Shout! Factory (the same company behind the M.A.S.K. DVDs) is releasing JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS: THE TRULY OUTRAGEOUS COMPLETE SERIES on DVD on October 11th.
The 11-DVD boxed set will contain all 65 episodes and all-new special bonus content. OUTRAGEOUS! (Ok, that will be the last time I say that. Maybe).
For those not interested in the complete series, a 4-DVD set of just Season One will be available on the same day.
Jem, the pink-haired lead singer of a rock band, was a favorite with little girls who grew up in the 1980’s. Each episode of the show featured a dramatic conflict with The Misfits (a rival band), the inner turmoils of Jem and her alter ego Jerrica Benton, a tempestuous romance with boyfriend Rio, original songs set against music-video-like montages, and enough wardrobe changes to make Barbie jealous. The jet-setting group also visited exotic locations like Hawaii, Venice, and Paris.
The press release states:
The series “JEM and The Holograms” ran from 1985-’88 in first-run syndication and still boasts a loyal and vocal fan base. It is frequently credited with influencing fashion in the late 1980s and beyond, and launching the careers of female pop-rock stars and music groups. The series follows Jerrica Benton, whose discovery of Synergy, a powerful computer companion, allows her to transform from co-owner of Starlight Music into rock star Jem. Teaming with her sister and best friends who form The Holograms, Jem sets out to make their musical dreams come true, even as she battles against the ruthless Eric Raymond and his musical protégés.
All that has been stated about the bonus content is that it’s ”archival material rarely seen by fans.” Interviews with voice actors would be great to see, or perhaps the person/people responsible for designing the wild fashions seen in each episode. I can surmise that there may be some deleted scenes, but beyond that it’s anyone’s guess.
Whatever the content is, this looks like a great set to purchase if you’re a fan of the series. Don’t even try to tell me that you didn’t start singing the song as soon as you read the headline to this article. OUTRAGEOUS! (Okay, sorry. Last time I’ll do that). Or, if you’re new to the series, this will be an easy way to watch them all at your leisure.
Just be prepared for a nostalgic trip to the 80’s and tunes that will stay in your head for days.
Show’s over, Synergy!