Hornet Rating:

Hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, guest stars including Cher, Andy Garcia, Larry King and more

Directed by Gary Smith

Written by Frederick Rappaport and Marty Farrell

Available on Paramount Home Video Entertainment

85 mins.

Not Rated

“I Love Lucy” is a timeless classic that captivates and delights viewers worldwide. Unfortunately, the lackluster tribute, “I Love Lucy’s 50th Anniversary Special,” fails to do it justice.

The ill-conceived and somewhat boring special commemorates the exploits of Lucy (Lucille Ball), her husband Ricky (Desi Arnaz) and their neighbors Fred (William Frawley) and Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance). Similarly, the DVD is also less than stellar.

As far as DVDs go, “I Love Lucy’s 50th Anniversary Special” is deficient, with no special features or extras. There’s absolutely nothing on it except the tribute special and a lousy opening menu. The interface is dreadful, with only a “Play” option available. No scene selections, commentaries, rare footage or episodes are contained, as many would expect.

The special itself is somewhat informative. There are interviews with some of “I Love Lucy’s” writers, as well as actor Richard Crenna, who guest starred on the show. Unfortunately, he’s the only performer from past episodes who is interviewed. Even Keith Thibodeaux is absent, who played Lucy and Ricky’s son, Little Ricky.

Halfway through the program, Lucy’s trademark facial expressions and impeccable comic timing are discussed by Cher. Yes, folks, that’s right, Cher, the one who used to be married to Sonny Bono. Now, some of you may be thinking: “What the hell does Cher have to do with ‘I Love Lucy?'” Not a thing, if you ask me. Neither do famous faces like Whoopi Goldberg, Dick Van Dyke and Roseanne, who had something celebratory to say.

Speaking of those wacky Arnaz kids, they make sure viewers get a healthy dose of their attention-starved faces. The dynamic duo manages to camera whore their way into the spotlight several times too many, desperate for people to notice them. Growing up in the shadow of two showbiz legends must be tough, but you’d think poor Lucie and Desi Jr. could hire some therapists or something to help them handle the pain. Now, millions of viewers must watch them cry: “Look at us! We’re special too!”

Two people who deserve more exposure are Vivian Vance and William Frawley, who portrayed Ethel and Fred Mertz, Lucy and Ricky’s best friends. Even though Lucy was the star, the “I Love Lucy” dynamic wouldn’t have been the same without the Mertzes, whose presence on the show is underplayed in the tribute. They are mentioned, of course, but comparatively little attention is paid to them. We gain insight into the childhoods and personalities of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, but what about Vivian and William?

On the plus side, there are clips of viewers’ top 10 favorite episodes, which get progressively funnier as the countdown nears number one. Also, “I Love Lucy’s” themes, like friendship, a happy marriage and joy, are acknowledged.

The special shines in some areas, but other places need help. Only die-hard fans should pick up the DVD, because everyone else is better off catching “I Love Lucy” reruns on television. “I Love Lucy’s 50th Anniversary Special” doesn’t quite capture the magic of its subject matter. Maybe the folks who created it will get things right in another 50 years.