles four of them from the ABC police drama that should please vintage TV fans with its gritty stories, noirish photography, and New York locations. The quartet included here is culled from the series' second season (1960-61), which was distinctly different from its 1958-59 debut. Stars John McIntire and James Franciscus were replaced by Paul Burke and Horace McMahon as the lead detectives; the half-hour program had also been expanded to 60 minutes. Untouched, however, were the complex, character-driven scripts, powered by stellar actors and directors. Among those featured on this disc are actors Eli Wallach and Walter Matthau, writers W. R. Burnett (High Sierra) and Stirling Silliphant (also the series' story consultant), and directors Arthur Hiller and John Brahm. Viewers under 40 may find the hard-boiled dialogue old fashioned, but cop show aficionados will appreciate the serious tone and action. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Absolutely terrific! I want more!
Fortunately there are now four DVDs available for this magnificent old series, and hopefuly the manufacturer will produce more as demand requires.

What can I say? They simply don't get better than this. A great cast, fascinating guest stars (Eli Wallach, Robert Duvall, Robert Redford), and above all, superb writing. With great location footage of New York in the early Sixties.

So if you like this DVD as much as I do, be sure to buy the rest as they come available--to ensure that all the Naked City episodes are eventually recorded on DVD.

Magnificent! Bring on the rest!
One of the great TV dramas of all time, finally available on DVD. Superbly acted and beautifully written. My only beef is that there are only two DVDs available. Where are the rest?

Meanwhile, be sure to get these DVDs. Only one of the eight episodes on these two DVDS seemed a bit below par. That was an episode with Steve Cochran playing the world's least credible Sicilian gangster, and Lois Nettleton as the least believable Sicilian woman on earth. But don't let that dissuade you--these are terrific DVDs!

Yippee, Finally, Hooray!
There are eight million stories in the Naked City and here is your opportunity to view some of the best. Don't miss watching this series of hard hitting dramas, all filmed in New York City in the late 50's and early 60's! Many poignant stories that will break your heart or warm it. Realistic story lines and fantastic acting by many stars who went on to "make it big." A New York City that still exists in our memories is the real star of this series. One can only hope that more episodes will be released as they are uniformly incredible.

GREAT OLD TV SHOW
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SHOW ON DVD,I WAS 13 YRS OLD WHEN THIS SHOW WAS ON TV.ITS GREAT TO SEE HOW THESE GREAT ACTORS OF TODAY GOT STARTED.WHAT EVER HAPPEND TO PAUL BURKE.THE PICTURE QUALITY IS FANTASTIC,ITS GREAT TO SEE A TV SHOW 51MINS LONG NOT 39 MINS TODAY.TV SETS ARE FANTASTIC TODAY BUT THE COMMERICALS ARE REDICULOUS,TODAYS TV STARS WORK MUCH LESS THEN THOSE OF YEARS AGO AN MAKE SO MUCH MORE MONEY.I HOPE IMAGE VIDEO COMES OUT WITH MORE OF THESE OLD TV SHOWS,MABEY M SQUAD MR LUCKY,THE DEFENDERS,GREAT JOB IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT.

A steal!
I'm delighted that Image has begun releasing NAKED CITY episodes. This disc (and "Button in a Haystack") includes 4 episodes from the show's first hour-long season. With 4 episodes on one side of the disc, I worried about compression -- but picture and sound quality are actually quite fine. It's a treat to see & hear these episodes in a 51-minute, uncut format. Here's hoping that Image releases more episodes soon! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A memorable show
In its earlier half-hour series starring James Franciscus "Naked City" was a pretty conventional cop show, but when it was expanded to an hour's length and recast with Paul Burke it became more like an anthology series, with its famous "eight million stories" taking in the ordinary people and eccentric characters of New York City. Gradually it developed a unique tone and style, mixing action with sentiment, humour, and occasional moments of the surreal - how many other cop shows, then or now, would begin an episode with a voice-over meditating on the meaning of the Talmud? These DVDs feature episodes from the hour series, chosen in seemingly random order, a wise move as many of the best episodes came later. Picture quality is excellent, showing the atmospheric New York locations to great advantage. I've bought all the discs released to date and am keenly looking forward to future volumes.

