I Love Lucy: The Complete Series (1951-1959) [Blu-ray review]

Few television shows can truly claim to have changed the landscape of TV forever, but I Love Lucy is undeniably one of them. Running from 1951 to 1959, this groundbreaking sitcom, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, set the standard for the genre. With CBS/Paramount’s Blu-ray release, fans of the show and television history enthusiasts alike can finally experience I Love Lucy in a format that honors its monumental influence. This is more than a remaster; it’s a tribute to a series that shaped the very foundation of television as we know it.

The Blu-ray release not only includes pristine, remastered versions of each episode but also a treasure trove of extras that give viewers a deeper understanding of the show’s history, its behind-the-scenes dynamics, and its lasting impact on pop culture. I Love Lucy wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon that touched millions, and its influence resonates to this day.

I Love Lucy is one of the biggest TV shows of the 20th Century

I Love Lucy revolves around the antics of Lucy Ricardo (played by Lucille Ball), a lovable but often scheming housewife, and her husband Ricky Ricardo (played by Desi Arnaz), a Cuban-American bandleader. Lucy’s relentless desire to break into show business, despite Ricky’s constant (and often comically justified) skepticism, sets the stage for one hilarious misadventure after another. Whether she’s trying to get into Ricky’s nightclub act or cooking up some outlandish plan to impress her friends, Lucy’s escapades are driven by equal parts enthusiasm and naivety.

The Ricardos live in a New York City apartment building, where they share much of their screen time with their landlords and best friends, Fred and Ethel Mertz (played by William Frawley and Vivian Vance). This tight-knit foursome creates the quintessential sitcom ensemble, with Ethel often becoming Lucy’s co-conspirator, while Fred and Ricky try to rein in the chaos.

The show’s setting is typical of 1950s sitcoms: a tidy apartment, a familiar neighborhood, and Ricky’s nightclub, The Tropicana. Despite its straightforward settings, I Love Lucy offered some of the most memorable, genre-defining moments of television, pushing the boundaries of comedy with physical gags, witty dialogue, and an unmistakable charm that made viewers feel right at home with the Ricardos and Mertzes.

For most of the showing taking place in adjacent apartments, the cast never really got that big

Lucy Ricardo — Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball’s portrayal of Lucy Ricardo is nothing short of iconic. As the show’s heart and soul, Lucy is equal parts cunning and naive, always finding herself in trouble due to her overwhelming curiosity and desire for fame. Ball’s comedic timing, particularly her physical comedy, was revolutionary for television at the time. Whether she’s working at the chocolate factory, attempting to stomp grapes in Italy, or trying to sell Vitameatavegamin, Lucille Ball delivered a masterclass in comedy with every performance.

Ball’s fearless commitment to slapstick humor and her willingness to appear foolish for the sake of a laugh made her stand out. In a time when women on television were often portrayed as passive and subservient, Lucy Ricardo was anything but. Her character was ambitious, if misguided, and Ball’s portrayal has inspired generations of female comedians and actresses to embrace comedy without fear.

Ricky Ricardo — Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz, as Ricky Ricardo, brought charm and a touch of exotic flair to American television. Ricky was the straight man to Lucy’s antics, often left exasperated by his wife’s latest scheme. Arnaz’s portrayal gave I Love Lucy its heartbeat; his musical performances added a cultural texture that was unprecedented for the era. As a Cuban bandleader, Arnaz introduced millions of viewers to Latin music, seamlessly blending entertainment and cultural education.

Ricky’s catchphrases—like his oft-exasperated “Lucy, you’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do!”—became part of American pop culture. Arnaz’s chemistry with Ball was palpable both on-screen and off, adding a layer of authenticity to their performances that audiences connected with. His contributions behind the scenes were also significant, as Arnaz was instrumental in shaping the show’s production values and structure.

Fred and Ethel Mertz — William Frawley and Vivian Vance

Fred and Ethel Mertz, played by William Frawley and Vivian Vance, were more than just neighbors—they were essential players in Lucy’s misadventures. William Frawley’s portrayal of Fred Mertz as a gruff, miserly landlord brought a wonderful dynamic to the show, particularly in his interactions with his more glamorous wife, Ethel, and his frequent reluctance to join Lucy’s latest scheme.

