THE ORIGINAL TV SITCOM FAMILY IS BACK AND FULLY RESTORED & REMASTERED IN 4K FOR ITS 70th ANNIVERSARY

THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET™ SEASONS 1 & 2

The Long-Running and Beloved Series About the Real-Life Nelson Family Arrives For The First Time Ever on Digital Platforms and As a Two Multi-DVD Sets From MPI on June 21, 2022

The Entire Series Has Been Restored From The Original 35mm Picture And Sound Elements In Association With The UCLA Film & Television Archive

https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photos/theadventuresofozzieandharriets1dvd.jpg https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photos/theadventuresofozzieandharriets2dvd.jpg

THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET
Seasons 1 & 2

One of the most popular series in television history will return fully restored to entertain old fans and new viewers when THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET: SEASONS 1 AND 2 arrive on four-DVD sets from MPI Media Group on June 21, 2022. The two sets contain 39 episodes each, representing the complete first two seasons (78 episodes) of the long-running sitcom ranked number 6 on Vulture’s list of “The 50 Most Definitive Family TV Shows.” The entire library of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet has been restored by MPI Media Group from the original 35mm picture and sound elements in association with the UCLA Film & Television Archive, which preserves the elements on behalf of the Nelson family.

For a record-breaking 14 seasons and 435 episodes, THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET aired on ABC-TV from 1952 through 1966, becoming one of the most cherished cultural touchstones of the 20th century. The positive, wholesome series epitomized an idyllic American 1950s lifestyle, its gentle humor brought to the screen by the real-life Nelson family: Ozzie and wife Harriet with their sons, David and Rick, all portraying themselves in a trend-setting blend of fact-meets-fiction comedy decades before Seinfeld and other semi-reality-based shows.

The series humorously chronicled the daily lives of the Nelsons as David and Ricky grew up before millions of weekly viewers. While Ozzie Nelson had been a real-life bandleader and Harriet Nelson a singer, the series would help launch the musical career of their younger son, Ricky, who would become a teen idol with such enduring hits as “Travelin’ Man” and “Hello Mary Lou.”

THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET was the longest running live-action sitcom in U.S. television history until It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia surpassed it on December 1, 2021, when that series debuted its 15th season. But OZZIE AND HARRIET still holds the record for most episodes produced: 435. Among its Emmy nominations and many other accolades, TV Guide placed Ozzie Nelson at number 21 on its list of “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time.”

And now, for the very first time, in association with the Nelson family, the entire series has been digitally restored for its 70th Anniversary with complete episodes from the original film negatives for superior picture quality.

The OFFICIAL COMPLETE SEASON ONE contains all 39 full, fun-filled episodes on four DVDs, starting with the premiere show and other rare adventures not seen on television in decades. Don DeFore (Hazel) appears as Ozzie’s neighbor pal Thorny along with guest stars from classic television and films, including Hal Smith (The Andy Griffith Show), Ellen Corby (The Waltons), Janet Waldo (The Jetsons), Joseph Kearns (Dennis the Menace), Frank Nelson (I Love Lucy) and other familiar faces. The OFFICIAL COMPLETE SEASON TWO also contains 39 episodes – with more lost moments appearing for the first time since originally broadcast – on four discs and features such guest stars as Frank Cady (Petticoat Junction), John Carradine (The Munsters) and Lurene Tuttle (Psycho).

# # #

THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET: SEASONS 1 AND 2

Release date: June 21, 2022
DVD SRP: $29.98 each
Running time: 990 minutes each (4 discs each set)
Language: English
Not rated

Purchase Season 1 on DVD:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09TFGMSL7/happydaysonline3-20

Season 2:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09TDPLHQG/happydaysonline3-20

Season 3:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09ZCQSCZ5/happydaysonline3-20

Season 4:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09ZCX7XQD/happydaysonline3-20

Season 5:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0B5265ZHP/happydaysonline3-20

Season 6:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0B522GV8H/happydaysonline3-20

Season 7:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BBWFDCJK/happydaysonline3-20

Season 8:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BBWBHDK1/happydaysonline3-20

Season 9:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BN7KH86K/happydaysonline3-20

Season 10:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BMT39DFX/happydaysonline3-20

Season 11:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BSS8R9RV/happydaysonline3-20

Season 12:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BSS85WTV/happydaysonline3-20

Season 13:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C4YZN3XX/happydaysonline3-20

Season 14:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C4YZ7Z8W/happydaysonline3-20

70th Anniversary Ultimate Christmas Collection:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BG8X1VHP/happydaysonline3-20

The Official Restored Complete Series:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0CLFMN22B/ref=nosim/happydaysonline3-20

Yay!!!:)

The Ozzie and Harriet season 1 and 2 DVD's just released by MPI are not formatted in full screen, they are pillarbox formatted which means if you still have an old style 4:3 CRT type of TV, like I do, the DVD's will play but with a reduced size, square shape picture with black bars on all four sides of the screen. A real bummer and big disappointment but just letting everyone know.

Oh, what idiot did that?

Thanks for the warning. Too bad I already ordered seasons 3 and 4.

Since DVDs are inherently standard definition, it will probably play that way for everyone.

Egad, I hate this HD stuff, with these boxes, widescreens, reduced pictures, etc.

Oh, what idiot did that?

Thanks for the warning. Too bad I already ordered seasons 3 and 4.

