As reality shows continue to dominate mainstream entertainment, it’s only fitting that the grandfather of them all finally gets a comprehensive DVD release. CANDID CAMERA began wooing its way into America’s television sets on NBC in 1949. Since then, the show has switched hosts a few times, and undergone some cosmetic changes, but has remained a TV favorite.
The show’s premise was based around catching everyday people in embarrassing situations, via a hidden camera. Creator and original host Allen Funt would then instruct his unwitting victims to “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera,” which is show’s signature slogan. CANDID CAMERA actually began on radio as CANDID MICROPHONE in 1947. The next year, it moved to television, eventually appearing on all three networks. Besides Funt, the show has featured co-hosts such Suzanne Summers, Funt’s son Peter, Dina Eastwood (yep, Clint’s wife.), and others.
This mammoth set from Rhino features a whopping 10 discs showcasing highlights from over five decades. Included are 44 uncut episodes, a 25th anniversary TV special and a 40th anniversary special. Also featured are some funny celebrity appearances by Woody Allen, Ray Romano, Muhammad Ali, Buster Keaton, Dolly Parton, and even the inexplicable Jayne Mansfield.
The first DVD titled “Greatest Moments” features Peter Funt introducing some of his dad’s favorites, which are mostly classic set-ups from the ’60s and ’70s. The second disc has the original NBC premiere episode broadcast in 1949. The subsequent discs feature highlights from each decade and give a glimpse of what the shows were like with different co-hosts, such as funnyman Durwood Kirby.
Famous for its unique and innovative packaging, Rhino has spared no expense with this one—all 10 discs are housed in an intricate die-cut slipcase. Bonus materials include CANDID CAMERA THROUGH THE DECADES, a collection of five retrospective featurettes. Many of the show’s gags may seem pretty lightweight by today’s standards (unfortunately, some repeat throughout this set), but it’s still entertaining to see how it all began, especially when contemporary shows like PUNK’D are obvious benefactors of the format.
+ Jim Kaz
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