Odd Couple (1970's version) complete series set (1 Viewer)

A new complete series set of the original Odd Couple is being released in a couple of weeks. I know previous releases have been criticized for having a lot of edits, especially around music replacements. But a commenter on Amazon noted that this set has a listed run time more than an hour longer than the previous release. Does anyone know if this set might have restored episodes?

You mean this one from 1979?

AndrewCrossett said:

A new complete series set of the original Odd Couple is being released in a couple of weeks. I know previous releases have been criticized for having a lot of edits, especially around music replacements. But a commenter on Amazon noted that this set has a listed run time more than an hour longer than the previous release. Does anyone know if this set might have restored episodes?

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Hi Andrew!


Being Paramount, it could be simply nothing more than a repackaging, which they have recently done with other Classic Series (IE. GOMER PYLE: USMC), without any further restoration of missing scenes/music. The extra hour could also be explained by a different formula used for rounding up or down to the nearest or next hour.


With that said, I do hold out a bit of hope that at least some content restoration may have been done, as from what I've read about THE ODD COUPLE: TOS current state on DVD, I have no interest in buying, which is a shame for a show that I did enjoy viewing back in the day.


CHEERS!


Tony

The Complete Series set is currently available for pre-order from Amazon at $32.99 - a great price and even more so if it has unedited episodes. Even though I already own all the seasons I'm seriously considering this just in case.

Thanks... I guess I'll have to wait for the reviews before I spring for it.


I was kind of amazed at the stories of how butchered this series was, as I didn't remember that much licensed music in it... but I guess each time Felix burst into song, the cash register started chinging. Never thought opera, show tunes and standards would be so expensive.

Interestingly, Sony didn't find the same kind of songs so cripplingly expensive for All in the Family and Sanford and Son...

According to a comment under one of the Amazon Reviews for THE ODD COUPLE Repackaged DVD Set:


From Gord Lacey of tshowsondvd.com (sic. Should be tvshowsondvd.com): "They are identical to what's already been released, just packaged together".


Based on this and the low Amazon Pre-order price for an entire 5 Season Series, I'm not holding out much hope for any restored missing content!


Here's the Amazon Link, for what it's worth: http://www.amazon.com/Odd-Couple-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00US8DH5Y/ref=cm_rdp_product


CHEERS!

Tony Bensley said:

With that said, I do hold out a bit of hope that at least some content restoration may have been done, as from what I've read about THE ODD COUPLE: TOS current state on DVD, I have no interest in buying, which is a shame for a show that I did enjoy viewing back in the day.

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I remember watching the show during its original broadcast, as well as in syndication and enjoying it very much. Even with all that I doubt i would remember every occurrence of a missing scene or indication of replaced music. However, I know there are some here who probably can. From what I understand many episodes are as was during the original broadcast. So I see it as more of a 90% full scenario than what has been lost. Individual seasons can be quite cheap, so if the show was enjoyable before it might still be worth sampling (maybe rent it) before writing it off as a lost cause. Unfortunately, some times the negative of a release gets discussed out of proportion from the positive, and the only way to get a true impression is to try it yourself. Just a thought.

smithbrad said:

I remember watching the show during its original broadcast, as well as in syndication and enjoying it very much. Even with all that I doubt i would remember every occurrence of a missing scene or indication of replaced music. However, I know there are some here who probably can. From what I understand many episodes are as was during the original broadcast. So I see it as more of a 90% full scenario than what has been lost. Individual seasons can be quite cheap, so if the show was enjoyable before it might still be worth sampling (maybe rent it) before writing it off as a lost cause. Unfortunately, some times the negative of a release gets discussed out of proportion from the positive, and the only way to get a true impression is to try it yourself. Just a thought.

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I feel the same way, Brad. It's a shame that the show was not released as it originally was broadcast, especially with one episode that is SEVERELY compromised in this incarnation, but focusing on the rest of the product, it's pretty solid. I hate that it's incomplete, but like GOMER, I'd rather have it this way than not at all and, unfortunately, that's really the only alternatives. You can go with a boot of it, but then you might have to sacrifice quality, different cuts and other issues.

Professor Echo said:

I feel the same way, Brad. It's a shame that the show was not released as it originally was broadcast, especially with one episode that is SEVERELY compromised in this incarnation, but focusing on the rest of the product, it's pretty solid. I hate that it's incomplete, but like GOMER, I'd rather have it this way than not at all and, unfortunately, that's really the only alternatives. You can go with a boot of it, but then you might have to sacrifice quality, different cuts and other issues.

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Hi Glen!


I suppose that one severely compromised Episode (Along with an x number of others with lesser alterations.) in a Series with 114 Episodes isn't that big an issue.


Thank you very much for sharing your perspective!


CHEERS!


