'Mooners Monday #32: A final word (for now) on the Gleason DVD set

I'm disappointed at the lack of chatter online about the new Time Life Jackie Gleason Show DVD set, and I still haven't seen the 30-minute infomercial.

I give Time Life Video credit for running this review and response on its site:

 

2.0

Not complete shows!!

By All or Nothing At All

from Chicago, IL

About Me Movie Buff

Comments about The Jackie Gleason Show IN COLOR HOST:

Was looking forward to seeing these classic Gleason variety shows in their entirety. Instead we get shows with music numbers cut and in fact in some instances 1/4 to 1/3 of the show is missing. I was especially looking forward to seeing the episode with Bing Crosby as he sang solos of some of his greatest hits of the 1940's "Dear Hearts & Gentle People", "San Fernando Valley" and "Don't Fence Me In". All that remains is Don't Fence Me In! Plus the lengthy (nearly 10 minute) medley of "girls" songs Bing sang with Jackie Gleason is also cut! Time Life owes me...and owes you...the complete shows!!

Merchant response: Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear you were not completely satisfied with your purchase. You're correct—there are sketches deleted from the collection. In some cases a sketch has multiple songs and we weren't able to clear the rights from a couple of the music publishers; so rather than try to edit around those songs, we deleted the entire sketch. We do strive to release complete episodes whenever possible.

 

 

Now, personally, I understand the disappointment, but I can't see myself doing anything other than recommending this set...IF it's clear what everyone is getting. Running this review is a step in the right direction. It's a shame TL couldn't or wouldn't get more music clearances, but as long as everyone knows that the set is not all full episodes, I think it's fair play. The problem is that the company conveniently avoids saying that in its description of the product. I don't blame them for not making a big deal out of it--Hey, folks, MOST OF THESE ARE CUT BECAUSE WE COULDN'T GET RIGHTS FOR THE MUSICAL NUMBERS!!!--but it could be a little clearer.