TV on DVD: 'Honeymooners Lost Episodes'
42. "THE HONEYMOONERS"
Never was so much wrought from so little - 39 episodes over just one season (1955-56) that would play in an endless loop the next half century. Credit: AP
THE HONEYMOONERS LOST EPISODES: The Complete Restored Series
Series Bang! Zoom! The Kramdens and the Nortons are seen here in everything except the "classic 39" filmed episodes. These are all the existing kinescopes from the comedy sketches seen 1951-1957 as part of various Jackie Gleason programs telecast live -- 107 sketches/ shows, including 30 new on DVD and 18 not seen since broadcast (including 1957 travel musicals). Most fascinating: the initial, harder-edged DuMont network season featuring Pert Kelton as Alice (replaced in 1952 by Audrey Meadows).
Extras Book-page package includes a full discs of featurettes (great "lost" episodes history with news footage/clips), interviews, cast commercials, Jack Benny/Red Skelton parodies, radio episodes, scripts for TV sketches still missing. Plus, in-depth 36-page booklet of "Honeymooners" history, airdates, photos.
List price $130 for 15 discs, out today from MPI.
Also out
KOJAK: SEASON 2 Telly Savalas is back as the 1970s' lollipop-licking New York City detective squad leader; $45, Shout.
THE MONKEES: SEASON 1/SEASON 2 Long out of print, the Emmy-winning '60s fave is again available, with all existing extras; $40 each, Eagle Rock.
PROHIBITION Ken Burns' new docuseries hits disc, with extras; $40 DVD / $45 Blu-ray, PBS.
BASEBALL'S GREATEST GAMES: DEREK JETER'S 3,000TH HIT Quick release for July 9 game in which Jeter hit a homer for No. 3000; $20, A&E.
