Back in 2005-2006, there had been unconfirmed reports of a "best-of" DVD release for
Family Matters, a single-disc "favorites" title which was supposedly meant to test the waters and see if there were enough fans out there to warrant season set releases. Such a release never did materialize, and fans have always wondered why the show was missing on DVD. In a September 2008 live online chat with Warner studio execs, hosted by our friends at the Home Theater Forum, the program was brought up in a question. The reply from the studio was: "
Family Matters is a title that has always been on our list, but related costs have prevented it thus far and we're working to get around those issues, if possible. MORE TO COME." At last, we're pleased to tell you that "more" is here!
This morning Warner Home Video has formally announced that
Family Matters - The Complete 1st Season is coming to DVD at last, on
June 8th. The show's rookie year in 1989-90 included 22 episodes starring Reginald VelJohnson, Kellie Shanygne Williams, Darius McCrary, JoMarie Payton, Rosetta LeNoire, Jaimee Foxworth, Telma Hopkins and (starting with the show's 12th episode) Jaleel White as "Steve Urkel." Guest stars include Ron Glass (
Barney Miller, Firefly) and Tim Russ (
Star Trek: Voyager, Samantha Who?). The DVD release will come on 3 discs, for $29.98 SRP.
Further details - including A/V specs, bonus material (if any...it looks doubtful) and package art - have not been revealed as of this writing. But stay tuned and we'll update you just as soon as we can!
UPDATE: Warner has now provided a studio description of the release, and a thumbnail-sized picture of the package art, and we've got both of those below. Also, Amazon has
added a listing for this title,
and while it isn't accepting pre-orders just yet, it should be soon, so keep an eye on it! (Amazon's listing is now accepting pre-orders!) Warner's info also touts the fact that the show ranks in the top 10 on the TVShowsOnDVD.com list of most requested unreleased shows, so congratulations...YOU helped make this release happen. "Did *I* do that?" Yes, YOU did!
"Hi, everybody!" Fans of '90s sitcoms know those words mean Steve Urkel has come to call, bringing lots of geeky, goofy fun with him. A spinoff of Perfect Strangers, Family Matters began as the at-home adventures of elevator operator Harriette Winslow and her multigenerational family. But midway through the first season, Jaleel White made a one-shot appearance as neighborhood nerd Urkel. With oversized glasses, undersized body, screechy voice and indomitable self-confidence, Urkel proved irresistibly funny, turning White into an overnight sensation and a new star of the show. Join Urkel and the Winslows for the 22-episode debut season of the hit series that proclaims love matters, laughing matters, Family Matters!
