Believe it or not, this charming fantasy series is finally hitting DVD, and I'm walking on air. Half tribute and half send-up of the Superman mythos, this cult-favorite series--one of the more inspired successes from prolific producer Stephen J. Cannell--laid the groundwork for all the superhero re-imaginings to come with its strikingly down-to-earth approach to juggling the demands of caped-crusading with those of being a working stiff and single parent. High-school teacher Ralph Hinkley (William Katt) and FBI agent Bill Maxwell (Robert Culp) are thrown together by circumstance...and by friendly aliens who give the pair a superpower suit that only Ralph can wear (though he immediately loses the instruction book). An unlikely team, the optimistic, mild-mannered Ralph and aggressive, hardnosed Bill butt heads over how best to take advantage of this boon from above (it's the perfect encapsulation of early '80s morning-in-America conservatism bumping up against the waning liberalism of the '70s). Compiling all eight episodes from the debut 1981 season on a three-disc set boasting a fine-looking transfer, DVD extras include 75 minutes of all-new creator and cast interviews, and the never-aired pilot for the proposed spin-off The Greatest American Heroine. Also included at no extra cost: that incredibly catchy theme song. Highly recommended. [Note: The Greatest American Hero: Season Two is also newly available.] (M. Johanson)
The Greatest American Hero: Season One
Anchor Bay, 3 discs, 417 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 Volume 20, Issue 3
The Greatest American Hero: Season One
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