Customer Reviews

Anne of Green Gables: The Collection

5 star:		(457)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

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.

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.

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!)

"Anne of Green Gables" is a remarkable series. I have never read the L.M. Montgomery books, but someday I feel I must. Everything about this production is perfect, and I feel as Anne does when she first glimpses the "White Way of Delight." Magical.

The cast of this production is noteworthy. Megan Follows is an enduring character, sinking into Anne with ease. She is at time frustratingly stubborn and at other times completely charming. Sassy and full of life and spirit, you cannot help but love Anne Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth are equally good as Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert. It is hard to believe that such a tender player as Richard Farnsworth spent over 30 years as a stuntman.

The DVD is great, and I have had no complaints. The quality of picture and sound are as good as any of my DVDs. The production is not widescreen, of course, because it is a television series filmed in the television aspect ratio.

The extras are all valuable. The extra scenes, and the story behind them, add a new dimension to the story. Megan's audition reel is included, as is feature commentary.

I'm glad I grew up watching this series, and I am glad that I own it on DVD, to watch and share anew.

"Anne of Green Gables" is just a beautiful, beautiful film, well crafted, carefully thought out, and superbly acted. There really isn't anything bad that I can think to say about it; it's an amazing, magical, and altogether unforgettable film. I saw it for the first time when I was about nine or ten years old; now, at seventeen, I have come to appreciate its depth and innocence so much more. When I was younger and used to watch it, I loved laughing at Anne's funny and endearing antics in the first half of the movie; now that I'm older, I still love that aspect of the movie, but I can also better understand and appreciate Anne's blossoming into a beautiful young woman. I would say that any girl 12 or older can get the full feel of this movie, and believe me, all of those girls should do so if they want a wonderful and refreshing movie experience unlike any other (and that is the truth).

"Anne of Green Gables" is truly an engaging story of our beloved heroine Anne Shirley, a fiery, redheaded 13-year-old orphan looking for someone to love her (and put up with her!) Her whimsical outlook on life and her fascination with fantasy and imagery has made many people turn away out of frustration and sometimes even lack of heart. However, little Anne is given her own miracle when she is chosen to live with a family in the gorgeous town of Avonlea and ends up with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert quite by accident. The sweet and soft-spoken Matthew is immediately taken to her, but Marilla does not exactly intend to let this talkative, imaginative little girl open the key to her hidden affections. Fortunately, Anne manages to worm her way into everyone's heart, and it is not long before the stable love she is finally receiving begins to help her come into her own as a friend, student, and person. As she eventually comes to understand, accept, and grow through sometimes rocky friendships, difficult neighbors, and competition from her peers, Anne's transformation from a somewhat gawky little girl to a substantial woman of intelligence, maturity, and strength of character finally seeps through, leaving the viewer feeling as if they truly witnessed the positive change and growth of this charming young girl.

Overall, I would rate this movie as easily being one of the most magical and amazing films of all time. Megan Follows comes through beautifully and brings the title character of "Anne of Green Gables" to life in her own unique way. She is a notable actress with great potential and has a seemingly flawless ability to enter Anne's world of confusion, passion, and success. Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth give strongly acted and emotionally accurate performances as Marilla and Matthew. Also rounding out the main cast are Jonathan Crombie as Anne's faithful and somewhat desperate admirer Gilbert Blythe (you will fall absolutely in love with his character); Schuyler Grant as Anne's faithful best friend Diana Barry; and the priceless Patricia Hamilton as Rachel Lynde, Anne's busybody neighbor. The lighthearted and tender story intertwined with the scenery and gorgeous shots of Avonlea make this a perfect choice for the entire family. Sadly, there just aren't very many films like this being made right now; we all know what the dominant themes of today's movies are, and none of them come even close to what you see in "Anne of Green Gables." This is a gem of a movie and certainly one to include in your video collection. If you like any kind of movie about family, courage, love, and all that good stuff, then "Anne" might be the very best you could get. I recommend every piece of this heartfelt film; it is time and money VERY well spent and is the heart and soul of innocence and love.

I love the Anne of Green Gables movies, but for the PRICE I just paid for this movie, the DVD was not entirely worth it!!!! I have a problem with the sloppy packaging, no inserts, nothing but a 2 sided DVD. And the DVD does not contain CHAPTERS, so you can't just skip to different scenes like you can with most any other DVD. That seems like necessary feature for such a lengthy move, don't you think? Like I said, love the movie, just disappointed in the dvd version.

My wife forced me to watch this movie, as it's one of her favorites. It was worth it-- good acting, good writing, and very touching. I bought her the DVD for her birthday.

The video quality of the DVD isn't much better than that of the VHS tape, and the picture is compression-artifact ridden. I even purchased the Collector's Edition, hoping that Sullivan Entertainment had remastered the DVD for the new version, but alas, no! Worth getting if you don't already own a copy, or if you absolutely *have* to have the director's commentary, or the deleted scenes, or Megan Follows' audition reel; but you might want to wait until it gets released in the States-- Buena Vista will undoubtedly remaster these with better quality video.

I adore the movie, don't get me wrong, but I was fooled like many others into wanting to replace my vhs sets for dvd. I am very disappointed in the grainy images and mediocre sound quality of this dvd. It seems like Sullivan just slapped the movie on a disk, added the interactive menu and a few deleted scenes and began selling it. For this price tag, I would not advise replacing your vhs copies of this movie. If you have never bought the series before, see if you can find a discounted price or buy it used. This dvd is NOT worth full price!

The movie itself is 5 stars, but the quality is 2 (and that is being generous!)

"Anne of Green Gables" is a remarkable series. I have never read the L.M. Montgomery books, but someday I feel I must. Everything about this production is perfect, and I feel as Anne does when she first glimpses the "White Way of Delight." Magical.

The cast of this production is noteworthy. Megan Follows is an enduring character, sinking into Anne with ease. She is at time frustratingly stubborn and at other times completely charming. Sassy and full of life and spirit, you cannot help but love Anne Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth are equally good as Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert. It is hard to believe that such a tender player as Richard Farnsworth spent over 30 years as a stuntman.

The DVD is great, and I have had no complaints. The quality of picture and sound are as good as any of my DVDs. The production is not widescreen, of course, because it is a television series filmed in the television aspect ratio.

The extras are all valuable. The extra scenes, and the story behind them, add a new dimension to the story. Megan's audition reel is included, as is feature commentary.

I'm glad I grew up watching this series, and I am glad that I own it on DVD, to watch and share anew.

I adore the story of Anne Shirley and was excited to get copies on DVD. My hope was to introduce these cherished stories to my girlfriend who is Deaf. To my disbelief the DVD does not contain either closed-captions or subtitles. It is difficult to imagine that something as "superior" as the DVD format would leave out something so basic as closed-captions, when in contrast the VHS includes it.