SCTV, Volume 2 (5 Disc Set)

The sketch comedy show SCTV was initially well-received in its native Canada, and after it became established NBC picked up the show for broadcast in the United States for its fourth season. The series' theme was that of being a fictitious television network, with each episode being a broadcast day. The nine episodes in this DVD collection were broadcast on both NBC and the CBC from October 1981 to February 1982.The most memorable performances for those who watched the series in the early Eighties likely include Joe Flaherty playing SCTV president Guy Caballero and Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas playing the McKenzie brothers in the "Great White North" sketch. There were many other well-written and creative sketch ideas, including spoofs of many then-current TV shows. Not surprising is that, given when these episodes aired, there is both Cold War humor and material that would not be considered politically correct by the standards of 2015.Musical guests in these episodes included Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, the Boomtown Rats, Talking Heads, and the Plastics. Bonus features on this set include an interview with the writers and the appearance of some of the cast members at the Emmys.John Candy and Rick Moranis eventually went on to long careers in the movies, and the other SCTV cast members had considerable talent. I remember discovering this show in sixth grade when I could finally stay up as late as I wanted on Friday and Saturday nights, and even remembered the theme song and a little bit of the material. There are enough laughs here to make watching the series worthwhile, even if the laugh ratio falls short of, say, the Mike Myers-Dana Carvey era of "Saturday Night Live" of the early Nineties.

SCTV is Canada's answer to Monty Python. Though occasionally political, the troupe's target is generally the tasteless, tacky, and vapid state of TV circa the early 80's. They present a distinctly boomer view in opposition to the previous WWII generation, as is evidenced by their prime targets: Bob Hope, Ricardo Montalbon, Joey Heatherton, talk show hosts a la Johnny Carson, and especially Merv Griffin, who gets thoroughly lambasted. Their impersonations are spot on, and SCTV takes great delight in weird juxtapositions, such as Annie Hall from Don Rickle's perspective, or Ben Hur with the title role being played by Curly of the Three Stooges. When they do a parody of Fantasy Island, the rather large John Candy is wonderfully miscast as the diminutive Tattoo. My favorite moment: Mel Torme scat singing the "Star Spangled Banner." If you like Monty Python, this is must see TV, and I would encourage you to buy ALL the DVD's. Amazingly, this bunch is based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Having just received my copy of season 4 the previous month, and this set today, I immediately set out to write this review. I speak as a hardcore fan but also as a severe critic of comedy when I say that this is as close to perfection as comedy has ever got.The skits are nothing if not genius pulled out of thin air--"The Godfather" (also starring John Marley who reprises his roll as 'Woltz' [albeit re-named]}, "Money Talks", "The Fishin' Musician w/ The Plasmatics", "The Christmas Show", "3D House Of Beef".... this is really the tip of the iceberg.Perhaps the most brilliant of the wraparounds is here in the second NBC set--"The Russian Show"--an amazingly tight parody of low-rent Soviet production values on what's already a cheap network (dig the new 'Soviet Minicam').The extras aren't bad; 'SCTV Remembers' with Joe and Eugene includes portions of a sketch from the earlier Canadian shows with Harold Ramis ("Madame Blitzman"), but is mostly a bit of fluff.The commentary done by Andrea and Catherine on the "Christmas Show" is a lot of fun--note to Shout (or whoever will be taking care of the remaining seasons); more of these talented ladies, please.SNL, Fawlty Towers, or SCTV; whatever your personal preference, this is a must-own set. Make your own Christmas a hell of a lot brighter and chuck this in your shopping cart.

SCTV was Canada's answer to Saturday Night Live. Both were televised within one year of each other. So many of beloved characters, and both my husband and I enjoyed SCTV just a bit over SNL due the whacky characters that was over the top. Young people today may not get some of the comedy because of references to what was happening during that year, but they will find enough comedy skits (I think) to enjoy the diversity of each character of these (now) well known comedians: John Candy, Maureen O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, Martin Short, Dave Thomas, Jpe Flahertyand Andrea Martin.

This set features some great moments from SCTV history. Of the shows presented here, I am particularly fond of "Zontar," "CCCP 1," and "The Godfather." Catherine O'Hara and Andrea Martin steal the show, with any appearance by Perini Scleroso, Mrs. Falbo, or Edith Prickley being comedy gold. "The Great White North" and Guy Caballero's rants are particularly entertaining here as are Count Floyd and Dr. Tongue (especially in "Dr. Tongue's Evil House of Pancakes.") As brilliant as I think Eugene Levy is, I still don't enjoy the Sammy Maudlin bits, which are formulaic and un-funny compared to the rest of the show.Although some of the humor is a bit dated now (as many there are numerous references to then-current events that younger viewers may not grasp), this is still a wonderful and very funny set of DVDs, which I recommend.

Unfortunately, I had to return this as it has no closed captions. The publishers website says it had them, but no.

I actually have all the volumes and love revisiting the series, first seen in the the 80's when it started out here in Edmonton. I still consider it vastly more amusing than Saturday Night Live.

My husband was thrilled to watch his favourite episodes. Discs worked fine.

It came in good condition..can't wait to watch..Thank you

took a little long, but worth the wait!

Great!