I understand that it might be highly debatable, but Sanford and Son was one of if not the funniest sitcom in TV history. Based on a British series called Steptoe and Son, Sanford made television history by becoming the first sitcom to feature a predominantly black cast. Norman Lear, known more for the historic All In The Family, took a chance on a black comedian with a risqué reputation. Redd Foxx was recording records he called Party Albums that came in plain brown wrapper and featured dirty jokes that would even make Richard Pryor blush. Redd Foxx turned the cantankerous old junk dealer Fred Sanford into an American icon. Sadly, his fake heart attack routine was so well known that when he actually had one on the set of a later series his co-stars were laughing as he died. Somehow I think Redd might have wanted it that way.
Audio
A 1970’s sitcom, Sanford and Son reveals a mediocre Dolby Digital 2.0 track. It works for what it needs to do. As long as you can hear Fred you don’t need anything else.
Video
The video is the expected full frame presentation. The episodes are quite inconsistent. Many are actually quite good for their age and original budget, but a few suffer from color lines and recording defects. Colors are there, that’s really all you can say for most of this set.
Special Features
None.
Final Thoughts
It’s basic. If you’re a fan, get them now. Who knows how long they’ll remain in print. This was the #1 show in America for four of its years. This season contains classics like “The Blind Mellow Jelly Collection” where Bubba tells us “I want my daddy’s records” and the classic “A Home Is Not A Poolroom.” No question: “It’s The Big One”.
