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177 of 179 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 DISC DVD SET FROM 2008 OF - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - A REVIEW, May 13, 2008
Before I purchased this set I spent some time on the Internet looking for any kind of review for this item, to see whether or not, since I already owned the individual remastered special editions, this was worth the upgrade.
But, there was nothing.
So I took the plunge (it helped that the Costco here in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, had the set on sale for $47.99 Canadian, cheaper then even the official site was selling it for) and now, here's what you need to know.
First off, the video presentation of the films is the exact same as the individual remastered special edition DVD from years back.
Meaning it's watchable, but not the best picture quality out there.
One of the reasons for this is that the first two mini series where filmed on 16mm film stock, thus creating a slightly grainy picture.
I had hoped that since the extras on the discs where transported onto the fifth disc, that the freed up space would have allowed for better compression, and thus, better picture quality, but that is not the case.
Okay, so lets list the pros and cons of this set:
Pros:
* All the discs are single sided (not double sided like the second and third mini series DVD's in the individual sets)
* There's a nice hour plus making of retrospective with Kevin Sullivan and some of the cast members
* A nice booklet with production notes and pictures, comes with the set
* The price is less than the collective price of purchasing the three mini series DVD's individually
Cons:
* The picture hasn't been improved
* Other than the retrospective documentary, a ten minute fluff piece on the author, and the missing Morilla's Death episode (which I have yet to watch, so I can't comment on it at the present) everything else is the same as the last incarnations of the DVD's
Of note, all of the extras from the previous DVD's have been carried over including Megan Follows screen test, and are all on the fifth disc.
So if you don't already own the individual special edition DVD's, then this set is the way to go, and if you already own the individual DVD's and want more extras, then this new set is worth the upgrade, otherwise this set can be skipped.
Hope this helps.
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346 of 357 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why pick up the DVD version of "Anne?" For the commentary., August 29, 2001
I picked up the DVDs for the first two "Anne of Green Gables" series after seeing the musical version of the story in Charlottetown. I lucked out because the DVDs have been out less than a month. The actual film, of course, is worth 5 stars all by itself and is a classic adaptation of a beloved novel, so what I want to talk about is why Anne's fans should pick up the DVD version as well. There are cast bios, previews of the other "Anne" works by Sullivan films, and some production stills.
However, the chief charms of the DVD version are the following: First, there is Megan Follows' audition for the part of Anne, which is fascinating to see her first attempts at nailing the character of Anne Shirley. You will notice considerably changes in her actual performance, but the raw talent is amply displayed. Second, there are missing scenes, most of which have to do with the wife of Reverend Allen. It seems the production was co-produced by a German company and so there was this extended subplot with Mrs. Allen, played by a German actress, that was fully integrated into the Germany version of "Anne of Green Gables." Third, there is Directors Commentary from Kevin Sullivan and the film's editor, although the latter is there mainly to given the director someone to talk to during the almost four hour film. The commentary is certainly fascinating, as we find out where certain scenes were short (mostly around Toronto, but some on Prince Edward Island), when scenes were shot (Megan would have to play Anne at 16 in the morning and 12 in the afternoon), as well as great stories about Colleen Dewhurst leaving a scene about to explode in laughter or adding a line.
However, for all these fascinating tidbits about the production you will find yourself surprised from time to time that Kevin Sullivan often does not have a clue about the story of Anne and why it works. He expresses surprise, for example, that audiences find the scene where Anne thanks Matthew for the dress with puffed sleeves to be so emotional. Sheesh. She is looking at him with absolute love and devotion in her eyes and he says, "Don't you like it." Of course it gets to you. But not Sullivan apparently. Still, the commentary is first rate and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and using it to track down sites I intend to visit later this week in Toronto (I am going to find THE BRIDGE!). Finally, there are some behinds the scenes clips. Warning, this was a television news story on the production and is not the excellent behind the scenes documentary that aired on PBS. Obviously, my only complaint with this DVD is going to be the exclusion of that documentary, which, I supposed, belonged to PBS and not Sullivan productions. So, I know that most of you reading this not only already have "Anne of Green Gables" on videotape, you have had it for a long time. I am just here to tell you that picking up the DVD version as well is worth the additional expenditure.
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147 of 149 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Watch only this and Anne of Avonlea-skip the new 3rd segment, September 5, 2000
This original video "Anne of Green Gables" and its sequel, "Anne of Avonlea" faithfully capture the delightful and inspiring stories of the series of "Anne of Green Gables" books. The videos are favorites of me and my daughters -- perfect for rainy weekends or days they stay home from school due to illness. I am saddened to see that the original is out-of-print and encourage the studio to re-release it. (Perhaps if demand is high enough, they will!) Unfortunately, we recently tuned into the new PBS production of "Anne: The Continuing Tales." This was a monumental disappointment that I can only liken to "The Godfather Part III." Although the Anne stories written by Lucy Maud Montgomery continue through her marriage, career and children, the producers of this movie discarded any relationship to the charming original stories or the memorable original characters. They merely borrowed the names of the characters and then created a highly unbelievable scenario that bore no hint of continuity between the fiercely independent, fiery, patriotic, and highly moral Anne, her bosom buddy Diana, or her sweetheart Gilbert. Throw in a baby who cries throughout the entire video, some unbelievable WWI scenarios and politically correct but anachronistic "anti-war" sentiments, and you end up with a despicable mess. If you loved the original books or videos, STAY FAR AWAY from "The Continuing Story" so that you don't taint your fond memories. And if you haven't already seen the videos of "Anne of Green Gables" or "Anne of Avonlea," then do whatever it takes to see them as soon as possible. (Don't wait for a rainy weekend!)
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