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There´s A TV In My Dvd Player!
CL's picks of the best television on DVD
By Matt Brunson @moviematt1, Sam Boykin, John Schacht, Ann Wicker, Timothy C. Davis, Samir Shukla, Linda Vespa and Maggi Grooms
Page 5 of 11
BEST SEASON: The fourth! The characters are now well-established, the storylines are plausible, and Foxx is at the top of his game. By next season, his "Fred G. Sanford" had become something of a grumpy old caricature, losing the delicate balance that made the old junkman so memorable.
EXTRAS: None.
- Timothy c. Davis
THE KIDS IN THE HALL
WHO AND WHEN: Starring Dave Foley, Bruce McCullough, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, Scott Thompson. Originally broadcast on Canada's CBC and on HBO from 1989-1995. Currently syndicated by Comedy Central in "edited" episodes.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON DVD: Seasons 1 and 2.
WHAT'S SO GREAT?: Irreverent, profane, and often hilarious, this sketch comedy group created some memorable characters, like Mr. Tyzik, the bitter "I am crushing your head" man; Cabbage Head, the horny guy who tried to use his leaf head to score with chicks; Buddy Cole, the gay monologist; and teenyboppers Cathy and Kathie. The Kids have a propensity for dressing in drag, and some of their sketches ("Thirty Helens Agree") reflect Python-esque lunacy.
BEST SEASON: Season 1 is a bit fresher and wilder than the only other available one, Season 2.
EXTRAS: Season 1 includes commentary by The Kids, An Oral History: 45 minutes of interviews, two best-of compilations, 30 minutes of footage from Rivoli Theater performances by The Kids and cast bios. Season 2's extras are more of the same, plus a short still gallery of KITH posters.
FUN FACT: The name of the troupe supposedly comes from Jack Benny, who would often end a joke by saying, "I got this from the kids in the hall," referring to the amateur comedians who would hang around outside his office.
- Linda Vespa
THE MONKEES
WHO AND WHEN: Starring Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith. Originally broadcast on NBC 1966-1968.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON DVD: Seasons 1 and 2.
WHAT'S SO GREAT?: In the mid-1960s, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider had the idea of creating a television show starring a band — before A Hard Day's Night. Once The Beatles' movie was a hit, the networks went for it. A strange thing happened after the chosen actor/musicians — one director observed each one's personality was a quarter of the "perfect man" — got together: their chemistry and talent clicked and they became a real band. And they personified the silly, lovable side of the 60s.
BEST SEASON: The first season due to the early enthusiasm and comedy chemistry, not to mention some great pop songs. Fun episodes: "I've Got a Little Song Here" (The boys turn the tables when Mike is fleeced by a song publisher) and "Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers" (They're kidnapped by a rival band's manager).
EXTRAS: The two DVD sets are packed with extras, including commentary by Mike, Davy and Peter plus Rafelson and songwriter Bobby Hart. You can also play just the songs.
FUN FACT: Stephen Stills, who went on to form Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills and Nash, auditioned to be a Monkee.
- Ann Wicker
THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW
WHO AND WHEN: Starring Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie, created by Carl Reiner. Originally broadcast on CBS 1961-1966.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON DVD: Seasons 1-5.
WHAT'S SO GREAT?: This show, which won 15 Emmys, created a new benchmark for quality writing in TV comedies, and served as a breakthrough for Mary Tyler Moore. The show revolves around New York comedy writer Rob Petrie, who lives in suburban New Rochelle with his wife Laura and son Ritchie, and has two goofy neighbors, Jerry and Millie Helper. He shares an office with co-writers Buddy Sorrell and Sally Rogers, under the loose supervision of producer Mel Cooley, the unending target of Buddy's jokes. Highlights are too numerous to name here, but suffice it to say that many critics still consider The Dick Van Dyke Show one of the best sitcoms in American TV history.
BEST SEASON: Seasons 2 through 4 featured the writers and cast at a near fever pitch.
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