For generations of television fans, few shows capture the spirit of good-natured, car-chasing rebellion quite like The Dukes of Hazzard. The iconic series, which ran from 1979 to 1985, became a cultural touchstone, blending slapstick humor, high-octane car stunts, and a heartfelt celebration of family and rural values. While the show lives on in syndication and digital streams, there's a unique and tangible joy in owning a physical collection. This brings us to a standout release for collectors and new fans alike: the Dukes of Hazzard: The Complete Series (Repackage/2017/DVD). This comprehensive box set isn't just a reissue; it's a thoughtfully curated tribute to Hazzard County's finest.
The Enduring Appeal of The Dukes of Hazzard
Before diving into the specifics of the 2017 DVD set, it's worth exploring why The Dukes of Hazzard remains so beloved. At its core, the show was a perfect storm of charismatic characters. Bo and Luke Duke, played by John Schneider and Tom Wopat, were the epitome of cool, modern-day Robin Hoods, constantly outsmarting the corrupt Boss Hogg and the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. Their iconic car, the General Lee—a 1969 Dodge Charger with a Confederate flag painted on the roof (a point of modern contention)—became a star in its own right, famous for its gravity-defying jumps.
The show's formula of weekly escapades, car chases, and Daisy Duke's (Catherine Bach) famous shorts created a unique brand of action-comedy series entertainment that was wholesome yet thrilling. It offered pure, uncomplicated fun—a quality that makes it perfect for family entertainment even today. This timeless appeal is precisely what makes owning a complete series so desirable.
Unpacking the 2017 DVD Repackage: What Makes It Special?
The 2017 repackaged edition of The Dukes of Hazzard: The Complete Series on DVD is more than just a box of discs. It represents a significant upgrade in presentation and value for enthusiasts. Unlike earlier releases that might have been spread across bulky cases, this DVD box set is designed with the collector in mind, often featuring streamlined packaging that saves shelf space while still feeling substantial and premium.
This specific repackage consolidates all 147 episodes from the show's seven-season run into one cohesive collection. For fans, this means having every moonshine run, every Rosco chase, and every encounter with the legendary Balladeer (played by Waylon Jennings) right at your fingertips. The convenience of having the entire saga in one set cannot be overstated, especially for binge-watching sessions that span the show's evolution.
Key Features and Content of the Complete Series Set
So, what do you get inside this definitive collection? The value proposition is robust:
- Complete Episode Run: All seven seasons, from the Duke boys' initial battles with Boss Hogg to the later seasons with Coy and Vance (temporarily replacing the original actors during a contract dispute).
- Bonus Features: Many sets include a wealth of special features that deepen the appreciation for the show. These can include behind-the-scenes documentaries, cast interviews, featurettes on the car stunts, and retrospectives looking back at the show's impact and legacy.
- Improved Packaging: The 2017 repackage often moves away from standard plastic cases to more durable and visually appealing packaging, sometimes featuring artwork of the General Lee or the core cast. This makes it a display piece as much as a media collection.
- Consolidated Value: Purchasing this complete series DVD is almost always more cost-effective than hunting down individual seasons, making it an excellent entry point for new viewers and a convenient upgrade for existing fans with incomplete collections.
Why Choose DVD in a Streaming World?
In an age dominated by Netflix and Hulu, the question arises: why invest in a physical DVD collection? The answers are compelling for the true fan. First is ownership. Streaming catalogs are fluid; shows come and go based on licensing agreements. When you own this DVD set, Hazzard County is permanently in your library, accessible without an internet connection or a monthly subscription fee.
Second is the quality of the special features. While streaming services occasionally offer extras, physical media collections like this 2017 repackage are typically packed with exclusive documentaries, commentaries, and archival material that you simply won't find on a streaming platform. These features provide context, history, and a deeper connection to the show's creation. Finally, there's the tangible satisfaction of collecting. Holding the box set, browsing the episode guide, and building a library of beloved classic TV shows is a hobby and a passion that digital files can't replicate.
The Dukes of Hazzard as a Cultural Artifact and Collector's Item
Beyond the episodes themselves, this collection serves as a snapshot of a particular era in American television. The show's themes, aesthetics, and even its controversies (primarily the use of the Confederate flag) make it a fascinating subject for cultural study. Owning the complete series allows viewers to engage with the show in its entirety, understanding its place in the late 70s and early 80s TV landscape.
For collectors, this specific 2017 repackage has its own merit. As re-releases and repackages occur, earlier editions go out of print. This version represents the most recent and widely available complete collection, often incorporating any technical improvements in mastering or packaging made since the initial release. It stands as the current definitive physical release of the series, a status that adds to its desirability for serious fans of the genre.
Who Should Buy This DVD Box Set?
This collection is ideal for several types of viewers:
- Longtime Fans: If you grew up watching the Duke boys jump the General Lee and want to relive the magic with enhanced convenience and bonus features, this is the upgrade you've been waiting for.
- Newcomers to the Series: For those who have heard the legends of The Dukes but never experienced the full series, this box set is the perfect, most comprehensive starting point.
- Collectors of Classic Television: As a cornerstone of action-comedy television, the series holds a key place in any collection dedicated to iconic TV history.
- Families Seeking Shared Entertainment: The show's relatively mild content (by today's standards) and emphasis on family loyalty make it a great option for multi-generational viewing.
Final Verdict: A Jump Worth Taking
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Complete Series (Repackage/2017/DVD) is more than just a product; it's a passport back to Hazzard County. It successfully captures the reckless, fun-loving spirit of the original series while presenting it in a modern, collector-friendly format. With its complete episode count, valuable bonus materials, and the permanent access that physical media provides, this box set justifies its status as a bestseller TV series collection.
Whether you're aiming to fill a gap in your collection, introduce the show to a new generation, or simply secure your own personal copy of a television legend, this 2017 DVD repackage represents the best way to own all the mischief, music, and mayhem of The Dukes of Hazzard. In a world of temporary digital streams, it offers a permanent piece of TV history, ready for whenever you need a dose of good ol' boy justice.
