Customer Reviews

Beauty and the Beast - The Complete First Season

5 star:		(199)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Never before have I been happier to discover a dvd will be available. Fans of this show have waited so very long. This is a show beyond the romantic, beyond the Shakespearean, beyond perfect. It was surreal, too pure for prime time television. I am so looking forward to the dulcet tones of beloved Vincent and the woman he saves and loves, Catherine. It's a show for dreamers and despairers, lovers and hopefuls. It is a timeless romance, a beautiful fairy tale, a classic tale for everyone.

The show had the highest production values, the most interesting sets and exquisite costumes and touching storylines, the most sweeping, beautiful musical scores as well as talented and heartfelt performances by all, talented regulars and recurring guest stars and the sub culture of the tunnel dwellers. In a word, this show is poetry.

I wondered for a time if this would be the only show in the history of television to not be released.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for finally listening to the fans and releasing this dvd!

It's hard to put into words the effect Beauty & The Beast had on a relatively small, but passionate group of people almost 20 years ago. I proudly count myself among them. But for someone who isn't all that familiar with the show, or even a casual viewer, re-creating the magic with words seems a daunting task.

Once Upon a Time, Ron Koslow took the seeds of an age-old fairly tale and planted them in the modern urban landscape of New York City. At this time (1987) there were just the "Big Three" networks of ABC, CBS and NBC. Oh, there were cable stations, and Twentienth Century Fox was testing the waters with their own network. But the majority of primetime network dramas were formulaic "cop" shows or nighttime soaps like Dynasty. CBS took a huge risk on this odd little fantasy show, and placed it in what sci-fi and fantasy fans have come to know as the "kiss of death" timeslot: Friday nights.

For its first season, the show was a moderate hit, moreso with critics (and the aforementioned loyal followers) than mainstream audiences. The romance between "beauty" Linda Hamilton and "beast" Ron Perlman was handled with intelligence and compassion. Here was a show that was not "dumbed down" to appeal to a wider audience. In addition to their romance, Koslow and a talented staff of writers created an entire world of great characters, most of them living beneath the city in underground tunnels.

The show took a hit, however, when the writer's strike of 1988 delayed the start of the second season until December of that year. Most fans would agree that the quality of the episodes was never higher, but the ever-important Nielsen ratings were falling. To make matters worse, a creative "retooling" for the abbreviated third season--which saw the departure of star Hamilton--alienated many of the show's original fans.

But that's another story.

What is great about the show in general, and season one in particular, is the chemistry between the leads. I watch an awful lot of television, and I challenge anyone to find a better romantic pairing. Beyond that, this was a show that inspired many people to learn more about art, music and literature (all were featured prominently in the stories). Beauty & The Beast also featured an amazing supporting cast, including Roy Dotrice, Jay Acovone and the always-impressive Armin Shimerman (fans who only know him from his Buffy and Deep Space Nine roles may be quite surprised to see a much gentler side of this talented actor).

Like I said, I watch a lot of t.v. And I can't really think of a show I can recommend higher than Beauty & The Beast. What started as a high-risk venture become a phenomenon which burned brightly, and all-too-briefly. They simply don't make t.v. like this anymore.

Oh, and kudos to Paramount for the seemingly impossible task of cramming a full SIX single-sided discs into a standard DVD case! As a long-time home-video enthusiast, I take a certain perverse pleasure in being able to store an entire season of a show in less space than one single-episode videotape used to occupy.

Finally, the release on DVD of the best romantic fantasy in the history of television, Beauty and the Beast. I watched every episode of this program when it was originally broadcast and have been hoping that it would finally find its way to DVD. Ron Perlman was remarkable as the Beast and Linda Hamilton was a surprising and poignant choice for the romantic heroine. This series had a unique, wonderful magic.

In September of 1987, television viewers saw something a bit different as CBS debuted the modern update of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. This new show unveiled the story of two people, intrepid lawyer Catherine Chandler and the "Beast" Vincent, and their often hazardous adventures in the city of New York and in the underground, labyrinthine network of tunnels beneath the city, which housed an organized community of outcasts who eked out a meager existence without the knowledge of the surface dwellers. Now, to look at that premise, the assumption made by the casual audience was that this new series would center predominantly on action- and suspense-oriented sequences. However, while there were scenes that raised testosterone levels, it quickly became obvious that the main thrust of the show would revolve around the platonically romantic relationship between beautiful Catherine Chandler (Linda Hamilton, TERMINATOR and TERMINATOR 2) and gentle but inhumanly lion-faced and -maned Vincent (Ron Perlman).

