Pee-wee's Playhouse #1 - Seasons 1 and 2 (1986)

The secret word is overdue in regard to a DVD release of the delirious Pee-Wee's Playhouse, but this boxed set, packaged with the assistance and approval of series creator and star Paul Reubens, brings back all the bizarre charm and energy of this terrific Saturday-morning series. In creating Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Reubens blended the innocence of early children's television shows with the surreal visual style of music videos and Reubens' own gleefully manic creation (Pee-Wee grew out of Reubens's stint with the legendary comic improv group the Groundlings). The end result was the rare '80s children's program that encouraged creativity and individuality (and screaming, which was the proper response whenever the "secret word" was uttered) in its younger viewers, and delivered sly, subversive humor for Pee-Wee's older fans that had seen his live shows and movies. Critics were tickled by his antics as well, and gave the show the Television Critics Award for Outstanding Children's Program in 1987 (it would also pick up numerous Emmy awards and nominations for writing, editing and art direction through its five-season run).

The five discs in Playhouse #1 include all of Pee-Wee's first- and second-season adventures (including two unaired episodes) with his puppet pals Chairry, Conky the Robot, and Pterry, as well as a host of offbeat human performers like the late Phil Hartman (who played Captain Carl and served as one of the show's writers), Laurence Fishburne (Cowboy Curtis), Natasha Lyonne (the precocious Opal), William (Blacula) Marshall as the King of Cartoons (Marshall replaced Gilbert Lewis, who reigned as the King from 1986-87), Shirley Stoler from The Honeymoon Killers as Mrs. Steve, and Law and Order's S. Epartha Merkerson as Reba the Mail Lady. Highlights include the first episode, "Ice Cream Soup," which introduces most of the Playhouse crew; "Playhouse in Outer Space," which teaches a sweet (if thoroughly cracked) lesson in friendship; and the frantic "Party," which culminates in a rousing game of Pin the Tail on the Globey. PW faithful, take note: the 1988 Christmas Special is not included here, but fret not--it's available as a separate disc. This set has no supplemental features. --Paul Gaita Amazon.com

Perfect!

I got the two seasons of PeeWee's Playhouse in PERFECT condition and more quickly than I expected. Thank you! May 22, 2008

The next generation also loves PeeWee Herman

Having once been a member of "the cool, official Pee Wee Herman fan club", I was hoping my kids would also love Pee Wee. They can't get enough of the show, and I hear Pee Wee imitations all around the house. One day, my son, who was sick in bed with a fever, laughed out loud throughout one episode - I think it helped him forget being sick. My nickname for my daughter is actually from the show, I just didn't realize it!
I highly recommend passing this brilliant show to the next generation!
September 19, 2007

What's the Secret Word?

I rented a few of these from Netflix for my four-year-old son and he was ENTHRALLED, so now I'm working on buying the whole collection. If your kid likes "The Upside Down Show," or "Lazytown," as my boy does, Pee-wee might have similar appeal. It's silly, highly original, and impishly instructional. Those of you who grew up in the eighties will recall the fanatical following Pee-wee's Playhouse had in its heyday. I knew more ADULTS than children who enjoyed this series. August 28, 2007

How can you NOT like PeeWee?!

The PeeWee Herman Show strikes a great balance--entertaining for kids because of its zany antics, over-the-top characters, and bright visuals; entertaining for adults because of the double entendre humor and "oh-my-gosh-is-that?-yes-it-is!" guest stars. PeeWee's persona was the Mr. Rogers for a new era (although not in his personal life, unfortunately), with good life and interpersonal lessons presented in subtle yet attention-getting ways. I watch during my workouts--no matter how many times I've seen an episode, I laugh like crazy! July 13, 2007

Pee-wee

Pee-wee takes off running! In these early episodes, you are introduced to all the ridiculous characters, like Cowboy Kurt (Lawrence Fishburn)-and the story lines are a hoot! Very funny. March 26, 2007

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