The Grey scaled B/W Bewitched DVD sets the first Two seasons

[Larry Tate]

The point is that Sony used a colorized turn the color off grey scale for their B/W option on seasons one & two not the original print, if you have the colorized version & turn the color off then you get the exact same version as the B/W one that Sony offered, even though it is very different then the original version seen in the 1960's which you can see on the CH VHS tapes.

That is just Sony being cheap & not wanting to pay for two restored versions.

I don't consider the colors fake looking at all, in fact they in my view look very realistic as if they were filmed in color which creates a seamlessness as you go into the actual color filmed season 3.

Even N@N when they got the color episodes as well in 1998 i think it was, used the restored grey scale prints in showing the B/W episodes before the colorization took place & as such the B/W episodes clearly looked as they do now & different then they had in the early 1990's when they had used the original un-restored prints from the 1960's, the restoration process altered the B/W look from the original well before the colorization took place.

I thought they did a wonderful & overall superb & accurate job of colorizing Bewitched.

Of course if you get the first two seasons in Color you get them in B/W as well, all you have to do is turn off the color on your remote control for your TV & it i exactly the same grey scale as the B/W sets are.

The B/W sets are not an accurate replication of how Bewitched was originally seen in B/W in 1964 to 1966, if you want the original shadows, lighting, witchy feel, contrast and visual feel then you need to see original studio 16mm prints or the Columbia House & Screen Gems VHS tapes which were done before the show was restored & remastered and used old 35mm master prints that were made during the shows actual run from Fall 1964 thru the spring of 1966.

The Columbia House tapes are especially as the show was originally seen in the vintage sense with the same aesthetic quality's that were seen back in the 1960's.

There was just real spookiness in the Columbia House tape prints from the first 2 seasons, they are just all the more Witchy like something is going to jump out at you from that Darkened corner.

So you really don't need to record the shows again in B/W as you will have them already on your Color DVD's with the color turned off.

So i am a proponent of the Colorized episodes as it is a Two for One deal in effect, both Color & B/W.

Larry Tate

[ThomasE]

I finally got a chance to adjust the color on my screen to black and white. It reminds me of how it used to air on Nick at Nite. I still did order black and white episodes as I want the authentic version of the way they were shot. I also ordered the colorized eps as well. I just want collections of both versions.

[Larry Tate]

I finally got a chance to adjust the color on my screen to black and white. It reminds me of how it used to air on Nick at Nite. I still did order black and white episodes as I want the authentic version of the way they were shot. I also ordered the colorized eps as well. I just want collections of both versions.

The thing is you are not getting the authentic B/W version from 1964/1965.

The B/W sets are not an accurate replication of how Bewitched was originally seen in B/W in 1964 to 1966, if you want the original shadows, lighting, witchy feel, contrast and visual feel then you need to see original studio 16mm prints or the Columbia House & Screen Gems VHS tapes which were done before the show was restored & remastered and used old 35mm master prints that were made during the shows actual run from Fall 1964 thru the spring of 1966.

The Columbia House tapes are especially as the show was originally seen in the vintage sense with the same aesthetic quality's that were seen back in the 1960's.

The B/W DVD set today does not reflect that and looks very much different then it did in the 60's and is Not Authentic.

If you bought the colorized version and turned the color off, it will be exactly as the B/W DVD set is in appearance.

Larry Tate

[ThomasE]

The thing is you are not getting the authentic B/W version from 1964/1965.

The B/W sets are not an accurate replication of how Bewitched was originally seen in B/W in 1964 to 1966, if you want the original shadows, lighting, witchy feel, contrast and visual feel then you need to see original studio 16mm prints or the Columbia House & Screen Gems VHS tapes which were done before the show was restored & remastered and used old 35mm master prints that were made during the shows actual run from Fall 1964 thru the spring of 1966.

The Columbia House tapes are especially as the show was originally seen in the vintage sense with the same aesthetic quality's that were seen back in the 1960's.

The B/W DVD set today does not reflect that and looks very much different then it did in the 60's and is Not Authentic.

If you bought the colorized version and turned the color off, it will be exactly as the B/W DVD set is in appearance.

Larry Tate


Well, I did that tonight. I turned off the color. I got a glimpse of how it was in B and W. You might be right about the authenticity, though. I remember NAN's version back in the late 80's and early 90's being grainier. I have an ep from NAN which is really the first episode.