Tony

Professor Echo said:

I feel the same way, Brad. It's a shame that the show was not released as it originally was broadcast, especially with one episode that is SEVERELY compromised in this incarnation, but focusing on the rest of the product, it's pretty solid. I hate that it's incomplete, but like GOMER, I'd rather have it this way than not at all and, unfortunately, that's really the only alternatives. You can go with a boot of it, but then you might have to sacrifice quality, different cuts and other issues.

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Like you say, there are limited alternatives and each can have their own problems. Speaking as one who has Gomer, Odd Couple, and the much maligned My Three Son's I am clearly in the camp of less than perfect is better than nothing. But then I buy seasons as they are released instead of waiting for complete series, and I obviously must promote releases of imperfect products because of this approach, so what do I know.

I feel the same way, Brad. It's a shame that the show was not released as it originally was broadcast, especially with one episode that is SEVERELY compromised in this incarnation, but focusing on the rest of the product, it's pretty solid. I hate that it's incomplete, but like GOMER, I'd rather have it this way than not at all and, unfortunately, that's really the only alternatives. You can go with a boot of it, but then you might have to sacrifice quality, different cuts and other issues.

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Well, after some consideration, I went ahead and pre-ordered this today.

If I thought there was any chance that someday the series would fall into the hands of a company like Shout that would make an effort to retain at least some of the music, or if I thought it might get a true complete release outside of the U.S. as some shows have, then I would pass. But I don't have that kind of optimism

As you and Brad posted, there is still so much worthwhile about this particular series, even with several unfortunate edits. And combined with a justifiably low price, I'd rather have most of this amazing 114-episode collection than nothing (or a boot with its own set of edits and other likely problems).

In the past I might have been concerned that purchasing the edited set would send a message to companies that it doesn't matter what they release. At this point, however, with the industry in the state it's in, the only messages being sent are from companies, and it all boils down to "Buy it or don't, because we'll take any excuse to put less product out on disc and focus even more on streaming shows from the last 5 years."

One thing about this show...I think there's a good chance that it'll make me laugh enough to not feel too annoyed with myself for purchasing what I know is an edited set.

How much licensed music was there really in this show? It wasn't until several years later (WKRP) that shows started working contemporary pop music into their soundtracks... at this point it was still mostly network orchestras playing generic music.


I would guess that 90% of the music replacements are scenes where Felix (or occasionally Oscar, or a guest star like Phoebe Snow, etc.) sings. But how often did this happen? I can recall a few specific gags that revolved around music ("I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night...") and there are at least a couple of episodes that focus on it. But could we say that music edits don't totally mangle the show, as with WKRP?


I seem to remember that the first season had very few music edits, but it became a problem starting around season 2. Maybe that's when they got a budget increase to pay for licensed music?

AndrewCrossett said:

How much licensed music was there really in this show? It wasn't until several years later (WKRP) that shows started working contemporary pop music into their soundtracks... at this point it was still mostly network orchestras playing generic music.


I would guess that 90% of the music replacements are scenes where Felix (or occasionally Oscar, or a guest star like Phoebe Snow, etc.) sings. But how often did this happen? I can recall a few specific gags that revolved around music ("I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night...") and there are at least a couple of episodes that focus on it. But could we say that music edits don't totally mangle the show, as with WKRP?


I seem to remember that the first season had very few music edits, but it became a problem starting around season 2. Maybe that's when they got a budget increase to pay for licensed music?

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There was a small bit of background music in season 2 that was replaced, so the edits really started in season 3. I didn't notice anything significant until seasons 4 and 5.

If and when anyone here obtains the new complete set, can you let us know if any music has been restored for this edition? Thanks in advance.

I have the set!

If you have the chance to check some, this was the list of cuts I made several years ago:

Season 2:
Speak for Yourself--Several instances of "Just One More Chance" are changed to an uptempo tune I don't recognize.

Season 3:
The Murray Who Came To Dinner--Oscar and Felix both sing a few bars of "I Got The Sun in the Morning" in Oscar's room, and then Oscar reprises it when he walks in on Murray's drawing lesson.

The Odd Monks-- In telling about his day, after Felix mentions cloud-watching, he starts to sing "Look For the Silver Lining" and everyone disappears to play Sugar Cube Craps.

I'm Dying of Unger--When Felix first plans to go out to the store, he opens the cabin door and begins to sing "Indian Love Call" to the birds and animals. Inserts of the animals' bemused reactions are edited in.

The Odd Couples--When Felix asks Oscar to take care of his fern, he suggests singing to it, mentioning that it likes "Peg O' My Heart". Of course, Felix begins singing the song. Later, when Oscar, Blanche and Oscar's mother come home from the restaurant, they hear Felix singing "Peg O' My Heart" in the bathroom to the plant. Oscar's mother says, "Maybe it's the radio," and Blanche responds, "If it is, it's an old one." Oscar, looking stricken, says, "And burglars don't sing." He disappears down the hallway, and Felix's singing is interrupted by the sound of him being choked.

