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Opinions on Complete Series sets

post #1 of 43
4/23/09 at 10:45am
Thread Starter 
I recently found out that I will be getting some extra money to play with within the next few weeks. And after enjoying my purchases of sets such as Twilight Zone: The Complete Definitive Collection and Brady Bunch: The Complete Series I would like to put this extra money to one such set. There is a few such sets I am considering I would like opinions on.

- I Love Lucy: The Complete Series
- Macgyver: The Complete Series
- Get Smart: The Complete Series Gift Set
- Andy Griffith Show: The Complete Series

I had also considered I Dream of Jeannie: Complete Series until I read that the first season in that set is the colorized version... which I don't like.

Anyway... would like opinions on the above sets as well as any other ideas for such TV Series mega-sets that I should consider. Things to keep in mind for suggestions...

- Price Limit: Up to Approx. $200
- Packaging: I do like gimmick packaging... but want the discs to be safe first and foremost.
- Extras Content: Extras always a plus... but extras that you can not get with the separate season sets is a BIG plus

Anyway... thanks for any suggestions... I appreciate the help!
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post #2 of 43
4/23/09 at 11:38am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

First of all, I'm jealous of the extra $$!

Second - I've loved working through the Get Smart complete series. I'm a big fan of 60s spy TV (Mission: Impossible, I Spy, Danger Man, etc.) so Get Smart is a great companion to those shows. I had good memories of catching it on Nick at Nite when I was a kid and it holds up very well!

Re: your extras concern, I believe the complete set contains a whole disc of extras for each season that you can't get in the individual sets.

Re: box design - I haven't had any problems, but I seem to remember others complaining about the design of the box (you go through multiple "doors" like Max's walk in the intro) The discs themselves are in season-by-season packs and they seem well protected.

Not that your other ideas are bad, but my vote would go to Get Smart. Whatever you end up getting, hope you enjoy!
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post #3 of 43
4/23/09 at 11:51am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

The I Love Lucy Complete Set comes with the unreleased "I Love Lucy" movie as an exclusive bonus. (Apparently the movie was shelved, just like Ricky's "Don Juan.")

It's basically three existing episodes weaved together with a few minutes of never-before-seen linking material to make it play like a movie. As a way of explaining away the laugh track, the shows are bookended by a prologue and epilogue in which we join a couple attending a filming of "I Love Lucy" at the old General Services Studio. Desi Arnaz warms up the audience and introduces the cast before we go into the story itself. This extra, which is exclusive the complete series set, makes the "I Love Lucy" Complete Set a must for fans.
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post #4 of 43
4/23/09 at 12:03pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Well, I can only speak for the ILL set, since it's the only one I have.

Had the thing for over a year and I'm still not done watching all of it, but the extras (both bonus disc and on the main collection) are really interesting. Quite frankly, I would argue this is something, along with TTZ, that any self-respecting TV on DVD admirer MUST own. It's just classic television that both still holds up and looks wonderful after all these years.
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post #5 of 43
4/23/09 at 12:26pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I Love Lucy: The Complete Series. Recommended unconditionally.
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post #6 of 43
4/23/09 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Wow! both I Love Lucy and Get Smart sounds really good. Wish I had the money for both of them!

Question Though... what is your thoughts on the packaging of I Love Lucy?
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post #7 of 43
4/23/09 at 12:52pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Well, the discs are packaged in cardboard, so be careful they don't get scratched. On the other hand, the casing is tight enough so they won't slip. Basically, the whole thing is designed as a "heart" that covers the discs in two seperate packages (the exclusive bonus disc and seasons 1-3 on the left, seasons 4 on on the right side) with a booklet in front with an synopsis of all the episodes, but not the extras. Trust me, watch the discs, you'll be shocked at all the extras crammed on.

All and all, nice packaging, IMHO. Doing ILL in tray packaging probably would have made the collection extremely cost prohibitive, given how many discs there are and would probably make the collection the size of a PC tower.
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post #8 of 43
4/23/09 at 1:21pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

With ~$200 to spend you should be able to pick up a couple of these if you shop around...
During the next DD sale (assuming 25% off):
Get Smart would be ~$120
I Love Lucy would be ~$108

While it's a bit over your limit you could add the extra $$ yourself. Both these sets are highly recommended. While I detest kitchy/gimicky packaging and often pass on "complete sets" because of such, the Get Smart box is not as bad as it could have been, just a bit inconvenient if you want to rewatch often.