I went ahead and order the B and W eps (S1 and S2) through amazon anyway just to have them as to compare plus, I only paid 20 dollars total for both. I ordered S2 Colorized version as well which was less than 8 dollars total. I have on borrow from the library season one colorized.

[Larry Tate]

Well, I did that tonight. I turned off the color. I got a glimpse of how it was in B and W. You might be right about the authenticity, though. I remember NAN's version back in the late 80's and early 90's being grainier. I have an ep from NAN which is really the first episode.

I went ahead and order the B and W eps (S1 and S2) through amazon anyway just to have them as to compare plus, I only paid 20 dollars total for both. I ordered S2 Colorized version as well which was less than 8 dollars total. I have on borrow from the library season one colorized.

Yes your right about the N@N prints in B/W of the first two seasons being grainier in the 1980's & early/mid 1990's as they were still using the old original unrestored prints then, the same ones used in the Columbia House & Screen Gems VHS tapes.

In 1998 N@N started showing all 8 seasons and the color seasons for the first time and all 8 seasons were the new restored remastered prints that had been made for the then upcoming DVD releases.

They were using the B/W prints ( that would be used for the B/W DVD releases in a few years) then not the colorized ones which did not not yet exist, that would not happen for 2 years when Hallmark took over the national syndication rights from N@N for a 2 years.

When TV Land took over from Hallmark they too used the new restored prints and used the colorized ones.

Larry Tate

[ThomasE]

Yes your right about the N@N prints in B/W of the first two seasons being grainier in the 1980's & early/mid 1990's as they were still using the old original unrestored prints then, the same ones used in the Columbia House VHS tapes.

In 1998 N@N started showing all 8 seasons and the color seasons for the first time and all 8 seasons were the new restored remastered prints that had been made for the then upcoming DVD releases.

They were using the B/W prints ( that would be used for the B/W DVD releases in a few years) then not the colorized ones which did not not yet exist, that would not happen for 2 years when Hallmark took over the national syndication rights from N@N for a 2 years.

When TV Land took over from Hallmark they too used the new restored prints and used the colorized ones.

Larry Tate

I remember when the eps from 1966 and beyond came to NAN. I was excited because I felt that it was about time. LOL. They were running the first two seasons into the ground although there were plenty of eps for about four months to live off of. I saw the later seasons on NAN then called them to confirm that they'd still be airing the B and W shows. They called back and told me that they'd be airing them all. Now, for a while, I recall them airing eps from 66-72 in the cycle taking a break from the first two seasons. Later down the line, the first two seasons were aired in the cycle with the other six seasons. I was then pleased.

When I tuned into Hallmark in 2002, I was watching the show and observed the eps and thought they were later seasons. Then I looked at the quailty of the picture and color pondered. I then started noticing eps I remembered airing in black and white and then said "No way! These can't be colorized!" I was estatic because I always wanted to see them in color. I thought it was so cool. I think you are right about the B & W prints being used in the late 90's because I have the first ep I taped from 1999 and it did not look as grainy as it used to when aired in 1989.

It is great to talk with another "Hechizada" analyst.

[Larry Tate]

I remember when the eps from 1966 and beyond came to NAN. I was excited because I felt that it was about time. LOL. They were running the first two seasons into the ground although there were plenty of eps for about four months to live off of. I saw the later seasons on NAN then called them to confirm that they'd still be airing the B and W shows. They called back and told me that they'd be airing them all. Now, for a while, I recall them airing eps from 66-72 in the cycle taking a break from the first two seasons. Later down the line, the first two seasons were aired in the cycle with the other six seasons. I was then pleased.

When I tuned into Hallmark in 2002, I was watching the show and observed the eps and thought they were later seasons. Then I looked at the quailty of the picture and color pondered. I then started noticing eps I remembered airing in black and white and then said "No way! These can't be colorized!" I was estatic because I always wanted to see them in color. I thought it was so cool. I think you are right about the B & W prints being used in the late 90's because I have the first ep I taped from 1999 and it did not look as grainy as it used to when aired in 1989.

It is great to talk with another "Hechizada" analyst.

