Rating: 
Summary: The Monkees First Season Done Right!
Review: This DVD boxset of the Monkees' TV series first season is beautifully designed to resemble an old carry-around record player from the 1960's, which I actually owned at one time, even showing the record speeds at 33, 45 and 78 rpms! The six discs are packaged in cardboard replicas of some of the original Monkees 45 picture sleeves, including a few import sleeves, a very cool touch from Rhino. The only problem I see with them is that the DVDs might tend to slip out too easily from the sleeves and get damaged, so I'd advise everyone who buys the set to be careful how they handle the discs. The booklet has some photos and interesting information on the Monkees first season, but it's very thin and not nearly as nice and colorful as the booklet from the VHS version of the box set of the entire series. A sampling of some of the shows on DVD has them in pristine condition, the best I've ever seen them. There are special audio commentaries spread out on some of the episodes on the discs by Bob Rafelson, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones and Peter Tork. (I guess Micky Dolenz was too busy to comment on some of the episodes, a pity, would have loved to hear what he thought of 'Monkees at the Circus'. Maybe he'll record some commentaries when Season 2 is released on DVD.) The sixth disc has the most bonus material, including the 16mm version of the original Monkees pilot with Boyce & Hart singing the songs, an interview by Bobby Hart, a gallery of photos and rare memorabilia, audio commentary by Mike and Peter on the 'Monkees on Tour' episode, and original Monkees commercials, though some of the commercials looked like they came from video dupes, a pity Rhino couldn't seem to find original film sources. Overall, this is an excellent presentation of the first season of the Monkees, beautifully produced and packaged. Hopefully, Season 2 on DVD will be just as handsomely produced. Suggestions I'd make to Rhino for the Second Season box set is to definitely include the '33 & 1/3' TV special (and please Rhino, marry the better video picture from the VHS box set with the better sound of the single tape release of the special), the 1976 'Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart' special, the 1997 'Hey Hey, It's The Monkees' TV special, the Rhino produced 'Hey Hey, We're The Monkees' documentary, some of the Monkees rare late 1960's TV appearances, like Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Hollywood Squares and others, more rare commercials, including the Kool Aid commercials, which were the last things Nesmith did with the Monkees before he quit. Also, if any rare outtakes exist from the show, they must be included, and get commentaries on some of the episodes from all four Monkees, I definitely want to hear Micky's commentary on 'The Frodis Caper', the episode he directed. What would also be nice would be to include the videos the Monkees did in the 1980's for 'That Was Then, This Is Now', 'Heart & Soul', 'Every Step Of The Way', and the 'Justus' videos as well. Rhino should make the second box set as complete as possible, with a thicker booklet filled with rare photos and show information to make it appealing to the fans. If the second season box set comes out by Christmas, I definitely want to see it under my tree. Kudos to Rhino for putting together a really great DVD set that does justice to the first season of the Monkees TV series.
Rating:
Summary: A real treat for fans
Review: I've been wanting the Monkees television show for years on video or DVD so I was thrilled when I heard season one was out on DVD. They did it just right. The DVD's are packaged in a box that looks like a record player and the sleeves look like the covers of old 45's. If that weren't enough of a treat in itself they also included some great extras like the original Kellogg's commercials the Monkees did in the 60's, the original version of the pilot and commentary on some of the episodes. I really enjoyed the commentary by the Monkees themselves which unfortunately is only on a few episodes. Micky Dolenz did not do a commentary on any which is a minor drawback. There is also trivia about every episode and a feature that allows you to watch just the music romps themselves. I was used to the reruns of the show so it was also a real joy to see them with their original season one opening credits and their original songs restored to them. This show is clean, fast paced and fun so it's great for kids. My ten year old son and I love watching these together. Well, worth the price. I will definitely buy season two if they bring it out.
Rating: 
Summary: A second generation fan
Review: I love these DVD's. My mom was a fan when she was a kid and got me hooked on them 2 summers ago. At first glance, it doesn't look like it would be funny to a 19 year old. I'm not saying it's falling over hilarious, but it certainly keeps you smiling. Some of the stuff they get away with alone is laugh worthy. If nothing else you're thinking "What in the world are they doing?". "Too Many Girls" and "Monkees On The Line" are two of my favorites. First season is more formula than second season, but it also has more of the guys when they still liked each other. Peter's commentary is enlightening and really funny. I highly recommend this to anyone with a whimsical sense of humor. Too cute :)
Rating:
Summary: Season One DVD Box Set Is Finally Here!
Review: I've been waiting for this for so long and it's finally here on DVD. The entire first season; 32 episodes in all and I liked them. My favorite episodes in that season are the pilot episode, The Success Story, Monkees At The Movies, On Tour, & Too Many Girls. Plus I like the bonus features such as Kellogg's commercials, the orginal never-before-seen-on-TV version of the pilot episode, etc. They're all groovy and I'm going to treasure them forever plus season two in which I just got yesterday is groovy, too.