Incredible vintage TV
I cannot praise this late 50's, early 60's series too much. This DVD contains four episodes. By far the best is "A Case Study of Two Savages" starring a young Rip Torn and Tuesday Weld as two hillbillies with virtually no ethics. The acting is superb and heart wrenching. Another episode, "The Night the Saints Lost Their Halos," stars Martin Sheen and a pimply Peter Fonda as two young boys who have tried to rob a store and must pay the messy consequences. Two additional powerful episodes make this a must buy for fans of film noir and gritty reality. The real star, of course, in this tough and totally realistic series filmed on location is a black and white New York City with finned cars, stores, snowy streets and a smoggy skyline vastly different from today's. It is an entrancing step back in history for lovers of New York City and reality TV.

One of the best dramatic series ever made
Like "The Twilight Zone" without the fantasy element, "Naked City" is a superby crafted television series from the golden age. "The Hot Minerva" is a bit too comical for the overall series concept, however "New York to L.A." and "The Nights the Saints Lost Their Halos" are heady stuff, far more thought provoking than the current crop of tv fluff. Observe Frank Sutton and Robert Blake in "NY to LA", this is what dramatic method acting is all about. Like the other fine episodes in the remaining volumes, characters are multi-dimensional, beset with inner conflicts, flaws and ambiguities that make for a top notch series. "Dragnet" had its straight forward good guy vs. bad guy approach but "Naked City" was far more complex and nebulous in its portrayal of the human condition. Let's hope Image Entertainment releases all 99 episodes of this superlative show. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This Cute Sitcom Should Have Complete Season DVD Boxsets!
Petticoat Junction aired on TV about 2 years before I was born and I grew up watching the reruns in the 70's and I thought it was such a cute sitcom and I think it's really good that there is a DVD out with some of the episodes but why haven't complete season DVD boxsets been released yet? Green Acres which I think is a spin-off of Petticoat Junction just had it's first season released in a DVD boxset so isn't it about time they also released complete seasons of Petticoat Junction on DVD?

A must for all Petticoat Junction fans!
Episodes shown on this DVD are:
Bobby Jo and beatnik
Last chance
Please buy violets
Kate's recipe ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "A Hole in the City" (Ep. 52, February 1, 1961) - After holding up an armored car, gang leader Lewis Nunda (Robert Duvall) and his cronies hide out at the home of their leader's aunt (Sylvia Sidney), where Nunda painfully confronts his past. "Button in the Haystack" (Ep. 55, February 22, 1961) - When a service station owner (Albert Salmi) fears he'll be arrested for the murder of a man found nearby, he panics and gets rid of his gun, the only evidence that can save him. "Shoes for Vinnie Winford" (Ep. 56, March 1, 1961) - When a dance hostess is reported missing, a police investigation links the club's sadistic owner (Dennis Hopper) to her disappearance. "Vengeance Is a Wheel" (Ep. 58, March 15, 1961) - Mario Licosa (Paul Stevens) seeks vengeance when the family patriarch is killed, despite his brother's (Ben Piazza) pleas to stay out of it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I want more!
After watching both available Naked City (TV) DVDs, I have only one question--where are the rest? Why aren't the other episodes available on DVD? Because, believe me, I and thousands of other Naked City devotees would snap them up.

This particular DVD has my personal favorite, an episode starring a young Robert Duvall as a homicidal maniac holed up in the Bronx. The other has Eli Wallach as a Shakespeare-quoting homicidal cop.

These wee magnificent shows, well-acted and, above all, beautifully written. These DVDs, while free of any frills or features (which would have been nice) are excellent quality. Bring on more!

