Customer Reviews

Gilmore Girls: The Complete First Season

5 star:		(260)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

"The Show That Almost Wasn't."

That's the most surprising lesson learned about the nature of television production -- as told by the show's creator Amy Sherman-Palladino -- in the WB's stellar GILMORE GIRLS release: Ms. S-P had pitched a variety of programs for WB executives, and, when they asked for more, she made up an idea on the spot -- with no preparation or background detail -- which the executives took! Then, Ms. S-P had to go and create it.

GILMORE GIRLS arguably stands as a benchmark in television history. In some ways, the program is like SEINFELD: if you don't get it, you won't get it. In other ways, it's a high quality Hallmark Channel movie-of-the-week, currently stretching out beyond its fourth season and soon to be entering its fifth. Still, in more ways, there's absolutely nothing else like it on television.

GG is far more than just the story of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Lorelai "Rory" Gilmore: it's the story of the fictional town known as Star's Hollow -- the dreamland for bed-n-breakfast businesses -- and the odd assortment of characters who happen to live, work, and breathe there. While the centerpiece is clearly the Gilmore family -- a contemporization of the BRADY BUNCH, if there could ever be such a thing -- the spin of the show is, to its benefit, the plethora of wonderfully imagined and uniquely quirky townsfolk who populate the secondary storylines.

And, yes, the acting is top notch. The direction is absolutely superb. The writing is, by far, some of the most deserving work being put up on the boob tube today.

Still, GG is on the WB, meaning that it will, more than likely, never find the kind of ratings the show deserves. Like STAR TREK, GILMORE will find its true financial potential in syndication and DVD releases ... much like this current release of the 21 1st season episodes.

To my delight, I'm just discovered these television characters. My wife has watched the show since the beginning, but I always dismissed it as a "chick flick," tuning it out to spend my time on other shows. However, she convinced me to give it a chance this past season (its fourth), and now -- here am I -- writing a review for Season 1 that we watched together virtually non-stop. Others here have raved about the quality of the writing -- the true lifeblood of the program -- and I wouldn't even attempt to do GILMORE a disservice in discussing it other than to add "every good thing that's been said here is absolutely not enough to sanctify how well, apparently, every episode is written."

Honestly, GILMORE is really that good.

Truth be told, the extras are surprisingly thin -- but of good quality -- on this 1st season release, especially considering the fact that the show is currently in production for the WB. Disc 6 includes a handful of deleted scenes; a mini-doc with some revealing insights from the show's creator, cast, and crew; and some scenes from various episodes edited together in a piece that tries to capture the 'essence' of what makes GILMORE GIRLS as remarkable a television achievement as it is. One would think that Warner Brothers would've offered more -- in-depth interviews with the series cast OR, minimally, an audio commentary or two -- but, sadly, that isn't the case. As a result, one could argue that the studio -- as Amy Sherman-Palladino points out in the scant 30 minute documentary -- has underestimated the intelligence of its audience, focusing only on the commercialism of the program and not feeding the fanbase brain.

The 6-disc set is presented in full screen format. The video quality is excellent. The sound quality is excellent (there are a handful of scenes that are hard to hear b/c of verbal pacing, not production issues). Overall, this is one great package only lessened by what they chose not to provide: audio commentaries.

I have to admit that I'm as macho as the next guy. I like action movies, sci-fi and comedy. When I first heard of Gilmore Girls I just wrote it off as another show that I would skip. That is until I actually saw an episode. That one episode opened my eyes and forced me to expand my definition of quality television. I have never encounted a show whose dialogue was so SHARP and yet managed to stay so close to how real people would react. The charecters, both main and in the background, are memorable and unique. And I will say to anyone who asks, whoever made the decision to cast the parts of Rory and Lorilei were absolutely brilliant. The chemistry between the two just takes your breath away. It blows my mind that I have to keep reminding myself that they are not mother and daughter in real life. I think what ultimately draws me as a viewer is that way it perfectly mixes sharp dialogue, drama, humor, and most of all the way it shows not just whats going on on the surface of a person but underneath as well. I still proudly call myself a guy. Its just that now guys who are into quality television have Gilmore Girls to add to their list as well

No vampires to slay. No kryptonite "Freaks of the Week." No friggin creeks that you wish the series' namesake to drown in. Nothing but a well-written, wonderfully cast show that is long overdue for a DVD release. When the first season DVD release hits shelves, the fourth season should be close to wrapping up on the WB, and hopefully will continue everything about the show that made the first episodes so enjoyable.