When New York attorney Catherine Chandler is assaulted and left for dead, she later wakes up to find herself being tended to by Vincent and his mentor, Father, deep in the many-tunneled sanctuary beneath the city. She learns of the secret community dwelling in the Tunnels and promises to keep that knowledge secret. She returns to the world above but discovers that she has somehow formed an empathic bond with the reclusive Vincent. Her experience in the Tunnels transforms the previously carefree and rudderless attorney, as her social consciousness is elevated. She joins the DA's office and becomes an investigative lawyer. Her various cases for the DA often places her in jeopardy, and it's usually up to Vincent to come to her rescue. A given episode usually ends with the two having a lyrical conversation on Catherine's balcony.

This short-lived series (only 56 episodes, for two full seasons and a truncated third one) drew rave reviews from critics and mass adoration from viewers, none of whom were more vocal and fiercely loyal than the core of female audiences. The show boasted excellent, intelligent acting by the supporting cast (Roy Dotrice as Father, Jay Acovone as Joe Maxwell, David Greenlee as Mouse...) and luminous turns by Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman, who were both classically trained and showed it with erudite, soulfully-acted performances. It was very evident that the two stars hurled every fiber of their beings into their roles. The chemistry they had and the yearning wistfulness which colored their every word and gesture made their star-crossed plight that much more romantic. And, of course, as a demonstration of how doomed their love really was, Catherine was done away with in the third season, which is when I stopped watching it (no offense to newcomer and Hamilton-replacement Jo Anderson).

I'd be remissed if I didn't give props to the writing. The writers consistently came up with episodes that were literate, magical, and involving. The lushness with which the underground world and its denizens was painted greatly abetted the rich, shadow-laden tone of the show, as the tunneled environment almost became yet another supporting character. And the characters themselves were so well written, they seemed to breathe the same air as you and I. Vincent, Catherine, Father...after two decades, they're still in my brain.

In hindsight, it was probably best that this show didn't last long. As it was, it burned briefly but incandescently. And now, the enthralling complete first season is on a 6-disc dvd set so that you and I may again experience this show's heart, literacy, integrity, and enchantment. So, thanks, Paramount.

When I was in my twenties, this show first came on. I was in my bedroom reading a book, when my mother came quickly down the hallway. She said my father sent her to tell me that there was a new show on, with people who dressed up old-fashioned, lived in tunnels underground and read books and played chess. I went into the family room and it was not long before the three of us were completely hooked to this series. A lovely twist of the famous fairytale, this takes place in New York City, both above and below. Catherine's world is that of high society, business and ambition. It is a world she dutifully participates in, but her heart is not there. Vincent's world is below, in a network of tunnels, hidden deep under the city, hardly luxurious, yet full of life and intellect. Books, music, chess, faithful friends, a huge community of dedicate and caring people who were found to be outcasts, one way or another, in the world above, united below. When Vincent and Catherine meet, a special bond and love grows rapidly and so the story goes along. Sadly this series came to an early end when Linda Hamilton decided to leave TV and film after the birth of her first child (only to go on and do some very successful films) and Vincent's possible new love interest never really took. One of the most unique, heartwarming, thoughtful and heartbreaking series you will ever come across-behold! It is coming on DVD!! I feel like my biggest dream has been granted! No series has ever affected my life in the same way this one has. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in fairytales, literature, romance (yes, prepare tissues for many of the episodes)and series that actually teach you to live a better life in a beautiful and gentle way. Enjoy!

"It's like a dream isn't?" "No, better." Lucky young Eric and his sister Ellie.

It was love at first site for me. From the very beginning this show made me cry and laugh and think and love and believe. It touched my heart. It had made poetry sexy, especially when read by Vincent. I always thought I was alone in my appreciation of this wonderful series. I see I was wrong. When I tuned in every Friday night, the world of Catherine and Vincent made the implausible seem possible.

Catherine and Vincent, two soulmates destined to meet but, unable to ever be together. He had no place in her world and she had none in his.
In Vincent's underground world, there were places like the Crystal Cavern, that spectacular waterfall, the Great Hall where Winter Fest was held, the reflecting pool where you could get an astronomy lesson. Who could regret growing up in so magical and awe inspiring a world? But more importantly were the people who inhabited this secret world.

Surely, there must be such a world beneath the streets of New York City... Where wonderful characters like Father, and Mouse, and Pascal, Narcissa, Eric and Ellie, not to mention Vincent...live. And Peracelcus, evil personified with a cultured Shakespearian voice. You had to love him. He made you want to kill him, what's not to love?

In Catherine's world there were places like Broadway, Lincoln Center, Central Park, The Empire State Building. Who could regret growing up in so magical and awe inspiring a world?

And those who lived in Catherine's world. Like, Joe Maxwell, friend and champion, he never had a clue. But he loved Catherine too. Elliot Burch, Catherine's persistant would-be suitor, he was wealthy, he was handsome, he was powerful, and yet.....he wasn't Vincent. And all the other quirky wonderful characters who made up the world above, the world of Catherine Chandler.