Oscar's Birthday--I must confess my ignorance this time. When Mrs. Langley is introduced at the party, she does a tap dance to a song Murray plucks on the ukulele and sings. I don't recognize the song, and the tapping drowns out Al Molinaro's singing. Maybe someone else knows what song it is. While he sings, Mrs. Langley keeps tapping and won't stop, even as Felix keeps trying to push her aside.

I Gotta Be Me--During the role reversal scene, Oscar talls Murray and Miriam to swirl the wine in their mouths until it tastes like furniture polish, and while they do so, he begins singing "Cocktails for Two". The joke is paid off at the very end of the show, when Felix admits Oscar was dead on about him, except that he, Felix, is a better singer. As he hangs up his coat in the closet, he starts to sing "Cocktails for Two" and Oscar slams the door on him.

The Ides of April--After Oscar apologizes to Felix for getting angry at him and asks for his help with the tax forms, Felix says no one can stay mad at him and that the old "Felix-Oscar team" is together again. He starts to sing "Friendship", and at the end of each line, Oscar tries to ask a tax question, but Felix keeps singing.

The Odyssey Couple--When Felix offers to set Oscar up with a girl, he tells him that the girl will enter, Oscar will take one look and sing...and then he launches into a powerful chorus of "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life". Oscar asks if he couldn't just say hello.

Season 4:
Gloria Moves In--When Felix arrives at the hotel, depressed, and interrupts the poker game, he decides it really is over between them. After saying Oscar may not have noticed it, but he used to sing the blues for Gloria ("I noticed, I noticed," says Oscar), Felix sits down and stars to sing "One For My Baby". The rest of the players, starting with Roger and proceeding clockwise, join in until the end of the chorus, when Oscar explodes and tells them to stop "the musicale".

Last Tango in Newark--Paying off the joke about Oscar's bad behavior at the ballet, when Oscar comes to bother Felix at Villella's dance class, he doesn't realize who Villella is. Felix tells him and, attempting to act casual, Oscar starts singing "Dance, Ballerina, Dance" under his breath, at which point Villella recognizes him.

That Was No Lady--When Felix comes home from his date with Melanie, we hear him from the hall, singing "Cheek to Cheek". He continues singing it as he comes in, adding some Astaire-esque dance moves on the steps to the front door. This song is why Oscar guesses that he ran into Ginger Rogers.

The Odd Holiday--When Felix, Gloria and Blanche are waiting for Oscar so they can leave, Felix taps his newspaper annoyingly and sings "Gotta get going, gotta get going, what are we gonna do? We're on our way to somewhere, the three of us and Oscar" to the tune of "Cuanto Le Gusta". It is very annoying, which is the setup of the joke which is not edited out...Felix stopping Gloria's minimal tapping by saying, "That's very annoying, sweetheart." Later in the show, when Felix awakens Oscar and Blanche at the crack of dawn, he does so by singing the "Day-O" opening of "The Banana Boat Song".

You're in the Army, Mrs. Madison--No cuts, but a replacement. When Blanche arrives at the barracks in the last scene, Murray plays "I Love You Truly" on his harmonica and Felix sings it, romantically. The DVD replaces the song. When the chorus ends, Murray asks if Felix knows "Hold That Tiger" and begins to play it.

Felix Directs--When Phil Russell tells Oscar he wants him to be in the movie, and Oscar says he is as crazy as Felix, Phil Russell offers him money (I think $500) and Oscar sings, "I'm gonna be in pictures" to the tune of "You Oughta Be in Pictures".

The Songwriters--The very beginning of the episode has a few seconds of Jaye P. Morgan singing something I didn't recognize off screen, but the DVD begins right after that, as they enter the dressing room. Later, she sings a bit of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", which is also missing.

The Exorcists--Replacement. When Dr. Clove finishes the consultation in his office, he sits down at the harpsichord and proceeds to play "one of my favorites, and I hope it's one of yours": "Peg O' My Heart". The musical joke is that it is a very up-tempo, jazzy version, played on a creepy harpsichord. The music actually continues over the scene transition to the apartment. On the DVD, "Peg O' My Heart" is replaced by something generic.

Moonlighter--Here's one someone else may have to help with. I have never seen any song in this show, but another poster mentioned Oscar singing something when he is alone in the studio. If he did, it is cut from the DVD, as well as all the syndicated versions I have seen.

