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Let's start with the look of the set. While it isn't
a special feature presentation is important to a lot of
these sets. The simulated leather exterior and 32 page booklet
along with cast photos make this a great looking set to
put on your shelf. The discs are housed in digipak holders.
It's a handsome presentation for the show. ***
The audition tapes for the various performers are quite
interesting. You don't see the break out energy in a lot
of these that you saw when they performed on the show. Lorne
Michaels must be commended for looking beyond what he saw
on tape. The potential was there but could just as easily
be overlooked. Guest hosts such as Richard Pryor and Lily
Tomlin added their unique comic sensibility to the series.
It's a pity that the original audition tapes for people
that didn't make the show (and later went on to some level
of fame) weren't included. ***
I'm disappointed that Michaels, Ackroyd, Curtain, Chase
and Morris wouldn't (or weren't asked) to provide commentaries
for these vintage episodes. It would have been fascinating
to hear behind-the-scenes stories about the making of an
episode (I'm sure the first season probably stands out in
their minds much more than later ones much as a first year
in College or High School makes a permanent impression).
***
A featurette discussing the successes (the musical
variety acts, some of the recurring characters, the funniest
guest hosts) and failures (the Muppets appearing on the
show early on and why they weren't successful, sketches
that were dropped or edited due to content) would have been
helpful and welcomed. Still for what we get (shows that
are almost unedited and with the musical performances intact)
we should be thankful. ***
We also get a vintage interview with the cast from
Tom Synder's "Tomorrow Show" that runs about 5 minutes.
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