DVD Corner

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.- The Complete Series Blu-ray Review

“Surprise, surprise, surprise!” “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” hits Blu-ray.    

In this spin-off of “The Andy Griffith Show,” Gomer Pyle heads from Mayberry to Camp Henderson, California where he joins the U.S. Marine Corps. The talkative, happy-go-lucky goofball country bumpkin seems out of place in the Marines and indeed messes up on more than one occasion, but he somehow always redeems himself in the end. Yelling hardass drill instructor Sgt. Carter acts as Gomer’s superior officer. Gomer wants to make Carter proud and considers him a friend. Carter is frustrated by Pyle (to put it mildly), but begins to see Pyle as a friend as well (even though he probably wouldn’t admit it).

Throughout the 5 seasons and 150 episodes of this sitcom, stories involve training, Gomer learning lessons, war games, illnesses, the Pyle family, Gomer getting conned, Carter’s love life, Gomer’s generosity, Gomer on dates, a submarine, the Sergeant’s stolen car, potential transfers, a documentary, Duke, a Vegas trip, “The Andy Griffith Show” characters popping up, Sgt. Hacker, pay days, Hollywood trips, off base outings, important visitors on base, Lou-Ann (a singer who later becomes Gomer’s girlfriend), Col. Gray, promotions, reenlistments, animals, and Carol Burnett (as Sgt. Carol Barnes).

Throughout TV history there aren’t a ton of spin-offs that became just as popular and as successful as the original series they originated from but 1964’s “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” certainly falls in that category. The Aaron Ruben created sitcom may very well be a simple one-joke fish-out-of-water series of a country man in the Marines, but it works because of the performances of Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton. Gomer may be a bit of a cartoon with catch phrases like “Shazam!” and “Golly!,” but he’s a positive and big hearted fellow who always tries his best. He’s an endearing character. There’s a reason he received his own show. Carter, meanwhile, is a grouchy Sergeant that sometimes pushes Gomer to do better. He can be a jerk, but he too has a heart. The complicated dynamic between the two carries the show through and through.

Story wise, it’s very much an old school episodic sitcom with problems, screw-ups, and resolutions and that’s perfectly fine. It’s a comfort show. Whether “Gomer Minds His Sergeant’s Car” or “Opie Joins The Marines,” there’s laughter to be found both in this show and with crossovers with the beloved “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.34:1 1080p. How does it look? The series has been digitally remastered and the result is largely impressive. Season 1 (in B&W) is a little grainy and scratchy in spots, but has been cleaned up tremendously. Seasons 2 through 5 (in color) fare better with richer colors and cleaner prints.

Audio Track: DTS-HD MA Mono. How does it sound? The audio is snowy in spots and perhaps a bit muted, but is still better than past releases to be sure.

Extras:
* The pilot episode “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” from “The Andy Griffith Show.”
* Commentary on “Gomer And The Dragon Lady” by
* A sales presentation for the pilot episode. 

April 6, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 60's, Frank Sutton, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.- The Complete Series Blu-ray Review, Jim Nabors, Shazam, Sitcom, Spin-Off, The Andy Griffith Show