The Flying Felix--When Oscar turns the living room into an airplane, Flight Attendant Myrna comes out singing, "I'm Myrna, fly me...in the big blue sky, I'm Myrna, fly me..." from the airline commercial of the time period. Later, "for our German passengers, she sings "Ich Myrna, flug mir..."

The Insomniacs--Amidst the desperate measures, Oscar, Murray and Myrna take to get Felix to fall asleep, they sing a three-part harmony version of "Dream" (the Johnny Mercer song) to Felix while he rocks gently in a rocking chair. It almost works, too, until they finish and Murray yells at the top of his voice, "One more time!" The entire scene is edited out.

A Different Drummer--The episode opens with Felix and his band doing "My Blue Heaven". The DVD just skips right past it to the studio audience applause. Later, when Felix is tricking Oscar into being a drummer and Oscar taps the glass with his silverware, Felix says it makes him want to dance and starts singing "I Got Rhythm", culminating in an impressive flying heel click. Not musical, but cut for some reason...When Felix is telling Monty Hall that people like music and he should have them on the show instead of his comedian uncle, he adds that it's Oscar's band and "Sticks" Madison has a great beat. Murray then says, "I used to walk a great beat" and Felix asks Monty if he would rather have rotten jokes like that or hear a band, at which point Murray looks crestfallen. I forget exactly where the DVD cuts, but at least the end of that exchange is missing.

Season 5:
Two on the Aisle--When Felix is walking out of Oscar's office, having been told his reviewing career is over, he starts singing "Give My Regards to Broadway" before having his light bulb idea.

The Frog--When Leonard wakes up on the morning of the contest and comes out, asking Max to jump to him, Oscar tries to get Felix to tell him what happened, believing the frog will not jump to him. Felix says he believes in faith and the power of positive thinking, and then starts singing "I Believe" directly to Max, who finally jumps. The look on Oscar's face as Felix begins singing is very funny.

Our Fathers--Barbara Rhoades is singing "Who's Your Little Who-zis" at the beginning of the flashback in the speakeasy. The beginning of the song is cut, and then as she and Klugman have their dialogue about the gum, the chorus girls' continuation of the song is replaced. Later, the Big Boss, played by opera star Giorgio Tozzi sings a few very off-key bars of "Ol' Man River". Get it? Opera star?

Strike Up the Band...Or Else--The very worst cuts of all, in my view. When Oscar is promising Billy Joe the countriest music he has ever heard, there is a quick cut to The Sophisticadoes doing an appropriately sophisticated rendition of "Cocktails for Two". At the end of the episode, when Billy Joe wants to sing a number with the band, he chooses a song his Grandpa Zeb taught him when he was just a little shaver, camping under the Texas stars. Yup. "Cocktails for Two". The DVD ends before Billy Joe takes the microphone.

The Subway Story--After the puppies are born, the next scene begins with Felix singing "Give My Regards to Broadway", accompanied by Scatman Crothers. The DVD skips to the train pulling into Times Square.

The Rent Strike--After Felix leaves his office, Lovelace tells his plants that Felix is a nut...and then invites the plants to join him as he waters them and sings "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head".

Felix Remarries--The ongoing plumbing problem pays off just before the break leading into the tag of the show. When the wedding is over and Felix really is remarried, Oscar puts down the buckets, says "I'm free" and squeezes Murray's face. The DVD cuts off there, but actually, he begins singing "Singing' in the Rain" and dancing as joyously as anyone ever has.

Two Men on a Hoarse--Again, just before the tag, Felix talks about the miracle of their friendship, and how they should be grateful for it. He then starts to sing "Together" (from Gypsy). The visual joke is that (remember they are both tied to chairs) at the end of each line, Felix moves his chair closer to Oscar's and Oscar moves his chair farther away. The moves are done in rhythm with the song, and it's funny when you see it, although it doesn't read funny here.

Your Mother Wears Army Boots--The last scene ever filmed is the tag of this show, in which Martina Arroyo sings "For Once in My Life" to Felix, Oscar, Murray, Howard Cosell, Jack Carter and Roone Arledge.



OK, that's my list.

So the DVD sets cut out every single instance of licensed music in the series?


Well, I've already got season 1. I guess I can get season 2 and then just reminisce about the rest. :-(

Didn't mean to ruin your day, Andrew! They didn't cut every instance of music, but they did eliminate the majority. (Including, overcautiously, several public domain songs.) That being said, it still amounts to cutting less that television syndication cuts, so if you are a fan, it might be the lesser of two evils to buy the set anyway, especially at a heavily discounted price.

I wish Shout had gotten ahold of this series. It would have been vastly easier and cheaper to have negotiated all the music in The Odd Couple, especially considering that most of it isn't original-artist recordings.


I watched this show a lot when it was in heavy syndication in the 70's and 80's. I'd recognize every music edit and every one of them would be like fingernails on a chalkboard.