The Munsters: The Complete Series [DVD]

I love The Munsters, but really out of a sense of nostalgia. Much of the humor is stale or predictable, more so in the second season than the first. But it will surprise you every once in a while with a really funny line or situation. And some of the jokes are sight gags, which can easily be overlooked if you're not paying attention. (A poster advertising a wrestler named "Ghengis Cohen" put me on the floor!) Gwynne, Lewis and De Carlo have a wonderful chemistry, and it shows in every scene. Patrick is surprisingly good too, for a child actor. And whether you prefer Owen or Priest, they both do justice to gorgeous Marilyn - one of the longest running gags in TV history. The packaging is great. Nothing extraordinary, but pretty much what you would expect. Throughout the second season, each episode begins with the Universal logo. This gets tiring after a while, but it's not intolerable. The second-to-last disk contains four documentaries - one on the making of The Munsters, and one each on the lives and careers of Gwynne, De Carlo and Lewis. All of them are very interesting, informative and at times even surprising. The last disk contains the two movies Munster Go Home and Munster's Revenge. The first is just a rehash of jokes and gags from the show, and a new Marilyn who fails miserably as Pat Priest's replacement. The second is so bad, you can almost feel the (noticeably older) cast's embarrassment. So for a Munsters' fan collection, they're good to own, but not worth watching.

Got this as a gift. It has been watched and is a good quality. Woud recommend to a Munsters lover!!

I am very glad I upgraded my "Munsters" Collection. I previously purchased the Season 1 Set from 2004. That edition featured double-sided discs; which can be very easily damaged. After reading the reviews for the original Season 2 set (in a difficult to use "Herman's Head" case), I decided not to purchase it. Universal obviously listened to customers and re-issued the entire series in one Collector's Box. Now, all the episodes are available on 12 single-sided discs. Moreover, this set is loaded with delightful bonus features. This collection of complete Munsters Madness is well worth the upgrade; and at a very affordable price, too. "The Munsters" can be viewed as a clever twist on the traditional TV "family Sitcom" or as a satire of society's inability to accept those who are different from "the norm." The "outside world" views The Munsters as a ghoulish family of freaks. The Munsters are, in fact, a functional and very loving family. Herman (the fabulous Fred Gwynne) is the most loveable "Frankenstein's Monster" you will ever encounter. Grandpa (the incomparable Al Lewis) is a wild and wacky Dracula who has, figuratively and literally, gone batty! Gwynne and Lewis are a great comedy team, and many of the episodes revolve around Herman and Grandpa's merry, madcap misadventures. Lily ( the beautiful and cool Yvonne De Carlo), Grandpa's "Vampira"-like daughter and Herman's devoted wife, is the level-headed and loving center of The Munster family. Herman and Lily have a son named Eddie (Butch Patrick) who appears to be half wearwolf and half vampire. There is also Lily's "unfortunate" niece Marilyn (played by Beverly Owen for the first 13 episodes, and then by Pat Priest for the rest of the series). Blonde, girl next door Marilyn is considered the real "freak" of The Munster Family. All of poor Marilyn's boyfriends run away; scared to death of her family! This collection features two versions of the episode "Family Portrait"; the original in Black and White; and a colorized version for comparison. "Family Portrait" is the last episode to feature Beverly Owen as Marilyn. The very unhappy Owen left the series, but I doubt anybody noticed or cared when Pat Priest immediately replaced her. Season 1 is complete on six discs; including a vastly different "unaired color pilot" that does not include Yvonne De Carlo or Butch Patrick. This "unaired color pilot" (actually only half of the second episode that aired in black and white as "My Fair Munster") was probably used as a "test film" to show CBS executives. Season 2 is complete on 4 discs. Disc 5 & 6 of Season 2 are devoted to Bonus Features; including the documentary "The Munsters: America's First Family Of Fright," full-length biographies of Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis, and Yvonne De Carlo, and two subsequent "Munsters Movies" produced after the series: "Munster, Go Home!" and "The Munsters' Revenge", both in color.