Yep I agree with you but it seems that full screen format is gradually going by the wayside, even for classic old shows like this and these "modern" formats are taking over.

I received seasons 1 and 2 in the mail today and when I put the first disc in the DVD player to watch an episode, I was shocked and appalled when I saw black bars on all four sides of the screen. Episodes are still watchable but it shouldn't have to be like this, I don't enjoy watching classic TV shows with black bars on all sides of the screen. :mad:

Depending on the model, you can sometimes change the aspect ratio on your tv monitor (standard/wide/zoom/full).

Egad, I hate this HD stuff, with these boxes, widescreens, reduced pictures, etc.

Yep I fully agree.

Depending on the model, you can sometimes change the aspect ratio on your tv monitor (standard/wide/zoom/full).

The remote control for my DVD player has a zoom button on it, I tried it and it took the black bars away but it enlarged the image too much, it also made the image look soft and I lost some of the picture, so I set it back to the way it was and will just settle for watching episodes with the black bars on the screen.

The remote control for my DVD player has a zoom button on it, I tried it and it took the black bars away but it enlarged the image too much, it also made the image look soft and I lost some of the picture, so I set it back to the way it was and will just settle for watching episodes with the black bars on the screen.

When they use HD equipment, there is no "correcting" the picture to SD. I have an old pre HD DTA cable box (in addition to my regular one), and it screws up the aspect ratio of MeTV the way you describe (MeTV hosed up their transmission a few years back). I keep it because it's the only way I can get a clean, recordable signal on local stations.

They knew they were doing DVDs (not Blu-Ray) so they should have mastered it properly.

For Blu-Ray HD, these masters would probably come out OK, since the notice TJ posted was that the masters were in 4K resolution (which in itself is interesting, since a few years ago, we were thinking Sam couldn't piece together anything).

I hate that letterbox look--you might as well be viewing an old Philco 1950s TV with the tiny picture.

There's an episode on the season 1 DVD, and four episodes on the season 2 DVD that are rebroadcast versions and not the original airings. I don't know why MPI didn't use the originals, maybe they are lost so they had to go with the rebroadcast versions.

I think it's because Ozzie (or whomever) chopped up the original episode when the rebroadcast happened. On many of them Harriet comes on at the beginning and talks about this episode from 10 years ago, etc. On others the episode was edited to make room fro a Rick song at the end.

I know this from the Time-Life set. What MPI shlould have done is "repair" the episode from the best available sources. Figures, they didn't. Many times the original full episode is on Youtube.

One episode I remember with this problem is Road Race. Another one is where David gets Miss Universe to guest at a fraternity dance--on the repeat of this they cut out a song on the repeat. Of course there are several others.

Discs not formatted in full screen, rebroadcast versions of some episodes, overall I see these DVD's as a major disappointment and I'm unsure if I want to purchase any more seasons. A shame because I had been looking forward to finally having full seasons of this legendary sitcom series.

When I get mine I'm going to try to contact MPI, which is difficult with any large company. Maybe if enough customers do this we can possibly "rescue" future seasons. Since 3 and 4 are on pre-order they're already hopeless.

I'd be much happier if I could watch a full-screen show.

Oh man, I hope they go the distance, because the thought of remastered color episodes of the final season really has me excited...! :)

When I get mine I'm going to try to contact MPI, which is difficult with any large company. Maybe if enough customers do this we can possibly "rescue" future seasons. Since 3 and 4 are on pre-order they're already hopeless.

I'd be much happier if I could watch a full-screen show.

Classic TV on DVD is normally in full screen but unfortunately things seem to have changed and the majority of people now have these widescreen TV's and there are fewer people with the old style CRT type of TV, and I imagine that might be why MPI formatted these discs the way they did. These DVD's were formatted for widescreen TV, not CRT. I'll have to seriously think it over if I want to purchase more seasons, right now I'm leaning towards no. Some episodes being the rebroadcast versions actually bothers me a little more than having the black bars on the screen.

Oh man, I hope they go the distance, because the thought of remastered color episodes of the final season really has me excited...! :)

The few color episodes I've seen on the T-L set have been great. Yeah, I wish they'd go backwards on the seasons.

Classic TV on DVD is normally in full screen but unfortunately things seem to have changed and the majority of people now have these widescreen TV's and there are fewer people with the old style CRT type of TV, and I imagine that might be why MPI formatted these discs the way they did. These DVD's were formatted for widescreen TV, not CRT. I'll have to seriously think it over if I want to purchase more seasons, right now I'm leaning towards no. Some episodes being the rebroadcast versions actually bothers me a little more than having the black bars on the screen.

1. I was forced into an HDTV a few years ago. The DVD player hookup is thru an HDMI cable. BUT DVD isn't an HD setup. I'll report back when I get mine, but I think everyone will be stuck with the letterbox picture. FOR NO REASON.

2. Back in the day someone cut the negatives on maybe around 20 episodes. Even if it was 50, that's a very low percentage of 435. It wouldn't affect the later-seasons at all--only the older episodes from the early seasons.

All in all, I'm just the opposite: the letterbox issue bothers me more. And it potentially will be 435 episodes.

1. I was forced into an HDTV a few years ago. The DVD player hookup is thru an HDMI cable. BUT DVD isn't an HD setup. I'll report back when I get mine, but I think everyone will be stuck with the letterbox picture. FOR NO REASON.

2. Back in the day someone cut the negatives on maybe around 20 episodes. Even if it was 50, that's a very low percentage of 435. It wouldn't affect the later-seasons at all--only the older episodes from the early seasons.