I recorded all the episodes. (Somehow I knew something this good was bound to end way too soon. And it did.) And, like old friends I drop in periodically and see how they are doing. My old friends are well, my old VHS tapes not so well. I hope seasons 2 and 3 are not far behind.

I have been doing the happy dance since I learned of this release. If you're an old fan buy the DVD set, if you're a new fan buy the DVD set. You won't regret it and you'll be waiting for seasons 2&3 like the rest of us. (I hope it doesn't take years.)

I was a teenager when this show first aired on prime time television, and I used to faithfully follow it every week...the love shared between Vincent & Catherine...those two shared on-screen chemistry & gave me goosebumps watching them! I have waited sooo long for this show to be available on DVD & am eagerly anticipating my order!

With the excitement of Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman, giving this show their all, they were absolutely fantastic together. A match made in Heaven. I hate to see anyone ever miss such a tale that can bring men down to squalling babies. Everyone must see this show. It was always my favorite. I tried to get it on VHS Now I will have it on DVD! I cannot wait. Each week looking forward to seeing a man I was falling in love with myself. This is the shows that make Television. Every week, we have Linda Hamilton, the asst. D.A, and her beloved Beast, watching and saving the poor out in the streets of the City. So sexy, entertaining, just the most fabulous show I could have ever imagined that could make the waves of the Television scene, yet keeping up each week with all the originality that is so unique, only better. Seemingly sultry, and exciting, in the dark, as they run thru the pipes in the underground world created, just for the people that have nowhere to go, with a man called Father, whom took care of his people as a King would back in the days of King Arthur. Yet his Beauty living up above in a beautiful city co=op. Yup, that is what I said. Watch her doing her job to stop the evil in the city above, until that fated night where they meet and she is immediately drawn to his goodness. And eventually they start to fight together. An amazing tale and one that when seen, my husband a burly Italian man, would sit on the couch and actually have tears streaming down his face as I did too, sitting together watching, never missing an Episode. Watching every season, until that horrid day when it was gone. Now I get to have it and see it any day I want.
The Ultimate show! EPIC, like no other. There are many great shows, but nothing will ever be like this one.
I have to give it a 10.
Thanks to the creators, the actors, all the producers, and most especially the directors, creating an amazing duo world love so fitting for now, then or anytime ever. This makes the dreams that we all do dream seem like nothing.
Debbi from Florida Cannot wait to receive this First Season and all the seasons there after. Keep them coming. PLEASE, I want them all.

In a world where love is judged and weighed on the scale of "right and wrong," here is a love that broke every rule. In a world where trust and faith and truth are measured in degrees, here was a world in which these qualities were pure, unmeasured, absolute.

You'll never pass a storm drain in NY again without looking down and wondering. You'll never walk Central Park without thinking where you might turn and find a dream. PEOPLE, in all their complexity, will never be the same. To believe in this show is to challenge yourself to be a better person, a more noble, giving, accepting, and loving friend.

It's a show I've hoped would be released on DVD since the creation of DVDs. Perhaps now I can retire my cloudy, snowy, many-times spliced VHS tapes, painstakingly recorded off the television almost twenty years ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

What an amazing gift from Paramount. Devoted fans of this beloved television series have waited sixteen years for this DVD release. It has been a difficult sixteen years, watching one mediocre show after another gain release while this treasure sat gathering dust in some vault. Amidst a torrent of fan mail, petitions and frantic pleas prayers have finally been answered.

No words of mine can possibly convey how special "Beauty and the Beast" was, and is. It was a phenomenon in 1986, and remains so today. CBS was gusty and wise to place this poetic stunner, starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, on its blockbuster Friday night schedule at 8 pm, a leader to rating winners Dallas and Falcon Crest. The on-screen chemistry shared by its actors was the stuff dreams are made of. I have never found in all the years since a cast so seemingly kissed by the gods, if you will.

"Beauty and the Beast" came out of nowhere in the sense that it was entirely unique to broadcast-commercial television. To turn on a major network at 8 pm and find the music of Schubert, the sonnets of Shakespeare, all melded into a classically timeless tale of romantic yearning was nothing short of miraculous. To be gifted such a gem on PBS, on the original A&E or even on the big screen might have been plausible. Sadly, Hamilton's departure at the end of season two marked a serious and dark turn for the series. It could never recover its artistic integrity or ratings in season three and was sadly, though rightfully cancelled. With all due respect to Perlman's immense talent the magic was lost with the killing of Hamilton's character. WHAT WERE THE WRITERS THINKING? Even at this saddest, lowest point the series was still far better than anything else to be found on the tube.

I am grateful to Paramount for buying the rights from Lions Gate. I can only hope that seasons two and three will follow.