Set in a fictional Connecticut town called Stars Hollow, The Gilmore Girls follows the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a a single mother and teenage daughter who share a bond that is as much best friends as it is that of a mother and child. The series begins with Rory's acceptance into the prestigious Chilton Academy and Lorelai's frantic desire to make that happen, which much to her chagrin, involves the help of her own mother, Emily Gilmore (played by the excellent Kelly Bishop) and father Richard (Edward Herman). Growing up the rebellious daughter of wealthy society types and becoming pregnant at age 16 didn't exactly endear them to each other. It is Lorelai's relationship with her parents that drives much of her character's motivation.

While life as a single mother might be hard, Lorelai is not without a support system. Stars Hollow is populated with an impressive collection of colorful characters, from the gruff, flannel-wearing diner owner, Luke, to Lorelai's coworker and best friend Sookie and the annoying Frenchman, Michel.

Rory, too, has a group of close friends and even closer enemies. Lane Kim, daughter of a Korean Bible beater is the music obsessed best friend, Dean (Jared Padelecki) is her first boyfriend and Paris, her academic and social rival. As is the case with basically anything on the WB, Chad Michael Murray also finds his way into her life, as do Madeline and Louise, Paris' oversexed friends and Chilton classmates.

Some of the highlight episodes from this debut season include Concert Interupticus - which featured a Bangles performance and hinted that there might be some degree of feeling beneath Paris' chilly exterior, and Emily in Wonderland - where Emily redecorates Rory's bedroom. There are 20 more episodes, each with moments or more of genuine wit and even more genuine heart.

All of this considered, Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, as Lorelai and Rory, are the show's driving force. Their chemistry, combined with the clever dialogue and rapid-fire delivery, have made this one of the best shows on tv. And now, at long last, on DVD!

Welcome to Stars Hollow. A small, quaint town in New England. A town where everybody knows each other, and with people slightly eccentric living there, the place never gets boring.

Lorelai Gilmore moved to Stars Hollow one year after giving birth to her daughter Lorelai Leigh (Rory for short) at the sweet and very young age of sixteen. Being the strong, independent woman that she is, she refuses any help from her parents on raising Rory. Oh, did I mention that Lorelai and her mother do not get along at all? That is sort of the reason why she moved out.

The 21 great episodes are:
01 Pilot : Rory (now 15) gets accepted to Chilton, and Lorelai asks her parents to help her out with Rory's tuition. Rory meets a boy named Dean and changes her mind about Chilton.
02 The Lorelai's First Day At Chilton : Lorelai oversleeps on Rory's first day and to her dismay, all her good clothes are at the cleaners. Students at Chilton determine to make Rory's life miserable.
03 Kill Me Now : Rory is required to take up a sport. Emily suggests Richard takes Rory golfing. Rory has a great time with her grandfather, and Lorelai gets upset.
04 The Deer Hunters : Rory gets her first "D" in her life. Lorelai helps Rory study for her English test that is 20% of her grade. They oversleep and Rory gets into a car accident.
05 Cinnamon's Wake : Rory's English teacher, Max Medina, asks Lorelai out. The town mourns Babbette and Mory's cat, Cinnamon.
06 Rory's Birthday Parties : It's Rory's birthday and Emily and Lorelai both want to throw the teenager a birthday party.
07 Kiss and Tell : Dean gives Rory her first kiss. Rory is afraid to tell her mom about it, and Lorelai ends up hearing about the kiss from Mrs. Kim, Lane's, Rory's bestfriend, mom.
08 Love and War and Snow : A huge storm falls, Rory gets stuck at her grandparents, Lorelai runs into Max, who's car breaks down and he ends up staying at Lorelai's for the night.
09 Rory's Dance : This is where Dean and Rory decide tha they are now a couple. They fall asleep reading poetry after the Chilton dance, and then chaos erupts.
10 Forgiveness and Stuff : All fights are resloved when Richard is rushed to the hospital.
11 Paris is Burning : Paris catches Max and Lorelai kissing in a Chilton classroom and starts gossiping about them to to deflect talk about her own parents' messy divorce.
12 Double Date : Luke asks Lorelai out, Rory & Lane get into trouble when they go on a double date w/o telling their moms.
13 Concert Interruptions : Trouble brews at a Bangles concert when Rory invites some of her classmates to go with her, Lorelai and Sookie when Lane wasn't allowed to go.
14 That Damn Donna Reed : Rory dresses up like Donna to make Dean happy, since he long for the type of family the show represents. Christopher, Rory's dad makes a surprise visit.
15 Christopher Returns : Christopher comes back, wanting to be a part of Rory's life. Christopher wants to marry Lorelai, she declines knowing that he isn't ready and he leaves to find a stable life.
16 Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers : Rachel, Luke's ex-girlfriend comes to town. Things spark up between Lorelai, Luke and Rachel. Dean tells Rory that he loves her. Confused, Rory doesn't answer, then the upset Dean breaks up with her.
17 The Break-Up Pt. 2 : Deciding not to wallow, against Lorelai's advice, Rory goes to a Chilton party and ends up kissing Tristen.
18 The Third Lorelai : Emily's mother-in-law comes to town. Paris gets upset when she finds out Rory convinced Tristen to ask Paris out.
19 Emily In Wonderland : Rory takes Emily on a tour of Stars Hollow, horrified when she sees the Lorelais' first home.
20 P.S. I Lo... : Lorelai thinks she didn't teach Lorelai to commit to a relationship.
21 Love, Daisies and Troubadours : Rory FINALLY tells Dean that she loves him. Max proposes to Lorelai with a thousand daisies.

