Arriving in a wonderful 3-disc set, The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 is a funny, timeless comedy from two of the greatest comedians if all time.

I love Abbott and Costello, and it is a great shame of mine that I had never seen their TV show. Lasting only two seasons the show follows the lovable duo as they rent an apartment from Sid Fields (Sid Fields) and the mischief they get into around the neighborhood. Or in the case of Costello, women who walk up to him and just smack him, “How dare you look like someone I hate!” Also each episode is introduced and played out by the two legends talking to you at home, and performing some of their most famous routines (yes, “Who’s on First?” is included and it’s probably the version you’ve seen).

There are 26 episodes to enjoy and each one moves at quick pace. And while there is a semblance of a through line in the series for the most part it’s just the Boys getting into one mess after another, from causing problems at a sporting goods store to trying to stay the night at a “haunted house” each episode is a gem.

Grade: A

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 Video Quality

The Abbott and Costello Show : Season 1 arrives in a stunning newly restored image from 35mm Master Elements by the 3-D Film Archive with cooperation from The Library of Congress. The results are mesmerizing. Each frame looks sharp as if it were filmed yesterday. The details are amazing and there isn’t a blemish to be found. Shows like this need to be preserved and the 3-D Film Archive should be given a medal for the work they did on this show.

Grade: A+

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 Audio Quality

Much like the video, the audio delivers a smack to your TV screen. For show that was filmed in the early 1950’s the sound design is pretty robust. Dialogue is crystal clear without a blemish, which is so important for Abbott and Costello as they talk fast and the jokes come at a lightning fast pace. No pops, no scratches everything hits the mark.

Grade: A+

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1-Bonus Features

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 comes with some fun special features.

Commentaries: These can be found throughout the set, with 10 episodes containing commentaries from several different people. Each one is well worth a listen as it gives you great history lessons about the show and the legendary duo.

Original non-audience tracks for two complete episodes and six partial episodes: A really interesting feature as two episodes, “Getting a Job” and “Television Show” presented without laugh tracks. They are not as common as they used to be in sitcoms so watching an older sitcom without a laugh track is a fun experience.

Saving the Negatives-a featurette with Bob Furmanek: Found on disc three this is my favorite bonus feature. I just wish it was longer as Mr. Furmanek, as his story about tracking down some thought to be lost negatives is incredible.

There are also trailers for other Classic Flix releases and the inside of the case or rather the back of the cover art has brief descriptions of each episode.

Grade: A

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 is a spectacular release. It’s funny, silly and the best kind of fun. Classic Flix has given this show the release and respect it deserves. Incredible picture, an amazing set of extras make this a no-brained purchase.

Overall: A