Vivian Vance as Ethel Mertz was the perfect comedic partner for Lucy. Vance’s Ethel was always game for whatever mischief Lucy had in mind, creating a dynamic duo whose friendship was one of the highlights of the show. Despite Fred and Ethel’s constant bickering, there was a genuine affection between them that provided warmth and humor. Vance and Ball’s on-screen chemistry was electric, contributing to some of the funniest moments in television history.

Direction, Writing, and Production

I Love Lucy was revolutionary in terms of its production, and a large part of its success can be credited to the creative vision of Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and their talented writing and production teams. Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll Jr. were instrumental in crafting the storylines and dialogue that became hallmarks of classic TV sitcom humor. The writing balanced zany plotlines with witty, character-driven humor that allowed the cast’s talents to shine.

From a production standpoint, the show pioneered the use of multiple cameras to film in front of a live studio audience. This technique, developed by Desi Arnaz and director Karl Freund, became the standard for sitcoms, allowing for a more dynamic viewing experience that captured the actors’ performances from multiple angles. The show was also filmed on 35mm film, ensuring high-quality footage that would stand the test of time—a decision that pays off immensely in this new Blu-ray release.

The team’s dedication to creating an authentic, high-energy environment translated to the audience, who could sense the genuine laughter of the live studio audience reacting to Lucy’s latest escapade. The use of a live audience brought immediacy and a shared experience to viewers at home, making it feel as though you were in on the joke.

Cultural Significance and Impact on Television History

I Love Lucy changed the way people thought about television. At a time when the medium was still in its infancy, I Love Lucy became the first television show to prove that comedy could be the cornerstone of American entertainment. It not only set the standard for all sitcoms that followed but also broke new ground by putting a real-life married couple—Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz—in the central roles.

The show addressed topics that were groundbreaking for the 1950s. Lucy Ricardo’s pregnancy was a first for television, as the concept of showing a pregnant woman was considered too risqué by some broadcasters. But with careful negotiation, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz managed to convince CBS to include the storyline, making television history. It wasn’t just the storyline that mattered; it was the idea that real-life relationships, with all their complexity and love, could be portrayed authentically on television.

Beyond its cultural significance, I Love Lucy laid the foundation for syndication, ensuring that reruns could be enjoyed for generations. Desi Arnaz was instrumental in structuring deals that allowed I Love Lucy to be filmed and owned by Desilu Productions, which in turn pioneered the concept of selling reruns—an idea that continues to be lucrative for TV networks and production companies today.

The Blu-ray Release: Technical Aspects and Features

The CBS/Paramount Blu-ray release of I Love Lucy is a labor of love, meticulously restoring the original episodes to provide the highest quality viewing experience possible. This is the definitive way to enjoy this television classic, with each episode presented in remastered high-definition that highlights the series’ incredible production values.

Video Quality

The Blu-ray remastering of I Love Lucy presents the series in stunning 1080p high-definition, bringing a level of detail that viewers have never seen before. The choice to film on 35mm film back in the 1950s means that the footage translates beautifully to Blu-ray, with sharp detail and a surprising depth of contrast for a black-and-white show. The crispness of the image breathes new life into the familiar sets—Lucy’s apartment, Ricky’s nightclub, and even the Ricardo’s modest kitchen all feel more alive and vibrant in this release.

The detail extends to facial expressions and physical nuances, making Lucille Ball’s legendary physical comedy even more impressive. The clarity of the remastering allows viewers to see the intricate work that went into making every gag successful, from the set dressing to the costumes, which pop on screen in a way that standard definition could never fully convey.

Audio Quality

The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack does an exceptional job of preserving the original audio while providing a clear, balanced listening experience. The laugh track, which was an essential part of the show’s charm, feels natural and well-integrated, and the dialogue is crisp, ensuring that every witty exchange and classic punchline is as enjoyable today as it was back in the 1950s. The musical numbers, particularly Ricky Ricardo’s performances, benefit from the enhanced sound quality, making his musical interludes more enjoyable.

