The 1970s were hit-and-miss. They gave us both punk and disco; they introduced platform shoes – but promptly put “live” goldfish in them (they never lasted long). Enough time has passed that 1970s style is kitschy and fun. Looking for some inspiration? That 70s Show is not the way to go. Try Swingtown instead.

The first season of this CBS drama is now available on DVD. The show focuses on Susan and Bruce, Mr. & Mrs. All-American, with two kids, who move into a new neighborhood after Bruce gets a promotion. Their best friends and former neighbors, Janet and Roger, a very conservative couple, go through separation anxiety, especially when they meet Susan and Bruce’s new neighbors. Tom and Trina are young, attractive, worldly, exciting… and they are swingers. It is an impressively fair portrayal of the pros and cons of an open marriage. Susan and Bruce timidly explore new sexual frontiers, while Tom and Trina start to wonder if their freedom is all it is cracked up to be. Janet and Roger are just trying to figure out where they fit in to the whole thing.

Even if you are not looking to open an orgy house, the show is intriguing, and a visual delight. Who knew that polyester wrap dresses and retro floral prints could be so attractive? Tom and Trina’s house is modern and sexy – not at all the sleazy mirror-and-shag affair you might think.

All 13 first season episodes are packed into this 4-disc set, with room for extras: a making-of documentary, a documentary on sex and morality in the 70s, and a gag reel. The season finale also includes audio commentary and deleted scenes.

Feathered hair never looked so good.