Over the past couple of years I’ve been shocked by all of the TV shows that have made their way onto DVD. It looks as though the studios finally realized what a burgeoning market it was, tapping into all the crazed fans out there that have spent their lives taping their favorite (or favorites). Most of the shows are more than deserving of being released, though occasionally I question the need for some. Then there are the shows that I’m still waiting for, wondering what’s taking so ling considering their almost iconic status. “Happy Days” was just such a show. I grew up watching the Cunnignham family as they went about their daily lives. It was great show for those nostalgic for the 1950’s, much in the way “That 70’s Show” works for those longing for the 1970’s, only funnier.

Even today, I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t seen “Happy Days”, either during its initial run or later in syndication. But just in case you happen to have just come out of a 40 year coma, and haven’t caught up with this particular show yet, let me fill you in on the goods. “Happy Days” revolved around the Cunninghams, as typical a suburban family as they come. The main focus was on Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard), and hid high school pals ‘Potsie’ (Anson Williams) and Ralph (Donny Most). When they weren’t at school or at home, their hangout was the burger joint “Arnold’s”. As the show progressed the rest of the Cunningham family began to become more integral to the show and everyone wanted a mom and dad like Marion Ross and Tom Bosley.

The real breakout star of the series however, started out as no more than a side character. Leather jacket clad tough guy Arthur Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler), known as “The Fonz” became the hero of boys and the ‘dreamboat’ of the girls. Soon after the show debuted, The Fonz became one of the best known TV figures in the country, and his signature line, “Ayyyyyy..” was being mimicked by people around the world. The show made a bona fide star out of Henry Winkler. I even had a necklace at one point with a motorcycle in the center and two thumbs up on each side (I know… embarrassing). It’s funny to think Winkler almost didn’t get the part as Mickey Dolenz (”The Monkees”) was being considered for a time.

Though Winkler would never find the same kind of fame in front of the camera after the series ended, he has maintained a highly successful career behind the camera as a producer and director. The Fonz is so much of a TV icon that you’ll find one of his original jackets hanging in the Smithsonian. Even the hugely popular Website JumpTheShark.com owes its existence to him. The site is devoted to voting on moments when TV shows went over the line in terms of believable plotlines. It was so named for the “Happy Days” episode when Fonzie had to do a stunt where he jumped over some hungry sharks.

What’s funny to me is that as insanely popular as “Happy Days” was, when I have conversations with my friends about the series, most seem to forget a lot of the other shows that came out of it. Most remember that is gave us “Laverne & Shirley”, but hardly anyone mentions “Joanie Loves Chachi” or “Blanksy’s Beauties.” And I can’t tell you how many blank stars I get when I mention that even “Mork & Mindy” was a spin-off of “Happy Days.” Yes, believe it or not, there was actually an episode where Richie was visited by the venerable alien from Ork (a ‘jump the shark’ moment if ever there was one), and a new series was born.

Even more so surprising is that hardly anyone realizes that “Happy Days” was itself, a spin-off. When I say this, inevitably some says, “Oh yeah, it came from the movie American Graffiti.” I usually just shake my head, wondering why so many people have this misconception. For the record, “Happy Days” has nothing to do with “American Graffiti”, aside from sharing a couple of actors. In reality, “Happy Days” was spun off an episode of “Love American Style”, which was an anthology series made up of funny love stories. It was great show, and the 1950’s episode “Love and Happy Days” featured Ron Howard and Anson Williams.

You might have noticed that in the first paragraph of this review, I used the term ‘was’ when talking about iconic shows that should be released. I say ‘was’ because Paramount Home Entertainment is finally releasing the first season of “Happy Days” in a 3-disc set this week. It includes all 16 episodes from that first season, and I say it’s about time!!

It’s been years since I’ve seen the show, but when I popped in the first DVD, it was like I was transported back to 1974. I was 11 years old again, and all the memories came flooding back. I remembered those first episodes like I had seen them just yesterday. I don’t think I forgot a single joke, or even that Richie had an older brother named “Chuck”, who soon disappeared from the series altogether.

I only have one little nitpick about the set, which is the lack of extra features. Surely a series like this deserves all manner of featurettes, but there are none to be found. I’m hoping that the sales of this first season set are brisk (and I’m sure they will be), so that he studio will see that it will be a good seller. That way, they might be encouraged to include some extra features on future sets. I’m sure everyone involved with the series would be available for interviews and the like. I’d bet even ‘Mr. Big Shot Director’ Ron Howard would make the time.

Having this series available on DVD is like having a blast from the past, times two! It makes me nostalgic for the 1950’s where it took place as well as the 1970’s when I first sat down to watch it. Should you buy it? “Ayyyyyy!”

Episodes:
All the Way
The Lemon
Richie’s Cup Runneth Over
Guess Who’s Coming to Visit
Hardware Jungle
The Deadly Dares
Fonzie Drops In
The Skin Game
Breaking Up is Hard to Do
Give the Band a Hand
Because She’s There
In The Name of Love
Great Expectations
The Best Man
Knock Around the Block
Be the First on Your Block

Starring: Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley, Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Donny Most, Erin Moran
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital English Mono
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 8/17/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Happy Days: Season 1 a B.