There have been many great TV controversies: Mary Ann vs. Ginger, Jeannie vs. Samantha, Old Darrin vs. New Darrin, Kirk vs. Picard. But none of them have aroused as much passion as The Munsters vs. The Addams Family. Don't get me wrong: I love both shows. But I find the Munsters a little easier to identify with. While the Addamses were rich eccentrics, the Munsters were more blue-collar. Herman worked in a funeral parlor, and the family coped with difficulties most families have experienced: they worried about having enough money to pay taxes, bills, and their niece Marilyn's college tuition. While "The Munsters" may have lacked "The Addams Family"'s wit and sophistication, it benefited from the unique chemistry of an exceptionally talented cast: Fred Gwynne brought just the right goofy charm to the gentle giant Herman; irresistible ham Al Lewis chewed the scenery as elder statesman Grampa (a Transylvanian count with a Brooklyn accent?; Yvonne de Carlo was appropriately deadpan as long-suffering wife Lily (no matter how much Herman ranted about being "head of the household," it was clear who wore the cape in that family); and Butch Patrick hit all the right notes as son Eddie. The replacement of Beverly Owens by Pat Priest in the role of Marilyn was barely noticed by fans; both ladies were more than adequate as the family "misfit," who helped anchor the show in reality. The series enjoyed star turns by a number of talented guest stars: Paul Lynde, Dom Deluise, Harvey Korman, Joyce Jameson, Barton McLane, Don Rickles, Barbara Babcock, and best of all the great John Carradine in two appearances as Mr. Gateman, Herman's boss at the funeral parlor. Like the Addams, underneath the ghoulish exterior the Munsters were a warm, loving family with strong values who always did the right thing. The show's visual style was almost as old-fashioned as its values, harkening back not only to the Universal horror franchises of the 1930s and 1940s but to the Mack Sennett farces of the early silent era. This boxed set consists of all 70 episodes of the series' all too brief run, as well as the rarely seen pilot (in color) and one color episode. Spread out over 12 discs, the set also includes four documentaries originally seen on A&E's "Biography" series and two movies, "Munster Go Home!" and "The Munsters' Revenge," the latter especially noticeable for a star turn by Sid Caesar and a comedic style that owed much to Mel Brooks movies. This is a set that will delight classic TV fans, lovers of slapstick humor, and devotees of the occult.

