The Odd Couple: The Complete Series Blu-ray Review
“The Odd Couple” is a classic sitcom.
Based on the play by Neil Simon and created for the small screen by Garry Marshall and Jerry Belson, 1970’s “The Odd Couple” is a New York set sitcom that revolves around 2 divorced men who become roomies. Felux Unger is a smart, in shape, neat freak photographer while Oscar Madison is a cigar smoking, sportswriter, unhealthy, slob. The two could not be more opposite. Over the course of five seasons, the two feud but somehow stay roommates through thick and thin. Plots in the series involve dates, illnesses, how Felix and Oscar met, jobs, ex-wives, Oscar sleepwalking, TV appearances, family members, flashbacks, travel adventures, feuds, gambling, sports and so much more. In typical TV of yesteryear fashion, there are tons of notable guest stars like Bob Hope, Albert Brooks, Rob Reiner, Brett Somers, Pat Morita, Betty White, Dick Clark, Jean Simmons and Bubba Smith. Note: The only thing missing in this set is “The Odd Couple Together Again” 1993 movie.
It’s rare to see material that works well in 3 mediums, but such is the case of “The Odd Couple.” It started out as a renowned stage play then became a memorable film with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and then went on to become a successful TV series with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. What makes it work so well? It’s the simple premise mixed with the characters. By having rich characters who are at odds with one another there’s always going to be conflict and situational comedy. It lends itself to so many storytelling avenues. There’s all sorts of shenanigans Oscar and Felix can get into and that’s exactly what this series does.
A lot of sitcoms will wear the premise thin, but “The Odd Couple” is the type of series that is consistent all the way through. 5 seasons is a proper amount for a sitcom in that there are just enough episodes. It helps that the series goes out on a high note with the fitting series finale “Felix Remarries.” There’s just so many genuinely funny episodes here like “Password” (in which Felix desperately wants to be on the game show), “Security Arms” (Felix and Oscar move in to a not so ideal secure apartment), “Take My Furniture, Please” (in which Oscar and Felix have very different tastes in furniture) and “The Fat Farm” (with Felix and Oscar going to a weight-loss camp together to get Oscar into shape).
Even with the top notch writing, the series works because of its leads Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. Randall was note perfect as Felix. He steals the entire show and his line deliveries and mannerisms never cease to make you laugh. Klugman does a lot of reacting to Randall, but at the same time, he also has great chemistry with him. The two banter as well as anyone in TV history.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Despite the presence of dirt specs, lines, and picture issues at times, this series has been cleaned up tremendously. The colors are noticeably richer and it looks so much better than any past home video or TV release.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a solid Mono track.
Extras:
* Tony Randall on “The Mike Douglas Show.”
* Series promos with optional Garry Marshall audio intros.
* 2 commentaries on “The Laundry Orgy” by Garry Marshall and Jerry Belson and one by Carole Shelley.
* Select audio episode and extra feature intros by Garry Marshall.
* Tony Randall and Jack Klugman on “The Mike Douglas Show.”
* “Jack Klugman’s Book Tour Home Videos”
* Gag reel.
* A clip of Tony And Jack On Stage In “The Odd Couple” from 1993.
* Emmy Presentation of Jack Klugman winning for Best Actor In A Leading Role with optional commentary by Jack Klugman.
* Commentary on “It’s All Over Now, Baby Bird” by Jack Klugman.
* Commentary on “They Use Horseradish, Don’t They?” by Garry Marshall.
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