All in all, I'm just the opposite: the letterbox issue bothers me more. And it potentially will be 435 episodes.

Look forward to see your comments about the DVD's after you receive them. If only a small number of episodes would be the rebroadcast versions, that wouldn't be too bad I suppose. I'm in full agreement with you on how the DVD's were formatted, such a shame MPI chose not to go full screen.

Also stevea, I'm not positive about this but since you have an HDTV, the formatting of these DVD's might not negatively affect your set. I have a CRT TV and when I watch these discs I get black bars on all four sides of the screen because the discs are not full screen formatted.

On my HD TV the episodes are in the letterbox (black bars on all sides).

Season 1 is in a defective case where the DVDs keep falling off the spindles. Off topic, but it feels better to complain.

I'll hook up a Blu Ray player later--they supposedly up-convert to HD quality, and I'll see if the letterbox goes away (but I doubt it).

I think between the two sets there are 5 episodes that are "rebroadcast versions"--four for season 2 and one for season 1.

On my HD TV the episodes are in the letterbox (black bars on all sides).

Season 1 is in a defective case where the DVDs keep falling off the spindles. Off topic, but it feels better to complain.

I'll hook up a Blu Ray player later--they supposedly up-convert to HD quality, and I'll see if the letterbox goes away (but I doubt it).

I think between the two sets there are 5 episodes that are "rebroadcast versions"--four for season 2 and one for season 1.

So you also get black bars on all sides of the screen, I've never had an HDTV so I wasn't sure if your set would be affected or not. Such a shame about the formatting with these DVD's, I was originally going to wait for reviews first before ordering but then I thought this is MPI who has done well with previous classic TV releases so I figured it's safe to order this from them and was shocked upon discovering that the discs aren't formatted in 4:3 full screen. :eek: :mad:

The bars are annoying but I found that the episodes were so entertaining I wasn't noticing after awhile!

I'll report back after I hook up the Blu Ray player.

I'm trying to get my eyes adjusted to watching these but I just don't like watching stuff with black bars on the screen. Unless MPI decides to go full screen with future releases, I'm leaning towards not purchasing any more seasons.

The other problem is some episodes being the rebroadcast versions but I imagine this was probably unavoidable as the original airings of some episodes could be lost.

I'm trying to get my eyes adjusted to watching these but I just don't like watching stuff with black bars on the screen. Unless MPI decides to go full screen with future releases, I'm leaning towards not purchasing any more seasons.

The other problem is some episodes being the rebroadcast versions but I imagine this was probably unavoidable as the original airings of some episodes could be lost.

I think many of the rebroadcast versions could have been re-assembled from best sources. Then the repeat could have been placed in the season it was rerun in.

I do like the rebroadcasts because many times they include a song.

I think many of the rebroadcast versions could have been re-assembled from best sources. Then the repeat could have been placed in the season it was rerun in.

I do like the rebroadcasts because many times they include a song.

Do the rebroadcasts include a song because the song serves as a replacement for scenes that were deleted from the original airing?

I recently saw a rebroadcast of a non-Christmas episode, at Christmastime (season 2 set). I think it was Ozzie who introduced it, but at the end they had the families gathered (Rick, Dave, and their spouses and kids), and Rick sang Chestnuts Roasting... All the decorations were up--it was very nice--I had never seen this before. I just looked it up on the set--it's "The Boys' Paper Route," rebroadcast on 12/22/65, originally shown 10/2/53. It's season 2 episode 3.

Yes, they have to remove a few minutes of the original episode, of course. But it's well done and "what I don't know doesn't hurt me."

The one I've mentioned earlier is poorly done--I don't remember the exact details (from the Time-Life set) but it was the one where Dave gets Miss Universe for a frat. dance. The original episode had several songs, and they cut a really good one, instead of a mediocre one, IIRC--to fit in a new Rick song at the end. The full original episode is on Youtube.

I would prefer to have original airings of all the episodes and no rebroadcasts.

I don't know what bothers me more, the fact that the discs are not formatted in 4:3 full screen or the episode rebroadcast versions. I guess both annoy me equally. :lol:

I think my HD Smart TV is probably 48" and with my Sony DVD Blu-Ray player the black is only on the sides. It is not bothesome to me, as I am thrilled to finally have the complete episodes being released.

I think my HD Smart TV is probably 48" and with my Sony DVD Blu-Ray player the black is only on the sides. It is not bothesome to me, as I am thrilled to finally have the complete episodes being released.

Bingo. The more I watched, the less I noticed the black bars. The episodes are SO well done, from the get-go.

Oh, what idiot did that?

Thanks for the warning. Too bad I already ordered seasons 3 and 4.

This was your reply after I posted to report that the discs are not full screen formatted. Now you say episodes are so well done from the get go. Whatever. :rolleyes: :lol:

That was before I saw any episodes, but your point is well taken!

That was before I saw any episodes, but your point is well taken!

The episodes themselves are fine although I'm not fond of the rebroadcast ones.

It's very unfortunate but times appear to be changing, fewer people still have CRT TV's and these other disc formats are slowly taking over, formatting DVD's in 4:3 full screen is gradually going by the wayside, even for classic TV series like Ozzie & Harriet.

I recently bought the Perry Mason DVD's, all 9 seasons, I found a good deal on ebay for the original, half season releases. Thankfully all of those are formatted in 4:3 full screen.

