The shows were not only ratings hits, but have delighted fans for years thanks to numerous showings in syndication, thus entrenching each series into the popular culture with their mix of humor and life stories that made the series stars household names, and the characters legends.

“Happy Days’ centers around a middle class 50’s family in Milwaukee WI, named the Cunningham’s as they cope in Cold War era America and deal with the social changes all around them. The youngest son Richie, (Ron Howard), is a shy, reserved high school student who honors his parents Howard and Marion (Tom Bosely and Marion Ross), and when he is not in school, spends his time with his friends Potsy and Ralph (Anson Williams and Donny Most), Over the course of the seasons first 16 episodes topics ranging from honor, love, loyalty, and responsibility are presented against themes of sex, growing up, and being a good member of society.

As good as the cast was, it was the standout work of Henry Winkler as Fonzie, the tough guy with a heart of gold that made this series soar as his character embodied all the values of the show and underscored how a person from a different walk of life could still find common ground with suburban values.

The show holds up very well after all of the years as the acting, writing, and laughs are as enjoyable today as they were years ago. Standout episodes include “All the Way” and “Be the First of Your Block” that deal with issues of reputation and paranoia respectively.

The only issue I had with the collection and I am sure it will be resolved in future, was the lack of any bonus materials such as interviews, behind the scenes and so on as only the episodes were contained on the disk, that being said, season one is a great look back at a classic series with many great volumes to come. 4 stars out of 5

The success of “Happy Days’ led to the first of three spin off series named “Laverne and Shirley”. The show starred Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as the title characters who work in a Milwaukee brewery and share an apartment. Laverne is friends with Fonzie from “Happy Days” who graces a few episodes to underscore that this is a show that takes place as the same time as “Happy Days”

Unlike the school and growing up stories of “Happy Days”, “Laverne and Shirley” centered around two single working class girls as they struggled with financial and life issues as they attempt to find the ideal man who can give them the love and security that they desire.

Laverne is the brash one of the group while Shirley is the fussy perfectionist who is always concerned about every little detail to the point of annoying those around her as she pines for her man Carmine (Eddie Mekka) and dreams of a life outside of bottle capping.

One of the best parts of the show is the odd, greasy, yet kind friends Lenny and Squiggy (Michael Mc Kean and David Lander), who not only work in the brewery with the girls but eventually become neighbors. Their bizarre antics ranging from Squiggy’s dead moth collection and their numerous get rich quick, and get the girl schemes always add plenty of laughs to an already funny show.

Like “Happy Days” the collection is just the episodes and is lacking any extras, but it is heavy on laughs and for that reason alone, is a must own.

Both Sets 4 stars out of 5

gareth@nwlink.com

Rating Scale: 1 Star: Dismal Little to no Entertainment.

2 Stars: Fair Has issues, but does have its moments.

3 Stars: Good Entertaining with some nice moments.

4 Stars: Very Good Solid, well made, and entertaining.

5 Stars: Outstanding Very entertaining, well made, or a classic in the genre.

Book News!!! My First Book of Film and game reviews and interviews is ready. To order or download your copy, click the link. A downloadable copy is only $5.00 a Bound is under $20.00

Book News:  My First Book of Film and game reviews and interviews is ready. To order or download your copy, click the link. A downloadable copy is only $5.00 a Bound is under $20.00