Outstanding DVD
I received this DVD yesterday and watched all 4 episodes. The picture quality is outstanding. I didn't notice any distortions in video or audio quality. It was as if I were watching a first-run episode of a new tv show; not one that was over 40 years old!! I ordered the other DVD of this series and I hope that more episodes are released on DVD. This is one of my top 10 favorite shows of all time and I would purchase all 99 episodes if they came out on DVD with the same quality as the one that I just received. A must buy for true Naked City fans. ... Read more

Description

In "Spectre of the Roses Street Gang" Carroll O'Connor (All in the Family) is one of three successful businessmen who killed a boy long ago. An old friend who learns about the crime hopes to use the information for his own interests. In "Goodbye Mama, Hello Auntie Maud" a murdered woman's daughter unwittingly has a romance with the killer, the family chauffeur (The Magnificent Seven's James Coburn). In "Torment Him Much and Hold Him Long" Barney Sonners (The Godfather's Robert Duvall) is a down-on-his-luck bartender who borrows money from a crime gang to help his family, only to find himself relentlessly hounded by thugs. In "Five Cranks for Winter# Ten Cranks for Spring" Manager Gus Slate (Peter Gunn's Herschel Bernardi) turns on his boxer and helps his opponent, all for a rose. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Nice first effort.
"That Girl" was a groundbreaking TV program. The source of this program's appeal is of course Marlo Thomas, in the role that defined her acting career. Thomas as the perky Ann Marie, and Ted Bessell as the handsome, logical Donald Hollinger made perhaps the perfect sixties TV couple, rivaled in popularity perhaps only by Don Adams and Barbara Feldon of "Get Smart". Show-stealer Lew Parker is also outstanding as Ann's crusty dad, a restaurant owner with a machine gun style of delivering dialog, who thinks that every guy who dates his daughter is just a "bum". These episodes are, to use an overused term, "classic TV", and should not be missed by any true aficionado of 60's television. Hopefully this is the first of many releases for this wonderful program, which still seems fresh after 35 years.

This first collection of episodes is an attempt at capturing an overview of the series. While this effort is for the most part successful, it could have been arranged better. Anchor Bay should be applauded for including nine episodes of "That Girl" on this first release. Total runtime is a whopping 225 minutes. Compare that to Star Trek's standard two episodes per DVD. Instead of being arranged in chronological order, the episodes are subdivided into three thematic groups, which may not have been the best idea.

The series first aired in 1966, and ended in 1971. During that time, the characters, particularly Ann and Donald undergo significant changes in appearance and wardrobe. There is no mistaking the Ann of 1966 with the Ann of 1971. By not following chronological order, we see the characters changing appearance significantly between some episodes, disrupting continuity. Also, two consecutive episodes feature instances of Ann's employer making a pass at her. Once again, a little more thought could have gone into how the episodes were arranged. These are minor quibbles, but as a result, the overall flow of the episodes is somewhat uneven, and doesn't feel quite right. For any future releases, I suggest that the episodes be arranged closer to chronological order.

The fact that there are no bonus materials is also a major disappointment, especially as this is the first collection of episodes to be released. The printed booklet is a good start, but this series deserves much more. A series retrospective would have been nice. An interview with Ms. Thomas, the only member of the principal cast who is still with us, would have been appropriate. Anchor Bay should be aiming to build the audience for the forthcoming releases. Overall video quality is very good, although focus does suffer at times.

Despite these criticisms, "That Girl" is not to be missed. Take a trip back to a world far removed from today. The signature hairstyle, the music, the bowling ball stuck on the toe, and Ann dancing in a chicken suit, are all waiting for you. Experience the charm of "That Girl".

Can't wait for Volume 2.

Which episodes?
Here is a listing of the episodes of "That Girl" included on this disc:

1. Don't Just Do Something, Stand There 2. Anatomy of a Blunder 3. Counter Proposal 4. Call of the Wild 5. Nobody Here But Us Chickens 6. The Snow Must Go On 7. This Little Piggy Had a Ball (Rob Reiner and Teri Garr have a cameo) 8. Pass the Potatoes, Ethel Merman (guest starring -- you guessed it -- Ethel Merman) 9. Those Friars (Milton Berle and Danny Thomas guest star)

As for my opinion on the disc itself, I think it's a nice, well-rounded grouping of some of That Girl's best moments. Watching this disc, I like the show even more now than I already did. It was interesting seeing how Donald met Ann Marie, and the very funny episode where Donald is supposed to meet Ann's parents for the first time, but a run of bad luck seems intent on ruining any good first impression he might make on them. The episode where Donald finally proposes to Ann is included on here as well. Another thing I found interesting was seeing how much fashions changed during the show's run.

