The set is a very entertaining look at a significant point in TV and American cultural history. It is so 1975, but that's a major part of its appeal: did Chevy Chase really used to look that young? Did a young George Carlin really used to look so old? Check out Abba in those disco jumpsuits. And if you're a fan of The Muppets, seeing them here on late-night TV making jokes about getting drunk will blow your mind. Younger fans may not fully understand just how groundbreaking this show was at the time. For example, Richard Pryor hosting the seventh episode, which includes the famous "Word Association" sketch. Back then, to have a comedian of Pryor's reputation joking about drugs, sex, and race on live TV was a tremendous risk (it's also gratifying to see the obvious effect he had on the next generation of comics like Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock), and it helped established the show's cache as unpredictable and edgy. The DVD set is full of moments like this and, like the show itself, it has its ups and downs. Watching hosts like Rob Reiner (back when he was still in his "Meathead" days from All in the Family), Madeleine Kahn, and Desi Arnaz work their comedy chops with the cast are high points. Whereas the infamous Louise Lasser episode, which is known for being among the worst episodes in the show's history… not so much. Still, it's entirely to Executive Producer Lorne Michaels's credit that it's included here. It's a tremendous collection of everything that gave birth to Saturday Night Live, and the seed of what SNL would become, spawning many movies (not to mention a few catch-phrases), launching the careers of many great comedians, and providing TV viewers with some of the most famous, and infamous, moments in broadcast history. And it all started right here.

The set is packaged in a well-designed, sleek fold-out digi-pack with every episode listed on the sleeves, with hosts, musical guests, and the original air date. The special features include a rare look at the cast members' original screen tests, and a 1975 TV interview with the cast. --Daniel Vancini

Product Description
With relevant satire that's just as funny today as it was in 1975, the first season of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE still triggers giggles from people even if they weren't even born when Gerald Ford was in office. The famous "Not Ready for Primetime Players" made their debut in this revolutionary sketch comedy show created by Lorne Michaels. Chevy Chase is hilarious as the first anchor of Weekend Update, and John Belushi shines as both Don Corleone and a samurai working at a deli. Whether playing a young girl or confused commentator Emily Latella, Gilda Radner is pitch perfect. Jane Curtin, Dan Aykroyd, and Laraine Newman round out this spectacular cast that has never been equaled in more than three decades of the show. This season began the show's tradition of getting top guest hosts including Richard Pryor, Buck Henry, and Candice Bergen. Musical guests include classic artists such as Simon and Garfunkel, ABBA, and Carly Simon. Each episode is in its original 90-minute format.