From the windy Mockingbird Heights at 1313 Mockingbird Lane, The Munsters come to send goosebumping, rib-tickling '60s wit and humor to your funny bone with The Munsters - The Complete Series! Previously released as separate season sets, each with its own history of issues Munsters fans are all too familiar with, The Munsters Complete Series doesn't just simply repackage the episodes but also attempts to do the fans proud by righting the wrongs that haunted the previous sets. Remember the dual-sided discs? Gone. Remember the flimsy, gimmicky, craptastic "Herman's Head" box you had to fight with to get the discs out of? Gone. Instead you'll find... For your convenience and viewing pleasure, Universal has repackaged from the Season 1 and Season 2 sets every classic episode from the series (and respective special features) on 12 single-sided DVDs (including two bonus features ) all in an exclusive collectible box set with nice package art for hours of eerie Munsters fun, and for a very reasonable price! Special Features include: * "America's First Family of Fright" * "Fred Gwynne: More Than a Munster" * "Yvonne De Carlo: Guilded Lily" * "Al Lewis: Forever Grandpa" * The Munsters Unaired Pilot * The Munsters "Family Portrait" Episode (Color Version) (Note: If you own the original separate season sets then you already have The Munsters - Complete Series episodes and special features minus the previously unreleased The Munsters "Family Portrait" episode (color version), and should consider The Munsters - Family Portrait separate single disc release which also features both the color and original B&W version before deciding.) Bonus Features: * Munster, Go Home! (1966) * The Munsters' Revenge (1981) Season 1: Munster Masquerade My Fair Munster A Walk on the Mild Side Rock-a-Bye Munster Pike's Pique Lo-Cal Munster Tin Can Man Herman the Great Knock Wood, Here Comes Charlie Autumn Croakus The Midnight Ride of Herman Munster The Sleeping Cutie The Munsters' Family Portrait Grandpa Leaves Home Herman's Rival Grandpa's Call of the Wild All-Star Munster If a Martian Answers, Hang Up Eddie's Nickname Bats of a Feather Don't Bank on Herman Dance With Me, Herman Follow That Munster Love Locked Out Come Back, Little Googie Far Out Munsters Munsters on the Move Movie Star Munster Herman the Rookie Country Club Munsters Love Comes to Mockingbird Heights Mummy Munster Lily Munster, Girl Model Munster the Magnificent Herman's Happy Valley Hot Rod Herman Herman's Raise Yes, Galen, There Is a Herman (aka My Friend Herman) Season 2: Herman's Child Psychology Herman, the Master Spy Bronco Bustin' Munster Herman Munster, Shutter Bug Herman, Coach of the Year Happy 100th Anniversary Operation Herman Lily's Star Boarder John Doe Munster The Man for Marilyn Herman's Driving Test Will Success Spoil Herman Munster? Underground Munster The Treasure of Mockingbird Heights Herman's Peace Offensive Herman Picks a Winner Just Another Pretty Face Heap Big Herman The Most Beautiful Ghoul in the World Grandpa's Lost Wife The Fregosi Emerald Zombo Cyrano de Munster The Musician Prehistoric Munster A Visit from Johann Eddie's Brother Herman the Tire Kicker A House Divided Herman's Sorority Caper Herman's Lawsuit A Visit from the Teacher That's a LOT of Munsters! Great Value!

"The Munsters: The Complete Series" is an excellent box set, beginning with the packaging and its raised lettering in the front and on top. Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) and Al Lewis (Grandpa) played off each other very well, having previously worked together in the TV series "Car 54, Where Are You?" A fascinating bonus feature is the 15-minute pilot episode, filmed in color. The silly incidental music was later replaced by the classic instrumental Munsters' theme, written by composer/arranger Jack Marshall. The pilot episode included Joan Marshall as Phoebe Munster, and Nate "Happy" Derman as Eddie Munster. Phoebe looked eerily similar to Morticia Addams, as played by Carolyn Jones. Phoebe was very subservient to Herman. Yvonne De Carlo, who effortlessly made the transition from movies to television, was spookily perfect as Herman's wife, Lily Munster. Lily was strong willed, and kept the child-like Herman in line. "Happy" Derman played Eddie Munster as a young werewolf, with pointed ears, long fangs and sharp claws, who panted and growled a lot. He would never be able to attend public school. Butch Patrick's character of Eddie Munster was more of a human-werewolf hybrid, who was able to make some friends in school. In fact, in the episode "Eddie's Nickname," the other kids only made fun of Eddie because he was the shortest student in his class, calling him Shorty. Herman had a meaningful father-to-son talk about that subject. To me, it summed up why the Munsters are so beloved. Herman to Eddie: "The lesson I want you to learn is, it doesn't matter what you look like. You can be tall or short, or fat or thin, or ugly or handsome like your father, or you can be black or yellow or white, it doesn't matter. What does matter is the size of your heart, and the strength of your character." The episodes in the second season became even more bizarre. They also featured more physical comedy, especially with regards to Herman's super-human strength, and his ability to take punishment. In the episode "John Doe Munster," a huge safe falls on Herman's head. Herman isn't physically injured, but he does develop amnesia. In "Just Another Pretty Face," due to an accident in Grandpa's lab, Herman's face becomes disfigured, at least by Munsters' standards. Fred Gwynne appears without the Munster makeup on his face, for most of the episode. Near the end of the episode, Herman is hit by lightning, which restores his original facial features. Due to the rigors of applying that makeup, and wearing the heavy boots and bulky clothes, playing Herman took a physical toll on Fred Gwynne. In addition to that, Fred was wary of being typecast as Herman Munster for the rest of his career. The success of "Batman" caused a ratings drop for "The Munsters," which led to their cancellation after the second season. Fred, Al and Yvonne did appear in the theatrical movie "Munster, Go Home!" (1966), and the made-for-TV movie "The Munsters' Revenge" in 1981. Fortunately, both of those movies are included as bonus features in this box set. In addition, biographies of Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis and Yvonne De Carlo are also included in disc 6 of season two. Also included is the best bonus feature about the Munsters, "America's First Family Of Fright." After watching this box set, it's easy to see why a TV show that debuted fifty years ago, and only lasted two seasons, is so fondly remembered.

