All in the Family: Complete First Season

One of the best classic TV shows.
Debuting as a mid-season replacement series on January 12, 1971, All in the Family became one of the most influential comedies in TV history and made an immediate impact on the entire television industry. The sitcom revolves around blue-collar worker Archie Bunker (played by the beloved Carroll O'Connor) and his family. A bigot, Archie makes no bones about his racial and political views. His wife Edith, who he refers to as Dingbat, is ditzy, but her sweetness and good heart provide a perfect balance for the harsh character of Archie. Also residing in the Bunker house is Archie's daughter Gloria and her husband Michael. Some of the greatest commentary and comedic moments come from the verbal sparring between the narrow-minded Archie and the thoughtful, liberal Meathead.

In this collection, you'll be getting the following episodes:

1. "Meet The Bunkers"- It's Archie and Edith's wedding anniversary, so Gloria and Mike try to whip up a party atmosphere for them.

2. "Writing...

A blue collar bigot makes television comedy relevant
When "All in the Family" premiered on CBS on January 12, 1971, "TV Guide" introduced it as "A Lighthearted Look at Prejudice," warning viewers "Situation comedy takes a giant step with this adult social satire." In retrospect, even that declaration is an incredible understatement. Other than the "Texaco Star Theater," which made Milton Berle "Mr. Television" and sold millions of television sets, there is not another show in the history of television as significant as "All in the Family." Before its abbreviated first season there were "idiot" situation comedies like "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Hogan's Heroes," and "My Mother the Car." After "All in the Family" came relevant shows like "Maude," "The Jeffersons," and "M*A*S*H" and nobody doubts that it was AITF that changed the rules of the game.

Produced by Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, "All in the Family" was based on the British series "Till Death Do Us Part." The family in question were the Bunkers, which consisted of bigoted...

How could they mess up perfection?
Let me say if I were to review the comedy alone contained within, this gets 6 stars, however this is a boxset and factoring that in, this is dismal. Every mistake in the book is here as far as how NOT to bring a classic series to dvd.

No Chapter Skips? Check.

No pilot? Check.

Poor transfer? Check.

Flimsy, awkward, (though nice looking) packaging? Check.

No remastered sound? Check.

No extras? Check.

I have a majority of these on the official Columbia House VHS series, and somehow the picture on those tends to be marginally better. Who woulda thought you could mess up perfection? The picture is sort of fuzzy, and every now and again you can see some digital imperfection. I am satisfied with the set because it is a space saver, but thats about it (other than the obvious quality of the perfomances). Why even take the time to bring these to dvd, then cut every corner in the book? Will I buy season 2? You betcha.

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