Watch the show. Really. You'll have a good time.=)

Gilmore Girls is one of the best written shows on TV. The loveable characters will draw you in and provide a great viewing experience for the whole family. Watching this show is like eating a big of your favorite potato chips with dip (except that Mrs. Kim would approve of the show.)
The packaging, episode guide booklet and navigational menus pay tribute to the character oriented nature of the show by featuring largely unseen publicity shots of the characters.
Upon insertion, the DVDs bring up to the main menu quickly and none of them include mandatory commercials. Menu navigation is clean and simple. The main menu has the typical repetitious music which, no matter how charming it is the first time, quickly becomes irksome. The rest of the menus are mercifully mute.
The menu easily allows all episodes on the disk to be played straight through as well as allowing individual episode and chapter selection. Unlike DVD sets from some other shows, the only chapter points are at commercial breaks. This is a shame because it's the little moments that really make Gilmore Girls special. Adding more chapters to make individual scenes more accessible would have been a simple way to add value to this set. Another omission is the ability to skip the "previously on Gilmore Girls" recaps which are common, especially in later seasons. Hopefully these things will be corrected in future sets.
The set doesn't include any audio commentaries. Future sets probably won't either since WB won't pay anyone to do them and the actors involved are to high a caliber to donate their time to making someone else rich.
The "making-of" special includes interviews with the actors, producers Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, and the director of the pilot. It is nice if for no other reason than to put faces with the names that appear in the writing credits for so many episodes.
"Gilmore goodies and gossip" is basically the episode "Rory's Dance" with pop-up video type background on the actors and explanations of the various references.
"Gilmore-isms" is a collage of some of the shows crazy references.
"Deleted scenes" consists of scenes cut from 3 different episodes. They are poorly prefaced and give the impression that they were added just so that the studio could advertise the set as having deleted scenes.

In summery: the price is steep and the extras are few but, as with all good shows, the episodes themselves are the selling point that really matters. I recommend this show to everyone.

As a large fan of this series, I believe the first season was one of the best and a must-see, must-buy for any fan. The first season of Gilmore Girls was the most charming of them all, like many other shows, it set a high standard for its following seasons.

Many good things about the first season was that the viewers almost saw the lives of the Gilmores as if they'd been a part of it. The show developed the story in a clear way that there was no confusion or "catching up", but instead you could follow along with the witty dialogue and enjoy it's originality.

Many good characters came with the first season (Luke, Tristan, Dean, Babette,etc.), and it was good to see the characters develop.

Everything was new in this season, Rory first started at Chilton, the prestigious prep school; Lorelai, Rory, Richard, and Emily finally were able to come together as a family; Rory met her first boyfriend; and all in all the brilliance just radiated from the scripts. The cast was perfectly chosen, and when watching the episodes their performances provide some of the best talent seen on television.

This would be a great purchase for anyone who's a fan or who wants to catch up on the old times. I would highly recommend buying this DVD set.

Nothing anyone can say or write could capture the wonder and perfection of Gilmore Girls on television. It's the smartest show I've ever seen with all kinds of funny references flying out of everyone's mouth every 10 seconds. The communication between characters is so amazing you'll be addicted to Gilmore Girls by the time in the first episode when you see Lorelai begging for a cup of coffee from Luke at his diner. The first thing we learn about the Gilmore Girls is that Lorelai can not function with out coffee. What show would take a risk to talk about coffee in the first few minutes? Gilmore Girls would. When you're watching the show one can only marvel at how fast they are talking. It must be really hard to talk that fast but, it is so amazing. It makes the show what it is. No one can imagine Gilmore Girls with out the fast paced talking in the dialoge.

