Colorized not necessarily better. . . .
I am rating the quality as excellent, but don't feel that this is because of the newer, sophisticated versions of colorization. Although I had never seen the first season in color, I was intrigued, and excited to try it out. The first season episodes are best watched in order, as for the first several episodes, plotlines either have some slight continuity, especially secondary stories, or mention of prior plot details occur which make it best for the viewer to have seen them sequentially.
Eden is delightful, as naive, out-of-her-element Jeannie. Hagman is a good comedic straight man, but it is hard to believe the Air Force wouldn't have put him on a "fat boy," program; he appears stocky in some episodes. The comedic writing is brilliant, and the special effects are good, although perhaps better in black-and-white.
Jeannie's first season bottle is drab in comparison with the technicolor episodes; this isn't troubling---we know that her bottle and interior become more colorful for the second season, without explanation, and that the rest of the genies (Blue Djinn, Jeannie II, etc.) have similar bottles in different color schemes. Disappointing is the use of the color; in some cases, it is clear that color stills of the series were not viewed; Eden's aqua-green and white outfit, worn a few times before a slightly sexier version of it was used for Jeannie II, is colorized as pink, and a spin on the same outfit, again in green (Eden mentions it in the pilot commentary) is also pink. A premise that is ignored for this season (in color) is that in the first few episodes of the second season, Jeannie's smoke is blue-green for costumes other than the pink one (when wearing the aqua skirted costume or her off-white pajamas). The smoke is always shown pink.
The use of Melissa, Captain Nelson's fiancee, as a source of jealousy, and the outstanding guest appearance of classic tv veteran Arleen Sax in Russian Roulette, make it worth watching. Look also for Emmeline Henry in a small scene as a magician's assistant, Mert, prior to her permanent assignment in season two as Amanda Bellows.
The first season features Eden in breathtaking gowns and designer street clothes, and also features heavy use of special effects, including smoke. Apparently, it was more difficult in color, as the effects are used less, and less, as the series continues. It is arguably the best season. Also charming is the original, jazz intro, and the use of jazz instrumentals for backgrounds in the episodes. These almost make the series more sentimental during denouement scenes or intimate dialogues between Hagman and Eden.
This season is a must watch if you want to know when the Captains were promoted to Major, how Roger met Jeannie, and why Doctor Bellows is so suspicious, among others---even an explanation of how Jeannie lost use of Archaic grammar.
Fun, fun, fun. Season two would continue, and season three is even a hoot, but recycling of old premises and trite plotlines, hint at a decline of quality for seasons four and five, but great excuses to show Barbara Eden in street micro-minis :) and Emmeline Henry too :( .Read full review
