7th Heaven centers around the Camdens, a tight-knit family living in Glenoak, California and consisting of minister dad Eric, homemaker mom Annie, and their brood of five children: Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon and Ruthie and their adorable dog, Happy. The series chronicles the many complex issues of growing up in the world today, and the Camden family tackles these issues head-on. Unafraid of intervening in the lives of their children, Eric and Annie discuss serious issues with them in an
effort to educate them on the ways of the world. The family remains a tight unit as a result of their love for one another, and their faith in God.

CRITIQUE

I remember 7th Heaven Beginnings at the tail end of my elementary years. Well, it’s been nearly ten years, and with the show in its ninth season, yet from the looks of it could be its last, the first season has finally arrived on DVD.

I don't follow 7th Heaven religiously but I am still familiar with the characters and the episodes, and moreover, I enjoy watching it from time to time. But to be honest, the show tends to get dry after a while, usually because of reparative story lines. There is only so much you can do until you walk over story lines that have already been explored.  

It is neat, though, to see Stephen Collins of Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Catherine Hicks of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in the same series together. Guess I am the only one to notice that. It is also nice to grow up along with the kids. Once again, I was in sixth grade when the show on so it’s been kind of sweet.

What gets rather annoying isn't so much the formula used in Brady Bunch and Full House where a problem is solved at the end of each episode, but rather the parallels of spin-offs that is presented. You will have this main issue, and then similar small issues are paralleled, which presents not just a problem to be solved at the end of the show but this deep message that reflects in everyday life. And almost like 99.999 percent of Star Trek episodes, a reflection about philosophy gets thrown in at the end of every single 7th Heaven episode. Overall, the show makes good television entertainment for the whole family.

THE VIDEO

Paramount Home Video presents 7th Heaven in fullscreen format. It’s pretty much what you would expect from a TV show. Unlike Dawson's Creek or even ALF for that matter, the episodes are laid out perfectly and are not shoved onto four discs, but instead on six discs. Grain appears gradually, but it doesn’t distract at all. A perfectly fine-looking presentation.

THE AUDIO
 
Paramount Home Video presents 7th Heaven in English Stereo Surround and French Stereo. Music plays well and dialogue is easy to understand.

THE EXTRAS

There are no features at all. No "through the years" retrospective documentary or anything, which is quite disappointing. The packaging is the only thing that is really "special."

FINAL THOUGHTS

Some episodes were very strong and left a thought-provoking message, yet other episodes were dry, dull, and sometimes silly. Overall - it's a fine family show that I grew up with as a teen and it's neat to watch the first season all over again. However, I should point out the show is not for everyone. Even without the "they should’ve been included" extras, this set is recommended for those who love the show. For anyone else, rent it.