Product Description

Movie DVD

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8798 in DVD
• Brand: SONY PICTURES HOME ENT
• Released on: 2007-04-24
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .45 pounds
• Running time: 380 minutes

Amazon.com
A sizable ratings hit in its debut season of 1975-76, One Day At A Time followed the formula established by producer Norman Lear in his other memorable television series (like All in the Family and Maude): It broke ground by discussing real-life social situations within the context of a friendly and funny sitcom. Bonnie Franklin was top-billed as Ann Romano, newly divorced after a 17-year marriage and raising two teenage daughters (newcomer Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips, then best known for her turn in American Graffiti). In addition to the everyday struggles for financial stability and open communication with her children, Ann wrestles to achieve her own independence--which includes standing on equal terms in a relationship with her upstairs neighbor, David (Richard Masur). Making matters slightly more complicated is her apartment super, Duane Schneider (Pat Harrington in an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance), whose incessant snooping and blowhard talk are a source of considerable irritation to Ann.

One Day at a Time navigated the challenge of presenting comedy and realistic drama in the same program thanks to its talented cast and creative team, who addressed the social issues in a thoughtful manner without seeming preachy, and delivered genuine laughs that never stooped to slapstick or "hot button" issues (though the show's laugh track is particularly grating). All 15 episodes of the premiere season (which debuted as a mid-season replacement and rose to twelfth place in the ratings for the entire network year) are included in this double-disc set; longtime fans will be pleased to note that not only are the episodes uncut, but the One Day at a Time Reunion Special, which aired in 2005, is included as an extra (it's mentioned nowhere on the box cover art). All of the principal players contribute their memories of the show's successful run, including some honest discussion of Phillips' much-publicized drug problems. -- Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews

Uncut Episodes & Van McCoy's "The Hustle" is Intact!
This box set is a GREAT start to a LONG overdue TV series to come to DVD! The episodes are the full-length versions clocking in around the 25:30 mark, and the transfers look really good for a 32-year old videotaped show. The reunion special is indeed included on Disc 2, despite what one reviewer says. And, the icing on the cake is that the episode "The College Man" retains the use of the Van McCoy song "The Hustle." Some other publishing companies who are notorious for music replacements (a la Paramount and Fox) can learn a lesson from Sony, who does not seem to mind forking over a little extra cash to turn out the kind of quality product that fans of TV shows on DVD REALLY want. Hats off to them on this FINE job! I only hope that this sells well enough to justify more season sets in the future!

This is life, the one you get... So go and have a ball!
I love "One Day at a Time." This show is pure seventies. Such a quality show because all the storylines and acting always seemed so real. This was a very rare TV sitcom, because it always had a relevant message (that women didn't need a man around to feel important) while still always being very funny.

My favorite actress and character was Julie Cooper (played by the legendary, Mackenzie Phillips.) Julie was always so pretty and funny. Julie always managed to push her mother's buttons because she would never give up and was always very headstrong. Picture Kimberly (from "Diff'rent Stroke") with a devilish streak! And I am so proud of Mackenzie for cleaning up her act and not succumbing to the same demons that tragically took Dana's young life, way before her time.

Season One introduces us to Ann Romano (played by the awesome, Bonnie Franklin) and her two girls, Julie and Barbara Cooper (Valerie Bertinelli.) The series begins as Ann and her daughters forge forward to start a new life together, right after she leaves her husband. To borrow the words of Mrs. Rodham Clinton, Annie wasn't some "Tammy Wynette standing by her man." Nope! She didn't need any man. And, Annie was a hot mama, I don't think she ever wore a braw during Season One.

We also meet Schneider (Pat Harrington Jr.,) the building's handyman and resident snoop. What can I say about Schneider that you don't already know? He was the kind of guy that acted like an old friend even though he just met Annie and her girls; he was always around when they didn't need him and never around when they did. But he was more than just a handyman, he was like a member of the family because he just fit in so perfectly, like an old driving glove that was battered and tattered. Ann also has an on-again, off-again relationship with the much younger David (Richard Masur.)

The Theme Song of "One Day at a Time" is by John & Nancy Berry:

This is it. This is it.
This is life, the one you get
So go and have a ball.

This is it. This is it
Straight ahead and rest assured
You can't be sure at all.

So while you're here enjoy the view
Keep on doing what you do
So hold on tight we'll muddle through
One day at a time, One day at a time.

So up on your feet. Up on your feet
Somewhere there's music playing.
Don't you worry none
We'll just take it like it comes.

One day at a time, one day at a time.
One day at a time, one day at a time.
One day at a time, one day at a time.
One day at a time, one day at a time.

Here's all the eps from Season One:

Ann's Decision 12/16/1975
Annie has to decide if Julie can go away with a boy, camping, overnight!

Chicago Rendezvous 12/23/1975
Ann starts seeing a new guy that wants to take her away to Chicago for the weekend.

Jealousy 12/30/1975
Ann sees the green eye of jealousy when Julie and Barbara make friends with their father's new girlfriend.

How to Succeed Without Trying 1/6/1976
Ann thinks that the executive interviewing her for a job has designs on her.

David Loves Ann 1/13/1976
David tries to get Ann to marry him.

Julie's Best Friend 1/20/1976
Julie starts making spoiled demands to her mother, which causes David to kick in some extra loot.

Super Blues 1/27/1976
Annie throws a party in her apartment.

All the Way 2/10/1976
Chuck, Julie's boyfriend, wants to "go all way" with her.

Fighting City Hall 2/17/1976
Ann is furious over a $4,000.00 phone bill.

David Plus Two 2/24/1976
Annie again sees the green eye of jealousy when she catches David hopping into the sack with a sexy new neighbor.

Julie's Job 3/2/1976
Julie gets a job as a waitress.

The College Man 3/9/1976
Julie's college-man date, takes an interest in Ann.

Father David 3/16/1976
The girls have a party in the apartment.

Dad Comes Back (1) 3/23/1976
Ann finds out that her ex-husband is engaged.

Dad Comes Back (1) 3/30/1976
Julie and Barbara want to get their parents back together.

Looks great after all these years...
The picture and sound quality on this DVD release is solid - especially for a show from 1975/1976. Watching these again after all those years just reminds me how solid Norman Lear's shows were. Yes, they tended to be heavy on the drama and quick on the resolution, but each episode was like a self-contained half hour play. Aside from the occasional topical reference and the out-dated fashions, the stories still are relevant today.

Oh, and the reunion show is in the set - on disk 2. The box does not mention the special (probably an oversight) but it is there in all its glory.

I hope this does well so that season 2 can come out soon. 15 episodes was not enough.