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I spent a large portion of the weekend watching the Monkees Season One boxed set, borrowed—again, not because I can’t afford it, but because I’m cheap. Also, Inspiracy Magazine never petitioned for a review, although you’re going to get a few impressions here.
I hadn’t previously seen unmolested Season One episodes because the syndication packages over the years used the Season Two credit sequence for overall consistency, and in addition to cut scenes the originals contain the sponsor interstitials (which extend to Kellogg’s and Yardley Black Label products superimposed on the closing credits). On that basis alone, the collection is a treat, but I’m made to understand that it isn’t good value for money because Rhino apparently reused the masters used for its 1990 VHS edition without persuing an upgrade in quality. Granted, the VHS set cost hundreds of dollars without some of the extra material, but while some episodes show improved clarity much of the picture quality is diminished by faded prints, which is unfortunate for a show remembered for its vibrant colour. (Contemporaneous series like UFO have escaped such a fate.)
The 16MM pilot is fascinating, although a poster to alt.fan.monkees made a believable claim that s/he had a better quality print in his possession that Rhino chose to pass on. The Season One and Two DVD sets are budget releases sold at full list prices, which is unfortunate. The content of the episodes themselves is wonderful, and what makes the set special are the copious amounts of trivia (Andrew Sandoval was thorough) and the commentaries, particularly those provided by Michael Nesmith (who is surprisingly chatty about the whole enterprise; it’s nice when he veers slightly off topic).
