Marvelous 'Sgt. Bilko' collection among DVDs

Here are some new-to-DVD television programs (in stores Tuesday), led by the debut of a marvelous collection of old "Sgt. Bilko" shows.

• "Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition" (CBS/Paramount, 1955-59, not rated, b/w, $42.99, three discs). Rather than a full season of "You'll Never Get Rich" (retitled "The Phil Silvers Show" only months after its premiere), this classic Army sitcom gets the "best-of" treatment.

Silvers is Master Sgt. Bilko, a fast-talking con artist who gambles, plots money-making schemes and generally tries to stay one step ahead of his commanding officer, played by the wonderful Paul Ford. A template for many others to follow ("Hennessy," "McHale's Navy"), with top-notch writing and acting (with such young unknowns as Dick Van Dyke, Alan Alda and Julie Newmar showing up in guest roles).

Bountiful bonus features include the never-aired pilot (with a live audience), audio commentaries by Van Dyke, George Kennedy and others and much more.

Extras: Full frame, 18 episodes, pilot, audio commentaries, audio introductions, interviews, clips of Silvers on other shows, optional English subtitles, chapters.

• "Life Goes On" (Warner, 1989-90, not rated, $39.98, six discs). Fine TV drama about a modern suburban family, and what gives this show a unique position in TV history is son Corky, who has Down syndrome — as does the actor playing the part, Chris Burke.

Extras: Full frame, audio commentary (Burke, series creator Michael Braverman on the pilot episode), Smitrovich/Patti LuPone screen tests, bloopers, subtitle options (English, French, Spanish), chapters.

• "The West Wing: The Complete Sixth Season" (Warner, 2004-05, not rated, $59.98, six discs). This penultimate season sees the show improving with the election race between congressman Jimmy Smits and senator Alan Alda heating up. Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Lily Tomlin and many more are also on hand. (The series finale airs Sunday.)

Extras: Widescreen, 22 episodes, audio commentaries, making -of featurette, subtitle options (English, French, Spanish), chapters.

• "Leave it to Beaver: The Complete Second Season" (Universal, 1958-59, not rated, b/w, $49.98, three discs). The second season of life with the Cleavers has more charming stories of kids growing up in the '50s. The focus is on small everyday events, and despite the nostalgic (some might say fairy-tale) innocence on display here, it's surprising how much of it resonates in the 21st century.