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That's So Raven on DVD: Supernaturally Stylish (Volume 1) • Disguise the Limit (Volume 2)
Raven's House Party (Volume 3) • Raven's Makeover Madness (Volume 4)
"That's So Raven" Supernaturally Stylish DVD Review
After the successes of shows like "Even Stevens" and especially "Lizzie McGuire", the Disney Channel seems to have found what they think is the formula for creating a popular sitcom for tweens. There are several obvious connections between it and the Hilary Duff star vehicle. The setting is a four-person family - the San Franciscan Baxters. An older sister is the main character (who just so happens to be psychic), having two other friends who feature prominently, all serving as the focus of the series. A younger brother is generally the source for comic relief and side stories within the individual episodes. Also like "Lizzie", it tries to be fresh and original, and does its best to have a mix of both comedy and moral lessons. These elements are all used to prop up what Disney Channel obviously hoped would become the next teen idol, Raven Symone (who alternates between using her first name only and using her full name), who previously played side characters on "The Cosby Show" and DC’s own Zenon movies.
Does "That’s So Raven" achieve the quality of the channel’s previous efforts? I’d answer with a resounding “no.” The show is plagued by several problems that I, frankly, could spend hours nit-picking. However, I’ll do my best to condense my viewpoint on all the flaws the show possesses into a few paragraphs.
First off, the concept isn’t very good. By having the main character possess psychic powers, it is expected that each episode’s story will revolve around that ability. That’s exactly how the series plays out . . . and it gets tiresome . . . quickly. Every episode I’ve watched begins with Raven having a vision, usually about someone else, and then spending the rest of the runtime trying to prevent whatever it is she foresaw from happening. Now, while such severe predictability is inherently bad for a TV series, I’m willing to believe it could have worked with good writing. Unfortunately, the writing is horrible. The dialogue Raven exchanges with her friends Chelsea and Eddie oftentimes sounds like it was written by a bunch of 40-year-olds going through mid-life crises, who are desperately trying to sound “hip” and “cool” for today’s generation.
In addition, the actors all do piss-poor jobs. I get the vibe that everyone in the cast is capable of doing better, but it seems they over-overact on purpose because it’s a “kids' show.” This makes the whole thing feel extremely staged and acted-out, making it darn near impossible to give a rat’s hiney about any of the characters.
In the end, the thing that really kills the show is that it doesn’t succeed at anything its trying to do. It does its best be over-the-top and cheesy to get laughs, and then be serious to deliver a moral, but it fails for all the reasons I’ve stated above. Still, some shows are funny because they are so bad - in the case of "Raven", I can’t even say that much. I’m willing to admit that there are a few amusing jokes once in a while, but the show is almost completely devoid of entertainment value and feels completely manufactured. Without restraint, I believe it’s the worst show on the Disney Channel, and definitely one of the worst on TV today.
The cheap series makes its DVD debut in "That’s So Raven": Supernaturally Stylish, a single-disc package that contains 3 episodes from previous airings, and 1 never-before-seen show. The release’s theme is obviously fashion, and all the episodes keep with that, some more directly than others.
EPISODES “That’s So Not Raven” (Originally aired April 9, 2004)
“If I Only Had a Job” (Originally aired September 12, 2003)
“He’s Got the Power” (Originally aired July 9, 2004)
“Boyz ‘N Commotion” (Never-Before-Seen Episode)
VIDEO and AUDIO The shows are presented in their original aspect ratios of 1.33:1. They look as good as expected, perhaps a small step above the television airings. It’s very clear and colorful throughout.
One problem with the visuals: the series is shot with low-grade digital video and the whole program showcases the blurry shortcomings of less-than-first-rate DV. This isn't at all unique to the DVD; it's how the show looks when it airs. Surely the producers must recognize this, but they probably keep using it for the technological appeal, efficiency, and evident cost-effectiveness. The result is that the show looks like the quick Lizzie McGuire "flashback" sequences all the time. The audio surprisingly comes as Dolby Digital 5.1. It’s a strong mix for a TV show of this nature, particularly during the opening song of each episode, delivering excellent bass. Of course, most of it is dialogue-based, but the audio contains good balance for that end of the spectrum as well. I didn’t notice any audio coming from the rear surround speakers. I’m sure some is there, but it's not prominent, and probably few-and-far between.
BONUS FEATURES
All we get are 2 Raven music videos (actually, I’m glad there weren’t more). The first is “Supernatural” (3:36), featuring Raven performing in a concert-like setting. Sneak Peeks are included for Bambi: Platinum Edition, Kim Possible: The Villian Files, Mulan 2, Where the Red Fern Grows, and The Cheetah
Girls.
Inside the standard white Amaray keepcase are a 1-page insert listing the episodes and advertising other Disney Channel DVDs, a sweepstakes entry form to win a Disney DVD Library, and a coupon booklet for other titles.
CLOSING THOUGHTS I’ve already expressed my feelings about this show extensively, so I’ll put it simply: I would never recommend any DVD incarnation of it. That being said, for those who actually like the series, I still wouldn’t suggest picking up this release. If Disney follows the same pattern as the "Lizzie McGuire" DVD releases – several of these mini-compellations will eventually give way to a more satisfying chronological box set. If anybody wants this series in their collection (I couldn’t imagine why), they’d be better off waiting for a "Raven" season set. |
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Reviewed December 10, 2004.
The Disney Channel:
Kim Possible: The Villain Files • Lizzie McGuire: Box Set Volume 1 • Hannah Montana: Livin' the Rock Star Life!
That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana • Cory in the House: All-Star Edition • Wish Gone Amiss
The Cheetah Girls 2: Cheetah-licious Edition • The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Taking Over the Tipton
Disney Channel Holiday (Featuring Christmas episode of "That's So Raven" and other comedy series) • High School Musical: Remix
Mickey Mouse Club: The Best of Britney, Justin & Christina • Phil of the Future: Gadgets & Gizmos
Other Disney DVDs with Raven on them:
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement • The Lion King 1½ • The Haunted Mansion
That's So Raven on DVD: Supernaturally Stylish (Volume 1) • Disguise the Limit (Volume 2)
Raven's House Party (Volume 3) • Raven's Makeover Madness (Volume 4)