The story begins, and it really does jump straight in, the story starts with the 3 sisters, unaware of their destiny, 6 months form the date of when their grandma has passed away (gramps). The sisters, Pru, Piper, and Phoebe are made aware of their destiny almost immediately which drew me in as a viewer straight away.
The sisters are all brought back to their family home, and Phoebe, the youngest, finds a book (the book of shadows) which eventually brings them together as sisters, in a world where potentially they have no family.
Their destiny is revealed, and they are made aware of the fact that they must magically fight evil.
Far fetched I know...
Along with the light humour in this programme, the characters are well played, and each episode contains a new story, a new demon, and a new adventure, which makes the whole programme un missable, and completely enjoyable.
Pru, Piper and Phoebe Hallowell, are Charmed, and with their amazing magical powers, in the first series alone, they go back to the past, meet ghosts, demons, warlocks etc. This is all possible due to the fact they stem from a long line of powerful witches, which was started by Melinda Warren, a distant aunt. She was burnt at the stake, but not before stating that the families power would grow, waiting for the arrival of the most powerful good witches that the world has ever seen. And their power together is the 'Power of three'
Each sister has a different power, which over time will develop. Pru can move things with her mind, Piper can freeze time and Phoebe can see events from the future and has excellent martial arts skills!!
Due to the unexpected death of Pru at the end of the third series, a new sister comes to light, one who helps bring back the 'power of three' Paige, she is a half sister to Phoebe and Piper, related on their mothers side and born through an affair their mother had with her whitelighter (a guardian angel.)
Through the eight series of the programme, the sisters fight the need to have a normal life, and try to keep their powers hidden from the outside world as much as possible, this of course causes isolation in their romantic relationships, friendships, and work life.
They face so much together, including a major storyline involving Phoebe falling in love and eventually marrying a demon, Phoebe's fight with evil is an excellent storyline, one which catches the hearts of the viewers and brings real emotion into the story.
Characters ~
Prudence Halliwell: - This character is played by Shannon Doherty, who in my opinion is a talented and beautiful actress. In the programme she is the oldest and the strongest witch, strongest by power and also strongest in will. She doesn't let her non magical life interfere with her magical life and she takes magic completely seriously. She is killed at the end of series 3 by a demon hitman.
Piper Halliwell: - Holly Marie Combs, she is the middle sister until Pru dies, she is the most sensible of the sisters and craves a normal life the most. After Pru's death she becomes like a mother to the other sisters, and eventually mothers her own children and has a husband and job which contribute to her having a semi normal life. This part is played perfectly by Holly, and she even manages to produce the stern facial expressions to match her sensible and reserved character.
Phoebe Halliwell: - Alyssa Milano, plays the youngest sister until Pru dies and she becomes the middle sister. Allyssa is truly amazing in this part; she adds the correct amount of youth and sexuality to her character to fit in perfectly with that of which the director was trying to impose. Phoebe has many dramas during her life as a charmed one, including falling in love with a demon, becoming famous and losing all of her active powers.
Paige Matthews: - Rose McGowan is in the programme from season 4 to season 8, and her character is the result of a magically illegal affair between her mother and her mother's guardian angel. Rose, plays the youngest sister, who loves magic, and has a wild streak (just like her natural self) she finds it hard to come to terms with being magical at first but quickly fits into the family.
Other Characters ~
The show has hundreds of different people in many different episodes; the sisters have a relationship with a police man which helps them track crimes and helps him solve crimes. The sisters also have a whitelighter (guardian Angel) who Piper falls in love with and eventually marries. Phoebe falls in love with a demon called Cole; he plays a big part in the programme and causes a lot of storylines. Etc Etc
Effects ~
You'd think that making a show about magical beings, witches, things exploding, disappearing etc would be hard, but this show is filled with so many special effects and imagination that it is easy to get lost in the world of magic and demons! Each demon is full of different powers and missions, and this keeps the show constantly interesting!!
Scenery ~
The only scenery I will comment on is the characters and the main scenery, the characters are so real, they change image and develop through the whole of the 8 seasons making the programme similar to following the life of three people over the course of 8 years. The scenery is always changing, from a house, to outside, to someone else's house, to a school etc! Bloody brilliant!!!
I got addicted to this show by watching it on Living TV, a family member, knowing that I was addicted, bought be the complete box set, and I have to say it was one of the best and most treasured present ever. Due to it being such a large box set, it did cost a lot of money, but if someone hadn't bought it for me... would I have forked out??? I think so! It is so worth it, there is nothing like having your favourite programme in full on DVD, you can watch it where ever you want, pause it, stop it, and keep watching it, and charmed is definately the sort of programme you can keep on watching.
I recommend this to all ages of people, the storylines can be as light or heavy as you like and the DVD's really are brilliant, the sound, effects, stories everything, all brilliant!!!
I think one of the best parts of Charmed, is the truly unique songs and music within the story. Most of the songs played are due to Piper owning a club in which bands play at, and most of the episodes end in a band playing at the club, The type of music is calm, inspirational and perfectly set in the show. I also have the soundtrack and it is truly a lovely CD to have!!!
And I guarantee you will fall in love with nearly all of the characters!!
More details
Soundtrack
Outstanding
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Not applicable
Value for Money
Good
What format are you reviewing?
DVD
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