Customer Reviews

Deal

5 star:		(3)
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This was a classic 1978 documentary on a long running game show that ran in various versions for many years on network TV and syndication. "Deal" gives the viewer some rare behind-the-scenes moments on the making of "Let's Make A Deal" during an actual taping of a show. It has interviews with host Monty Hall and original announcer, Jay Stewart. It also has a scene where contestants in costumes wait in line outside the ABC-TV studios in Los Angeles for their chance to be lucky enough to be selected to attend a taping of an episode of "Let's Make A Deal" and possibly be picked by Monty to make a deal with him. Contestants have options to take something like a sure cash prize or trade what is in the box or curtain on stage. Sometimes it's a more valuable prize or even a worthless 'zonk' prize. Later, two contestants have an opportunity to trade in everything for one of three doors for the 'Big Deal of the Night'. One of them was lucky to pick the right door. Then the 'Big Deal' winner is offered to risk one more time to have a chance to win an additional $20,000 in cash in the 'Super Deal' game. He or she would pick on of three mini-doors. One has the 20 Grand. If the contestant picks that, they win it plus they also keep their 'Big Deal' prize, but if they pick any of the other two, they lose their 'Big Deal', but still take that cash prize behind that door as a consolation. In this episode, the contestant just walks away with their 'Big Deal' prize and turns down the chance at the 'Super Deal'.

For a game show fan like me, I enjoyed this DVD a lot! Hopefully someday, an actual collection of episodes of "Let's Make A Deal" will be released on DVD in the future. Hey, it could happen! They did it with "Match Game" last year!

If you're a fan of the classic version of Let's Make a Deal, this DVD provides a behind-the-scenes view of how the show is put together. It's nostalgic to see all the people involved with the show, especially since some of them are no longer with us.

An excellent look inside the program that truly defined the game show genre, including cast/crew interviews and a fascinating peek inside the taping of an actual episode, from the arrival of audience members to their families' reactions afterwards.

While this documentary has been available on VHS for a number of years, copies were not easy to find and many were of varying quality. However, this remastered edition looks/sounds great, and the addition of a LMaD trivia game's a nice touch, though they could've added more special features along those lines. But that said, it's still a great buy for any GS fan out there...check it out!

#1) Well-produced, well-done docu-tainment;

#2) You get to see the backstage, behind-the-scenes goings-on, everything from contestants pulling up to the curb outside the studio (nostalgic glimpses of the cars & suburban/city scenery), to production meeting arguments, to deciding what to charge companies for a mention of, or use of, their product, to contestant prep' - - even to the "Genie" lady going home to tell her truck driver hubby on the CB that she won big - - and ride along with the guy delivering prizes!

#3) there are interviews (well, I call 'em that, but the questions aren't usually "included") with the producers, & Monty Hall of course -- telling how they made it to the big-time, what it cost them personally to get what they'd gained, & what they consider important in life. For example, Monty relates how he was for years a bit "defensive" of his career choice, but later decided he didn't merely have nothing to be ashamed of, but was doing something to be proud of - delivering to the TV audience entertainment they liked. Off-topic: one scene springs to mind where he's showing his star on the Walk of Fame(just he & "the camera"), & hey, there comes Mrs. Hall down the sidewalk with an out-of-town guest!

#4) If this show was from "back in YOUR day", it's a good example of what entertainment was back in "the good ol' days"(along w/ DVD's of "Password", "You Bet Your Live", etc.). Good to show the whippersnapers.

#5) it's a good balance of the show itself (what viewers'd see), as well as the production and the people behind it.

#6) the next time we rocket a Voyager probe off into deep space, there should be a DVD of this on it!

It's not all fun and games over at the LMAD set. Never realized how much went into the show. How long it took for them to practice, etc.

It's a good movie, but I'd have liked to see some more action.

The DVD is a late-1970s documentary of the popular game show hosted by Monty Hall - who was also co-producer and co-creator - that aired (the original series) in daily and nighttime syndication from 1963-1977.

It is a fantastic insider's look at the production of the program; every facet is covered, even the process of selecting contestants to appear in an episode. Hall and announcer Jay Stewart are prominently featured in interview segments, which makes this a combination of a fascinating trip into pop culture nostalgia and an excellent historical piece for those interested in or studying facets of the entertainment industry.

With "The Lovely" Carol Merrill - who modeled the various prizes - Hall had a winning formula for many years. Until the old episodes are packaged into DVD collections for release, this will be the best outlet to see what made the "Big Deal of the Day" a winner.