Hey folks, I'm new to this for posting but have read the boards for years. Some have mentioned issues with the formating on the new Ozzie and Harriet dvds. I didn't notice any problems. I have a Sony HD TV and Sony Blu-ray player. On my TV the image format can he adjusted. In this case I didn't have to do that.
So maybe for those experiencing format issues you may want to check your TV settings.

Also no one has mentioned that the first 2 seasons are available digitally at the Google Play Store. $20 for standard definition and $24 for HD.

Welcome, and thanks for the tips!

I don't like DVD's that are not formatted in full screen and will not purchase further seasons of Ozzie & Harriet from MPI. It's an unfortunate situation but it's alright and I can live without this series. Thankfully, these Ozzie & Harriet DVD's are an outlier and all the other classic TV DVD's I have are properly formatted in 4:3 full screen.

However, this Ozzie & Harriet debacle from MPI has made me cautious of future classic TV DVD releases and if something else is released that I would be interested in, I will have to verify first if the discs are full screen formatted before proceeding with any purchase.

Hi 1960's TV fan. Have you bought either season set yet. For me I didn't see any format issues. All episodes were 4x3. On my Sony HD TV which has a 16x9 screen the only black bars are on the left and right. No bars top and bottom.

I'm thinking some people may have to check their TV's settings. I know there are times when a channel chooses to wreck the formating of a show. Boomerang and Cartoon Network for example chooses to stretch out 4x3 content to fit 16x9. Luckily I'm able to reformat the image via the settings on my TV. I just have to remember to reset things when changing channels. Similar adjustments might be needed when viewing a DVD or Blu-ray disc.

Hi 1960's TV fan. Have you bought either season set yet. For me I didn't see any format issues. All episodes were 4x3. On my Sony HD TV which has a 16x9 screen the only black bars are on the left and right. No bars top and bottom.

I'm thinking some people may have to check their TV's settings. I know there are times when a channel chooses to wreck the formating of a show. Boomerang and Cartoon Network for example chooses to stretch out 4x3 content to fit 16x9. Luckily I'm able to reformat the image via the settings on my TV. I just have to remember to reset things when changing channels. Similar adjustments might be needed when viewing a DVD or Blu-ray disc.

Hello, looks like you are new to this forum so welcome aboard. I still use a CRT style type of TV and with these season 1 and 2 Ozzie & Harriet DVD's from MPI I get black bars on all four sides of the screen because the discs are not 4x3 full screen formatted. In my situation with a CRT TV, I don't think there is anything I can do to correct this. I've never owned a widescreen TV but from the way you describe, these sets have options built in where the user can adjust the picture size.

Oh. I guess there are limitations with older TVs. Does your DVD player have setting options? New TVs are not that expensive yet I'm not sure if that's an option for you. Does you computer have DVD playing capability? The season sets are also available as digital downloads from Google Play Store. Yet your TV couldn't play them. But a computer, tablet or smartphone could. I think I've run out of suggestions. Hope you find something that works for you.

Oh. I guess there are limitations with older TVs. Does your DVD player have setting options? New TVs are not that expensive yet I'm not sure if that's an option for you. Does you computer have DVD playing capability? The season sets are also available as digital downloads from Google Play Store. Yet your TV couldn't play them. But a computer, tablet or smartphone could. I think I've run out of suggestions. Hope you find something that works for you.

Thanks for your suggestions but I have decided to forget these Ozzie & Harriet DVD's from MPI and not buy any more seasons since the discs are not full screen formatted. I don't want DVD's that are not formatted in full screen. I have many other DVD's of favorite classic TV shows that I can watch, sitcoms and dramas, all are full screen formatted so I won't miss not having Ozzie & Harriet.

Loving these discs so far. Notably better than the quality on the old public domain and even the Shout! Factory discs. Kudos to Sam and everyone else who is finally getting this done.

I don't suppose the old DVD releases would fetch much on eBay? Although then again, I want to keep the first SF set because of the commentary on 4 eps by David & Sam (although, typifying what's wrong with that set, one of the eps they commented on was a badly chopped version of the famed "Tutti Frutti Ice Cream" ep!)

Loving these discs so far. Notably better than the quality on the old public domain and even the Shout! Factory discs. Kudos to Sam and everyone else who is finally getting this done.

The DVD's are junk, episodes are not formatted in full screen. Classic TV is supposed to be full screen but MPI really screwed these up and I'm not buying any more seasons. I'm actually considering to take the season 1 and 2 DVD's that I purchased and toss them in the trash because I'm not watching garbage with black bars on the screen.

The DVD's are junk, episodes are not formatted in full screen. Classic TV is supposed to be full screen but MPI really screwed these up and I'm not buying any more seasons. I'm actually considering to take the season 1 and 2 DVD's that I purchased and toss them in the trash because I'm not watching garbage with black bars on the screen.

As the saying goes, "One man's junk is another man's treasure!" In this case woman's treasure.

These season releases of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" are long over due and anything but "junk", as you call them. Especially to a true fan, which I am sure you are not.

In my O&H collection, I have just about every other DVD release of this show including multiple bootleg DVD sets that are out there. Yet this true fan is now the proud owner of the first 4 seasons with the next 2 seasons already on pre-order, and anxiously waiting for the announcement of when the next release will be.

Sure, there are minuscule issues. Primarily from film deterioration, especially from a few episodes I saw that have not seen the light of day in who knows how long. A few repeat episodes, here or there, when the original was lost or deteriorated and was gone forever.