Rating:
Summary: For Pete's Sake! This set Forgets That Girl & other songs!
Review: Overall, I think Rhino's Monkees First Season DVD box is very well done. But, there is one major aspect of the Monkees TV show that I wish Rhino considered when they compiled this collection: As you may know, many of the songs played during the "Monkee-Romps ®" were changed when the show was rerun during the summer of 1967, and some were changed again when the show was shown on Saturday mornings. In many cases, it was these re-worked shows that were included when the show went into syndication in the 1970's. Since many of us grew up with the syndicated versions, it would have been nice for Rhino to include them on this set. It gets a bit tedious to have to sit through "Last Train to Clarksville" or "I'm a Believer" for the umpteenth time. Since DVDs are capable of containing many soundtracks, it would have been fun to have "You Told Me", "Forget That Girl", "Shades of Gray", "For Pete's Sake" and "Steam Engine" available on this collection. (These songs only appeared in the syndicated episodes while the songs they replaced could be found on other episodes.) As a result of Rhino not including the alternate soundtracks, the wonderful Headquarters album doesn't get much representation here at all... Apart from this, the set boasts very handsome packaging. The record player design is just as novel as the TV set design the old VHS box had (but the booklet included in the video box was much better than the small pamphlet included here). As others have mentioned, the DVDs *do* fall out of the cases rather easily. To solve this problem, I placed the DVDs into some CD-ROM sleeves that were handy. This works well and keeps the DVDs from rolling across the floor when you take them out. I also liked the commentaries, although Micky's absence from the proceedings is unfortunate... I hope he turns up on the second season box, as it would be sad if he didn't provide commentary on the episode he co-wrote & directed! (I also hope Peter provides commentary on the episode he directed!) So, I think this is a very good collection, but with a little more thought on Rhino's part, it could have been a bit better for those of us who grew up with the Monkees every day after school (when the show was in syndication).
Rating:
Summary: ABOSOLUTLEY THE BEST!
Review: Cheers to RHINO for finally putting this set out! I am a long time Monkees fan and collector. This is a dream come true. I heard rumor the second season is coming out in October of 2003!
The video looks so good! The audio sounds as good as it could. The extra "stuff" is great even if they didn't have the masters to all the commercials. I have NO complaints! I LOVE the mini 45 sleeves! People have complained that they will scratch the DVD. Maybe if you are an animal! Be careful, let them slide out easy and they will keep find! Also, if you slide them back easy, the disc won't wreck the cool sleeves. Want things to last? It's your job to take care of them! Long live RHINO and long live The Monkees!
Rating:
Summary: Great set! Buy it, but know the caveats...
Review: Hey, what can you say BAD about a DVD box with ALL the episodes of Season One of The Monkees? Not much! The shows themselves are a JOY to watch in the newly restored glory. Unlike most hardcore Monkees fans, I've always preferred Season One over Season Two (sure, some of Season One's episodes are goofy, but Season Two - while showcasing the superior tunes - just gets a little too self-indulgent at times for my delecate palate). Having said that, I STILL can't wait for Season Two! Now, the minuses. The packaging, while certainly cute, is not very user-friendly or storage-friendly. If you're a 'cute gimmick' fan, you'll love it. If you're more inclined to appreciate practicality, get out the swear word thesaurus. Unfortunately, I'm guessing it's the gimmicky packaging that has pushed the price tag into the upper-stratosphere. Compare the cost of this box to OTHER single-season DVD compilations and you'll see what I mean;...P>... Even if you're NOT hip to these things, buy it anyway! One hopes a sclaed-down version will follow and encourage more average buyers to invest in these gems.
Rating:
Summary: Silly Sitcom! (And I Mean That In a Good Way!)
Review: I was a baby when The Monkees aired on television for the first time so of course I didn't wach it back then but as a little girl in the 70s I watched the reruns. It was a wonderful show, silly in a fun and entertaining way and I'm glad that the first season is on DVD in a complete set though I would have preferred a normal TV boxset instead of this oddly shaped one but that's a minor complaint and I still have to highly recommend this show on DVD! BTW: I remember a lot of girls having crushes on Davey Jones, yes he was a good looking guy but I remember having a crush on Mickey Dolenz who was also cute and I loved his witty personality.
Rating:
Summary: Hey, Hey! It's The First Season!
Review: I enjoyed this DVD. While some people may feel it's beneath them or others to enjoy this show for its "childish" humor, keep in mind that the Three Stooges, the Marx Brothers, Laurel & Hardy, etc. are still funny. The Monkees are in good company. For me, the music is what I mostly enjoy. No, they're not the Beatles. But who is? If some people don't like this show then perhaps they shouldn't watch it or do audio commentaries on it. You don't have to like it. But don't impugn those of us who do.
Rating:
Summary: HEY HEY I STILL LIKE THE MONKEES
Review: THESE MONKEES SHOWS STILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME.
IF YOU LIKE OR REMEMBER THEM THISIS THE ONE TO OWN .
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