The Dick Van Dyke Show - Season One Box Set (1961)

Before The Dick Van Dyke Show, suburbia was never portrayed on television as a haven of sophistication. We never followed Ozzie Nelson to work. And we never, ever fantasized what Ward and June Cleaver did behind closed doors. But Your Show of Shows veteran Carl Reiner's groundbreaking series broke the staid, sitcom mold. Just consider Mary Tyler Moore's Laura Petrie, the ravishing wife of Dick Van Dyke's comedy writer, Rob Petrie. "I'm just a housewife," she proclaims in the episode "To Tell or Not to Tell," just before breaking into an incendiary bossa nova in the Petrie living room. In "The Return of Happy Spangler," she is jokingly identified as Jackie Kennedy. But the comparison is apt. She's got style (those capri pants scandalized the show's sponsors!); she's got grace. The Dick Van Dyke Show boasts a peerless ensemble, gold-standard writing, and characters who have become icons. How many comedy writers were inspired to get into the business by watching Rob and his staff, man-hungry Sally Rogers (Rose Marie) and old school "human joke machine" Buddy Sorrell (Morey Amsterdam), brainstorm sketches for tyrannical boss Alan Brady (much discussed, and much feared, but never seen in season 1)?

Much of the comedy in the first season springs from Rob juggling his glamorous career with his harried home life. In the first episode, he compels his over-protective wife to attend a party at Alan Brady's, though she is worried son Ritchie (Larry Matthews) is sick ("He turned down his cupcake"). In "Washington vs. the Bunny," Rob must choose between a business trip and seeing Ritchie in a school play. In another episode, Rob forgets "Forty-Four Tickets" he had promised to the P.T.A. But back to Laura (and about time!). As the season unfolds, Moore comes into her own as a gifted comedienne, and she takes her stock character to dizzy new heights, as witness "My Blonde-Haired Brunette" and the classic "The Curious Thing About Women," the one with the inflatable boat. A pop culture benchmark, The Dick Van Dyke Show is must-own television. --Donald Liebenson Amazon.com

Dick Van Dyke, simply the funniest TV Show Ever

I've loved the Dick Van Dyke Show for as long as I can remember. Back when I was a child it was a staple for us at home. Considering the show began the year I was born it means that I primarily remember the reruns but that doesn't matter. This TV show remains as funny now as it was then. It just goes to show creative genius lives on no matter what.

As far as the dvds in this collection, they're brilliantly done, clean and clear. I watched all 30+ episodes of season one over a weekend and will begin season 2 next weekend. I purchased all five seasons and so far it is turning out to be a wonderful experience. Don't miss out, these are terrific! March 10, 2008

The Dick Van Dyke Show 1st Season

What ever happened to writers who could write real comody? This may have been first seen in the early 60's but it is still extremely funny. It's fun for any age, you never have to worry about what your children are going to hear (or see), and there is never any hidden agendas. Just good situational funny comody.
Thank you who ever decided to put it on DVD so this generation can have something good to watch.

Gary February 24, 2008

Good, CLEAN Entertainment!

It is difficult in this day and age to find good, clean television, so my family has opted to purchase classic television shows such as this. The material is surprisingly relevant even to this day. My husband and myself (currently in our 20s) find ourselves relating to the situations that Rob and Laura find themselves in and love the good, clean fun they bring to each circumstance. Truly timeless entertainment! February 8, 2008

America before I was born

Having been born in late 1960, I found it strange watching my way through the first season of this show. I never knew America when it was like this. It all seems so quaint to see a pre-Betty Friedan marriage, or a child who respects his parents, or Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke having two glasses of milk on their bed table before they go to sleep. By the time I became cognizant of the world, it looked more like what I was seeing on All in the Family. In fact, the Van Dyke show gave me such a nostalgic longing for the past that it even somewhat dampened by enjoyment of the show itself, I'm sorry to say. Nevertheless, there is laughter and great talent to be found here, so don't let the black and white picture talk you out of it. January 2, 2008

Everyone knows that this is a great show...

So I want to mention the sound and picture quality. They are superb. Also, the menus are easy to navigate and the special features are really great! Extras include the bonus pilot episode "Head of the Family," trivia questions, cast information, retrospective featurettes, vintage TV spots, and photographs from each episode.

If I had the extra money, I would definitely purchase the whole series. It is a great show for grandparents, parents, and children to watch together. The comedy is timeless. September 7, 2007

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