What's on the 2nd tape?
Can anyone tell me the title of the 2nd tape in the "That Girl Box Set -VHS", and which episodes tape 2 includes? I don't see any mention (or picture) of the second tape.

Thanks!

LOVE 'THAT MARLO'
I never missed an episode when the show originally aired! Ann Marie was a role model to me at a time when few good ones were to be found; and Marlo Thomas represented all the same admirable qualities in real life. I quickly bought every episode available on VHS and, later, the only DVD that, to date, has been issued. When will we see more on DVD? Is Anchor Bay Entertainment listening? There are many of us waiting for more!

Complete Seaon DVD Boxsets Would Be Good!
I was only a year old when That Girl was first shown on TV but I do remember watching the show when I was a little girl probably about 4 or 5 years old and thinking the show was pretty funny and I think I was about 7 years old when they first started showing reruns and I remember liking how perky and spunky Marlo Thomas's character Ann was and I also liked Ted Bessell who played Donald and I remember having a crush on him. I like that they have episodes of the show on DVD and I would love to see every episode put on DVD and I think complete season boxsets like they did with Mash would be really nice. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Collectors dream gone bad...
Everyone should buy this dvd......NOT!!!!!!!! This is one of my all time favorite shows and they really made a mess of it. The quality was bad and the theme song...WAS GONE!!!!!
Simply this, don't waste your money. If you never saw "Petticoat Junction", you're in for a treat, but don't watch it this way. Wait for a qulified company to put it out. Doesn't even deserve one star.

The pits
As a big-time fan of Petticoat Junction, I was tremendously disappointed in this DVD. The picture quality is the absolute worst. This is a major rip-off and the company that released it should refund everyone's money. Who's idea was it to over-dub the theme song? Give me a break! I will certainly make a note of the releasing agent of this disc and NOT PURCHASE anything else with their name on it!! Shame on you! Junk, junk, junk!!

I want to see the entire series transferred with SUPERIOR quality and sound, with no rediculous over-dubbing or edits. Whoever owns the rights to the show needs to sell permission to a QUALIFIED DVD entertainment group. I think Mr. Haney had something to do with this fiasco.

Ok but not collector quality
For people who just want to casually view the episodes this is OK, but collectors will be disappointed with the quality. For me the best part of the whole show is missing. The main theme, beginning and end, has been overdubbed with some really hokey banjo music. Unfortunately, the theme was the main reason I bought the disc. Being a rail fan I was also disappointed that none of the episodes featured the train or railroad.

Technically, this is not a good copy. It doesn't look like the film was cleaned and treated before it was transferred. There are white spots and blotches throughout. The master was not aligned well frame-to-frame the background motion makes me feel like I'm standing on the deck of a ship. It is especially noticeable in the introduction still shots of the water tower and hotel. Finally, one can see the jittery 25 fps compression. While being the nature of a DVD I think it is exaggerate by the poor alignment of the transfer. Note, this review is based on viewing on a Pioneer Elite DVL-91.

What happened to the theme song?
I was so glad to get these old episodes on DVD, however, I was extremely disappointed that the theme song had been replaced by some generic banjo music with no lyrics. I don't have a clue why they did this, but it ruined it for me, because the theme song is one of my favorite parts of the show. But, for the extremely low price, it was worth buying despite the absence of the theme song.

Good down home fun!
Petticoat Junction is good viewing for people of all ages.Set in the southern or midwest town of Hooterville (the name of the state is delightfully not given) the show focuses on the Shady Rest hotel.It is run by Kate Bradley, her 3 outstanding looking daughters and their crusty but likable Uncle Joe (Carson). Stories relate to the amusing run ins they have with their guests and the girls' romances. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

U .N.C.L.E Deserves to be on DVD
Make no mistake about it - The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was one of the best - if not the best - TV series in the 1960's. And don't forget the TV reunion movies,(was there just 1, or 2?)one of which had George Lazenby spoofing his James Bond portrayal. Isn't it time the powers that be give all the U.N.C.L.E. fans what we want - a DVD release of this superbly written and acted series? Look at some of the stuff that's out now such as The Man Show and series which barely lasted one season and you have to believe the people in charge of issuing series are issuing what they want and not what the viewers want. C'mon folks, give us Napolean Solo (only Sean Connery is a better actor than Robert Vaughn) and let's not forget sidekick Ilya Kuryakin (Navy NCIS's David McCallum) and Alexander Waverly (Leo G. Carroll) who was just as good as James Bond's "M." U.N.C.L.E. fans are legion and don't deserve to be ignored any longer.