Special Features

The Blu-ray collection is packed with special features that add immense value, providing a deep dive into the making of the series and its cultural legacy:

• Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries: Several feature-length documentaries explore the making of I Love Lucy, the innovative production techniques used, and the impact of the show on American culture. These documentaries include interviews with the cast and crew, along with commentary from contemporary television historians and comedians who speak to the show’s lasting influence.
• Audio Commentaries: Select episodes feature audio commentary from Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr., and television historians. These commentaries offer unique insights into the production process and what it was like to grow up on set, giving fans an intimate look at the world behind the camera.
• Deleted Scenes and Lost Footage: The release includes deleted scenes and rare footage, some of which were thought to be lost forever. These scenes provide an even deeper appreciation for the effort that went into making every episode of I Love Lucy special.
• Colorized Episodes: A handful of episodes are presented in colorized versions, allowing fans to experience Lucy’s antics in a whole new way. While purists may prefer the classic black-and-white, the colorized versions offer a fun, alternate perspective.
• Cast Interviews and Bloopers: Interviews with cast members and a collection of bloopers highlight the camaraderie and fun on set. The bloopers, in particular, show Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at their most relaxed and candid, giving fans a glimpse of their genuine chemistry.

I Love Lucy birthed the sitcom

I Love Lucy isn’t just a series of comedic sketches—it’s also a portrayal of the ups and downs of married life and friendship. At its core, the show is about love, resilience, and ambition. Lucy Ricardo may be a character who constantly finds herself in absurd situations, but her drive to be more than just a housewife speaks to a deeper truth about the ambitions that many women had during that era. Her struggle to break into show business, despite the odds, is both hilarious and deeply relatable.

The relationship between Lucy and Ricky is the backbone of the show. Their marriage is portrayed as one built on mutual respect, even when they frustrate each other. The affection between them is palpable, and their dynamic reflects a true partnership, albeit one with plenty of misunderstandings and mishaps. The show also captures the tension of balancing personal aspirations with marital duties—a theme that was groundbreaking for the 1950s and remains relevant today.

Fred and Ethel Mertz add to the emotional richness of the show. Their often-bickering relationship is juxtaposed against the Ricardos’ more passionate marriage, but beneath their squabbles, there is a deep sense of loyalty and friendship. The dynamic between the four characters captures the essence of community—these are people who support each other, even when they drive each other crazy.

The Legacy of I Love Lucy

The impact of I Love Lucy on television history cannot be overstated. It redefined what a sitcom could be, setting the standard for decades of television to come. Lucille Ball was the first woman to run a major television production company—Desilu Productions—which went on to produce other iconic series like Star Trek and The Untouchables. Her influence extended far beyond her role in front of the camera; she was a trailblazer for women in television, both in creative and executive roles.

The technical innovations pioneered by Desi Arnaz and his production team—particularly the use of multiple cameras and filming in front of a live audience—became the blueprint for sitcoms for generations. Shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and countless others owe a debt to I Love Lucy’s groundbreaking production techniques.

I Love Lucy also had an indelible effect on pop culture. Episodes like “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” (featuring the infamous Vitameatavegamin skit) and “Job Switching” (where Lucy and Ethel disastrously try their hands at candy-making) are etched in the public consciousness. These moments have been parodied, referenced, and paid homage to countless times, solidifying Lucy Ricardo as one of the most beloved characters in television history.

The show’s themes of love, ambition, and resilience have continued to resonate, making it as watchable today as it was when it first aired. In a world that has changed dramatically since the 1950s, I Love Lucy remains a comforting reminder of the power of laughter, community, and perseverance.

A final thought as I ponder doing individual episode coverage

The CBS/Paramount Blu-ray release of I Love Lucy is more than just a collection of episodes—it’s a comprehensive tribute to a show that helped shape modern television. The remastered video and audio quality breathe new life into this classic, allowing both longtime fans and new viewers to experience the series in unparalleled clarity. The special features provide invaluable context, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what made the show so special and why it continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s watched every episode or someone discovering the magic of Lucy Ricardo for the first time, this Blu-ray set is a must-have. It captures the essence of what made I Love Lucy not just a television show, but a cultural institution. The laughter, love, and sheer creativity that Lucille Ball and her team brought to the screen remain as vibrant today as they were more than half a century ago. This release ensures that I Love Lucy will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of American television history.

I Love Lucy: The Complete Series is now available on Blu-ray from MovieZyng

89

Buy it from our partners

MovieZyng