If you're not strictly looking for comedy titles I would recommend looking at these classic "must own" series as well:

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Avengers Emma Peel Megaset
The Wild, Wild West

Again, with a bit of shopping around you should be able to pick up a couple of these.
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post #9 of 43
4/23/09 at 1:28pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattPeriolat
Well, the discs are packaged in cardboard, so be careful they don't get scratched. On the other hand, the casing is tight enough so they won't slip. Basically, the whole thing is designed as a "heart" that covers the discs in two seperate packages (the exclusive bonus disc and seasons 1-3 on the left, seasons 4 on on the right side) with a booklet in front with an synopsis of all the episodes, but not the extras. Trust me, watch the discs, you'll be shocked at all the extras crammed on.

All and all, nice packaging, IMHO. Doing ILL in tray packaging probably would have made the collection extremely cost prohibitive, given how many discs there are and would probably make the collection the size of a PC tower.
This series could have been put in 17 slimline cases (34 disks) and would have taken up the same amount of shelf space as the Get Smart set while affording better disk protection. Like the IDOJ set this is one I've passed on due to packaging issues. While they are lacking a bit of extras I much prefer the packaging of the individual seasons and the current cost is about the same.
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post #10 of 43
4/23/09 at 1:42pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattPeriolat
Doing ILL in tray packaging probably would have made the collection extremely cost prohibitive, given how many discs there are and would probably make the collection the size of a PC tower.

My guess would be the opposite, the Fugitive fits 4 disks in a standard sized case and Daniel Boone 8 disks in a double size case. You could fit all the ILL disks in 6 double size cases. Not actually all that much space and these cases are pre-existing and easily purchased cheaply vs. designing a custom approach for a specialize production run. I think they pay more to do the fancy designs to entice buyers and double dips even though they almost always sacrifice durability and protection.

I have the first two seasons of ILL but haven't watched many episodes yet. I haven't decided how far I want to go, but I might buy them all as individual seasons to get all the extras.

As for Andy Griffith, this is possibly my favorite. I have the first 5 seasons and stopped there. I might have gotten the series set but it also is contained within cardboard sleeves and I just won't go that direction. Also, I prefer to always remember Mayberry with Barney around. It just wasn't the same when he left.

I recently picked up the 2 ILL seasons and 5 Andy Griffith seasons for $16 a piece, so even individually you don't have to break the bank.
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post #11 of 43
4/23/09 at 4:01pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I don't recommend the Brady Bunch. Not only does it have the lousiest packaging of any "complete series" set, but I have never been too crazy about the prints used for the dvds. They are a hodge-podge of stuff from different source materials. The good footage is pristine; the bad footage is crapazowie. They did the best they could, but let's see what the future brings.
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post #12 of 43
4/23/09 at 6:47pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I Love Lucy: The Complete Series
* Loads and Loads of extras
* The I Love Lucy Movie
* Episodes of My Favorite Husband (Lucy's pre-ILL radio show)
* The complete series of the follow-up program to ILL: The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (13 episodes)
* Flubs
* Colorized episode of ILL ("Lucy Goes to Scotland")
* The rarely seen Christmas episode and Pilot
* Ect., ect., ect.!
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post #13 of 43
4/24/09 at 6:10am
Thread Starter 

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I would really like to be able to get 2 sets if I can get them cheap enough to do so. A couple more sets I am considering...

- The Incredible Hulk: Complete Series
For this one I already have seasons 1 and 2 so it may be cheaper for me to just get seasons 3-5... but I do like that big box for the entire series. Is there any additional extras with this set that I wouldn't get with the separate seasons?? And would the complete series set save on shelf room? that is a concern as well. If I do get the complete series set... the first 2 seasons I can give to my mother as she really likes the show.

