There's been some discussion here about whether classic shows should be released on DVD with full original commercials included in the package. I haven't actually seen examples of this in practice but I have to wonder if it's really necessary. Obviously that's just my opinion and if such releases make the purists happy I'll be happy for them. But personally, I think commercials are commercials regardless of when they were made. The vintage ads might be interesting from a curiosity, nostalgic, or historical standpoint, but I would rather have TV shows commercial-free. The only exception would be cast promos where some of the show's actors are involved.

If I grew up in the '50s and '60s I might feel differently about this but for whatever reason I don't have much interest in old commercials.

I would think it you bought the show it might cost more with the older ads. So to save a few pennies I would prefer to have commercials left out.

I like seeing older commercials on some of the public domain releases of
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, as when Harriet comments that natural gas is "so clean" burning -- like PhoenixAcres mentioned, it's of more interest when original cast members performed in the spots.

All of those originally aired before I was old enough to be a viewer, so it's not really nostalgia for me -- more of a cultural curiosity that adds to the overall experience.

I have an episode of Kraft Suspence Theatre which has its original commercials intact. One of those commercials has a recipe for chili mac that's downright DELICIOUS. Unlike today's TV Commercials none of them were presented to you in an obnoxous and/or insulting manner. and they showed no more then three commercials at a time. Total run time for the show? 52 Minutes.

There's been some discussion here about whether classic shows should be released on DVD with full original commercials included in the package. I haven't actually seen examples of this in practice but I have to wonder if it's really necessary. Obviously that's just my opinion and if such releases make the purists happy I'll be happy for them. But personally, I think commercials are commercials regardless of when they were made. The vintage ads might be interesting from a curiosity, nostalgic, or historical standpoint, but I would rather have TV shows commercial-free. The only exception would be cast promos where some of the show's actors are involved.

If I grew up in the '50s and '60s I might feel differently about this but for whatever reason I don't have much interest in old commercials.

With many older shows the commercials are so integral, it sometimes becomes obvious when they cut out the 'brought to you by' and ads. in many 50s shows all the commercials are by the cast (like the Carnation ads on Burns and Allen). Also, what they should do is to include a chapter stop at the end of the ad, so those who want to skip the commercial, can.

the tonight show with Johnny Carson: the vault series includes the original commercials. You can watch them with or without them. I've only watched a couple of the episodes with the commercials. When i watch it i prefer not to watch the commercials. but it is nice to know i can them if i want.

I agree with everyone's responses. I'm not against including commercials, but I think it makes sense to have an option to skip commercials or not, depending on how you feel or how much time you have to watch.

Some of the Bonanza DVDs and I Love Lucy DVDs include commercials that were done by the cast over the years. Those are fun to watch.

I like seeing older commercials on some of the public domain releases of
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, as when Harriet comments that natural gas is "so clean" burning -- like PhoenixAcres mentioned, it's of more interest when original cast members performed in the spots.


The commercials in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet were the first thing that came to my mind. They also did Kodak commercials with Harriet and commercials in the opening that show one of the boys holding a camera. Those type of commercials are so integrated into the show that I feel like they belong there for completion.

I liked how on one of The Lucy Show DVD sets (sorry, can't remember which one), the viewer has the option of watching the episodes with the sponser openings or without. It'd be great if more companies did that for people who enjoy old commercials.

I've bought a number of DVDs, like the Carson sets, mainly FOR the commercials! I also dig through old videotapes looking for 70s and early 80s commercials, biggest disappointment is finding a recording where they were edited out! Commercials were handled SO much more tastefully in the 70s, as they usually tried to put them at just the right point in the show and there were no more than 10 minutes of them per hour. I have several shows taped off the air in 1976 and most of the commercial breaks are only ONE minute long! DVDs can be authored to automatically skip over parts, which is what was done with the Carson sets so the commercials aren't forced on everyone.

I agree with everyone's responses. I'm not against including commercials, but I think it makes sense to have an option to skip commercials or not, depending on how you feel or how much time you have to watch.
I agree,as long as you have the option to skip them I think it would be a good idea to include the older commercials.However only the commercials made at least 3 decades ago. Commercials made during and before the 1970s were actually often quite good and entertaining.They are totally the opposite of modern day ads.

I would like to see the commercials optional too. You'd be surprised at how many people want or like to see the commercials.