The Honeymooners - Classic 39 Episodes

Review by Peter

Production Year: 1955
DVD Release Date: November 4, 2003
Studio: Paramount
Cast: Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows, Joyce Randolph
Genre: Comedy - Television
MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Before the popularity of color television and a barrage of sitcoms came The Honeymooners, a classic television show that has stood the test of time and transcended all generations. With its sparse sets The Honeymooners relied upon its cast to draw the viewer in. And with Jackie Gleason as the memorable Ralph Kramden it was not hard.

The basic premise for all the shows was always simplistic, yet the situations that the characters got into were absolutely hysterical. Ralph Kramden is a Brooklyn bus driver with a heart of gold who constantly finds himself getting into trouble. Ralph's wife Alice (Audrey Meadows) is always with him however through thick and thin. Art Carney played Ed Norton , Ralph's neighbor and best friend. Whereas Ralph works above ground Norton works below in the sewer and of course is constantly the butt of many of Ralph's jokes. Ed's wife Trixie (Joyce Randolph) rounded out the foursome and was Alice’s best friend.

Episodes included in this set: TV or Not TV, Funny Money, The Golfer, A Woman's Work Is Never Done, A Matter Of Life And Death, The Sleepwalker, Better Living Through TV, Pal O'Mine, Brother Ralph, Hello, Mom, The Deciding Vote, Something Fishy, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, The Man From Space, A Matter Of Record, Oh My Aching Back, The Baby Sitter, The $99,000 Answer, Ralph Kramden, Inc., Young At Heart, A Dog's Life, Here Comes The Bride, Mama Loves Mambo, Please Leave The Premises, Pardon My Glove, Young Man With A Horn, Head Of The House, The Worry Wart Trapped, The Loudspeaker, On Stage, Opportunity Knocks But, Unconventional Behavior, The Safety Award, Mind Your Own Business, Alice And The Blonde, The Bensonhurst Bomber, Dial J For Janitor, A Man's Pride.

While not all episodes are equally as funny there is enough content on these DVDs to keep you entertained for hours. This DVD set also gives you the ability to watch a family television show that can actually be enjoyed by the entire family. Over the few decades that TV programs have been with us, numerous sitcoms were created. Some of them survive because of their audience, while most disappear and are never heard from again. The Honeymooners is neither. While it was not a huge hit at the time it has become a classic television show that is able to draw an audience from all generations. And it will always be difficult to hear the name Jackie Gleason and not think of Ralph Kramden.

Video Quality

Presented in full screen, the picture is in black and white. At times, especially in the earlier episodes, the picture appears washed out, almost too white. Problems don't end there as print artifacts and grain are also present. Issues, such as the camera being out of focus at times, are also evident but are caused by the actual filming rather than the transfer process. While I wish the picture quality was better I realize that it’s highly unlikely they will be able to enhance the picture anymore given the quality of the source material.

Audio Quality

The audio is presented in mono and while for the most part it is acceptable at times you will notice that the sound levels are too low. Once again it’s my belief that these problems stem from the source material and are not the result of a poor transfer job. For those who are hearing impaired English and Spanish subtitles are provided.

Special Features

While not packed with special features, something I would have liked, the DVD box set does contain one special feature worth checking out. Included on the last disc of this five-disc box set is an Anniversary Special that takes a look back at this historical series. It’s hosted by Audrey Meadows and contains interviews with other members of the cast. Also included, is the original series opening and two original series closings, of little value. The closings are practically a short commercial hosted by Jackie Gleason promoting Buick, who was the sponsor of The Honeymooners television show.

Summary

Even though the DVD possesses some technical flaws it is hard to not strongly recommend this DVD to people who enjoy classic sitcoms. While I would hope that a studio eventually remasters all of these episodes and releases a deluxe box set I highly doubt it will happen. Hopefully, time will prove me wrong.