- Knight Rider: The Complete Series
Problem here is I already have all the season sets. Though I would consider a double dip since I read they are not double sided discs in the complete series set. Plus the case on this set looks very cool! And I have a good home for the season sets as my mother loves the show.
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post #14 of 43
4/24/09 at 6:59am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete Battista
I would really like to be able to get 2 sets if I can get them cheap enough to do so. A couple more sets I am considering...

- The Incredible Hulk: Complete Series
For this one I already have seasons 1 and 2 so it may be cheaper for me to just get seasons 3-5... but I do like that big box for the entire series. Is there any additional extras with this set that I wouldn't get with the separate seasons?? And would the complete series set save on shelf room? that is a concern as well. If I do get the complete series set... the first 2 seasons I can give to my mother as she really likes the show.

- Knight Rider: The Complete Series
Problem here is I already have all the season sets. Though I would consider a double dip since I read they are not double sided discs in the complete series set. Plus the case on this set looks very cool! And I have a good home for the season sets as my mother loves the show.


Well, I don't have either of these unfortunately, so I can only go by what I've heard on reviews. Hulk is just a repackage of the season sets with no additional extras, basically something for everyone who has been waiting. Knight Rider, I dunno about the extras aside from the case, I was even unaware of the difference in the discs.

Truth be told, if you had to pick a second complete set, get another one from your previous list over Hulk or Rider. Just an opinion who's considering replay value and maximum enjoyment.
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post #15 of 43
4/24/09 at 9:01am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I have only bought TWO Complete Series Sets: LAND OF THE GIANTS and THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. Because this was the ONLY WAY to get them.

I’ve been completely satisfied with both of them… but I would rather have gotten them one season at a time for one very important reason.

It takes a LONG WHILE to watch a complete series of something. I’m STILL not finished with U.N.C.L.E. – and that was released last November.

Given this, I’m still working my way through things long after the window for the RETURN OF MERCHANDISE for possible defects has closed.

So, if I find any serious defects with my Season Four, of the U.N.C.L.E. Complete Series (which I’m still some time away from viewing), I’m probably out of L.U.C.K.
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post #16 of 43
4/25/09 at 1:27pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

OK... sounds like I will just pick up the additional Incredible Hulk season sets since it is nothing new in it.

Some more for consideration...

- Stargate: SG-1: The Complete Series (only ever seen season 1 before)
- That '70s Show: Complete gift set
- The Flintstones: Complete Series

If anyone here has both I Love Lucy and The Brady Bunch complete series sets... how is the packaging of I Love Lucy compared to The Brady Bunch? I hate the packaging for The Brady Bunch... but I haven't had any real problems with it either.
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post #17 of 43
4/25/09 at 2:58pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Stargate only gets better, but I don't know your likes and dislikes. I'd buy the complete series in a heartbeat if I didn't own them, but I wouldn't want it on my head your spending that much if you didn't like it.

I think you should consider that Jeannie complete series and then just buy the B&W set separately. Depends on if you can get it cheap. I see Amazon has it for $23.99, which is a little steep on top of the complete set.
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post #18 of 43
4/25/09 at 4:43pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I picked up the 70s show set. I love the old record box style in it. I really disliked the last 2-3 seasons, but am happy to get 'em all with the packaging. It's fun.
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post #19 of 43
4/26/09 at 9:59am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I Love Lucy, absolutely. One of the best shows ever made.
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post #20 of 43
4/26/09 at 11:14am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete Battista
OK... sounds like I will just pick up the additional Incredible Hulk season sets since it is nothing new in it.

Some more for consideration...

- Stargate: SG-1: The Complete Series (only ever seen season 1 before)
- That '70s Show: Complete gift set
- The Flintstones: Complete Series

If anyone here has both I Love Lucy and The Brady Bunch complete series sets... how is the packaging of I Love Lucy compared to The Brady Bunch? I hate the packaging for The Brady Bunch... but I haven't had any real problems with it either.

Personally, I think ILL is better, but they are similar in design. The discs being in cardboard folders.
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post #21 of 43
4/26/09 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Thanks... I found some good images online of the packaging (inside and out)... Don't look too bad. At least going by my Brady Bunch set that has similar disc holder. I will most likely be getting that ILL set.
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post #22 of 43
4/26/09 at 3:44pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete Battista
Thanks... I found some good images online of the packaging (inside and out)... Don't look too bad. At least going by my Brady Bunch set that has similar disc holder. I will most likely be getting that ILL set.

