It's hard to imagine a world without “I Love Lucy.” There's never been a time in my life where the show didn't exist. I remember waking up early during summer break as a child and flipping on the TV. She was always there along with Ricky, Fred, and Ethel welcoming me to another day with laughs and good times. Who doesn't love Lucy?
In a world where many don't even have cable or satellite television anymore, it can be hard to see Lucille Ball and her antics. CBS DVD solves that problem with the "I Love Lucy: The Complete Series" boxset. Seasons 7 through 9 were actually entitled “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” You can now own all 179 episodes of the classic show to watch any time you please.
Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) is the wacky wife of Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz). Living in New York, Ricky tries to succeed in show business while Lucy -- always trying to help -- usually manages to get in some kind of trouble that drives Ricky crazy. Their best friends are Fred (William Frawley) and Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance), who are also their landlords. Usually, Ethel becomes Lucy's less-than-willing partner in crime.
Every episode of “I Love Lucy” is packed full of comedic magic as the goofy redhead causes some calamity that ends up affecting not only her, but everyone in her immediate vicinity. Lucy and the gang always seem to run into the most interesting celebrities week after week as well. You never know if John Wayne will stop by for a visit or Superman might drop in for a chat. When you’re married to a famous musician like Ricky Ricardo, the surprises never stop.
“I Love Lucy: The Complete Series” is packed full of bonus material for lovers of the television show. The original opening and closings for the shows are restored. We also get lost scenes and flubs to laugh at. Music has been restored to episodes. Color montage videos and behind-the-scenes footage is included as well. There are Ford Motors Commercials, Cast List Menus, Production Notes, On-Set Color “Home Movies,” and much more to be found.
For classic TV enthusiasts, “I Love Lucy: The Complete Series” is a must-have collection for your home entertainment library. With 179 episodes included on 33 discs in one set, it’s a convenient way to collect all nine seasons of the Emmy-winning television show. You’ll never run out of fun for the whole family.
“I Love Lucy: The Complete Series” is available now on DVD.