Pee-wee's Playhouse Volumes 1 and 2
January 2005 Reviewed by: Marc Mickelson Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Pee-wee's Playhouse is the preeminent "not just for kids" children's show. From the almost surreal flair of its opening sequence to the character of Pee-wee Herman and the rotating cast of eccentric visitors, it is unlike any show in TV history. During its five-season run, it had a multigenerational fan base and universal critical praise, garnering numerous Emmy Awards and nominations for writing, editing and art direction. Even now, almost 15 years after its final episode, it is nearly impossible to duplicate its formula for success. Pee-wee's Playhouse was the hippest show of the 1980s, and it would be today as well.

Up to now, the secret word regarding its DVD release has been "When?" which fans young and old have screamed real loud for years. The series ran from 1986 to 1989 and was available on VHS shortly after its cancellation. These two five-DVD sets collect all 45 episodes of Pee-wee's Playhouse, and the sharp picture and lack of commercials make for very satisfying viewing. The show, which aired on Saturday morning, was notorious for long commercial breaks -- no such worry here!

As with cartoon characters, I have my favorite Playhouse regulars (Pterri, the talking pterodactyl; and Randy, the marionette from the wrong side of the tracks) and recurring human guests. The late Phil Hartman as Captain Carl and Laurence Fishburne as Cowboy Curtis are the most famous Pee-wee's Playhouse alumni, but whenever Lynne Marie Stewart as Miss Yvonne visits, her campy, self-important, Barbie-cum-ballerina persona steals the show. In one episode, she and Pee-wee play office, and Pee-wee's first act as boss is to fire her. Such nerve -- I howled with laughter.

There are no extra materials on these DVDs, only the shows themselves, which gives credence to the rumor that there will be deluxe editions later this year. However, there are over 18 hours of watching here, so for most people these sets will suffice. Eight unaired episodes are included, but there are no indications on the outer boxes or via the menus as to which episodes they are.

Pee-wee's Playhouse is a children's show in approach, but it is never sappy or patronizing; instead, it pokes gentle fun at its own genre in a way that adults who grew up watching Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood will recognize and appreciate. Here and now, its 20-something original audience will want these DVDs for the nostalgia factor, and if they have kids of their own, they'll have at-home pals with whom to watch the show. It's timeless.

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