It is a positive thing to chat with a fan that truly cares about the show in an uplifting way. :)

I recall prior to 1998 when there was no single national syndicated channel that held the rights to Bewitched.

There were so many super stations that telecast it across the country through the 1980's & up to the late 1990's, like KTLA, TBS, WGN, WSBK, KWGN,KPIX,WWOR AND others.

I must have watched on 8 different stations a day not including the 2 times a day on N@N, usually most of the seasons were represented in all this instances per day, it was a real Bewitchedapolooza, those were the good old days.

Of course with having them all on DVD now one can formulate ones own TV schedule.

I still like to partake in my 140 odd 16m mm original studio prints, many of them restored where i can see the show as it was originally presented with original commercials, something Sony is blind to doing unfortunately.

By the way i love the high quality colorization that was used for the first two seasons, it is almost as if it was filmed in color orignally.

Larry Tate

[ThomasE]

It is a positive thing to chat with a fan that truly cares about the show in an uplifting way. :)

I still like to partake in my 140 odd 16m mm original studio prints, many of them restored where i can see the show as it was originally presented with original commercials, something Sony is blind to doing unfortunately.

By the way i love the high quality colorization that was used for the first two seasons, it is almost as if it was filmed in color orignally.

Larry Tate


Well, to me the eps do look colorized. I can definitely tell in some scenes where one can see dark shadowing. There are some parts of a scene that seems dark while other parts have just enough light. It seemed to me that the director of photography set up lighting for the black and white camera. When the eps were colorized it also brought up any dark, noticeable areas in the scenes.

[retroTVfan4ever]

I bought the black and white DVD's of seasons 1 and 2. Although the black and white discs may indeed be the colorized ones with the color turned off, it's good enough for me, the black and white DVD's still retain that dark, film noir quality that was present until the series went to color in season 3.

[ThomasE]

I bought the black and white DVD's of seasons 1 and 2. Although the black and white discs may indeed be the colorized ones with the color turned off, it's good enough for me, the black and white DVD's still retain that dark, film noir quality that was present until the series went to color in season 3.


I'm waiting on my box sets for seasons one and two and the colorized version for season two to be delivered. I just want to do a comparison.

[Larry Tate]

Well, to me the eps do look colorized. I can definitely tell in some scenes where one can see dark shadowing. There are some parts of a scene that seems dark while other parts have just enough light. It seemed to me that the director of photography set up lighting for the black and white camera. When the eps were colorized it also brought up any dark, noticeable areas in the scenes.

Yes that's true that the colorized ones though exceptionally well done and eons better then the early variants in the mid 80's done by turner, there still is no substitute for something actually filmed in color and the color seasons are more vibrant and alive comparatively speaking.

It is correct that the director of photography set up lighting for the black and white camera and that is a very different lit set then it would be in color.
One can it seems at times do much more in Black & White then one can with the color spectrum and in a more subtle way.

For those who are thinking of buying the first two seasons, it makes sense to get the color one as in effect you get a two for one deal with both the color & B/W versions available at the cost of one DVD set, the same can't be done of course with the B/W DVD set so a buyer in effect is short changing themselves.

Larry Tate

[ThomasE]

Yes that's true that the colorized ones though exceptionally well done and eons better then the early variants in the mid 80's done by turner, there still is no substitute for something actually filmed in color and the color seasons are more vibrant and alive comparatively speaking.

It is correct that the director of photography set up lighting for the black and white camera and that is a very different lit set then it would be in color.
One can it seems at times do much more in Black & White then one can with the color spectrum and in a more subtle way.

For those who are thinking of buying the first two seasons, it makes sense to get the color one as in effect you get a two for one deal with both the color & B/W versions available at the cost of one DVD set, the same can't be done of course with the B/W DVD set so a buyer in effect is short changing themselves.

Larry Tate

As you know, I went ahead and bought them all yesterday. It was almost next to nothing in price so I did it just to have them.

I work as a Camera Assistant in TV so I get the chance to work with Directors of Photography. Lighting is a key element. I just happen to make those observations about these scenes.

[retroTVfan4ever]

I purposely bought the black and white sets, I won't buy anything that's been colorized, I want seasons 1 and 2 of Bewitched in black and white, that's how those seasons are intended to be seen. I'm glad Sony gave Bewitched fans the black and white option, that's the version I wanted, I didn't "short change" myself.

