“Taking Over the Tipton” is the first DVD compilation of episodes from the Disney Channel series “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” Starring Dylan and Cole Sprouse, the kids who played Adam Sandler’s foster son in “Big Daddy,” the show is a male twin knock-off of the classic “Eloise” children’s books.

Zack (Dylan Sprouse) and Cody (Cole Sprouse) are two kids that have the uncommon life of living in a swanky hotel. Their mother (Kim Rhodes) is the singer in the nightclub there, which offers them a chance to life the high life throughout the year. Zack and Cody make mischief throughout the hotel, much to the chagrin of Mr. Moseby (Phil Lewis), the manager. Their pals are London (Brenda Song), whose father owns the hotel, and Maddie (Ashley Tisdale), who works at the candy counter.

As far as Disney Channel original shows go, “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” is a pretty decent premise. Although it’s been done before, you don’t see too many shows like it around. At least it’s not another high school soap opera style show like “Lizzie McGuire,” “Even Stevens” or “That’s So Raven.”

The kids do a decent job, although Zack is a bit abrasive as the punkish side of the twins. Cole as Cody plays better on screen, although I imagine that both boys get ornery on their own.

The challenge these kids are going to have is to keep their cuteness through puberty. They were adorable in “Big Daddy,” but already they are losing their cuteness. The might well grow up to be good looking young men, but there’s always that awkward stage to deal with.

The supporting cast works pretty well. The characters are a bit forced, but the acting behind them is pretty decent. Brenda Song and Ashley Tisdale have good chemistry and are both easy on the eyes. Kim Rhodes as the mom works well, but the funniest part has to go to Arvin, the weird maintenance man. Although a complete stock character, Brian Stepanek pulls off the comedy incredibly well.

“Taking Over the Tipton” offers four regular episodes and a bonus episode in the special features. Like most initial DVD launches, there are some special guests on these episodes. Jesse McCartney joins the cast for an episode in a very standard Jesse McCartney guest spot. (Read as: He plays himself and has to deal with his hoards of adoring fans.)

The other guest is Zac Efron from the hit Disney Channel original movie “High School Musical.” It’s a bit of a stretch for him to play the genius, but he’s likeable enough.

In addition to the bonus episode, there is also a behind-the-scenes featurette to further acclimate the viewing public to the show.

It’s not the best Disney show to come down the pike, but “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” works for what it is. Expect to see more compilation DVDs on the shelves in the near future.



Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Fullscreen (1.33:1). English subtitles for the hearing impaired.