HERE’S LUCY: Season 1
MPI
Release date: Aug 25th, 2009
MSRP: $29.98
Stars: Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon, Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr., Sid Gould
All 24 episodes from the first season of Here’s Lucy are presented in glorious form by MPI Home Video. This was Lucille Ball’s third foray into sitcoms, after I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show. While those two shows have been in constant syndicated rotation since their original airdates, Here’s Lucy has not been seen regularly on TV in decades. Lucy fans around the globe have been anxiously anticipating this release and will not be disappointed.
A “best of” set was released back in 2004, with episodes hand picked by co-stars (and Lucy’s children) Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. Fans went gaga over the wealth of extras on that set, including audio intoductions on every episode and tons of backstage footage. It hardly seems possible, but MPI has gone a step further with this new release and taped video intros to each and every episode by a variety of people involved with the show. Also included are retro CBS promos and radio interviews with the stars. The picture and sound quality is astounding, considering the age of the material. It is clear a great deal of care went into restoring the series.
Here’s Lucy may not be the most revered or beloved sitcom from America’s favorite redhead, but there is certainly a lot to admire about it. Guest stars galore, including Carol Burnett and Jackie Gleason, as well as one kooky set-up after another, make this a must for anyone who loves to laugh. MPI should be applauded for the stunning transfers and extra features, making this the absolute best Lucy DVD release to date.
Bradley Hayward
Bradley’s web site
For more reviews from Bradley, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