[ThomasE]

I purposely bought the black and white sets, I won't buy anything that's been colorized, I want seasons 1 and 2 of Bewitched in black and white, that's how those seasons are intended to be seen. I'm glad Sony gave Bewitched fans the black and white option, that's the version I wanted, I didn't "short change" myself.


Good for you. The colorized eps were the ones I thought most consumers would buy because they were in color. It's nice to know that there are consumers out there buying based on originality. I want black and white along with color to compare. I got mine from amazon real cheap.

[retroTVfan4ever]

Good for you. The colorized eps were the ones I thought most consumers would buy because they were in color. It's nice to know that there are consumers out there buying based on originality. I want black and white along with color to compare. I got mine from amazon real cheap.

That's good you found a nice deal on Amazon, will be interesting to read the results of your comparison. I used to buy most of my DVD's from Movies Unlimited, but they are a tad expensive so I started shopping on ebay and found cheaper prices. There are sellers that offer brand new DVD sets at reduced prices, some even offer free shipping.

[ThomasE]

That's good you found a nice deal on Amazon, will be interesting to read the results of your comparison. I used to buy most of my DVD's from Movies Unlimited, but they are a tad expensive so I started shopping on ebay and found cheaper prices. There are sellers that offer brand new DVD sets at reduced prices, some even offer free shipping.


I imagine it'll be like Larry Tate says, the discs will be digitally remastered but I'd like to have them anyway for my collection. I'll still analyze for myself and write my opinion, though. The ones I got were:

Season one B/W: 8.65 tax incl
Season two B/W:11.48 tax incl
Season two Color: 7.97 tax incl
28.10 total
Of course, these are used but I'm fine with these.

[Hazel Anyday]

Not only does Bewitched look just great in the colorized versions of Seasons 1 & 2 but I Dream of Jeanie is even more beautiful in the bright and accurate colorized version of her Season 1 set. I only wish they had released Hazel season 1 in a colorized version. It a hands down decision for me when choosing between b/w or color, I will always choose the color version. But even bringing up the subject of colorization always brings out the b/w only fanatics, to each his own, and my own is colorized!

[retroTVfan4ever]

Good for you. The colorized eps were the ones I thought most consumers would buy because they were in color. It's nice to know that there are consumers out there buying based on originality.

I've always thought that black and white shows are intended to be seen in their original form, none of this artificial, computer generated color junk for me. Also, black and white shows have a unique film noir quality to them, adding color to the picture destroys that mood. I agree with other black and white purists who say colorizing black and white films/TV shows is an act of vandalism and should be strictly forbidden.

[ThomasE]

I've always thought that black and white shows are intended to be seen in their original form, none of this artificial, computer generated color junk for me. Also, black and white shows have a unique film noir quality to them, adding color to the picture destroys that mood. I agree with other black and white purists who say colorizing black and white films/TV shows is an act of vandalism and should be strictly forbidden.


I just got my black and white versions in the mail. Now, I don't knock the colorized episodes at all. It is a nice option or alternative but you can tell that a colorized show is in black and white with the lighting issues as some colorized darkness appears in some parts of shows/movies. In the case of "Bewitched", The black and white shows are authentic and original without being altered (with the exception of the digital remastering). I like the fact that I have the best of both worlds with the show. ;)

[retroTVfan4ever]

I just got my black and white versions in the mail. Now, I don't knock the colorized episodes at all. It is a nice option or alternative but you can tell that a colorized show is in black and white with the lighting issues as some colorized darkness appears in some parts of shows/movies. In the case of "Bewitched", The black and white shows are authentic and original without being altered (with the exception of the digital remastering). I like the fact that I have the best of both worlds with the show. ;)

I like watching color shows as long as they were originally made that way, look at season 3 of Bewitched and see how different it is compared to seasons 1 and 2. Color is the obvious big change, but the mood is different as well, everything seems to be amped up a bit compared to the black and white seasons.

I have all of Bewitched on DVD except seasons 5 and 8. I don't know if I want season 5 but I'm thinking about getting season 8. What is your opinion of the 8th season? Is it a good season and worth owning on DVD? I have seen other comments about the 8th season that say the show was pretty well played out by that time and some 8th season episodes are rehashes of episodes from previous seasons. What do you think?

