AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => TV series => Topic started by: David Vaughn on August 07, 2026, 07:25:32 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/a4S3gTh.jpeg)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Rating: TV-Y
Film: 5/5
Plot
In October 1951, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz debuted the first episode of what would become one of the best‑loved and most‑watched TV shows of all time. Zany redhead Lucy and her Cuban bandleader husband Ricky Ricardo — along with their neighbors and comic foils Ethel and Fred Mertz — got into some of the most hilarious predicaments ever imagined. Their chemistry, timing, and comedic brilliance helped define the modern sitcom and created moments that remain iconic more than seven decades later.
My Thoughts
I grew up watching I Love Lucy, and I love it just as much today as I did when I was a kid. It’s arguably one of the greatest TV shows ever made — not just because of Ball’s hilarious faces and zany antics, but because of the entire cast and how perfectly they played off one another. Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel created a comedic rhythm that still hasn’t been matched.
It’s hard to believe that a show that’s 75 years old still has an audience today, but I don’t know anyone over the age of 10 who hasn’t seen at least one episode. Back in the early days of Blu‑ray, Paramount started releasing the seasons individually but stopped after two — maybe sales weren’t strong enough to justify continuing. Thankfully, we now have all 194 episodes in HD. My only complaint is the packaging. It’s a large case with stacked discs, which isn’t easy to navigate. It saves shelf space, but it’s a pain in the rear end to use.
The HD restoration looks fantastic on the episodes I’ve viewed thus far (I went straight to the classics: the candy conveyor belt, Vitameatavegamin, grape‑stomping, and the Harpo Marx mirror routine). The original film grain is preserved, giving the episodes a natural, film‑like appearance. The black‑and‑white photography shines with plenty of detail and excellent contrast — exactly what you’d hope for from a 1080p presentation.
The mono audio track is clean and well‑preserved, with clear dialogue and genuine audience reactions since the show was filmed in front of a live crowd. It’s not flashy, but it remains true to the original broadcast audio.
Video 8.5/10
Audio 8/10 (Dolby Mono)
Special Features Highlights:
- Original I Love Lucy Pilot
- Select Original Opening/Closing Credits
- Production Notes
- Photo Galleries
- Select My Favorite Husband Radio Episodes
- Flubs
- Audio Commentaries on Select Episodes
- Vintage Sponsor Spots
- Original Broadcast Version of Select Episodes
- Select Colorized Episodes
- Slide Show
- I Love Lucy: The Movie
- Christmas Rebroadcast Footage
- “Eye-on CBS” 1959 Segments
Conclusion
This has always been one of my mom’s favorite shows, and she passed that love down to me. No matter how many times I’ve seen an episode, I still laugh out loud, and it’s great to finally have the entire series in my collection. Sure, the packaging is a bit clunky, but it’s worth the hassle given that this is one of the greatest TV shows ever made. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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David, does it have “the lost” pilot, which was found jusr a few years ago?
I have seen it one million times, but Vitameatavegamin break me up every time. it is perfect comedy.
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Yes.