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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.
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.
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