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It's
as classic a comedy set up as you will ever find, something so simple
that its genius may never be replicated (by has been copied more times
than you can imagine). One clean, one dirty - thats all there is to it.
Yet, at the same time, there is so much more going on - which is most
likely why the concept has lasted almost half a decade in numerous
mediumes (be it Stage, Cinema or TV Screen).
This incarnation is
the first of the TV shows five series run (1970-1975), which amazingly
was cancelled at the end of each season (before being renewed thanks to
healthy rerun ratings over the summer) which was commissioned after the
success of the 1968 film of the same name.
For the uninitiated, they're TV's nuttiest roommates! Neil Simon's The Odd Couple
follows sportswriter Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman - or as my mum knows
him - Quincy), a bachelor living in slop, who wreaks havoc on a room
with the speed of a tornado. Felix Unger (Tony Randall who takes on the
role made famous by Jack Lemmon) is a hypochondriac, whose cleanliness
is just another form of craziness.
Oscar lives for the moment.
Felix lives for the opera. While Oscar enjoys Felix's cooking, Felix
enjoys cleaning Oscar's bedroom. They're the perfect
non-gay-but-probably-are mismatch! There are 24 episodes on here,
all of which range from genuinely hilarious to downright deplorable
sitcom cheese. But for the most part, it sustains a happy medium
between the two extremes. It will be a great nostalgice trip down
memory lane for those who grew up on it, but as for the new generation,
some of the material has dated about as well as Robin Williams Mork & Mindy costumes. EXTRAS
In a total rarity, there are some absolutley superb extras
included on this first release. Generally companies will chuck a bunch
of episodes onto a DVD and photoshop a 60 years old picture into
something more contemporary looking - but they really have gone above
and beyond here digging up a great deal of dirt from vaults.
Some
of the highlights include a rare appearance by Tony Randall & Jack
Klugman on The Mike Douglas Show (before series premiere in 1970), Jack
Klugman's Book Tour Home Videos, a classic Gag Reel, Tony & Jack on
stage in 1993's "The Odd Couple" (one of the best finds of any DVD
extra I've seen) plus a few extra bits and bobs.
A great package, easily one of the best when it comes to Golden Era TV Series.
Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 85%
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