Imho, Steve, depends on what you like: the earlier ones are more "gangster-y" with an emphasis on Gorcey, while the comedy is more polished later on and the 'gang' has more to do.

Are you worried about videotape recording speed? Because I wouldn't fret about recording MR. HEX at high speed ~~ the print looks like hell no matter how you slice it.

I used to love those 9 hour VHS tapes: you could tape all day marathons with minimal fuss. I wouldn't think there'd be too much filler between these babies.