Tell me you are kidding, no "Man From U.N.C.L.E." in DVD???
Man, of all the t.v. series in DVD format, to do a search for: "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," to find nothing, not even a single episode or movie, is a huge shock and disappointment, to say the least. The person in charge of deciding which shows to put on DVD really blew it as in "No DUH." Most people who grew up in the 60's, grew up watching and loving the show. That would be the so-called baby boomers who make up a sizeable portion of today's purchasing population, your's included. So, what are you waiting for? What is the hold-up? This series is much better than "I SPY," "The Avengers" or even "The Saint" (even if they, too, are good ones) and you have them on DVD already. I still have to pinch myself, I gotta be dreaming, no Illya Kuryakin or Napoleon Solo? No Mr. Waverly or United Network Command for Law and Enforement, battling Thrush on our behalf??? Woe is me. I'm searching again because I gotta be dreaming this.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
OMG, WHERE is the DVD issuance of this GREAT Spy series from 1964-68? Come on, guys, this addictive program was the most popular TV series THROUGHOUT THE WORLD in the mid-60's, and even today has a huge cult following, loyal fan club base, and show memorabilia collector interest.
This is not just a nostalgic series for the 'baby boomers.' It is timeless for adults and kids alike. MFU sports thrilling around-the-world spy plots, tongue-in-cheek humor and an almost unlimited list of famous guest stars. As must also be noted, its second (and subsequent) seasons, filmed on the now defunct but expensive and gorgeous Kodachrome film, make this series an absolute delight for the eye. Color tints and saturations you do not see on programs filmed later into the 70's!
The writers, producers and directors of the series were certainly some of the most talented and innovative of the period. The show has amazingly well written plots (especially the B&W first season) and in fact even spawned many 'new' photography techniques in its time. These are noted as creative applications utilizing the then-new shoulder-hefted 'portable' film cameras. This program was one of the first such uses of these cameras.
Starring Robert Vaughn as secret agent Napoleon Solo, David McCallum as partner Illya Kuryakin, and Leo G. Carroll as U.N.C.L.E. Director Alexander Waverly, this series brought together three very talented actors to create a well-blended mix of character personalities. Week after week they would save the world, usually from the sinister menace of the evil arch enemy organization THRUSH.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is grand action adventure.
Granted, the series did begin to falter (just a bit) in its final 1967-68 season, but it was still fun to watch and certainly remained at the top of the 'quality' shows of the period.
A 1966-67 cross over spin off, the often times ridiculous Girl From U.N.C.L.E., was also quite popular. The GFU starred Stefanie Powers as agent April Dancer and Noel Harrison as agent Mark Slate. Again, Leo G. Carroll starred as the head of the U.N.C.L.E.
Work on these two series' was quite an accomplishment for the renowned Mr. Carroll, considering that he was not in the best of health at this time in his life. Shows were occasionally and graciously shot around his particular needs, but the producers weren't bothered; they were well aware of their good fortune to have such a respected actor.
In light of many 'garbage' shows being presently marketed on DVD, it is necessary to state that the fantastic Man From U.N.C.L.E. series needs to be given its long overdue consideration for DVD release.
And make certain to keep intact the closing credits, sporting the famous "We wish to thank the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, without whose assistance this program would not be possible."
Great stuff . . . right to the end!

Dated, But Still My Favorite Show
UNCLE is still my favorite show, even if it is dated (and even though I can now see how they re-used that red brick mansion over and over in many episodes). Recently, Film Score Monthly magazine has released two double-CD sets of original UNCLE music, and I've been reimagining the shows in my head as I listen to great, catchy music. I've waited since 1965 for real, original UNCLE music, as heard on the show. Yippee!

