McHale holds up well

Here are new-to-DVD TV programs that will be in stores on Tuesday.

TV series

"McHale's Navy: Season One" (Shout! 1962-63, b/w, five discs, $44.98). It's always nice to see an old favorite again and discover that it still plays well. In spite of the obnoxious laugh track, this World War II farce is still funny, due largely to pudgy, 29-year-old Tim Conway, who steals the show.

Ernest Borgnine stars as McHale, a PT Boat commander during World War II with a crew of slackers who connive to outwit their captain (nasal, apoplectic Joe Flynn).

Extras: Full frame, 36 episodes, featurette (with Borgnine, Conway and others reminiscing)

"Maude: The Complete First Season" (Sony, 1972-73, three discs, $29.95). This politically charged sitcom tries a little too hard to deal with social issues, but the writing is crisp and Bea Arthur is perfect in the title role. Fine supporting cast, especially Esther Rolle, who arrives in the third episode. (A spin-off from "All in the Family.")

Extras: Full frame, 22 episodes

"Christy: The Complete Series" (Fox, 1994-95, four discs, $39.98). Based on the best seller by Catherine Marshall, this brief series is about a 19-year-old outsider (Kellie Martin) who teaches school in Tennessee's impoverished Smoky Mountains. Warm and observant, this is the kind of uplifting fare we never see on TV anymore. Highly recommended.

Extras: Full frame, 19 episodes

"The Wild Wild West: The Second Season" (CBS/Paramount, 1966-67, seven discs, $49.99). More delightful comic Old West adventures with agents James West (Robert Conrad) and master-of-disguise Artemus Gordon (Ross Martin). This was the first season in color.

Extras: Full frame, 28 episodes

"Newsradio: The Complete Fifth Season" (Sony, 1998-99, three discs, $39.95). This was the final season for this formerly riotous sitcom, which started running out of steam after the untimely death of Phil Hartman. His replacement, Jon Livitz, is sporadically amusing.

Extras: Full frame, 22 episodes

"Miami Vice: Season Three" (Universal, 1986-87, five discs, $59.98).