3 stars = Good
Ratings explained

A controversial war, social upheaval, government in turmoil, a presidential election.

If the tumultuous year of 1968 weren't the backdrop for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: The Best of Season 3," the year could easily be 2008. Well, Tom and Dick may have to lose the Nehru jackets.

Surprisingly, this four-disc set, which sells for $49.95, is the first release of the brothers' popular, cutting-edge CBS variety show on DVD. Season three was chosen for this debut because it was such a controversial season, after which the brothers were fired by CBS.

The first show of disc 1 includes a performance by Harry Belafonte that was edited from the show when it originally aired.

Belafonte sings "Don't Stop the Carnival" as video of violence at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago plays in the background.

The show's guest list is like a who's who of 1960s entertainers: George Harrison, Bob Newhart, Pat Paulsen, Steve Martin, Joan Baez, Ike & Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Cass Elliot, Jonathan Winter and David Steinberg among them.

But the extras are even more exciting, especially for those who are old enough to know that back then you didn't trust anyone over 30. They include commentary from Tom Smothers' "Pat Paulsen for President" special, narrated by Henry Fonda; letters and memos between the brothers and CBS; and letters from President Lyndon Johnson and then U.S. Rep. Donald Rumsfeld, R-Ill.

There's also video of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy kibbitzing with Paulsen and Tom Smothers during Paulsen's campaign. This was cut from the show because by the time it was to air, the senator had been assassinated.