Cheers! Old shows among recent DVD releases

Later seasons of a number of beloved TV series lead off these new-to-DVD titles, most of which will be in stores on Tuesday.

"SCTV, Volume 4" (Shout! 1982-83, not rated, $89.98, six discs). It's "Volume 4" but it's the fifth season of this beloved Canadian comedy-skit series, and three key members of the cast have departed — Dave Thomas, Rick Moranis and Catherine O'Hara (though O'Hara is a guest in this set's Christmas episode). That leaves John Candy, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty — and the new guy, Martin Short.

These episodes have some hilarious skits in the tried-and-true "SCTV" tradition and introduce a character who became identified with Short, the dweeb with the high pants and the spiked hair, Ed Grimley. And, of course, such regulars as Edith Prickley (Martin) and Sammy Maudlin (Levy) are also on hand.

Guests include Robin Williams, John Cougar Mellencamp, Crystal Gayle, Ben Vereen and Fred Willard.

Extras: Full frame, 12 episodes, audio commentary (selected episodes, by Flaherty, Short, O'Hara), making-of featurettes, interviews, 1970 skit film: "Goin' Down the Road," 2004 Sammy Maudlin skits by Levy,

"Taxi: The Complete Third Season" (Paramount, 1980-81, not rated, $38.99, four discs). Christopher Lloyd, as burned-out Reverend Jim, is hilarious in his first full season as a regular; look for the episode where we meet his wealthy but wacko family. Alex (Judd Hirsch), Louie (Danny DeVito), Elaine (Marilu Henner), Tony (Tony Danza) and Latka (Andy Kaufman) are all on hand, of course; this season would be the last for Bobby (Jeff Conaway). Great fun and a great cast in an often hysterically funny show.

Extras: Full frame, 20 episodes, optional English subtitles, chapters.

"Cheers: The Complete Sixth Season" (Paramount, 1987-88, not rated, $38.99, four discs). This is the season that introduced Rebecca Howe (Kirstie Alley) as the manager of the Cheers bar in Boston, and Sam (Ted Danson) comes home begging for a job. Alley manages to give new life to the veteran sitcom, and Carla (Rhea Perlman), Woody (Woody Harrelson), Cliff (John Ratzenberger), Norm (George Wendt), Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth). Also on hand on an occasional basis this season are Rebecca's boss, Evan (Tom Skerritt), and Carla's new husband, Eddie (Jay Thomas). A very funny season for the classic show.

Extras: Full frame, 25 episodes, optional English subtitles, chapters.