Still using a CRT TV and having a smaller screen with black bars on all 4 sides is your choice, and your own personal limitation. And, while you are most definitely entitled to your own opinion, your set-up really does not make for a fair assessment to this great DVD set.

As the saying goes, "One man's junk is another man's treasure!" In this case woman's treasure.

These season releases of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" are long over due and anything but "junk", as you call them. Especially to a true fan, which I am sure you are not.

In my O&H collection, I have just about every other DVD release of this show including multiple bootleg DVD sets that are out there. Yet this true fan is now the proud owner of the first 4 seasons with the next 2 seasons already on pre-order, and anxiously waiting for the announcement of when the next release will be.

Sure, there are minuscule issues. Primarily from film deterioration, especially from a few episodes I saw that have not seen the light of day in who knows how long. A few repeat episodes, here or there, when the original was lost or deteriorated and was gone forever.

Still using a CRT TV and having a smaller screen with black bars on all 4 sides is your choice, and your own personal limitation. And, while you are most definitely entitled to your own opinion, your set-up really does not make for a fair assessment to this great DVD set.

If I wasn't a true Ozzie & Harriet fan, I wouldn't have bought the first two seasons DVD's. So don't tell me I'm not a true fan. I was really shocked when I found out the episodes are not full screen formatted, it's the last thing I expected from MPI and I figured it was safe to order this from them. I found out differently and I won't buy any more seasons.

I don't want classic TV DVD's that are not formatted in full screen. As I said in a previous post, I have many other DVD's of classic TV shows to watch, sitcoms and dramas, all in full screen so I won't miss not having Ozzie & Harriet. Sure it's a disappointment but I can live without it.

If you enjoy these DVD's despite the fact they're not formatted in full screen, then by all means go ahead and buy more seasons. The other drawback is that some episodes are rebroadcast versions but this probably couldn't be avoided because the originals of some episodes are probably lost.

I am glad that I still have CRT TV's and I hope they continue working otherwise I might have to break down and get one of these modern garbage TV's that are made today. I imagine having a CRT TV repaired is close to impossible now, not easy to find parts anymore.

If ANY TV goes out, buying a new one is the only option, IMO. Try finding a repair shop nowadays. I've been thru having to buy a new one recently when my first HDTV took a nosedive after a power hit (despite the surge protector).

What I don't understand is the MPI rationale to master these episodes in HD (and the letterbox thing, or black bars someplace, is one thing that happens when HD is shown on an SD source, which DVD is). I'm told by a friend that a Blu-Ray player shows black bars on the sides. MPI probably could have found a way to do full screen, since Time-Life did.

The easy thing would have been to issue the episodes on Blu-Ray, but their research may have shown that market is shrinking more than DVD. If that's the case, master the episodes in SD full screen.

But, in my view, nothing is perfect, and seeing all these episodes is enough of a treat to make me forget about the letterbox (yes, that's just me!). And, yes, I know that's inconsistent with my earlier posts.

I just received seasons 3 and 4 the other day--they are really zipping along, with seasons 5 and 6 coming in September.

But, in my view, nothing is perfect, and seeing all these episodes is enough of a treat to make me forget about the letterbox (yes, that's just me!). And, yes, I know that's inconsistent with my earlier posts.

I just received seasons 3 and 4 the other day--they are really zipping along, with seasons 5 and 6 coming in September.

So true that nothing is perfect. However, it is really amazing and perfect that this is even happening. Such fun to be able to see so many "new" episodes that I have only read about and now to finally get to see them. They did not disappoint. Yes, they are zipping along and I am especially excited for S5 & S6 which will have several uncirculated episodes and start into Rick's singing years.

So true that nothing is perfect. However, it is really amazing and perfect that this is even happening. Such fun to be able to see so many "new" episodes that I have only read about and now to finally get to see them. They did not disappoint. Yes, they are zipping along and I am especially excited for S5 & S6 which will have several uncirculated episodes and start into Rick's singing years.

This is a plus side of the recut early episodes repeated in the later years. Many early episodes are edited to allow for a Rick song on the later rerun.

Many times the full original early episode is on Youtube, if you really want to see it.

If ANY TV goes out, buying a new one is the only option, IMO. Try finding a repair shop nowadays. I've been thru having to buy a new one recently when my first HDTV took a nosedive after a power hit (despite the surge protector).

What I don't understand is the MPI rationale to master these episodes in HD (and the letterbox thing, or black bars someplace, is one thing that happens when HD is shown on an SD source, which DVD is). I'm told by a friend that a Blu-Ray player shows black bars on the sides. MPI probably could have found a way to do full screen, since Time-Life did.

The easy thing would have been to issue the episodes on Blu-Ray, but their research may have shown that market is shrinking more than DVD. If that's the case, master the episodes in SD full screen.

I know this is unlikely to happen, but if MPI would see the err of their ways, maybe they will issue future seasons formatted in full screen. But even if they were to do this, what they did with the first two seasons has already killed it for me, I'm done with O & H from MPI. I will just use You Tube if I want to see some episodes.

The DVD's are junk, episodes are not formatted in full screen. Classic TV is supposed to be full screen but MPI really screwed these up and I'm not buying any more seasons. I'm actually considering to take the season 1 and 2 DVD's that I purchased and toss them in the trash because I'm not watching garbage with black bars on the screen.

We are well aware of your opinion that the DVDs are "junk." Some moderator ought to shut you down for thread-crapping by this point.

