Starring:
Shannen Doherty as Prudence “Prue” Halliwell
Holly Marie Combs as Piper Halliwell
Alyssa Milano as Phoebe Halliwell
Ted King as Andrew “Andy” Trudeau
Dorian Gregory as Darryl Morris
Special Features:
None
Other Info:
Full Screen
Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Running Time: 16 Hours 12 Minutes
Synopsis:
This is the first season of the TV series Charmed which first aired in 1998-1999. The following is from the DVD cover:
“The discovery that they are descendants of a long line of witches finds three sisters battling demons and warlocks – and occasionally each other.
When the beautiful Halliwell sisters inherit a house from their grandmother and discover a secret “Book of Shadows,” they learn that they each have a unique power. The strong-willed Prue (Shannen Doherty) can move objects, reserved Piper (Holly Marie Combs) is able to freeze time, and the uninhibited Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) sees the future. Individually, each is strong, but it is only by putting aside their differences and banding together as the “Power of Three” that they will be able to protect the innocent and vanquish evil. Each exciting episode in this richly layered series is a supernatural adventure brewing with suspense and humor.”
Charmed The Complete First Season is not rated.
The Movie:
I have to admit that I’m rather indifferent to Charmed. I don’t hate it, but I’ve never gone out of my way to watch it, either. Despite this, I’ve found that my wife and my sister have enjoyed this series infinitely more than I have. I think this series has a lot more appeal for women than men. I also think that if you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then you’re a prime candidate for enjoying Charmed.
The show itself isn’t bad. It centers around the three Halliwell sisters trying to learn to get along with each other in order to enhance their powers as witches and fight evil. That conflict between sisters is what fuels most of the drama and comedy in the series. I think the comedy is a big part of what makes the show successful. If it took itself too seriously, it would make the silly magic and monsters of the series a lot harder to swallow. Speaking of magic and monsters, the special effects for them are a bit of a mixed bag. For example, on some shows they simply zoom in the camera really fast to imply Prue is using her magic. On other shows they have elaborate CGI effects or makeup for the monsters. The show was obviously on a limited budget, so they spent their money carefully.
The cast of the show is pretty good. Holly Marie Combs is beautiful as Piper Halliwell. She’s the mediator between the older and younger sisters. Alyssa Milano is intended to be the wild and sexy sister as Phoebe Halliwell. She fills the role well. Shannen Doherty plays the oldest and most mature sister, Prudence “Prue” Halliwell. (Doherty eventually left the show a couple of years later.)
I think fans of Charmed will be well-pleased to finally have the first season episodes on DVD (even if there aren’t any bonus features). I think Buffy and Angel fans may want to give Charmed a chance if they haven’t already seen the show.
The Extras:
There are no bonus features included in this DVD set.
The Bottom Line:
This is a required addition to the DVD collection of Charmed fans. However, women and Buffy fans will probably enjoy this series more then men.
