Must-See TV DVDs: March 10, 2010

Posted March 10th, 2010 by Kim

MUST-SEE TV DVD OF THE WEEK

Scarecrow and Mrs. King: The Complete First Season (Warner Home Video)
Details: Before he was Babylon 5‘s Capt. Sheridan and after she was Sabrina Duncan, one of the original Charlie’s Angels, Bruce Boxleitner and Kate Jackson were Lee Stetson and Amanda King, a spy guy and a divorced housewife, who became unlikely colleagues after he gave her a package while he was being pursued on spy guy duty. High concept, yes, but the lighthearted drama was fun, bolstered by the chemistry between Boxleitner and Jackson, as Mrs. King became more and more embroiled in agency activity (much to “Scarecrow’s” initial chagrin).
TV Screener Tidbit: The show ended after four seasons, when Jackson’s role had to be reduced because she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And since Scarecrow and Mrs. King‘s 1983-87 run, there have been several rumors about a remake … who would you cast in the roles for a redo?

BEST OF THE REST:
Tremors: Complete Series (Universal Home Entertainment)
Details: All 13 episodes of the campy big-screen TV spin-off are included in this collection, in which the citizens of Perfection try to co-exist with the Graboids — especially El Blanco — scientists and the wacky experiments taking place in town, as well as the rubberneckers who float through town and stir up trouble. Among the series’ stars: Family Ties dad Michael Gross and Back to the Future‘s Christopher Lloyd as Cletus Poffenberger, one of the best TV character names of all time.
TV Screener Tidbit: The series followed three Tremors movies, and was followed by a fourth flick. A fifth movie, Tremors: The Thunder From Down Under, is rumored for a straight-to-DVD release in 2010, with Gross returning as Burt Gummer.

Greek: Chapter 4 (Disney Home Entertainment)
Details: Pop singer (and former soap star) Jesse McCartney joined the cast for this chapter of the college drama, playing Andy, the new pledge who stirred up some trouble for Rusty and the gang. Chapter four also finds Casey finally realizing that she’s still in love with Cappie, though it would take a bit longer for them to reunite …
Bonus Features: Bloopers, audio commentaries, a storyline recap, a behind-the-scenes look at the chapter finale and Jesse McCartney’s “How Do You Sleep?” video.

In Plain Sight: Season Two (Universal Home Entertainment)
Details: No spoilers here about how this season ends – except to say it involves a gunshot and a cliffhanger, which will be resolved in the season three premiere on March 31. But if you haven’t yet checked out this entertaining USA series, which stars Mary McCormack as a Federal Witness Protection program agent in Albuquerque, season two is as good a place as any to jump in, with guest stars like Martin Landau, Mitch Pileggi, Laura Prepon and The Office‘s David Denman.
Bonus Features: Audio commentary, a gag reel and deleted scenes.

Hannah Montana: Miley Says Goodbye? (Disney Home Entertainment)
Details: The show’s third season finale doesn’t air on Disney Channel until March 14, so this DVD, which includes six total episodes from the season, gives Hannah fans the chance to see it ahead of time, and find out whether double-life-living teen Hannah decides to stay in Malibu or return to her Tennessee home and her horse, Blue Jeans. PS – The season three finale marks the beginning of the end for the series either way, as the show’s fourth – and final – season begins airing in July.
Bonus Features: A photo frame, an alternate ending for the finale and an interview with Miley Cyrus‘ sister.

The Commish – Season 1 (Anchor Bay)
Details: Michael Chiklis is a former Brooklyn cop who becomes the unorthodox police commissioner of a small town in upstate New York. It’s a fine enough drama, but it makes for much more interesting viewing if you’ve since seen Chiklis in his Emmy-winning role on The Shield … there’s no way anyone could have predicted “The Commish” could become a badass like Vic Mackey.
Bonus Features: New interviews with Chiklis and series co-creator Stephen J. Cannell.