Paramount Home Entertainment and CBS DVD have officially announced that I Love Lucy: The Complete Series will be available on Blu‑ray for the first time, with a release date set for November 5, 2024. This long-awaited collection brings Lucille Ball’s iconic sitcom to high-definition in its most complete and polished form ever released.
📀 What’s Inside the Box
This deluxe 33-disc collection includes:
- All 180 episodes from the original six seasons of I Love Lucy (1951–1957).
- All 13 episodes of The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour (1957–1960), restored in their original broadcast formats.
- A newly colorized episode, “Lucy and the Loving Cup,” available on Blu-ray for the first time.
- Three lost flashback scenes used in early episode introductions, now fully restored.
- A segment of the 1959 CBS special Eye on CBS, which includes appearances by Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance.
- Original opening and closing credits and vintage sponsor commercials from the 1950s.
🎁 Extra Features for Diehard Fans
This collection goes beyond just the episodes, offering a treasure trove of extras:
- A remastered version of the 1951 kinescope pilot, never aired during the show’s original run.
- The rarely seen I Love Lucy: The Movie, a reconstructed feature made from three early episodes and new material.
- Audio commentaries from historians and cast experts.
- Photo galleries, radio segments, production notes, and more—especially for Seasons 1 and 2.
- A selection of outtakes and bloopers, affectionately referred to as “flubs.”
🎞️ High-Definition Remastering
The entire series has been meticulously restored in 1080p HD from the original 35mm film negatives. The result is stunning image clarity, richer contrast, and deeper black-and-white detail. The audio has also been upgraded with lossless stereo sound—using LPCM tracks for the first seasons and DTS-HD Master Audio for later episodes.
📦 Packaging Feedback
While the content and visual upgrades have drawn wide praise, some early buyers have expressed frustration with the stacked-disc packaging design, which can make disc access more difficult and increases the risk of scratching. Collectors hoping for a more user-friendly casing may be slightly disappointed in this regard.
💬 Fan Buzz
Reactions from classic TV communities have been enthusiastic. Many call it the “definitive” release of I Love Lucy, especially with the inclusion of rare footage and new restorations. However, some collectors noted that navigating through the tight disc compartments was a challenge.
💲 Price & Availability
The set is expected to retail around $99.99, though some retailers may offer promotional prices ranging from $65 to $70. Pre-orders are available, and shipping is expected to begin in early November.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Blu‑ray box set is a dream come true for I Love Lucy fans. With pristine visuals, authentic historical extras, and the most complete episode lineup ever offered, it stands as a definitive celebration of one of television’s most influential shows. For anyone who loves Lucille Ball’s timeless comedy, this is a must-own — even if the packaging leaves a bit to be desired.
