Sanford and Son

Redd Foxx plays Fred Sanford, owner of a junk store, and Demond Wilson portrays his son, or, more often than not, referred to as “Dummy” by his father.  These two and the constant badgering, frustrations, surprises, and lessons heaved upon them, make for one repeated episode of fun after another.  The series holds up very well today, even when compared to “SEINFELD” and some of the other top sitcoms of recent years.  Foxx, known for his racy humor in stand-up acts, toned it down for prime-time, but his cantankerous attitude and intentional, if not always successful, attempts at manipulation, make him one of the funniest characters in tv history.  Demond is also terrific and endearing as the level-headed one of the duo.  The show is more relaxed in tone than current sitcoms, unfolding at its own pace, but that’s also part of its magic.  It has the atmosphere of a bunch of really funny short plays.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the entire first season on disc in one boxed set.  Unfortunately, the quality of the master is only fair.  Colors are typically somewhat subdued, and contrast is adequate, but lacking in depth of grays and blacks.  Still, it’s better than videotape, but a little disappointing all the same.

The Monaural soundtrack is in decent shape. It has limited fidelity range, but dialogue is always discernible, and free from distortion.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 audio sounds fine. Subtitles are available.