So, the First Season of Gilmore Girls is where it all starts. Lorelai is running the Independance Inn with Head Chef Sookie by her side, and rude French Michel answering the phone (hopefully). But, Lorelai and Sookie's dream is to someday open a Inn of their own (Hence Season 4). Rory is very smart and has big plans for her future. She wants to go to Harvard and become a journalist. So, she and Lorelai who wants the same for her, are estatic when a letter of acceptance comes from Chilton for Rory. They see Chilton as one step closer for Rory to achieve her dream. The only problem standing in the way of achieving that dream is money. Something Lorelai doesn't have that much of to give to the school for Rory's tuition. So, she comes to the painful last resort of asking her parents who she doesn't have very much of a relationship with for money. They agree but, with the Gilmore's there are always strings attatched. The Gilmore Girls have to start coming over for Friday night dinners. Suddenly Rory's Grandparents are a part of their lives something that Lorelai is not very happy about. But, allows it anyway so they will pay for Rory's school. This season is also where Lorelai meets Max (One of Rory's Chilton teachers)! Also, Rory gets her first ever boyfriend, Dean in Season One. A boyfriend that Lorelai actually likes. As Lorelai puts it, "The best first boyfriend you could ever have." (Personally, although other people might have other opinions I don't like Dean that much mainly because of what he did in Season 4.) In this season we also, get introduced to Christopher, Rory's father. I think the writers tried to leave a feeling with Christopher that maybe someday he and Lorelai could have a future. But, anybody who is a true Gilmore fan knows that Luke and Lorelai are meant to be together. I will be so mad if in the end they are not together and instead it's Christopher!!

Pilot: Rory is accepted to the elite Chilton prep school. Bad news for Lorelai: she must make amends with her parents to borrow the money for Rory's tuition. The money is available - with strings attatched.

The Lorelais' First Day at Chilton: YOu get extra pints if you sing the school song - in Latin. Chilton isn't a place where cutoffs and cowboy boots are the fashion. But, that's what Lorelai hurriedly throws on to accompany Rory to the posh school.

Kill Me Now: Rory takes up golf to fulfill a school athletic requirement and, to Lorelai's dismay, grows fond of her Grandfather when he takes her to his country club for a day on the links. The Inn staff prepares for a double wedding involving identical sets of twins.

The Deer-Hunters: Not buying "the dog ate my homework?" Try "a deer struck my car." Rory's mishap en route to Chilton causes her to miss a Shakespeare exam, and the consequences could be disastrous for her GPA.

Cinnamon's Wake: Must be love. Or at least a very strong like. Rory acts awkwardly around Dean. ANd the death of Morey and Babette's beloved cat brings the whole Stars Hollow town together for a memorial. Just picture it. You're town going to a cat's funeral.

Rory's Birthday Parties: What a difference a day makes. The swanky birthday celebration Emily hosts is a freaky Friday for Rory. Emily invited all of Chilton without even asking Rory! But, Lorelai's Saturday party is way cool - not counting the big blowup between Lorelai and Emily. Emily finally realizes that she doesn't know anything about her daughter.

Kiss and Tell: Right there is Doose's Market: Dean and Rory kiss. Everyone in town seems to know about it. Everyone, that is, except Lorelai, and she's a little weirded out because Rory didn't tell her.

Love & War & Snow: Rory's out of town. The first snowfall of the year blankets Stars Hollow. We learn of Lorelai's love hate relationship with snow. Mostly it's love in this season. And Lorelai invites Max into her home after their spectacular first date. One problem: an unexpected gues is there....Lane.

Rory's Dance: Events at Chilton's formal dance convince Rory and Dean that they, as Rory might say, are very boyfriendy-girlfriendy. Dean stands up for Rory to Tristin. But, something unexpected happens that sets the town buzzing and puts Lorelai in a motherly frenzy of concern.

Forgiveness and Stuff: If the holidays can't patch up some of Emily and Lorelai's differences, perhaps a medical emergency can. While Lorelai is overcoming the overwhelming fact that her father is in the hospital Luke drives her over and gives Emily the wrong impression about them.

Paris is Burning: A very-Lorelai moment during the Chilton Parents Day crystallizes her misgivings about her relationship with Rory's teacher Max. Paris accepts Rory's offer of friendship...sort of...kindof...well, maybe.

