Who would have ever imagined that 15 years ago country music star (and one-hit wonder) Billy Ray Cyrus, would be on a hit television show. But that was before he had a daughter named Miley. Tweens know her better as Hannah Montana, that alter ego of hers with a same-name show on the Disney Channel. Adults probably still know Billy Ray as Billy Ray, but their kids know him as his character on the series, Robbie Ray. Yes, the writing team behind this show are very creative! Still the Hannah Montana brand has become a money-making machine for Disney and you can’t argue with that. The real question is why has Montana become such a phenomenon. For the first time ever, you can get the complete first season of this “groundbreaking” series on DVD, so find out for yourself.
In Hannah Montana, 14-year-old Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) is the precocious daughter of former singer/songwriter star, and widower, Robbie Stewart (Billy Ray Cyrus). Living in a Malibu beachfront home, Miley hides the fact that she lives a secret second life just so she can live a relatively normal teenage life. That second life consists of her donning a blonde wig, and becoming “Hannah Montana,” a famous tween pop singing idol adored by millions of American boys and girls. But soon complications arise as Miley tries to negotiate her real-life and fantasy personas. Meanwhile, her father has double-duty keeping “Hannah’s” career on track, while making sure that Miley’s career doesn’t get in the way of her learning the difficult lessons all teenagers have to learn.
This series is really just like any other tween sit-com these days. There is lots of mugging, lots of over-sold punchlines, and moments of gross-out humor going on here. The laugh track often makes its presence known far too many times. In addition, after watching the first season back-to-back you will start to notice that the storylines from episode to episode start to repeat themselves. But it is still quite intriguing to watch the multi-layers that exist within this show. Besides the premise of a music star leading a secret second life as an ordinary girl, you have the lead actress Miley Cyrus, who has her real- life father Billy Ray playing her father on the show, who is both an ex-singing star on the show and in real life. Even more, the character “Hannah Montana” has now become a bit-time music superstar in real-life just like she is on the show. It can be quite confusing to think about, but it’s a definite hook to lure viewers.
But if this show has only average and often unimaginative writing, why has it become so popular, even after you have dug down deeper than the multi-layers of the series. It all has to do with the cast. Not only is Miley Cyrus an extremely likable and relatable lead star, but she is really funny. She has no fear and will do anything to get laughs. You have to admire that considering she is only 15 years old. Besides Miley, though, the supporting cast around her on Hannah Montana is exceptional. Jason Earles, who plays Miley’s older brother Jackson on the show, is probably the one character that gets the most laughs. His character is extremely wacky, but somehow Earles knows just how over-the-top he should get without it being too much. If you team him up with his on-screen father, Billy Ray Cyrus, you will find that Billy Ray is actually surprisingly quite funny as well. Emily Osment, who plays Miley’s best friend Lilly Truscott on the show, is the perfect comedic sidekick. You couldn’t find a better cast out there in any other tween sitcom today.
If Miley Cyrus can stay out of the tabloids, she has a bright future ahead of her. The storylines that are written for Hannah Montana are nothing special, and you really see how weak the writing is after watching all 26 of these first season episodes. Still the entire cast should be given credit for rising this series about all other shows like it. This show is definitely not for everyone, but adults who secretly watch this show shouldn’t be that embarrassed about it. If you are between the ages of 6 and 14, you are probably obsessed with Hannah Montana. But for parents or relatives of those in that age group, there are a lot worse shows out there, including some on the Disney Channel, that you could be forced to watch. So just hang on tight and enjoy the ride as best you can, because soon Disney Channel will find its next television series or character that your kids will become obsessed over.
Episodes:
Disc One:
Episode 1 – Lilly, Do You Want to Know a Secret?
In the series premiere, Miley decides it’s time to tell her best friend, Lilly, that she’s really “Hannah Montana,” teen pop idol.
Episode 2 – Miley Get Your Gum
Oliver is infatuated with Hannah Montana, and he’ll do anything to get close to her. But will he feel the same way once he learns Hannah is really Miley, his longtime childhood friend? Meanwhile, Jackson doesn’t quite understand why all the guys are honking at him and his new “chick” car.
Episode 3 – She’s A Supersneak
Miley and Jackson disobey their father’s instructions to stay in the house and study…and discover him out on a secret date.
Episode 4 – I Can’t Make You Love Hannah Montana if You Don’t
Jackson has a problem: he wants to date best friend Cooper’s little sister, while Miley tries to convince a potential new boyfriend that Hannah Montana really rocks.
Episode 5 – It’s My Party and I’ll Lie if I Want To
Hannah is having trouble with Lilly’s “Lola” persona…particularly when Lola acts like such an obnoxious dork at all her Hannah Montana functions.
Episode 6 – Grandma Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Favorites
Miley is going to perform for the Queen of England…while missing Jackson’s important volleyball tournament.
Disc Two:
Episode 7 – It’s a Mannequin’s World
Miley doesn’t want another bogus birthday gift from Robbie Ray, so she gets Lilly to help her father pick out something nice…with typically disastrous results.
Episode 8 – Mascot Love
Miley and Lilly aren’t having enough “Miley and Lilly” time, due to “Hannah’s” constant commitments, so they decide to try out for the cheerleading squad. The only problem? Miley doesn’t make the squad.
