To this day, I’m astounded by the “hipness,” cleverness and outrageousness of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” The fast-moving, rapid-fire, one-liner sketch comedy show (with awesome musical performances thrown in) was groundbreaking when it debuted in 1968.
Now, Time-Life has made “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In: The Complete Series” available on DVD for the first time. All six seasons are here, encompassing 140 complete episodes remastered from original broadcast masters. Fans need to realize that 63 percent of these shows have never been available in any format previously.
Relive Don Rowan and Dick Martin’s comedy, with comedic regulars Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Ruth Buzzi, Jo Anne Worley, Arte Johnson, Judy Carne and others. Even Richard Nixon made an appearance. The boxed set contains all 140 episodes on 38 discs.
The rare 1967 pilot episode is included in the collection. Bonus features include interviews, bloopers, a tribute to George Schlatter, a 25th anniversary cast reunion and a 32-page collectible memory book.
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Another huge title, in terms of actual size, is Shout! Factory’s “Blake Edwards’ The Pink Panther Film Collection Starring Peter Sellers.” The six-disc Blu-ray boxed set contains the two movies from 1964 as well as those from 1975, 1976, 1978 and 1982. This is the first time that they have all been packaged together, and four of them making their Blu-ray debuts (two are even in new 4K scans). Bonus features are abundant, including exclusive interviews, audio commentaries, and a 24-page book.
Amber Tamblyn has come a long way since 1990s “General Hospital.” The actress went on to star in “Joan of Arcadia,” which is now available in a complete-series DVD set by Paramount Home Video Distribution/CBS Home Entertainment. All 45 episodes are presented, and bonus features include audio commentaries, deleted scenes and making-of presentations.
“The Vampire Diaries: The Eighth and Final Season” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) is proof that all good things come to an end. Hold onto the series with dear life by purchasig this wrap-up season. Besides all the 16 one-hour episodes, the boxed set includes a brand-new featurette, a Comic-Con panel and retrospective feature.
Not to be confused with the TV show, “Chips” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) is the movie version starring Dax Shepard and Michael Pena. They represent an inexperienced rookie and a hardened pro who team together at the California Highway Patrol. They certainly clash, but, oh do they click, too. Among the bonus features is a “This Is Not Your Dad’s Chips” featurette, other featurettes, director commentary and deleted scenes.