Product Details

• Actors: Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, Peter Davison, Carol Drinkwater, Mary Hignett
• Directors: Peter Grimwade
• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 4
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: BBC Video
• DVD Release Date: May 14, 2002
• Run Time: 646 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (152 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000062XDW
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,579 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "All Creatures Great & Small: The Complete Series 1 Collection" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Set in the serene beauty of the Yorkshire Dales in the years following WWII, this beloved BBC series follows the real-life adventures of veterinarian James Herriot. Full of fine writing, memorable performances, humor, and heart, it's first-rate British entertainment-a classic in every sense of the word. Christopher Timothy stars. Series 1 13 episodes; 10-1/2 hours on 4 DVDs.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

200 of 203 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A meaningful life is a happy one July 9, 2002

By Mr. P. D. Cooke

Format:DVD

This DVD presents in a simple straightforward package the first TV season (13 episodes of approx 55 mins each)of the classic "All Creatures Great and Small" series based on the books of the Veterinary Surgeon James Herriot.

An aditional one hour documentary interview with the real James Herriot is also included.

The original series was a weekly "must see" event and I found myself drawn back to watch just one more episode on this DVD despite serious attempts to make it last.

The picture quality is what you would expect for a 25 year old British TV show however this in no way detracts from its enjoyment. The happy flowing music that rolls with the beautiful Yorkshire Dales scenery puts you right in the mood to get to know and experience the trials and tribulations of James Herriot and the people and animals he meets.

Although the books were written by Herriot the main characters that stand out in this series are his new employer Siegfried Farnon and Siegfrieds brother Tristan. Both characters are played extremely well by two excellent british actors Robert Hardy and Peter Davison. Hardy extracts tha maximum entertainment from Siegfrieds ebullient often frustrating character.

In the end you will connect with the Dales farmers and wonder at the 'black magic' of veterinary science in the mid 1930's but like Gerald Durrels books the animals that entertain the most are of the human species.

This DVD will guarantee a good satisfying viewing experience and while not intended to be a comedy provides some hilarious situations for the main characters.

143 of 150 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Warm Household of Eccentrics February 22, 2002

By Bay Gibbons VINE™ VOICE

Format:VHS Tape

In the early 1980's, when I was in law school, my wife and I recorded many of the episodes in this collection on our old Betamax video recorder. At night, after a long and trying day, we would watch them over and over with our then little girls curled up on the couch in their blanket sleepers. This is one of the handful of television series I have EVER watched as an adult. There was an overwhelming comfort in entering into this warm household of eccentrics -- James, Siegfried and Tristan, with Mrs. Hall hovering in the kitchen. Of course, the animal stories and the forays into the landscape and characters of the Yorkshire Dales are fascinating, but isn't it really the inexplicable hominess of Skeldale House that draws us back again and again?

For years my wife and I searched unsuccessfully for copies of these episodes. Our Betamax machine is, alas, long gone and our little girls are in college. But what a joy to see the series afresh after nearly twenty years. The music has a certain dated cheeziness about it, but how marvelous to be back in the sitting room or in the surgery again with James, Siegfried and Company.

Some other thoughts:

1. While I hope to get the later series, this is the best by far from a dramatic point of view, with James struggling to prove himself, Helen still unattainable and the complex relationship of Siegfried and Tristan freshly viewed.

2. I do wish this set were available on DVD.

3. The acting -- especially from Robert Hardy as Siegfried -- is so superb from this little ensemble. There is the stuff of greatness about the inherent tension, irony and exquisitely restrained comedy of the trio.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All Creatures Great and Small. Series 1 August 7, 2000

By Mike 1900

Format:VHS Tape

"The best of the best" The original set of six boxed videos. There are 12 episodes in all, begining with James' arrival at Skeldale House and the start of his career as a vet under Seigfried. Filled with all kinds of English characters, the series is a delightful peek at England and the English, before WWII. This classic series cannot be beaten for true value. Marooned on a deserted isle?... make sure you have this set with you. You'll never tire of watching these brilliant videos.