Gimme a Break! The Complete Series

 

 

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A Toronto-based company called VEI first acquired the rights to "Gimme a Break" back in Spring 2006 and released Season One just a few months after Universal did the same in the U.S.

Universal, however, never bothered with a follow-up while VEI brought viewers Season Two in January 2007.

Since then, it seemed as though "Gimme a Break" had fallen off the DVD radar. There were rumours in 2008/09 that a series set was on its way, but nothing was set in stone, until now.

Proving once again that the smaller companies are the go-to people for Classic TV on DVD, whether it be the '50s, '60s, '70s, or in this case, '80s, VEI is to be commended for putting out the complete Six Seasons in one fell swoop.

I wish all my favorite shows would get this kind of DVD treatment.

VEI also recently brought us "Kate and Allie: The Complete Series" for a price point under $40. Some hold-outs are still waiting for Universal to do the same in the U.S. (They may be holding their breath: Universal never got past Season One on this show either). I cannot understand some U.S. customers' hesitation in ordering from Amazon.ca when the DVDs are all Region 1 and will be compatible in all North American players. However, it's their loss.

The same can be said of "Gimme a Break: The Complete Series". There are no compatibility issues with these discs so those skeptical U.S. buyers should pick this up while they can. VEI's release of "The Stockard Channing Show" quickly went out of print and became hard to find just two years after release.

The first two seasons of this show were my favorite when it was just Nell, The Chief and the three girls.

Season Three brought a new '80s-synth theme song and the arrival of little Joey Lawrence as the orphan boy Nell eventually adopts. Telma Hopkins also became a regular as Nell's best friend Addy, with whom Nell gets into many Laverne-and-Shirley type predicaments. Addy's first appearance in "Nell's Friend" remains one of the best, funniest scripts the cast ever played.

In Season Five, Dolph Sweet who played Chief Carl Kanisky passed away and the show began to flounder.

For the sixth and final season, the producers moved Nell, Addy, Joey (and his little brother Matthew) to New York, where a young Rosie O'Donnell joins the cast.

Many of the jokes are lame and the situations predictable. However, Nell Carter does have the personality and charisma to evelate the show, and the cast work well together. Dolph Sweet has the thankless task of playing straight man and does so admirably.

Of the three girls, I always liked Lauri Hendler as brainy wallflower Julie the best, with her dry, observational humor, though Kari Michaelson and Lara Jill Miller do have their moments as boy-crazy, somewhat defiant Katie, and pubescent tomboy Samantha, respectively.

Though not one of the best-written or acted sitcoms of the '80s (It's certainly no "Cheers" or "Golden Girls") there's something comforting about "Gimme a Break".

The outer box is not as sturdy as I would have liked, but that's my only real complaint about the packaging. The artwork is basic but nice and they matched the correct cast photos with each volume. Each snap-case securely houses 6 discs that contain two seasons each.

For those times when you crave a small dose of '80s nostalgia, this set will surely satisfy your appetite.

Kudos to VEI for finally coming through and also for not making us wait for season-by-season volumes.

VEI has done a tremendous job with this release. The packaging is simply gorgeous. The pics are colorful and vibrant. It's not too bulky. Each case houses 6 discs (2 seasons per case) with a rundown of episodes and original release dates on the back of each.

The quality of the video is excellent. These episodes have never looked so good. And...the episodes are uncut and complete with all of Nell's musical performances in tact. All other studios should take a lesson from VEI about how to produce a "Complete Series" set.

There are no bonus features (apart from the bonus episodes that were originally on the first 2 season sets). However, having the complete series in dvd quality more than makes up for that.

Don't hesitate to pick up this set! It's a funny, heartwarming show from the 80's that you will enjoy again and again.

I was very pleased with my purchase. It is exactly as described in the advertisement. The DVDs arrived very quickly too.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Very Very Pleased !!!!
I am very very pleased with the product, This was my first time ordering from amazon.ca and I was very satisfied with the service and speed in wich I received my merchandise[ 4... Read more

Published 14 months ago by James Glass

5.0 out of 5 stars A comedic blast from the past!!!
Until you watch the entire series of Gimme a Break, you almost forget how wonderfully talented Nell Carter was. Read more

Published 16 months ago by Christopher Harriott

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! Even funnier than I remember!
All episodes intact and funny just like they were when Nell originally did them. Her singing and acting is sorely missed!A must have for fans of the series and Amazon. Read more

Published 16 months ago by Reginald Eugene Wright Jr.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gimme a Break Review!
This set is great and I am so glad I purchased it. I have been looking for these DVDs forever. The quality is great and its fun watching a show I grew up loving. Thanks again!!

Published 17 months ago by justandra

5.0 out of 5 stars Great deal for a fun, classic 80s sitcom
The other reviewers have said it already, I'll just agree. The complete series set for GIMME A BREAK is a great deal! Read more

Published 17 months ago by Detour

5.0 out of 5 stars Long Time Coming
If one who has been following the release of Gimme A Break, knows that it was a long long wait. I am so happy that it was finally released on DVD. Read more

Published 19 months ago by NaTasha.T

5.0 out of 5 stars The Don't Make Em Like They Used Too
Lovin every minute of this classic 80's tv sitcom. Nell Carter was such an amazing actress. It's strange why this show doesn't live on in re-run heaven. Read more

Published 20 months ago by kermit68

5.0 out of 5 stars Gimme A Break!
I am so glad that USA and Canada DVD players both operate compatibly. I loved this show as a kid and can say now I am a proud owner of the entire series collection. Read more

Published 20 months ago by Joey Keenum

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you VEI!
Gimme a Break was probably the first sitcom I remember watching religiously when I was a kid. Sure it's a bit dated now, but it's dated in that charming 80's warm, fuzzy feeling... Read more

Published 21 months ago by DaveP

5.0 out of 5 stars Gimme A Break is Finally Complete!!!
What can I say about Gimme A Break, its a great classic 80's show to watch! Nell Carter is a great actress and comedian and she seems to really shine on this show. Read more

Published 21 months ago by Charles

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