Written by
September 29, 2009
Even with the VHS quality sound and video, this is arguably the best fan-service treatment the Chipmunks have ever received on DVD.
The Very First Alvin Show DVD release contains the following:
The Alvin Show Episode #1
1961 Bagdasarian Film Corp
Dolby Digital: English Stereo
Executive producer: Herbert Klynn
Voices: Ross Bagdasarian, Shepard Menken, June Foray, Bill Lee, Johnny Mann, Lee Patrick
Released for the very first time on DVD, the “first episode” of The Alvin Show contains the following segments:
The Chipmunks story: “Stanley the Eagle”
The Chipmunks sing: “Italy-Oh, Gondaliero!”
Clyde Crashcup invents: The Baseball
The Chipmunks sing: I Wish I Could Speak French
I'm not sure how accurate calling this the first episode is, because online sources such as Wikipedia list “Stanley” as being part of episode 8, “Italy-Oh, Gondaliero” and “I Wish I Could Speak French” as part of episode 3, and it shows Crashcup inventing the Baseball in episode 6. These sources could be wrong, however, given how long the show has been out of the public eye. Regardless, it was a joy to watch, and the overall quality has held up remarkably well.
A Chipmunk Reunion
(Originally aired in 1985)
Produced and directed by Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian Jr.
Staring: Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian Jr.
Another version of the Chipmunks' origin story, this one has them setting out to find their mother after they can't agree on when their real birthday is (it is revealed to be on the 14th). This episode marks the first appearance of their mother “Vinny,” who looks eerily like the Chipette Jeanette.
Songs: “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Shake it Up”
The Chipmunks: Rockin' Through the Decades
Documentary special originally aired in 1990, hosted by “The Fresh Prince” (Will Smith).
Produced and directed by Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian Jr.
A part live-action, part animated special, with special guests Kenny Loggins, Shelley Duvall, Ben Vereen, Raven-Symone, Markie Post, Richard Moll, and Little Richard. Rockin' Through the Decades takes a look back at the Chipmunks' past, including a clip from Alvin's famous first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. This special featured Michael Jackson's “Beat It” video with an animated Alvin dancing alongside Michael. This is also around the time the Chipmunks started to take on a more humanoid appearance.
Even with the VHS quality sound and video, this is arguably the best fan-service treatment the Chipmunks have ever received on DVD. All of the Chipmunks DVD releases have been devoid of any special features, but the inclusion of the Rockin' Through the Decades television special almost makes up for it. It would still be nice to see some special features on future DVD releases (making of, deleted scenes, original concept art, and so forth), but this is still a nice treat and is sure to delight any Chipmunks fan.