Why this show is not on DVD perplexes me. When it was released on tape, they didn't pick the best episodes, but the ones with the biggest guest stars. Bad move, but better than nothing.

For a 1960s show that's not in reruns, it still isn't forgotten. I recently heard Elvis Costello on a talk show describing a recording studio that was unexpectedly located in an old building. He said, "It was like 'The Man From UNCLE'". I could hardly believe my ears! See, people still talk about it. Please release it while we're still around to buy it.

Make My Days ... and Nights
As a long-time fan, I already own the tape set, but would still buy the DVDs in a heartbeat. Man from U.N.C.L.E. fans are still around -- in numbers that would surprise you. And we're not all over 40. My kids love the show, too. It's timeless -- funny, intelligent and features some wonderful co-stars.

I look forward to owning this set. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

room 222 ,top ten show every year it was on the air
Room 222 was in the top 10 every year it was on the air, 1969-1974. this show is the forerunner of all high school shows to follow "ie" Welcome back Kotter, Head of the class, Saved by the bell, ect. It deserves to be forever preserved on DVD.What a Christmas gift this would make for any Babyboomer who grew up watching this masterpiece. Thanks Leslie H Martinson for the Memories. Would like to relive them again. PRICE IS NO OBJECT!!Edward Dean cox, Film historian. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

If it happens......
It will be the hit of the year!
But for the people who can make this happen, don't forget The Green Hornet, another William Dozier/Greenway Production.
This is a long awaited DVD box set that is overdue.Currently no offical DVD release is available and we all want to see The amazing Bruce Lee as Kato, and Van Williams as The Hornet and the stunning Black Beauty.
Wake up people, this is a must do just like Batman!

WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN
We all love this show. Right? And we want season box sets. Right? Well it may not happen that way. I believe the studio that released the LOST IN SPACE tv series will release this.That's IF they choose to do so. Which could mean split sets. 2 volumes for Season 1 and at least 4 volumes for Season 2 considering that was a whopping 60 episodes, and back to 2 volumes for season 3. And you know what? THAT WOULD BE PERFECTLY FINE WITH ME. Because it's a lot better than not being released at all. In fact, come to think of it.., the split LOST IN SPACE sets may have been a testing of the waters for this show. SO GO! GO NOW! TO THE ATM, HIT THE FAST CASH BUTTON, AND BUY THOSE LOST IN SPACE SETS YOU"VE BEEN PUTTING OFF. Oh! And write nice reviews about LOST IN SPACE on AMAZON. While you're doing all this just keep humming the BATMAN THEME to yourself. IF.. YOU... DO... NOT... OBEY...MY...COMMANDS...IT... WILL.. BE...YOUR... FAULT... THAT... The BATMAN tv series never got released. Then again, what do I know? I could be totally wrong.

Mind-blowingly cool!
Wow! We have a great local station in Chicago that plays only classic TV (MeTV, Channel 23, Chicago). Today, they are playing a 6-hour Batman marathon, and even though it is the sunniest, most beautiful day of the year thus far after a long winter, I am so wanting to stay in and watch. I did have the great pleasure of showing my young children their first Batman, which they greatly enjoyed. I had to drag them away or they too would have watched until 6.

Man, these shows are SO much fun. They are just super cool. Adam West's earnestness is beyond description. The groovy sets, snappy, campy dialogue...all I can say is wow! I love how BM & R are so un -buff in their skin-tight suits. Its not that they're flabby, but by today's standards, they seem to have no muscle definition. I love it.

I was given a box set of the first season of Dukes of Hazzard, and while the camp value was fun for a couple episodes, it just doesn't have much staying power, viewing it as an adult. But Batman...it just keeps getting better. I must get this DVD when it comes out.

Steven Slaughter
Renewed Batman Fan
Chicago

Da-da-da season one!!
Season one of Batman is chock-full of fun for the whole family. Kids are going to love the comic book appearance, and older viewers are going to appreciate the double entendres and in-jokes flying at them faster than the batcopter.