We are well aware of your opinion that the DVDs are "junk." Some moderator ought to shut you down for thread-crapping by this point.

I have rightfully and clearly stated my opinion on the subject but if you enjoy these DVD's then go ahead and buy more seasons, no one is stopping you. I prefer classic TV DVD's that are full screen formatted. You watch what you like and I'll watch what I like.

Yes, you have a right to your opinion, and we all now know each others' opinions.

The DVD's are junk, episodes are not formatted in full screen. Classic TV is supposed to be full screen but MPI really screwed these up and I'm not buying any more seasons. I'm actually considering to take the season 1 and 2 DVD's that I purchased and toss them in the trash because I'm not watching garbage with black bars on the screen.

Have you tried the DVDs on someone else's TV? There you can see if it's the DVDs or your TV that is causing the formatting issues.

You can buy the season sets as digital downloads from Google Play Store. I've done that and the image quality is as good as the DVDs. You can play them on your computer. If you have a tablet or smartphone you can watch them there too. They can be downloaded for times you don't have internet access.

Before you throw away the DVDs you have consider donating them to a library, nursing home or senior center.

Have you tried the DVDs on someone else's TV? There you can see if it's the DVDs or your TV that is causing the formatting issues.

You can buy the season sets as digital downloads from Google Play Store. I've done that and the image quality is as good as the DVDs. You can play them on your computer. If you have a tablet or smartphone you can watch them there too. They can be downloaded for times you don't have internet access.

Before you throw away the DVDs you have consider donating them to a library, nursing home or senior center.

The problem is with the DVD's because they're not full screen formatted.

Thanks for the digital download suggestion, I'll consider it but for now I just use You Tube when I want to see some episodes.

Also a good suggestion to donate the season 1 and 2 DVD's to the local library, either that or I might try to find someone locally who likes Ozzie & Harriet, I'll give them the DVD's if they're not bothered with the formatting issue.

Here's a "Contact Us" link for MPI:

https://www.mpihomevideo.com/pages/contact-us?contact_posted=true#contact_form

As I slowly begin to understand this HD stuff a little better, I also think this could be the reason for "black bars": Ozzie and Harriet was made in 4:3 aspect ratio, as everything was before widescreen (16:9).

Since they are evidently using HD transfers for the MPI DVDs, we are getting the original 4:3 aspect ratio. An SD transfer would "fill the screen", so they must have done those for the Time Life set.

So I sent them the contact form above to try to find out why they were unable to do what Time Life did. Obviously it helps if more people ask them these questions, particularly if they are unhappy enough to discontinue buying these O&H season sets.

The problem is with the DVD's because they're not full screen formatted.

Thanks for the digital download suggestion, I'll consider it but for now I just use You Tube when I want to see some episodes.

Also a good suggestion to donate the season 1 and 2 DVD's to the local library, either that or I might try to find someone locally who likes Ozzie & Harriet, I'll give them the DVD's if they're not bothered with the formatting issue.

Wow, your experience is odd I think. I've got the Time/Life and MPI DVDs both are formatted correctly on my HD TV. I use a Blu-ray player. I do hope you find a workable solution. For me the MPI digital download format equals their DVDs in quality. I just wonder if your equipment is too old to process the DVD content. I mean you can't listen to stereo on a mono device. Same thing could be going on here for you.

Wow, your experience is odd I think. I've got the Time/Life and MPI DVDs both are formatted correctly on my HD TV. I use a Blu-ray player. I do hope you find a workable solution. For me the MPI digital download format equals their DVDs in quality. I just wonder if your equipment is too old to process the DVD content. I mean you can't listen to stereo on a mono device. Same thing could be going on here for you.

My TV's are the CRT style so they are old but I never had a problem buying classic TV DVD's until now with these O & H DVD's from MPI. All the other classic TV DVD's that I have are formatted in 4x3 full screen and I get a full screen picture.

I don't claim to be an expert on the subject but I believe what MPI might have done with these O & H DVD's is produce them in pillarbox format, which for those like me with CRT TV's, results in a reduced size, square shape picture with black bars on all four sides of the screen. They certainly aren't widescreen formatted, which would result in black bars at the top and bottom but not on the sides. So I'm thinking they are pillarbox formatted.

My TV's are the CRT style so they are old but I never had a problem buying classic TV DVD's until now with these O & H DVD's from MPI. All the other classic TV DVD's that I have are formatted in 4x3 full screen and I get a full screen picture.

I don't claim to be an expert on the subject but I believe what MPI might have done with these O & H DVD's is produce them in pillarbox format, which for those like me with CRT TV's, results in a reduced size, square shape picture with black bars on all four sides of the screen. They certainly aren't widescreen formatted, which would result in black bars at the top and bottom but not on the sides. So I'm thinking they are pillarbox formatted.

What is the reason for using a CRT TV? I'm sure you prefer it to current TVs. I'm just curious as to why.

Also, I wonder if your computer can play the DVDs. I know there are portable DVD players for computers. That might be an option.

What is the reason for using a CRT TV? I'm sure you prefer it to current TVs. I'm just curious as to why.

Also, I wonder if your computer can play the DVDs. I know there are portable DVD players for computers. That might be an option.

I've always had CRT TV's, this is the type of TV that I like and am used to. I don't expect the CRT sets I have to last forever but I'll hold on to them as long as they continue working. I have a 21 inch Sony Trinitron CRT set that quit on me recently, I inquired to see if I could have it repaired but was told no because parts are no longer available.

