Further proof that there’s little or no quality control to what TV series are being released on DVD. I guarantee that anyone who buys this for the kitsch value will watch 5 minutes of it and either instantly create a drinking game so that they can get their money’s worth out of it or heft a large object in the direction of the TV screen. Still, gotta love that theme song…
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4544
Charles in Charge started on CBS in 1984 as college student Charles (Happy Days’ Scott Baio) moves in with the Pembroke family (Julie Cobb as “Jill”, James Widdoes as “Stan”, April Lerman as “Lila”, Jonathan Ward as “Douglas”, and Michael Pearlman as “Jason”). Charles agrees to watch the three kids, ages 10-14, in exchange for free room and board while he’s not in class on campus. His best friend, Buddy (Eight Is Enough’s Willie Aames), was always on hand to add to the hilarity, and of course there’s a pretty lady for Charles to pursue in the form of schoolmate Gwendolyn (played by Jennifer Runyon). CBS would end the show’s network run after a single 22-episode season, but after being on hiatus a year the show would return for a first-run syndication plan that successfully lasted for four more seasons. The returning version of the show kept Charles, Buddy, the house, and the concept, but everything else changed as the Pembrokes moved away, subletting their home to the Powell family (including Nicole Eggert as daughter Jamie). But we’ll talk more about that, including Ellen Travolta’s addition to the cast, later on when the second season comes to DVD.
For now, though, fans of Charles In Charge have a lot to cheer about this morning (or perhaps “give thanks for” is appropriate during this week), as Universal has just announced this morning Charles In Charge – The Complete 1st Season on DVD. Valentine’s Day is the date to mark on your calendar, as February 14th is the street date for this long-anticipated set. Expect 22 half-hour episodes on 3 single-sided DVDs. Running time is 547 minutes, video is 1.33:1 full frame, and audio is English Mono. Subtitles are on board in English, French, and Spanish. You won’t get charged too much for this set, either, since the cost is a mere $34.98 SRP. We’ll be back later on with full-sized cover art plus any extras that might get announced, so stay tuned.
