CORY IN THE HOUSE: NEWT & IMPROVED EDITION Actors: Jason Dolley, Kyle Massey, Maiara Walsh, Madison Pettis, Rondell Sheridan, Lisa Kushell Directors: Eric Dean Seaton, Richard Correll, Rondell Sheridan   Studio: Walt Disney Video DVD release: 27 May 2008   Runtime: 90 min. (1 disc) Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC DVD features: Audio tracks (English - Dolby Digital Surround), 4 episodes including 1 never-aired episode, "Breakin' Down Cory in the House" (episode creation from start to finish, Music video

Cory in the House: Newt & Improved Edition is a compilation of three favorite episodes of the fun Disney Channel series, as well as one additional "never before seen" episode. Cory in the House is a spin-off from the show That's So Raven, featuring Raven's dad and brother. My eight-year-old daughter is a HUGE Cory in the House fan, and she was beyond thrilled to hear that there is a new episode on this disc.

Cory Baxter (Kyle Massey) is the son of White House chef Victor Baxter (Rondell Sheridan). His best friend, Newton "Newt" Livingstone III (Jason Dolley), and friend Meena (Maiara Walsh) help him to serve up lots of laughs-especially when dealing with the President's (John D'Aquino) daughter, Sophie (Madison Pettis).

The three previously seen episodes on this disc include:

• The Presidential Seal-When trying to impress a girl, Cory accidentally spills ink on the Presidential seal inside the Oval Office. He sends Newt for a replacement, and he returns with-a live seal?
• Through the Roof-The guys have to write a new song for their band to perform or they lose their gig. There is an incident with a powerful see-saw, and Sophie's scout troop (who are uninterested in actually doing real tasks to complete their badges, much to Meena's dismay) ends up coming to the rescue.
• Lip Service-Cory sets himself and Newt up with two girls, and Newt does not want to kiss the girl he's with. In a side story, Sophie and Victor play various board games, and we learn a lesson about being a good winner as well as a good loser.

And the new episode, called "Peace, Love, and Understanding," features Saruza (Natalie Amenula), Cory's new love interest. Saruza just happens to be from a country which is arch-enemy to Meena's home country of Bahavia. Cory is caught in the middle.

The bonus feature is actually (to me) the best thing about the disc: a behind-the-scenes look at the actual making of the series that walks the viewer through putting together an episode of Cory in the House from start to finish. There are also some Sneak Peeks.

The television show is entertaining, and as I mentioned before, my eight-year-old adores it. For adults, the humor is a bit slapstick and silly, but there's nothing overtly bad to dislike about it. Kids will enjoy getting to watch shows they enjoy over and over again without the commercial interruptions. This Cory in the House DVD is an average value but worth a watch if you are a fan of the show.