I loved watching "The Munsters" as a kid growing up in the 60's and have enjoyed seeing it again sporadically in syndication over the years since. It still surprises me that this great show only ran for 2 seasons. In recent years seeing it played on cable retro TV stations, I was very disappointed that the episodes were edited (for time), and that's partly what motivated me to buy the complete series on DVD. And it certainly was worth it. The acting, physical comedy and sight gags, makeup and even the special effects (for a TV show of its day) all made this show a classic. And the network deciding to film it in B&W instead of color (for cost savings) was the best decision they ever made. While it's very interesting to see some of the pilot in color, it just doesn't come across the same. The series was stellar and each episode holds up incredibly well, and the documentary/bios on Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis, Yvonne DeCarlo and the series as a whole, make the special feature extras outstanding. While some may appreciate the inclusion of the two movies made after the series ended: "Munster, Go Home" (1966) and "Munsters Revenge" (1981), I could have done without them. "Munster, Go Home" pales in comparison to the TV series, but at least it was made immediately afterwards and Gwynne, Lewis, DeCarlo and Patrick (they should have also kept Pat Priest as Marilyn) all look the same and they do try hard to recapture a very tiny bit of the energy, gags and chemistry of the TV show--albeit unsuccessfully. However, "Munsters Revenge" was truly awful in every way--acting, storyline, makeup, special effects . . . In my opinion, they should have ended on a high note and stopped with the end of the TV series. But aside from those critiques, this is a near perfect collection of all things Munsters and a must-have for lovers of the show.

Always loved "The Munsters" as a kid, but can't believe how much I LOVE this DVD set! The humor is fresh even today, and funnier to me than before. I'd hesitated for two years on buying this one, as I own another 12-14 TV series on DVD and don't watch them, but I LOVE EVERY episode of this and can't stop viewing them! The DVD set is top-quality from a technical point of view as well, with sharp, excellent picture and sound on ALL episodes and on ALL extras, plus some great, lengthy extras on the stars (Fred Gwynne, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Al Lewis), plus a color version of one episode and a 15-minute episode originally used for pitching the series to the network. ALL of their movies are included in this set, which look great as to quality (I never viewed them for content and expect they aren't as good as the original show for laughs). Negatives about this DVD set? Nothing to complain about. As one reviewer had noted, "Audio goes out of sync every once in a while," as was common on early-mid-1960s TV shows. Not a problem at all, to me; it's "barely". Also, on all of the DVDs from ONE of the two seasons provided (I forget which), the chapter skipping takes you in one step from before the opening credits to the end of the closing credits--i.e., there are NO chapters at all within each episode, for some reason. Whereas the other season has chapters for each episode at all of the commercial breaks. No big deal, ultimately, to me. If you like "The Munsters," GET this complete series DVD set. You'll love it and you will feel NO disappointments with it!!

Le condizioni del prodotto warehouse sono superiori alla descrizione.

Audio únicamente en versión original, sin subtítulos

c est dommage mais la saison 1 n est pas en vf ni en vostf sauf la saison 2 et les telefilms

Buena serie y divetida

I love this tv-show. It is so funny. I have seen all the episodes and the extra material presenting the main characters. I think I will see the funniest episodes again. I have some favorites. I can highly recommend this classic tv-show.