Bewitched - The Complete Second Season (1964)

There's magic in the heir when Samantha and Darrin welcome their new baby, Tabitha, in the second sensational season of BEWITCHED. Starring Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York and Agnes Moorehead, these 38 classic episodes also include a host of famous guest stars including Charlie Ruggles (Bringing Up Baby), Robert Strauss (Stalag 17) and Oscar® winner Richard Dreyfuss (Best Actor, The Goodbye Girl, 1977). Highlighted by the hilarious first appearance of Paul Lynde as Samantha's Uncle Arthur and Alice Pearce's final performance as hysterical neighbor Gladys Kravitz, BEWITCHED: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON is an enchanting comedy collection no witch can twitch her nose at.

Color!

Bewitched in color is the way to go! A couple episodes are repeats from season 1 but compared to the number of episodes in today's series season 2 of Bewitched still offers a great deal more. May 8, 2008

Coloring of B&W Films Never Looks Good or Natural

There was temptation to rate this season based only on the colorization, which I would have given one star. But it's "Bewitched", so I am giving the review three stars.

I should have gone with my gut instinct as soon as I learned that the studios were colorizing the black and white seasons of certain shows (I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched). I should not have purchased the fake color seasons. Well, you live and you learn. The reason I am writing this review is because there may be folks who are on the fence, undecided about buying this. Yes, several of the Amazon reviews here are glowing, suggesting the colors are very nicely rendered. I should not have believed them. It seems beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. These colors are far too too intense and weird looking. (Now, I do realize that this is just an old sitcom to some people and not Citizen Kane; but I cherish classic TV and feel that I needed to address this coloring issue.)

I bought the colored version of the second season and then was disappointed. Luckily I don't need to buy the original black and white set; when I watch this set I simply turn the color off on my television. Problem solved. I no longer need to be assaulted visually with hues that are far too garish, or shades that don't make sense. Example: neighbor Abner Kravitz's pajamas are the same shade of gray as his pillows and sheets? Please. Endora's hair is an insanely intense, flourescent orange. Ridiculous. Some of the wallpaper, draperies, tablecloths and furniture look horribly unnatural. It's not all terrible but it's fairly close.

What I do not understand is how people writing reviews here can compliment and praise this colorization so strongly when it is not really good. Watching these episodes, one is constantly reminded that these were filmed in black and white; the manmade colors just do not look normal or natural or appropriate. Very seldom does a color look right. Unfortunately most major colors used are far too loud. So the colorization gets a one star grade.

Bewitched itself is great fun, a silly diversion that, while flawed, is very enjoyable. The characters are beloved by many; I am particularly charmed by Endora and Aunt Clara. The comedy is fun and clean. Gladys Kravitz is always a hoot as she continues to think she's going insane. The show succeeds in its slapstick and also in its sentiment.
As the show progressed, in later seasons, it seemed to rely too much on the formula of "how can Darrin and Sam explain the presence of a (animal, mythical beast, or historical figure) in their home, so that it could become part of the advertising campaign". But these earlier episodes don't rely quite so heavily on that plot point.
And these seasons have a generous amount of episodes. You get a nice quantity of 38 on the second season. There are a couple of repeats/flashbacks from the first season thrown in (Samantha Meets the Folks, and a Christmas episode) but that's no big deal. They did the same thing on "I Love Lucy" when she was pregnant.

While seeing this on dvd, I am reminded how much Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead raised the quality of the material. These two actresses really made this show better than it would have been had other actresses been cast.
It's nice to watch these episodes now that they are impossible to find on my basic cable lineup. It seems that good TV from the 50's and 60's isn't so easy to find on television anymore. Luckily dvd is here.

I hope this review helps people who are unsure about which set to purchase. April 28, 2008

For the whole family

I love this series -- and I can watch with my kids. There are too few shows that are appropriate for children. I'm happy to say this one kept the whole family entertained and I didn't have to worry about any words, scenes or suggestions that were less than child-friendly. April 14, 2008

bewitched 2nd season

Not quite as funny as I Dream of Jeannie, but still well-paced and worthwhile. Rest In Peace, Liz Montgomery..... March 9, 2008

Episodes remembered but don't see in dvds

I love the Bewitched show as a child growing up in the 60s. I'm glad I can now get them on dvds to watch them again. I'm so glad that their in color now. I have seasons 1-3 but I haven't seen some episodes that I remembered in these or the other seasons when I read about them. Like, the episode when Jack Cassidy mistakes Serena for Samantha and then later takes Serena out. He comes back to tell Darrin and Samantha how he ended up on the moon or when Samantha is pregnant with Tabitha and her cravings takes her to the foods she wants. And the one when the Stephens go back to another of Kim Kovak character's dinner party but, the this time their going to wear the right outfit for the occasion. But these dvds sure bring back alots of good memories. A. Davis January 14, 2008

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