Get back to The Wonder Years: the complete series is finally available on DVD

“Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you’re in diapers: the next you’re gone. But, memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul.” Kudos to anyone who recognized this quote as the narration that concluded the television show The Wonder Years in 1993. This is one of my favorite quotes from a movie/show of all time, and it has stayed with me through more than two decades.

Excited to watch the series again and introduce my own children to it, I was positively thrilled when I found out that the entire series was going to be released by Time Life for the first time on DVD this year. But, I was even more excited when I realized that it wasn’t just any multi-DVD set that was coming out, it was a special collector’s edition set with special features, a yearbook, and an awesome metal locker to store it all in. Just look at all this awesomeness. I am in 80s heaven over here flipping through the books and checking out all the behind-the-scenes goodies.

The Wonder Years deluxe collector's editions contain all 115 episodes across 26 DVDs, along with over 23 hours of bonus features, which includes exclusive new interviews with the entire cast, the first cast reunion in more than 16 years, 11 newly-produced featurettes and much more.

Everyone that has seen the show knows that it had a certain magic to it. Even though it only ran for 6 seasons, it is still one of the most beloved television shows of all time. If you aren’t familiar with the series, here’s what you need to know: The Wonder Years is a period dramatic comedy that aired in the late 80s/early 90s. Each episode is told from the point of view of adult Kevin Arnold as he recalls his fictional childhood during the late 60s and early 70s.Kevin {Fred Savage} is coming of age in suburbia {or rather, the never-named Anytown, USA} with his two best friends, Paul Pfeiffer {Josh Saviano}, and Winnie Cooper {Danica McKellar}. Dealing with first loves, heartbreak, puberty, high school, friendships, and family dynamics, the show follows him through ages 12 to 18. Side note: I will admit that I totally thought that the show had actually been filmed in the late 60s and early 70s, and it wasn't until I was in my early teens that I realized Fred Savage, the actor that plays Kevin, was only a few years older than me.

In some ways I feel like I grew up with Kevin and his family. Even though he was a boy growing up almost two decades before me, there was something about him and his stories that was so relatable. It just goes to show you that The Wonder Years is timeless, and even through the years it has remained completely relevant and is still very much a part of pop culture. Maybe that’s because it was truly a good show. In an era of slapstick comedies and cheesy 80s dramas, The Wonder Years was something truly special. In total the series won 22 awards in the 6 seasons it aired, as well as being nominated for many more. Are you ready to start re-watching the series from its beginning up until my favorite TV quote? You can buy The Wonder Years Complete Series/Slipcase Version on Amazon {this set does not have the metal locker}, or you can buy The Wonder Years Complete Series Metal Locker set available at Costco {or pay for the Amazon markup here}. I’m sure the other set is wonderful as well, but I gotta tell you that the metal locker set is AMAZING. My kids think that they are going to steal the locker for their dolls, but they will have to fight me for it, because it is just so cool. It doesn't look like much on the cardboard cover that you will see in retail, but once you pull it out, it really is cool and worth the upgrade.

Time Life has released some really awesome choices for the TV and music lover on your list this year. From The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes to Midnight Special 11-DVD set that features tons of favorite bands playing their hit tunes live. Check out the other options available from Time Life at TimeLife.com, or check for them at your favorite local retailer.