Laverne And Shirley: The Third Season DVD Credits:

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Laverne And Shirley: The Third Season DVD Release Date: 27th November 2007

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Laverne And Shirley: The Third Season DVD Review:

1970s television is still making people laugh today. With the release of Laverne and Shirley: The Third Season, we get yet another opportunity to see a classic sitcom in its prime. Although it’s not the wittiest of shows, in terms of plot, it still holds up and delivers unadulterated humor to viewers just as it did in the late 1970s.

Laverne and Shirley (Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams) have some of the most dynamic chemistry ever seen between two comedic actresses on the small screen. They’re quirky, they’re complimentary, and they have a knack for finding themselves in comical predicaments. The theme song and famous opening get stuck in your head and you’ll wish you were an employee at the Shotz Brewery with the girls. The supporting cast can’t be beat either. The hilarious Lenny and Squiggy (Michael McKean and David L. Lander) bring a strong in-you-face brand of comedy that helps tie the series together as a whole. And with the help of others like Carmine “The Big Ragoo” (Eddie Mekka), Laverne’s father, Frank DeFazio (Phil Foster), and a whole host of guest stars, you can see why people loved this show and why it still holds up.

From the first episode of the season when Laverne and Shirley embark on their first plane trip, which turns into Laverne conquering her fear of flying by steering and landing the aircraft after the pilot is knocked unconscious, you know that this is going to be a zany adventure and a whole lot of fun as well. Of course, this is one of those shows that, if were it produced today, would border on being a farce of the classic sitcom format. That’s the charm about watching something older like this. You get to see what it was like when the multi-camera format with a studio audience was really in full bloom. No matter, it’s the little things about the show that bring out the strongest audience connection. Laverne’s “L” on all her shirts and her sex drive, Shirley’s dry quick-witted remarks, and Mr. DeFazio’s strong Italian presence all serve as the fine little touches that make this series a little piece of magic.

Also adding to the charm of the show is the good-hearted nature. Not only are there baskets of laughs but there’s a certain aspect of real love present as well. Although it is the classic style for sitcoms to have that kinder part to their stories, this one seems genuine and not forced. There’s just something about the girls that you have to love.

Unfortunately, there are no Special Features on this four-disc set. It’s okay because the episodes are entertaining but it’s always nice to have some extra insight—especially when it’s a successful show of this caliber. Also, some of the episodes are edited because of music rights but there’s no mention of it. I understand that perhaps there wasn’t much to add on but it would have been nice.

Laverne and Shirley is a classic sitcom that builds off the original premise of two women together. Shows revolving around women haven’t fared as well as ones focused on men or a mixed cast but this series shows that women can deliver just as many laughs as anyone else. You can’t help but wonder how a show like this would go over in the current market but there’s no doubt that there is a reason it made such a definite mark. Maybe it was because the show took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s but more likely, it was because it was a truly funny show that was, and always will be, good.

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Laverne And Shirley: The Third Season DVD review written by: Bryce Carlson