There’s gotta be some reason why Charmed has stuck around for as long as it has. What started as a show created by Aaron Spelling, starring Shannon Doherty (Beverly Hills 90210) and goddess to internet pervs everywhere in Alyssa Milano (Embrace of the Vampire) has been a staple in the WB lineup for its 7th season now. Even though the show did have to change out Doherty several seasons ago, replacing her with Rose McGowan, the adventures of the Halliwell sisters are still going strong.
T…e folks at Paramount have finally started putting this show out on DVD, and the first season has recently arrived. All 22 episodes from the first season are available on a six-disc set, which examines the clairvoyance of Phoebe (Milano), the telekinetic powers of Prue (Doherty), and the freezing powers of Piper (Holly Marie Combs, Picket Fences). Phoebe returns to San Francisco to stay with her sisters, the more free-spirited of the three, while Prue is the dominant one and Piper is the shy one. Those familiar with the show now will find the dynamic between the three completely different than what it first was, and it’s fun to watch, as the girls try to get a better handle of their newfound powers, and they eventually embrace them in a fight against various demons and other black magic antagonists.
Since three sisters have got to have some sort of social life, the handyman named Leo (Brian Krause, Sleepwalkers was introduced early on, but his role as a love interest and supporting character increased, so much so that it became a co-starring role in the series. The show is also noted for various guest stars in recent seasons, but there wasn’t too much hubbub about anyone appearing early on, except for David Carradine (Kill Bill).
In a way, there’s a bit of a Saved By the Bell factor involved here. Some of the stories are OK, but if you get three cute girls on TV, chances are the show will stick around for some time, particularly if they wear a lot of belly shirts. The gang over there is doing something right, and god bless them for it, and now fans of the show can pour over the older seasons they couldn’t get on TV and reruns.
Audio
It’s a TV release, so the usual Dolby Digital 2.0 treatment is provided. It sounds good with very little in the way of issues. You wont be blown away, but it will give you what you expect.
Video
1.33:1 Full frame view for each episode. There is a good deal of grain when viewing the episodes, something that you get used to after awhile. I could watch the DIRECTV signal and get a better picture, sad to say.
Special Features
A noticeable letdown here, as with 6 discs of material, there’s not an extra to be found.
Final Thoughts
Fans of the show will definitely want to look at the early episodes and see the character transformations that have occurred from the beginning. It’s somewhat disappointing to see a lack of any special features to make this a solid purchase however, and those curious about the show may want to check out the show first before renting or buying.