Episode 9 – Ooo, Ooo, Itchy Woman
Miley and Lilly go on a school camping trip with arch nemeses Amber and Ashley.
Episode 10 – O Say, Can You Remember the Words
Oliver is Romeo to Miley’s Juliet, but his stage-fright psyches “Hannah” right out of performing The Star-Spangled Banner on live TV.
Episode 11 – Oops! I Meddled Again!
A girl at school emails Hannah for love advice…about Oliver! But Miley butts in and almost ruins the whole teen affair.
Episode 12 – On the Road Again?
Miley and Jackson want Robbie Ray to be happy again, performing out on the road. But does Robbie Ray want that?
Episode 13 – You’re So Vain, You Probably Think This Zit is About You
Miley is horrified to discover that a billboard ad she agreed to will feature a big blemish on her face…while she expects Lilly to follow her advice about not worrying about her looks when Lilly has to wear some dorky glasses.
Disc Three:
Episode 14 – The New Kid in School
Robbie ruins Jackson’s car, while Miley crushes hard for TV action star Jake Ryan, who’s the newest member of the Seaview Middle School class.
Episode 15 – More Than a Zombie To Me
Robbie and Jackson increase their war of pranks on each other, while Miley discovers she really does like Jake. So why does she keep turning down his invitations to a school dance?
Episode 16 – Good Golly, Miss Dolly
Dolly Parton guest-stars as Miley’s godmother, turning the Cyrus Malibu beachhouse upside down in the process.
Episode 17 – Torn Between Two Hannahs
Miley’s evil identical cousin, Luann, arrives in Malibu, and plans on destroying Hannah’s career.
Episode 18 – People Who Use People
Miley and Jake decide the best way to get back at each other is to use other people to make each other jealous.
Episode 19 – Money for Nothing, Guilt for Free
Miley wants to beat Amber and Ashley in a fund-raising contest, before she learns the real reason for the charity-sponsored event.
Episode 20 – Debt It Be
Jackson and Miley get credit cards, and the nightmare begins.
Disc Four:
Episode 21 – My Boyfriend’s Jackson and There’s Gonna Be Trouble
Jackson is mistaken for “Hannah’s” new boyfriend!
Episode 22 – We Are Family — Now Get Me Some Water!
Jackson wants a raise from Rico, so Miley decides to help…and gets Jackson fired.
Episode 23 – School Bully
Cracker, the school bully, has her sights set on Miley, while Robbie and Jackson are snow-bound in a very strange mountain cabin.
Episode 24 – The Idol Side of Me
Miley wants to humiliate rival Amber on her appearance on Singing with the Stars, but she soon learns that everyone deserves a second chance.
Episode 25 – Smells Like Teen Sellout
“Hannah” is contracted to promote a perfume that she hates. But she’s having a hard time giving back the cool Mustang the company gave her in their appreciation of her efforts.
Episode 26 – Bad Moose Rising
Jackson, tired of hauling Miley around to functions, arranges for her to have a little hanger-on: Mr. Dontzig’s niece-from-Hell.
The video is given in fullscreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Transfer is good with minimal distortion. The quality is pretty much standard for any cable TV show made for kids, which means it’s not the best but good enough for the target audience. Only a few minor issues, but no major problems at all.
The audio included is available in either English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound or Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound. There are subtitles available in English as well. Pretty standard quality for this kind of TV show and about the same quality as the video. No major problems here either, but not the best you will ever hear.
“Hannah’s Highlights” Featurette –
Hannah Montana picks out five episodes from this season that she considers her favorites. These episodes include “Grandmas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Play Favorites,” “You’re So Vain,” “You Probably Think This Zit is About You,” “Torn Between Two Hannahs,” and “The Idol Side of Me.” For these episodes, this is an option to watch them with “pop-up” trivia tidbits added. It’s fairly interesting and something that fans will probably enjoy.
“Back Home Again With Miley” Featurette –
This runs 7 minutes and shows Miley and Billy Ray returning to the Cyrus family farm in Tennessee in November of 2007. It’s a well-deserved vacation for Miley, and it’s nice to see Miley really out of character. She is just as likable off-screen as she is on.
Disney Channel Games 2008 –
This runs 22 minutes and it’s the kickoff episode of the “Disney Channel Games”. Jason Earles appears in the games, and Miley gives a closing concert. Basically, this is the Disney Channel’s version of the Olympics. So they make Disney Channel stars do a series of wacky things, which is perfect for Earles. Interesting side note, Jason Earles is really 31 years old in real life!
If you want the complete first season of Hannah Montana, this is the definite set to get. But die-hard fans of the show who have seen these episodes over and over again will definitely be disappointed in the lack of extras. There is some good ones included, but there is just not enough “extra” material. Still this is probably a must-buy for any hardcore Hannah Montana fan. Casual fans or newcomers to the show might just want to rent this season, though. It’s worth a look at any age just to see what all the hype is about.
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Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment presents Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season. Created by Michael Poryes, Richard Correll, and Barry O’Brien. Starring Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Jason Earles, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Running time: 594 minutes. NOT RATED. Released on DVD: November 18, 2008.
Available at Amazon