Bruce Wayne (Adam West) is the caped crusader. Together with young ward Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) as Robin, he protects Gotham from crime. Police Commissioner Jim Gordon (Neil Hamilton) and Police Chief O'Hara (Stafford Repp) are incapable of fighting crime on their own.

The dynamic duo lives at Wayne Manor with Alfred Pennyworth (Alan Napier) and Aunt Harriet (Madge Blake). The `Aunt Harriet' character was created specifically for this series so any suggestion that Batman and Robin were gay icons would be defused. Personally, superhero sexuality had never crossed my mind while watching this TV series, I was only interested in seeingBatman and Robin save the day (as usual).

This season (1966) has 34 episodes of comical hjinks. Each episode was a 2-parter which aired on different nights during the same week. This filming technique allowed for a greater scripting depth than would have been expected from a comedy genre made in the pop-wild 60's. Camp was indeed king in this Gotham City.

My favorite episodes include "The purrfect crime/better luck next time" which introduces us to the Catwoman (played by Julie Newmar during both this season and season 2). It also hints at the sexual tension existing between Catwoman and Batman. They are on opposite sides of the law, but this pair still feels for each other.

`Instant Freeze/Rats Like Cheese' has Batman and Robin battling Mr. Freeze (George Sanders) who for the sake of this TV series is really Dr. Shimmel instead of Victor Friese. This episode is memorable because Batman and Robin (despite all of their bat-gadgets) cannot recover from being frozen on their own and subsequently must receive treatment from the `Super-Hypotherm-De-Icifier Chamber Mark VII' machine located at Gotham City Hospital. Batman and Robin are crime-fighting superheroes, but they are not invincible or immortal.

Series aficionados will want to note the important trends begun during this season.

`The curse of Tut/The pharaoh's in a rut' is important because it is the first episode creating all-new villains specifically for this TV series instead of attempting to borrow from the Bob Kane detective series (which WASN'T happy go-lucky). At this point this villain roster expansion does not date itself as being set in the 1960's.

Jerry Lewis provides the first batclimb cameo appearance in `The bookworm turns'. These episodes had ironically aired during National Library week 1966. Lewis sticks his head out a building window to briefly chat with the dynamic duo while they are in hot pursuit of a criminal. A whole galaxy of stars and public figures followed his appearance in later episodes. It became a race to see who could get on the television.

The criminal lairs are always filmed `crooked' but there is not any violence as is measured by today's TV standards. Comic-book exclamations conveniently appear whenever there is a fight and no blood is spilt during any of the scenes.

The bat computer is now-obsolete, but for the 1960's and then to a 1980's child making do with a Commodore 64, it was really hi-tech.

Holy injustice - Batman's not on DVD.
I watched and enjoyed Batman when I was a kid. Back then, I took it seriously. Now, I'd like to get it so that I can appreciate it for what it is. As a side note, I'd also like to see The Flash on DVD as well. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mexico - - Take Me!!
This is the DVD I want Next Time.I can Remember Me on Saturday Nites during College in front of the tube watching Love Boat and Fantasy Island.I especially want to see the episode with Marion Ross and Andy Warholl.

LOVE EXCITING AND NEW,COME ABOARD WE'RE EXPECTING YOU!!!
Hey I know this show would be considered hoakey by today's standards, but nowadays it doesn't hurt to indulge in a little guilty pleasure like the Love Boat. I truly enjoyed the show's simple formula, boy meets girl, they fall in love, and by the end of the cruise everything works out. Wouldn't it be great if real life worked out so easily. It's even more fun watching this show in reruns, because you get to look back at all the celebrities who boarded the Pacific Princess (some more than others) hint hint Charro! I also enjoyed the special two-part episodes, like when Julie had her high school reunion, the time when real life designers guest-starred and had a major fashion show, and when Hollywood Legends (Ginger Rogers,Ann Miller,and Carol Channing)appeared in a musical spectacular!!!
It would be nice to include an on camera reunion with the original cast and see how they are doing now. I remember A&E did a really good biography on the show and maybe they could include that on the dvd. Anyways, I hope it doesn't take the studios too long to realize there are still alot of Love Boat fans and release the series on dvd!!! ... Read more