[ThomasE]

I like watching color shows as long as they were originally made that way, look at season 3 of Bewitched and see how different it is compared to seasons 1 and 2. Color is the obvious big change, but the mood is different as well, everything seems to be amped up a bit compared to the black and white seasons.

I have all of Bewitched on DVD except seasons 5 and 8. I don't know if I want season 5 but I'm thinking about getting season 8. What is your opinion of the 8th season? Is it a good season and worth owning on DVD? I have seen other comments about the 8th season that say the show was pretty well played out by that time and some 8th season episodes are rehashes of episodes from previous seasons. What do you think?


You made some very valid points. I must say that. You can tell the difference and vibe as the show goes to season three. I wonder if that is why the first two years were pulled from the syndication package in the late 70's? In the black and white eps. the wardrobe has dark color tracings or sometimes the wardrobe was solid dark to provide a balance/depth to the cinematography and was a great accent. When colorized, everything dark seemed to be overwhelming because there was so much color going on and there were so much dark areas in scenes that would have been lighted more had the show been shot in color.

Season eight, IMO from what I can remember was frequent repeats of storylines from the previous years. I'd look back at episods and say, "Hey! didn't I see this SL from season one?" LOL. So, yes. They were running out of ideas and hit their stride. The only differences were that it was now the 70's, fashion was different and Mrs. Tate was swapped out for another Mrs. Tate. LOL.

Season five? It seemed as thought Dick York appeared less as the season progressed and then some episodes he was a no show. Maybe that is why you are not interested? I plan on buying all as to have a collection to reference to whenever I wish to.

[retroTVfan4ever]

You made some very valid points. I must say that. You can tell the difference and vibe as the show goes to season three. I wonder if that is why the first two years were pulled from the syndication package in the late 70's? In the black and white eps. the wardrobe has dark color tracings or sometimes the wardrobe was solid dark to provide a balance/depth to the cinematography and was a great accent. When colorized, everything dark seemed to be overwhelming because there was so much color going on and there were so much dark areas in scenes that would have been lighted more had the show been shot in color.

Season eight, IMO from what I can remember was frequent repeats of storylines from the previous years. I'd look back at episods and say, "Hey! didn't I see this SL from season one?" LOL. So, yes. They were running out of ideas and hit their stride. The only differences were that it was now the 70's, fashion was different and Mrs. Tate was swapped out for another Mrs. Tate. LOL.

Season five? It seemed as thought Dick York appeared less as the season progressed and then some episodes he was a no show. Maybe that is why you are not interested? I plan on buying all as to have a collection to reference to whenever I wish to.

When I Dream Of Jeannie went to color episodes, there is a huge difference from the black and white season to the color seasons. I Dream Of Jeannie in color became zany, almost cartoon like in style. In comparison, Bewitched was always the more sophisticated show, but there is still a noticeable mood difference from the black and white seasons to the color seasons.

That's what I was afraid of about Bewitched season 8, several episodes being rehashes of previous shows. Probably the main reason to have season 8 is for the trip to Europe episodes that start the season. After that, the season is nothing special. Thanks for giving your opinion. I still might order it, I'll have to think it over.

Yes, one reason I haven't bought season 5 yet is because Dick York is in and out of the episodes. Another reason is it sounds like Sony didn't do all that great a job with the DVD's for season 5. I also think the 5th season overall is the weakest of the York seasons. For these reasons I have passed on it so far and don't have plans currently to purchase this season.

[MickeyMac]

I purposely bought the black and white sets, I won't buy anything that's been colorized, I want seasons 1 and 2 of Bewitched in black and white, that's how those seasons are intended to be seen. I'm glad Sony gave Bewitched fans the black and white option, that's the version I wanted, I didn't "short change" myself.


Same here


That colorized stuff is one big eyesore.

[Kasey]

Season 8 is undoubtably the weakest due to EM's lack of enthusiasm and the rehashed plots. Plus, we never see Uncle Arthur or the Kravitzes--everything seems static and boring. However, there are several Serena episodes in S8 that are VERY entertaining, so I would still recommend it for those if you find it cheap enough.

