The Color Honeymooners Collection 4 (MPI DVD set)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Episodes: B-

 

 

After the classic 39 filmed episodes and many kinescoped shows now dubbed “Lost Episodes” of The Honeymooners, the show was revived yet again when Jackie Gleason made later TV shows in Miami, Florida.  We already covered collections 1-3 reviewed here:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7025/The+Color+Honeymooners+Col

 

 

And we are glad to cover this final set in the shows final season. This 3-disc set continues that tradition and demonstrates why the show was as loved then as it is now and how it has survived so well.  The following episodes are in this terrific volume:

 

Play it Again, Norton

Ralph Goes to Hollywood

Mexican Hat Trick

Cast of the Cuckoo

The Honeymoon is Over

Happiness is a Rich Uncle

Hawaii, Oh! Oh!

The Sun and Raccoon Capital

The Match Game

Double Trouble

We’re Off to See the Wizard

Operation Protest

 

 

It should be noted that the previous three sets were when the show was being translated from sketches to a full-color TV program, this is the first (and last) season where the sketches were all original and it’s hard to say if that was to a fault, even with celebrity guests throughout.

 

Technically speaking this set, like the previous ones, look good and sound good with all things considered.  Presented in 1.33 X 1 full frame with a Dolby 2.0 mono soundtrack it’s really hard to think that these could be much better without lots of work, but they get the job and done and serve us well.  Extras include the 1973 reunion sketch and a memories retrospective with actress Jane Kean.

 

 

-   Nate Goss