When Saturday Night (as it was initially called) debuted, it became hip to knock The Carol Burnett Show as hopelessly old-fashioned compared to Lorne Michaels' subversive upstart. But more than three decades later, the series remains the gold standard of TV variety shows. The 16 episodes compiled here—presented complete with the audience Q&A and production numbers that were later cut for syndication—hold up remarkably well more than 30 years later. Taking a page from Sid Caesar's playbook, Carol and company (Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence) appeared in sketches that explored the human comedy rather than relying on short-shelf-life topical references. These gifted clowns had no peers when it came to knock-down slapstick sketches. Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy some series benchmarks featured here, including the epic “Went with the Wind” and the very first “Family” sketch (along with several others, the best of which features a seamless flashback to Eunice and Ed's happier dating days). The extensive DVD extras include a cast reunion, a sketch from The Garry Moore Show in which Burnett (as Supergirl) first performs her signature Tarzan yell, a series retrospective, interviews with friends of the show Betty White and Carl Reiner, and more. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (D. Liebenson)
The Carol Burnett Show: Carol's Favorites
Time Life, 6 discs, 1,113 min., not rated, DVD: $59.95 Volume 27, Issue 6
The Carol Burnett Show: Carol's Favorites
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