Season 5 is perhaps my favorite of the Dick York era. This may because these are the first episodes of the show I remember seeing in the mid '70s but I think the scoring is perfect on all of them--from the magical sound effects to the transitional music. Also, though York is absent alot, the episodes he does appear in are some of his finest work: being miniaturized by Endora, getting randy with "Sam" (it's really Serena) at their Honeymoon motel Moonthatch Inn, his reaction to the vanity spell, fending off Italian vamp Cleo Vinita, etc. Even the non-Darrin episodes are so well-written and performed they have always been among my favorites: Serena and Uncle Arthur in the chocolate factory; Tabitha as the raisin cookie; Serena's experience in computer dating and turning Mrs. Stephens into a cat, Cousin Henry and the department store debacle.

[retroTVfan4ever]

Season 8 is undoubtably the weakest due to EM's lack of enthusiasm and the rehashed plots. Plus, we never see Uncle Arthur or the Kravitzes--everything seems static and boring. However, there are several Serena episodes in S8 that are VERY entertaining, so I would still recommend it for those if you find it cheap enough.

Season 5 is perhaps my favorite of the Dick York era. This may because these are the first episodes of the show I remember seeing in the mid '70s but I think the scoring is perfect on all of them--from the magical sound effects to the transitional music. Also, though York is absent alot, the episodes he does appear in are some of his finest work: being miniaturized by Endora, getting randy with "Sam" (it's really Serena) at their Honeymoon motel Moonthatch Inn, his reaction to the vanity spell, fending off Italian vamp Cleo Vinita, etc. Even the non-Darrin episodes are so well-written and performed they have always been among my favorites: Serena and Uncle Arthur in the chocolate factory; Tabitha as the raisin cookie; Serena's experience in computer dating and turning Mrs. Stephens into a cat, Cousin Henry and the department store debacle.

Thanks for giving your opinion. I will probably eventually buy seasons 5 and 8, there are sellers on ebay that usually offer good deals/lower prices, that's likely the route I'll choose when I decide to purchase.

[ThomasE]

Thanks for giving your opinion. I will probably eventually buy seasons 5 and 8, there are sellers on ebay that usually offer good deals/lower prices, that's likely the route I'll choose when I decide to purchase.


Check out Amazon. They may have something in a reasonable price range for you.

[Larry Tate]

I just got my black and white versions in the mail. Now, I don't knock the colorized episodes at all. It is a nice option or alternative but you can tell that a colorized show is in black and white with the lighting issues as some colorized darkness appears in some parts of shows/movies. In the case of "Bewitched", The black and white shows are authentic and original without being altered (with the exception of the digital remastering). I like the fact that I have the best of both worlds with the show. ;)

By authentic i assume you are not meaning that the B/W DVD Set is the same as the original 35 mm prints would be as they were in 1964 as i see that being the case in the screen gems and columbia house tapes that look original, but not in the B/W DVD set which look other then they did in 1964 or on the SG & CH tapes as i see them.
The digital remastering has altered them visually i believe.

But your right you got the best of both worlds.

Larry Tate

[Larry Tate]

Season eight, IMO from what I can remember was frequent repeats of storylines from the previous years. I'd look back at episods and say, "Hey! didn't I see this SL from season one?" LOL. So, yes. They were running out of ideas and hit their stride. The only differences were that it was now the 70's, fashion was different and Mrs. Tate was swapped out for another Mrs. Tate. LOL.

Season five? It seemed as thought Dick York appeared less as the season progressed and then some episodes he was a no show. Maybe that is why you are not interested? I plan on buying all as to have a collection to reference to whenever I wish to.

Dick York did not miss any episodes prior to his collapse as he did all 20 until he collapsed and then missed the last 8 episodes filmed that season.

After his collapse resulting in his going into a semi-coma & bed ridden state for a year and a half, the few remaining filmed episodes with him in the can were mixed in with the last 8 non Darrin episodes to make his absence appear less conspicuous.

In season 8 only 4 of the first 22 filmed episodes that season were remakes, so mostly it was new fresh material.

Larry Tate

[retroTVfan4ever]

Check out Amazon. They may have something in a reasonable price range for you.

Amazon is a good suggestion, although it likely will be a while yet until I order seasons 5 and 8. The next DVD's I plan to buy are Lucy Show season 6, and Hazel season 4 as long as all the episodes are unedited. I will probably complete my Bewitched collection sometime in 2013.