My desktop computer has a DVD drive but I don't like watching DVD's on the computer, so I don't really consider that as an option. I watch videos on You Tube using the computer and that's it. But technically speaking, I could probably watch DVD's on the computer if I wanted to, I just prefer watching DVD's through the DVD player connected to the CRT TV.

I have a 21 inch Sony Trinitron CRT set that quit on me recently, I inquired to see if I could have it repaired but was told no because parts are no longer available.


What size of CRT TV are you now using to watch your Classic TV DVD's?

What size of CRT TV are you now using to watch your Classic TV DVD's?

I currently have a 14 inch set in the bedroom and a 27 inch set in the living room. The 14 inch set is a Panasonic with a VCR built in to it. The 27 inch set is a stereo console made by Zenith. I have another 27 inch set that I'm not currently using, I was thinking to put it in the bedroom but it's a little big for the bedroom so I'm just going with the 14 inch set. Also have two more 14 inch sets that I'm not currently using. These are spare TV's in the event I ever need them.

Too bad about my 21 inch Sony Trinitron, the picture conked out so the set now has audio only and no video. I contacted a TV repair shop but was told they can't fix it because parts are no longer available.

Wow, you are living in 1970's ville. I had a similar set up in my apartment 40 years ago. But I appreciate how you feel. I still have my old 25 inch CRT TV (never called it that as long as I had it, but now that's what they call them) in my bedroom. But I NEVER watch TV in the bedroom, so that TV will probably never die, but it's still there ready to serve.

But don't feel too out of it, I still use telephones exactly like you see on Leave It To Beaver and Hazel. I think those phones had the most perfect design for use with mouth and ear. They fit perfectly and no one had a hard time hearing you, you know just where to speak.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvintagerotaryphones.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2Fleftb650.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

I have never used a cell phone and hope to never use one. Anytime I talk to someone who uses them they sound just like a bad AM radio and the sound goes in and out and finally just pops out. Never have this trouble with the old land line phones, they're perfect. They should have perfected cell phones before they released them onto the public. Now everyone suffers with lousy sound and lousy connections.:mad:

I'm with you Hazel Anyday, I don't have a cell phone either, just a land line. I used to have a cell phone but don't really need one now so I just have the land line.

In some ways, I live like it's still the 1970's. Aside from a few of the "modern" things like DVD's and a DVD player, and a computer for internet access. Also cable TV, I've had cable since the 1980's.

I don't have a cell phone/smartphone either, and do I ever hear about it!
I don't have a rotary phone like HA, but I do have the landline. No picture-tube TVs though.

AT&T moved the landline over to fiber optic cable a few months ago. It was either that or they'd disconnect it without my ordering it. That happened to an acquaintance--they didn't send her a letter, they just pulled it out. Anyway, now that mine is on the fiber, the power has gone out twice--and when the power goes out, so does the phone. That didn't happen before--AT&T was supposed to put in a battery backup, but didn't.

To all of you Old School folks I'm impressed with your love of old technology. Honestly it took me a great deal of time to get a smartphone. I got a flip phone years after they were introduced due to having my car crap out on the Interstate and being stranded for hours. Then last year I got a smart phone again due to car trouble and realizing the flip phone had limitations with finding phone numbers, lacking GPS, etc.

I rarely us the smartphone as a phone. I'm normally streaming shows from YouTube during lunch breaks at work. Right now I'm in the middle of the run of the series, The Gale Storm Show - Oh Susanna.

Does any one know why there are fewer episodes on season 3 and 4 than season 1, 2, 5 and 6.

Also for season 3 I only saw one episode that was a rebroadcast. I've gone through the first 25 episodes from that season.

Does any one know why there are fewer episodes on season 3 and 4 than season 1, 2, 5 and 6.

Also for season 3 I only saw one episode that was a rebroadcast. I've gone through the first 25 episodes from that season.


This is likely the reason.

There were several rerun episodes during seasons 3 & 4 with no summer reruns after June for those 2 seasons. Instead each had summer replacement shows.

Seasons 1 & 2 did not have any reruns.

Season 5 had no reruns during the regular season until summer reruns began in July.

Season 6 had just 2 reruns during the regular season with summer reruns beginning in mid-June.

I am very excited for season 5 & 6 as there will be 9 "new" episodes that I have only read about and am dying to see. I pre-ordered them the day I found out they were available. Plus, these seasons begin the Rick's singing episodes.

I don't have a cell phone/smartphone either, and do I ever hear about it!
I don't have a rotary phone like HA, but I do have the landline. No picture-tube TVs though.

AT&T moved the landline over to fiber optic cable a few months ago. It was either that or they'd disconnect it without my ordering it. That happened to an acquaintance--they didn't send her a letter, they just pulled it out. Anyway, now that mine is on the fiber, the power has gone out twice--and when the power goes out, so does the phone. That didn't happen before--AT&T was supposed to put in a battery backup, but didn't.

I also don't have a rotary phone, just the push button land line type of phone.

My land line is connected with the cable TV service, so if the cable goes out, the phone and internet also goes out. It's annoying whenever this happens but fortunately it doesn't occur too often.

With the way this world is going, the thought has crossed my mind that land line phone service might eventually be discontinued everywhere and people will be required to have a cell phone whether they want one or not.

I also don't have a rotary phone, just the push button land line type of phone.

