Leery of the "Color" Honeymooners

[BuddyHinton]

Hmm. I was REALLY excited when I first even HEARD there was such a show. I have EVERY LOST ep avaiable and of course the classic 39 on DVD and VHS. But when I heard how they "break into song" on the color episodes I became concerned. Anyone ever see this version? How often exactly do they break into song? I was a bit put off seeing "a new" Trix and Alice but the whole song thing PLUS the rather skimpy length of the set may be a deal breaker. I would hate to ruin my impression of this great series.

[TV Knowledge Fan]

...these were originally presented as part of "THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW" (as the "Lost Honeymooners" segments were during his '50s variety show) between 1966 and 1969. They were actually restaged versions of "Lost Honeymooners" sketches, including some with new musical numbers added. For example, the 1966 "Trip To Europe" shows were basically the same ones performed in 1956-'57, updated and expanded to a full hour with big production numbers added. Gleason and Carney had no problem performing musical numbers, as they'd had experience on Broadway and other show business factions- in fact, their duets are often the highlight of each hour.
Sheila MacRae {"Alice"} and Jane Kean {"Trixie"} also had prior musical chops, and match them in their performances as well. You'll also see the June Taylor Dancers often opening each hour with a splashy song and dance that leads right into the plot. The production numbers usually occur every quarter-hour or so. I think you'll enjoy seeing these!!

[BuddyHinton]

Are they "good" I guess was what I was getting at. I'd hate to be embarrassed watching Jackie (try to) sing and for me to have my love tainted for this series.

[T-Greg]

Are they "good" I guess was what I was getting at. I'd hate to be embarrassed watching Jackie (try to) sing and for me to have my love tainted for this series.

It's simply a matter of taste. They break into musical numbers at different times during each show. It's a lot different than what you are used to seeing. In my opinion, they are enjoyable, but I'd rather see more of Ralph yelling at Alice or scheming with Norton.

[gilligan fanatic]

I have seen about 7 of them now that I have American Life and I noticed all 7 I have seen are very similar. They are neat to watch because it is very different. I think I would like it better if it was just a half hour long instead of an hour but its still a fun show

[BuddyHinton]

GREAT help thanks. Guess there's Netflix:)~

[BuddyHinton]

My review:

I was fairly unsure of this as a purchase. Once I heard there was a new Alice and there was singing and dancing I was a bit aghast. At first you may experience a bit of a culture shock. This is show is somewhat like a Broadway musical of "the Honeymooners" and not all of it works. However, once you get past the frills and dated format you will see the heart of the Gleason/Carney One/Two punch and they are still unmatched. I think Sheila MacRae and Jane Kean pull off a very good Alice and Trixie, which was a major concern I had. I never really cared much for Joyce Randolph, and Audry Meadows while a true classic is handled nicely here.

I mainly lopped a star off because of this MPI production. Or M.more P.product I.insults as I call them. They went the whole 5.1 route and yet only made this "Collection One" I would have much preffered this to be "Season One". This is merely the "Europe" leg of this particular season. Also, oddities like not being able to use the "last memory" from my DVD is typical MPI foolishness. The picture quality varies wildly also.

I Netflixed Disc one and I'm still going to purchase this set. It starts pretty rough but once you adjust to the singing and dancing you'll be OK. In fact, many of the songs Gleason and Carney perform are actually quite good and I do not even care much for Broadway style music.

If you are a Gleason fan this is a must!! And awaaay we go!!!