Amazon.com Something of a cross between M*A*S*H* (it's set in wartime) and Sgt. Bilko (the emphasis in on ensemble acting, with a ringleader and his band of merry pranksters), McHale's Navy isn't on a level with those two immortal sit-coms. But this amiable show, debuting on DVD with all 36 black & white episodes from its first season (1962-63) on five discs, stands the test of time surprisingly well. Not that there's any important new comedic ground broken here. These half-hour episodes are pretty much all about the same thing: Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale (the always reliable Ernest Borgnine), skipper of Navy PT boat #73, and his crew are stationed "somewhere in the South Pacific, 1943." They're capable sailors, engaging the Japanese enemy when duty occasionally calls, but most of the time they hang out on their own private island and have a good time--much to the chagrin of their blustery commander, Capt. Wallace Binghamton (Joe Flynn), who's constantly trying to rid himself of the regulation-defying McHale and his fun-loving band of miscreants. In that respect, McHale's Navy is much like Bilko. But unlike the latter show's brilliant Phil Silvers, Borgnine isn't really a comedian; with his unmistakable cackle, the actor's McHale, while not above taking part in a good-natured prank, is a less a Bilko-esque con artist than a regular guy, a kind of cheer- and ringleader intent on looking after his boys. The real laughmeisters on this show are Tim Conway, who brings his whole bag of shticks to the role of the bumbling Ensign Charles Parker, and Flynn, who's consistently hilarious. Among the crew, Carl Ballantine stands out as fast-talking Brooklyn native Lester Gruber; TV lovers will also recognize Gavin MacLeod in his first extended TV role before moving on to The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat.
It's always a bit strange to see war scenes played for laughs--the Pacific Theater in World War II was hardly comedy central, after all. But they are pretty funny. And while the Japanese characters are treated fairly stereotypically, it could have been a lot worse, considering the show's pre-political correctness provenance; hell, many of the roles are actually played by Japanese actors, which was not a given (then or now), and in one episode ("Movies Are Your Best Diversion"), they speak un-subtitled Japanese. Fact is, McHale's Navy is just too mild and good-natured to offend anyone. The sole bonus feature is a dull reunion interview with Borgnine, Parker, and some other cast members.--Sam Graham
It's Good to Share.February 16, 2010 Daniel R. Borgman(Ocala, FL) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I ordered three of the four Mchale seasons for my younger brother, who is an avid McHale fan. Often, I'll go over to his place where the two of us will spend the entire evening laughing it up to the antics of McHale and the gang in episode after episode. The B/W images are sparklingly clear with few or none of those bothersome little flecks which usually permeate old programs such as this. A wide-screen TV like my brother's requires much more picture information and these DVDs obviously have plenty to spare.
Of course, the best part about another family member picking up the tab for
things like DVDs, is that I then get to watch the same programs for FREE!
McHale's Navy DVD is a clear winner!July 19, 2009 Johnny K(NYC) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Bravo! Cheers! I am completely happy with the McHale's Navy Season One DVD set. The video quality is superb, the audio is as clear as a bell. The original music is there too (unlike some other DVD manufacturuers who, for some incredibly dumb reason, change the original music on other classic series).
If you're a fan of Ernest Borgnine, Tim Conway and the late, great Joe Flynn, this set is for you. I am so impressed with the quality that I ordered season two as well. I give the men a well done!
One of the best comedies of that or any eraJune 26, 2009 Reviewer(USA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
McHale's Navy season 1 has 36 episodes, which immediately makes it a bargain. most television shows only have around 25 episodes per season for the price. I won't give anything away about the show, but say if you like F Troop, Hogan's Heroes, and/or Sgt. Bilgo (The Phil Silvers Show), you'll want to add McHale's Navy to the mix. Tim Conway, Ernest Borgnine, and Joe Flynn are one of the funniest trio's ever on TV.
A classic sitcom released on DVDJune 24, 2009 John Prothero I used to watch McHale's Navy as a kid and it is as hilarious now as it was then. The greatest part about having it on DVD is that I get a chance to see all of the episodes including the ones I missed or didn't remember. I've always enjoyed the exploits of McHale's crew as they thwart of efforts of their scheming commanding officer Capt. Binghamton (Ol' Lead Bottom)to have them transferred or sent to the brig. This set is a must for those who remember how humorous sitcoms used to be. McHale's Navy is a milestone from the golden age of comedy that has been long since gone.
Good JobApril 22, 2009 F. Martin The DVD arrived on just in time for the birthday and it was a hit.
