The Flintstones: From Prime-Time Hit to Saturday Morning Filler

[TMC]

The Flintstones was ABC's first animated prime-time hit, built for adults, running alongside live-action network drama. And then, quietly, something changed. New characters arrived. The comedy softened. By Season 4, the show that launched an era had reshaped itself into something else entirely.

In this review, we examine The Flintstones: The Complete Series Blu-ray — all six seasons and two bonus movies — and ask the question the box art won't answer: is this actually definitive? We break down the picture quality and compression concerns, investigate the infamous Season 1 audio defect and Warner's replacement program, pick the best episode from each season as the show evolves from adult sitcom to kid-friendly franchise, and assess whether the special features — including a WWE crossover in Standard Definition for some reason — justify a spot on your shelf.

Plus: a bonus review of The New Fred and Barney Show on Blu-ray from Warner Archive! Surprise!

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:22 Addressing the Compression Concerns
• 5:54 The Audio Defect (and the accidental commentary track)
• 8:16 Season 1 Pick: The Engagement Ring
• 9:02 Season 2 Pick: The Impractical Joker
• 9:58 Season 3 Pick: Barney the Invisible
• 10:52 Season 4 Pick: Daddies Anonymous
• 11:42 Season 5 Pick: Fred's Second Car
• 12:49 Season 6 Pick: Seeing Doubles
• 14:29 Special Features (and the WWE Stone Age SmackDown)
• 15:49 Bonus Review: The New Fred and Barney Show
• 19:06 Final Verdict: Is it worth owning?