The Honeymooners - The Classic 39 Episodes (DVD, 2003, 5-Disc Set)

There are not too many fondly remembered classic television sitcoms that lasted only one season, and still be as much-loved and enjoyed more than a half-century later. Without a doubt, "The Honeymooners" stands haeds-and-shoulders above all the rest. Originally broadcast during the 1950s on the CBS network, in ran for just one season, lasting for a total of 39 episodes. To give the program its very unique New York feel and atmosphere, it was filmed before live audiences at the CBS studios in New York City. Jackie Gleason is perfectly cast as bus driver Ralph Kramden whose attitudes and fits of shouts are what make this timeless character so enjoyable. Art Carney is brilliant as sewer worker Ed Norton, the distinctive sidekick and "best friend" of Ralph. Audrey Meadows was the right choice for Ralph's wife Alice, who showed that she was never intimidated by him. Joyce Randolph rounded out the cast as Ed's wife Trixie. Now, all 39 hilarious, classic episodes are available in a DVD box set, with the sound and picture clarity at its most vivid and most vibrant. Each episode in presented in its entirety and in the original broadcast order. There is also a special retrospective show that takes a look at this sitcom and features interviews with the cast members. After all these years, "The Honeymooners" is still a very funny program; one of the 10 best sitcoms in television history.

This is where to start if you want to trace the evolution of character-based television comedies. Four characters, usually only one set, sharp dialogue and uniformly excellent performances - this is the series that set the standard for art in television comedies. Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious, often both, "The Honeymooners" holds up better over time than other shows of its ear including the beloved "I Love Lucy." Whereas Lucy was broad and quite often unbelievable, the Kramdens were real people who worked and loved and lived a hard day-to-day existence and often found their solace in each others' arms. This DVD set will keep you entertained for years. Get it, and let it get under your skin (sometimes Jackie Gleason as Ralph is downright obnoxious) and you'll be hooked. To paraphrase Ralph, "baby, they're the greatest."

Recently I bought this 39-episode DVD collection brand new at a damn-fine price from eBayer mercus11. I've wanted to buy it on DVD for years, and finally got around to it. I'm having surgery on Jan 10 and must lie around for a week after that. Guess what I'm going to watch all 39 episodes of ?? People I've worked with over the years LOVE to make references to this show. On the morning after Jackie Gleason died, a woman from accounting yelled to me across the parking lot: "Blimp takes off !!" I've seen guys ready to hit from the tee tip their hat and say "Hello, ball !!". And for as long as I can remember, I have referred to my wife as "my Bunny".

Thanks Ralph, Ed, Alice and Trixie. Thank you Mrs. Gibson (although "YOU...are a BLABBERMOUTH !!"), Mrs. Manicotti, Thelma The Maid, Tony Amico and Bill Davis from Chicago. And my gratitude also to Morris Fink (Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler) and to all of the boys from the Raccoon Lodge.

I'll pass these DVDs on to my kids.....but not until after I've left the planet.

So, what are you waiting for ??.....Go buy it !!

I bought The Honeymooners DVD set for my husband for Valentine's Day. We both enjoy the show and my husband was disappointed I didn't buy him the set for Christmas, so I surprised him at Valentine's. The DVD's are very good quality and what's not to like when Art Carney and Jackie Gleason get together?! We have watched the five DVD's many times and they are still just as funny no matter how many times we view them. If you love the great old classics from the 50's, this one will not disappoint!

These episodes first came out when I was 4 years old. I don't recall watching them at that time, but I did when I was a little older, and have been watching them ever since. Classic Jackie Gleason and Art Carney, along with Audry Meadows and Joyce Randolph.