Double Date: On the front lines of the dating wars! Lorelai ends up with a horribly rude blind date that thinks she's too tall for him. This happens when Lorelai agrees to go on a double date with Sookie and Jackson. And Lane has finally found her true love...not. He wants to major in gym when he grows up. Mrs. Kim is raging when she finds out about Lane's double date with Dean and Rory.

Concert Interruptus: Lorelai and Sookie take Rory, Paris, Louise, and Madeline to a Bangles concert. While there, Louise and Madeline get asked by college guys to a party so, Lorelai has to put up her mother radar and find them. Meanwhile, Lorelai and Rory's home is the drop-off point for town rummage sale donations.

That Damn Donna Reed: After Dean expresses approval of the meatlof-and-pearls domesticity protrayed in The Donna Reed Show. Rory surprises him with a 1950's styled Donna night. She cooks and dresses up and everything. Also, an unexpected visitor shakes up Lorelai's home.

Christopher Returns: Now that Christopher Haden, Lorelai's old flame and Rory's father, is a guest in the girls' house, enough time has passed for the Hadens and Gilmores to enjoy a reunion dinner at the Gilmore Mansion, right? Wrong. Way wrong.

Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers: The town's romance-themed Founders Firelight Festival is near, and it seems almost everyone is in love. But, Lorelai is faced with her mom's matchmaking. And Dean tells Rory that he loves her. But, when Rory doesn't say anything when he tells her Dean breaks up with her. Ain't love grand?

The Breakup, Part 2: Tales of two loves: Rory attempts to overcome her loss of Dean by creating and tackling a daunting list of things to do. But, in the end realizes she can't put hold her feelings by making a list. Lorelai has a one-night relapse of her feelings for Max.

The Third Lorelai: The original Lorelai, with attitude and checkbook in tow, visits from London and offers a trust fund to pay for great-granddaughter Rory's education-a turf grandmother Emily fiercely intends to keep for herself.

Emily in Wonderland: Rory and Emily's tour of Stars Hollow provides the older woman with new insights into Lorelai's first years as a single mom. Rootless Rachel wnts to put down her roots. Can Luke trust her? NO HE AND LORELAI ARE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER!

P.S. I Lo...: Love is hard. Arguing is easy. Partial truths and misunderstandings over each other's romantic life leads to a major Gilmore-girl blowup...and prompts Rory to seek an emotional safe haven at Grandma Emily's.

Love, Daisies & Troubadours: Love goes: Rachel suspects there's more to the Luke-Lorelai relationship than good coffee. Love returns: Rory finally says the words Dean needs to hear: "I love you you idiot!" Love must decide: Max has exactly what Lorelai wanted for her proposal not 999 not 1001 but, 1000 yellow daisies and one question for Lorelai. Will Lorelai say yes and mary him?

Overall a MUST HAVE for anybody! A Gilmore fan or someone who hasn't even heard of Gilmore Girls but, just stumbled randomly upon my review MUST get Gilmore Girls Season 1. Money well spent.

For a long time there were people out there, myself included who suspected that West Wing scribe Aaron Sorkin may have been moonlighting over on Gilmore Girls. His trademarked fast-speak, witty observations and fascinating characters are apparent on both shows. We were wrong though.

Both shows have amazing ensemble casts and writing that defies description. With Angel going away after this season I am left with only three shows to Tivo each week. Gilmore Girls, West Wing and The Shield. It's hard to lament that fact though when looking at the quality of what remains behind.

My wife and I want to find this quaint, little, New England township and move there. The characters on the periphery of the show are positively Rockwellian, yet quirky, intelligent and interesting. Don't even get me started on the Gilmores themselves. These are the kinds of people wifey and I love to hang around with; incredibly well read, almost painfully intelligent, yet whimsical, fun loving and sometimes just plain silly. We love visiting with them every Tuesday night and can't wait to catch up on some good old times once this DVD boxed set comes in.

I am really in to magical and mythical stories and I never thought that dramas or any realistic fiction stories, but I must say that this just blew me away. It is a great drama with just the right amount of comedy mixed in. The characters are wonderful and the setting is marvelous. It is almost impossible to stop watching once you have started. It is a great mother-daughter show that is great to watch with your family.

It's about time they put this show on DVD! I hope they get the rest of the seasons out just as fast because it is definitely worth it! This set is great for when you just want to watch TV, when you need something to keep you occupied when you're not feeling well, or when you need a little pick me up! How can anyone not love this show? I hate to say it because it's only a TV show, but it really does succeed in brightening a cloudy day and it does make you feel good!! BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!!