Fine choice, sir. You'll be greatly entertained by the show, impressed by the quality of the image restoration, shocked by what they cut (the Phillip Morris stuff is stunning, by today's standards) and best of all, ready to go when Season One of The Lucy Show is out in July.

Oh, since you mentioned it, Flintstones is on my wish list too, but pretty far down. Got a lot of other shows I'm currently monitoring. Well, as the sig says...
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post #23 of 43
4/26/09 at 8:05pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Get Smart: The Complete Series.......just finished watching this set recently. Prior to watching them, I haven't seen any episodes of this in probably around 30 years when I was still a kid . I was wondering if they would hold up.....oh yeah, they do indeed. I give this set my highest recommendation.
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post #24 of 43
4/30/09 at 8:02am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I own the Hulk series. I wish I got the Knight Rider cause of the Light across the box. LOL I did buy the GPS model of KITT.

Hulk series boxset is a bunch of slimlines in the box is the BEST WAY TO HAVE A DVD BOXSET SERIES.

To see the best made boxsets look at FULL HOUSE, MIAMI VICE, HULK, KING OF QUEENS.

Avoid at all costs any cardboard cases or slots and especially the Brady Bunch series. I picked it up only cause of the cheap price. Also avoid The Flintstones.

THAT 70'S AGAIN THEY WENT WITH INDIVIDUAL CARDBOARD SHEET SLOts

Im waiting to see on a series that will make a DVD binder. Many people put their music cd's in those. They are another good way of presenting a boxset that way.
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post #25 of 43
4/30/09 at 8:35am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I would recommend The Brady Bunch, provided you consider purchasing the single-season (five boxes in all) sets. The complete series boxed set is, as a poster alluded to above, unimpressive packaging, and IMO not worth the money.

You might also consider Andromeda (the Slipstream Collection). That's the entire series, and it includes impressive packaging.
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post #26 of 43
4/30/09 at 9:12am

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

"One-Season Wonders", Seasons that I bought One at a Time and eventually Completed, I have Ten Series that I bought Complete. They are"

Get Smart
The Incredible Hulk
Land of the Giants
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The Munsters
The Outer Limits
Sky King (Most Expensive Box Set ever Purchased)
Space: 1999
Thunderbirds (This was the very FIRST DVD Box Set I purchased back in 2005, if I only knew where I'd be four years later!)
U.F.O.

If all goes well I plan to Purchase Combat! during DeeDee's June Sale!
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post #27 of 43
4/30/09 at 9:49am
Thread Starter 

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

I was considering Land of the Giants for a while... but then I saw that for only 2 seasons (51 episodes)... that set is awful expensive ($199.99 at Amazon)... even if they do give you a lot of nice odds and ends with the set. So I just couldn't see doing a blind buy on that set.
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post #28 of 43
4/30/09 at 2:28pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

All I can say is that a complete collection isn't complete without the town of Mayberry North Carolina being a part of of it. The Andy Griffith Show just doesn't show case a sheriff and his bumbling sidekick. It's about an entire town, its inhabitents and the way they live, the way they care for one another, treat one another and their simple way of life. There is a lot here for eight seasons. Some just care about the early years with Don Knotts. Yes, Barney was a great character, but the show didn't die without him. I say go for it.

Also for a change of pace. Give Sanford and Son a try. The Dick Van Dyke Show. Little House on The Prairie, The Waltons,Three's Company.
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post #29 of 43
4/30/09 at 3:57pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Regulus
Sky King (Most Expensive Box Set ever Purchased)

If all goes well I plan to Purchase Combat! during DeeDee's June Sale!

You can't go wrong with the complete Combat! set. It contains the same Extras as the individual season sets with the advantage of slimpacks. If I could have waited, I'd have bought the complete set.

Sky King: I wanted to get that set but I passed ($$'s).
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post #30 of 43
4/30/09 at 4:31pm

Re: Opinions on Complete Series sets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Willis

Sky King: I wanted to get that set but I passed ($$'s).

Me too, Jeff. But that one is way overpriced.

Gary "where's that complete Rifleman set at?" O.
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