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44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Changed, Different, But...Home!, 3 July 2007
This review is from: Charmed - Season 8 [DVD] (DVD)
I always feel, when it comes to watching "Charmed: Season 8", that I am watching something I shouldn't be. What with the drama and finality of the Season Finale of Season 7, and then the rumours that were spun in the summer of 2005 (that "Charmed" could very possibly NOT be returning for an eighth season), it really seemed like that was going to be it - the sisters had defeated one of their deadliest enemies, fled The Manor and relinquished their lives as Halliwells and The Charmed Ones. They had faked their deaths, left it to the next generation and disappeared off, in disguise, with Leo. Daryl's reaction to this appeared to be a satisfied one, and Prue's ghost - it is believed - had shut The Manor door one last time (an apt end to the series).
This, however neatly tied up, just didn't seem right though. Of all the endings, renouncing their heritage and giving up on life as they knew it was just not satisfying enough. When I watched the finale to Season 7, although it was not confirmed that the show would continue, something inside me knew that it would. The feel that episode left the viewer with was an uneasy one...like this was not the end, regardless of what the network was saying. It never really felt that "Charmed" was to conclude like that.
And indeed, it didn't. As Season 8 opens in "Still Charmed And Kicking" you feel almost honoured that you are allowed to see what happens next, after the threat that The Halliwells would not return as The Charmed Ones again. The viewer gets to see HOW the characters get out of the mess that they seem to have created for themselves.
Season 8 is not the best of seasons, but it is yet another superb one. It begins by revealing The Halliwells are back in The Manor, living with their father Victor. Only they are posing, in magical disguise, as The Bennetts, pretending that they are three cousins and that Victor is in fact their uncle.
The opening episodes of Season 8 hold a nostalgia that reminded me of Season 1 - the music and themes of it. "Charmed" has always had an underlying tragic feel to it, with the constant loss and sacrifice the sisters have had to experience over the years, both before and after they were witches; and a season that opens at the funerals of the three principle characters dwells on this further. Although we know that they are not really dead, there is a morbid feel to it - a morbid fascination nonetheless.
Season 8 carries the "faked death" theme throughout the first few episodes, not simply throwing the plotline away. And to great effect too. Their reasons for returning to their old lives are believable and well-planned, as is the way in which they eventually reveal to the world that they are still alive (the excuse that they have been working for the government). The best part of it is that they return to being Halliwells, allowing us to feel satisfied that "Charmed" will not end with the sisters forsaking their legacy.
This season introduces the character of Billie who seems unnecessary at first. She does, however, grow on the viewer and becomes integral to the outline of the season. Her story progresses into a great one and her character is worthy of the magnitude it markets. She is essential to the final battle that the girls have to face, as is her sister, Christie, who is forever shrouded in intrigue.
I shan't divulge exactly what happens, though shall reveal that Season 8 contains plots that involves Paige and marriage, the brief return of The Source and ANOTHER separation of Piper and Leo (probably the most tantalising of the entire series).
The finale of the season is spectacular! The battle The Halliwells have to face is superb, incorporating an assortment of various different elements from plotlines-past, such as The Hollow and The Triad. These are not used repetitively though, only to highlight the weight of this ultimate fight.
The explosion in the basement of The Halliwells' home, which occurs in the Season 7 finale, seems minuscule in comparison to the event that takes place in the penultimate episode: The Manor actually totally blows up! This occurrence is literally phenomenal.
"Charmed: Season 8" is a terrific final season. There are, indeed, "silly" episodes, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Witch" and "Battle Of The Hexes"; and why the writers insisted on throwing a leprechaun-related episode into every season since Season 5 is beyond me!
The title track that plays to the opening credits has also been inexplicably altered, which may displease fans (although it does grow on you actually). I was also irritated that, although discussed, Prue was not given nearly enough acknowledgment as the series she helped found came to a close. But aside from these minor flaws, Season 8 charts a perfect end to a show that risked throwing in the towel when one of its leads left the series at the end of Season 3. Not only did "Charmed" survive the death of Prue and the introduction of Paige, it endured the uncertain finish to Season 7, only to pave the way for a touching, enjoyable and rewarding end to the show. "Forever Charmed", the final episode, is the perfect mix of action, nostalgia, characters old and new and, most importantly, it renews our faith that The Halliwells will continue their birthright on into the future.
Highlighted by DVD extras (including an exciting look at the original unaired Pilot which didn't feature Alyssa Milano as Phoebe) this season is outstanding. From the gratifying turn of events of "Forever Charmed", to the glimpse into the future at the very end (something which is much more satisfying to see than The Charmed Ones faking their deaths) to the inspired last-ever closing of The Manor door - Season 8 is quite simply the perfect end to this radiant series.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A series to end all., 12 July 2007
This review is from: Charmed - Season 8 [DVD] (DVD)
Well well well, it looks like CBS Paramount finally decided to spruce up the final box set, about time dont ya think?
For months weve been screaming out for the extras, just a gag reel would have sufficed but they've given all fans a real treat with this set. A whole 90 minutes of extras, i wont go into too much detail, in order to not reveal the suprise.
The series itself is quite a good one, granted some of the episodes are lets just say, not very easy on the eyes. Budget cuts forced the series to lose one main character and the special effects dipped a little. The addition of Billie breathed new talent on the show, a fresh approach was given and an all round twister of a story line. A couple of the episodes are a little tedious at time but overall the series keeps up the charmed legacy.
One thing to point out is where has the soundtrack disappeared too, the usual "how soon is now" theme seems to have been scrapped and has been replaced with an instrumental, a quite hip instrumental at that, but it doesnt give the episodes the same edge.
Humour is kept up, emotional ties are kept up, don't be fooled by the "season 8 is crap" reviews, Charmed Season 8 is a great season and the finale, well you'll just have to watch it for yourself.
Although you may need a box of kleenex at the ready.
Buy it.
Watch it.
Love it.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good ending to a great series, 26 May 2009
I never did follow this series while it was on television, but my children who were fans got me into watching it after the series ended. The season 8 is a great ending to the charmed series, spanning 8 compelling years of magic and the fight between the good and evil, with the good triumphing in the final battle.
This DVD has all the episodes of season 8 in 6 discs, with the last disc containing some bonus features. The picture quality and audio is very good and clear. The bonus features include:
The making of charmed - E. Duke Vincent, Brad Kern and a host of the cast and producers talk about the making of the series charmed. Everything you wanted to know about the creating of the series, the writing, the casting, the pilot and the unaired pilot,the wardrobe especially the creating of the hideous demons and creatures, the special effects. Etc
The story of Charmed: Genesis - this explores the origins and conception of the charmed series and much more, what story lines made the series a fan favourite for so long, from the 1st series to the 3rd series when Prue died.
The story of Charmed: Charmed again - the story of the first episode of season four after the death of Prue, the continuation of the series to the last episode of season 8.
To the manor Born - a tour of the Haliwell manor, the principal set for the shooting of the series, with explanations and flash backs on the most spectacular actions in different rooms on the set.
Forever Charmed: this shows fan interviews on their views of charmed and why they were hooked for so long, and cast and crew talking about their views of the millions of charmed fans.
So you see this DVD is packed with tons of bonus features as well as the complete episodes of the season 8. Why 4 stars though - the theme music of Charmed has been substituted with a different music. Why? I do not know, but it kind of robbed it of some of its charm. All the same it is a great DVD to own and at the sale price a good buy. Enjoy.
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