My land line is connected with the cable TV service, so if the cable goes out, the phone and internet also goes out. It's annoying whenever this happens but fortunately it doesn't occur too often.

With the way this world is going, the thought has crossed my mind that land line phone service might eventually be discontinued everywhere and people will be required to have a cell phone whether they want one or not.

Comment on the first bolded quote: Ha! The cable companies claim this doesn't happen. It might not happen in some circumstances, but if a cable is physically cut (like if a pole is knocked down), it will go out. With Comcast, at least here, if the TV goes down, so does the internet.

Comment on second: With AT&T, at least in Indiana, when the fiber comes thru, the landline either goes to the fiber, or it goes, period.

General comment: I might have sounded above, at some point, like I have a problem with picture-tube TVs. Not at all, Sony Trinitrons were great TVs, and I've had at least one of those--it's probably my favorite CRT TV.

I'm a '50s & '60s phone fancier, I like them in a variety of colors that I switch up during the year. The technical name for the 60's rotary is the 500 series, the '70's push button type is the 2500 series. In the fall I usually use my bright orange rotary, summer I have a bright green rotary phone, my blue rotary phone has been in my bedroom for almost 40 years, even an unusual peach colored phone, not pink, but peach, have several red phones both rotary and push button and 2 Two Tone phones like I pictured above except mine are push button 2500's that I created by combining the parts of a black and a red phone together. Using the black and a red's phone handle, body and cord. I do have some 70's style push button phones the type you'd see on Courtship of Eddie's Father. In today's world anytime you call a business or they call you you have to have a push button phone to communicate with these darn automated machines they use. But still proud to say absolutely no cell phones or even the slightly modern cordless walk-around phone either. All of mine are either '60's or '70's types. Though they are all not cordless I do use a 50 foot cord on 2 of them so I can walk about.

I have some Princess "innards" and a peach Princess shell and handset, and a turquoise one, as well. All touchtone.

Again, touchtone, wall (2554), I have one mounted in the garage that is dark blue right now, but I also have a 2554 brown shell and handset that I can change it into.

I have a red 2500 in the basement but I have shell and handset which could turn it into light gray. For the touchtone pads for these i prefer the "soft-touch" upgraded pads from the 1980s, which actually are way less trouble-prone than the original electromechanical touchtone pads.

My 2500 and 2554 models have original electromechanical innards from the 1980s (again, other than the touchtone pad). Newer table and wall models from AT&T (maybe in the 90s) were totally redone innards, light, and really, crap.

Most of these Western Electric colors are not common at all. The common ones were black, white, red, olive green, tan, ivory, yellow, light blue. I think I've seen Ann Marie use a pink Princess and maybe a light blue Trimline--I don't know if pink was a common color or not. In the later seasons Ann had an olive green 2500 in her L.R.--pretty impressive for the late 1960s. Ann had to be mod, even with her phone.

I also have a hunter green AT&T Trimline 230, probably from the 90s. It's a discontinued model but it's really a nice phone, but I will say the model is prone to trouble. I had a red one which would periodically emit a loud tone from the receiver, for no reason at all. Generally the Trimline was a great phone for Western from the get-go, and probably made them tons of money.

Back in the '70's the first phone I actually bought from an AT&T store was a black candlestick phone (the type Andy Griffith uses in his sheriff's office). I still have it but find it too inconvenient to use for very long (you have to use both hands to talk and it gets annoying). At one time back in the early '80's I bought a real slick mod looking skinny phone with a black handle and a red skinny body (this was not any regular phone made by the major phone people). But it was very mod looking and unfortunately extremely light (would slide off the table) and it was CHEAP. Well, you get what you pay for, it stopped working about 3 months later. Not learning my lesson I also bought a cheap teal colored imitation early '50's LOOKING (not genuine) blue phone. Once again, beautiful, looked like a teal colored '50's phone, once again very light and once again ceased operation after just 2 months. Talk about all show and no go, that's what these beautiful LOOKING modern phones were. After that I learned my lesson and only bought genuine either AT&T or IT&T 500 or 2500 phones. When I was a kid we had a yellow wall phone (like hangs in Beaver's kitchen) but I always wanted a desk phone. My Dad refused to buy a desk phone so the first thing I bought when I was on my own was a desk phone (that dark blue one I have now in the bedroom). I still don't like wall phones and I don't use them.

(Shamed to admit this, but my Mom who's still alive wanted a new WALL phone to replace her old '70's wall phone. So I shamefully:o bought a wall phone, (a '70's push button type) a red one for her. She got it and did nothing but complain about it "I can't hear it" it's actually VERY loud. She's just mostly deaf. The red one even lit up when it rang so she could see it even if she couldn't hear it:crazy:. So I then bought another this time tan '70's push button wall phone for her and now she's happy. Well when I replaced that red wall phone I took it home to test it to see if it really was as bad as she constantly complained I put it on the wall in my kitchen. It had one problem since I've had it (for about a year now) and once the connection didn't connect, for some reason the wire in the back came out.) Other than that it's worked perfectly and rings LOUD and still lights up like a siren on a police car. It's still on the wall in my kitchen, and I shamefully:o still use it. Though I had to attach an extra long wire to it to be able to go more than 4 feet from it.:crazy:

Yup, you see varying probably-Western Electric phones on O&H over the years. In the later years all you can tell is that the one we always see is a light-colored one, probably white, ivory, or tan. When and if season 14 comes out on DVD, I'll check. I don't remember what color it is on any of the few color episodes I've seen.