If there is any one show that showed us the possibility of a bright future full of wondrous gadgets, flying cars and people who respect and love one another, it would have to be “The Jetsons.” Some of you may not agree, shouting from the rooftops, “NO, it was Star Trek!” But if you do, I can only shake my head at the fact you would actually take the time to climb up on the rooftop to do the shouting. Sure, “The Jetsons” was only a cartoon, but it was in many ways far ahead of its time. When it premiered on ABC back September of 1962, it gave us a vision of what the world might be like in a hundred years. It still has 58 years to be proven wrong.

When the series originally aired, there was a fear that it would be short-lived because it went up against the mighty ‘House of Mouse’ Disney and its Wonderful World of Color, as well as the popular “Dennis the Menace.” In many ways, Hanna-Barbera was both right and wrong. That first season, which comprised of 24 episodes, was also the only season for almost 22 years. Those episodes became so popular that they continued to be broadcast for years after. Then in 1984, after what had to be the longest hiatus in history, 41 additional episodes were created. These were followed by another 10 in 1987. And if that wasn’t enough, audiences and fans were treated to 2 movies, one for television and the other for theatrical release.

What could account for the popularity of the series? I know for me, it was the familiarity of the characters, and the simplicity of the writing. The series was consistently funny, both for children and adults. The humor was mostly harmless, unlike some of the raunchier animated series you see today. There’s nothing wrong with those shows mind you, but times have changed and the appeal is different. I have to also give credit to the voice actors who did such a great job on the show. Everyone was perfectly cast, and how can you go wrong when you have the master himself, the late Mel Blanc?

It’s been really great seeing a lot of the old classic cartoons being released on DVD. Just recently we’ve seen “Scooby-Doo” and “The Flintstones” come out in full season sets. Though it’s fun to catch these shows as you’re flipping channels, having them all available in a DVD (uncut and without commercials) is a much better way to watch them. “The Jetsons” was always one of my favorites and I watched it all the time. What really surprised me, though was finding out about that 22 year gap between seasons. I always assumed the show had several seasons, all of which were way back in the 60’s. So much for my TV trivia knowledge!

The DVD set that Warner has put out for this first season is terrific. Spread across 4 DVDs are all 24 of those original episodes, as well as a few extras. There aren’t many, and I wish a few of them were a little lengthier, but I enjoyed them nonetheless. The featurette “Jetsons: Family of the Future” gives us a brief look at how the series came about, and includes some really nice archival footage and interviews. It runs a little under 10 minutes, and certainly could have been longer. The two shorter featurettes are more akin to ‘clip shows’, where they focus in on some of the gadgets used in the future and why Rosey was such a huge help with the housework. Then there is a ‘family album’ of sorts that allows you to click on each of the Jetsons in order to find out a little more about that character.

The best features on the disc are the commentaries on “Rosie the Robot” and “A Date with Jet Screamer” by Janet Waldo. Waldo was the voice of Judy Jetson, and in these two brief episode commentaries, she shares a wealth of stories and history. I really could have listened to more of her, had it been available.

As for the quality of the transfers, I really can’t say too much. They’re certainly much cleaner, and sound better than you’ll find on TV, but there are still a lot of specks on the image. Not really enough to complain about however, unless you’re a really nitpicker DVD watcher.

The packaging is quite nice, as Warner used a foldout DVD holder that lists what episodes are on what disc, as well some little bits of trivia about the series. When it’s closed up, the cover has a nice blue line image of the family. A full color image of the same picture lines up with it when you slide it into the mostly clear slipcover.

“The Jetsons” may or may not be your favorite animated series of all time, but there’s no denying its family appeal. The series has a simple charm to it that I always enjoyed, and I’m looking forward to introducing my child to it when she’s old enough to appreciate it.

Episodes:
Rosie The Robot
A Date With Jet Screamer
The Space Car
The Coming Of Astro
Jetsons Night Out
The Good Little Scouts
The Flying Suit
Rosie’s Boyfriend
Elroy’s TV Show
Unilab
A Visit From Grandpa
Astro’s Top Secret
Elroy’s Pal
Test Pilot
Millionaire Astro
The Little Man
Las Venus
Jane’s Driving Lesson
G.I. Jetson
Miss Solar System
TV Or Not TV
Private Property
Dude Planet
Elroy’s Mob

Starring (the voices of): George O’Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo, Daws Butler, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Pyl, Don Messick
Extras: Commentary on 2 episodes by Janet Waldo (Judy Jetson), “The Jetsons: The Family of the Future” – Chronicles the History of the Series, “Space Age Gadgets” – Zooms in on the Futuristic Inventions of the Jetsons’ World, Family Album Character Bios, Rosie the Robotic Maid Tribute
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 5/11/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Jetsons: Season 1 a B.