Classic TV series from the fifties, sixties and seventies, and even the eighties, are more popular than ever; in fact, there are entire cable stations whose programming is devoted to classic TV shows. You don’t even need a cable subscription to enjoy classic TV; a broadband connection will suffice, since there are also many websites that allow you to watch whole episodes of series such as The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show online. So, with all this content available for free, why spend money to buy the same episodes on DVD box sets? In fact, why do classic TV show box sets make great gifts?

In a word, extras. Many of these box sets have special features, created especially for the DVD release, that make them invaluable to fans of these shows. These include making-of documentaries, cast and crew commentaries on individual episodes, and even deleted scenes. Many so-called ‘lost episodes,’ which were filmed but never aired or were aired in a substantially different form, are also included in DVD box sets, either on their own or as part of a collected season. And, of course, the episodes have usually been re-mastered so they look much better than the broadcast versions.

But another reason why classic TV show box sets make great gifts is because they allow you to watch episodes at your own pace and of your own choosing. You can watch as many episodes as you like in one sitting, or ration them out one at a time. You can also pick the particular episode you want to watch while ignoring the ones you don’t like. And finally, the shows preserved in these DVD box sets are the ones the creators intended you to see; many times, local stations airing reruns would cut whole scenes from episodes to make room for more commercials. In DVD box sets, you’re sure you’re getting the full version, and with better picture and sound quality to boot.