Customer Reviews

Little House on the Prairie - Seasons 1-3 (Amazon.com Exclusive)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I cannot express how excited I was when I discovered I could buy so many of my favorite LHOP episodes on DVD. I have been faithfully taping these episodes for the last ten years. Many of my tapes are in such bad shape they are impossible to watch. I was thrilled when I put in the first disk and noticed scenes I had never seen before on TBS. I know the episodes like the back of my hand and immediately realized when it was a "new" scene. I thought that was really neat. It made them even more special. Many people have complained about the picture, not having the beginning credits, etc. I am completely thrilled with everything about them. I just recently got a DVD player, so I am definitely no expert, but I thought the picture was excellent compared to what I am used to watching them on (old VHS tapes, TBS, etc.) I wasn't bothered by the song not being at the beginning of each episode, either. I thought the uncut scenes were a great trade-off. I did notice; however, in season three they do have the song with credits on each episode. They also have a scene selection whereas the other two seasons didn't. I haven't watched every single episode on the disks yet (there are 65, I believe)but the ones I have seen do not have any terrible glitches. If you are a LHOP fan and want to have a wonderful, commercial-free collection, then I wholeheartedly recommend this. I am so happy with my purchase.

I grew up watching this series and today it's a very refreshing break from the garbage and filth we are bombarded with on a daily basis everytime we turn on the TV. Even commercials are rank with crudeness these days. Anyway, if you would love to be reminded that the world hasn't always been so disgusting, vulgar, and violent then you will enjoy this series.

I was very disappointed, however, with the production quality of the DVDs. There are no subtitles for the hearing impaired, no special features at all and, most annoying, there are no chapter breaks between scenes allowing you to skip ahead. Instead you have to "forward" through it just like with your VCR (so what's the point of having it on DVD?). Also, the claim that the films have been "restored" is either a joke or a lie as many scenes are peppered with white specks and other visual debris. Also, there are moments when the screen looks like a video tape with the tracking gone awry. At times it almost looks as though they copied a bad video onto DVD. It seems they rushed through the production of these DVDs with little concern for quality. In spite of this, I do not regret my purchase and have enjoyed watching these with my family, including my three teenagers who have all become fans of the show.

And to Amazon let me say how annoying it is that any moron can write a "review" of something they obviously did not purchase or spend any time watching but rather are only posting a review because they have an adolescent need to rant against a particular genre which they have absolutely no appreciation for. Such reviews are a waste of everyone's time, including the person writing the "review". When only 2 out of over 50 people find a review helpful, I think it would be a service to everyone to pull it.

I just got this today and look forward to sharing it with my wife & children and growing up with the Ingalls all over again. It looks like they are improving the sets with each release. For international customers, sets are labelled Zone 0-6 (Amazon please get this right) Much better than anything on TV today. I would reccomend continuining with the set. This is an excellent buy for those that wish to have the first 3 seasons.

My mother use to tell me about this series and I couldn't wait to watch the series based on the life of Laura Ingalls.

Some have written about the quality etc. It's not true. Considering this series is over 30 years old the condition is better than I would have expected.

I enjoyed it as it was. I would not hesitate buying more DVDs from this series.

Our family loves the shows. We have seen the first three season and are watching season 4. Not that we are experts, but none of us have noticed any problems with the cinematography as previously mentioned. It is great to see the example of a family that is NOT disfunctional -- it is something we need more of. I find these shows vastly superior to the majority of shows currently on TV and I highly recommend them.

This review refers to "Little House on the Prairie" - Seasons 1-3...
Season 1...
" Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man, washed his Face in a Frying Pan......". Everybody has their favorite characters when it comes to these vintage TV episodes of "Little House on the Prairie". I guess it's obvious who mine is..who's yours? All your favorites from this first season(1974-1975) are here in these 23 complete(without all the commercials)epsidoes.

You'll cry over sentimental favorites including "A Harvest of Friends" and "The Lord is My Shepherd". Then you'll find yourself grinning ear to ear with such joyous stories of "Christmas at Plum Creek", and "The Voice of Tinker Jones"."Survival" will have you on the edge of your seat as Charles tries to protect a Souix Indian from a vengeful man, and Johnny Johnson and Mr. Edwards(Victor French) will keep you chuckling when they lose their hearts and all their money to "Miss Mimi" in "To See The World".Each episode has it's own charm. Many are inspirational,some humorous, and all are sure to stir your emotions in some way.

Season 2...
By Season 2 of the Little House series, we really feel like part of the family. The beauty of having them on these DVD sets season by season, is having the pleasure of watching the characters grow, the relationships strengthen,and the love abundent, episode by episode.

Season 2 ran from 1975-1976. There are 21 episodes in all on 6 DVDs, for a total of about 18 hours of viewing pleasure for those that loved and still love this series. The stories range from whimsical to heart wrenching. All will move you in some way. Some episodes included are: "The Richest Man In Walnut Grove"(Pa may have to work like a mule to provide for his family, but the love he recieves makes him rich in other ways),"Four Eyes", "Haunted House", and the very touching 2 parter, "Remember Me"(Academy Award winner Patricia Neal is a dying widow who asks Charles to find a home for her children). You will also enjoy, "The Gift", "His Father's Son"(Mr. Edwards tries to bond with newly adopted son John Jr.), "The Pride of Walnut Grove", "A Matter of Faith"(I love this one...how DOES Caroline know exactly when to open the infection, so she won't lose her leg?), "The Runaway Caboose","Troublemaker","The Long Road Home", "For My Lady", "Centennial", "Soldiers Return"(this one took a bold step in 1976 to deal with drug addicted veterans), and finally "Going Home"(Charles wants to sell the Little House after being discouraged one more time by a tornado that ruined his crop).

Season 3...
Season Three is filled with about 18 hours of wonderful stories that depict the hardships, the courage, the love and devotion, tests of the human spirit, and a few lighter moments we share with the Ingalls family and the people of Walnut Grove.

In such beautiful stories as, "I'll Ride The Wind", young love is tested as John Jr. must decide between a college scholarship and his love for Mary. "Journey In the Spring", a 2 parter, will immediately evoke a lump in your throat, and is one you should definately have the Kleenex handy, as Pa's Pa comes to stay with the family after the loss of Grandma Ingalls. Then for a little comic relief, "Fred", Laura's newly aquirred goat will keep you smiling, as no one, not even the Reverend Alden is safe from this beast! "Little Girl Lost" is the touching episode that has little Carrie, falling down a mine shaft, and provides an unlikely hero. And one of my favorites, "The Hunters", has Laura and a blind man(Burl Ives) racing against time, to save Pa from a hunting accident. "To Live With Fear" is a 2 parter that you won't be able to tear yourself away from. Mary has an accident that causes her to need an operation, and Charles must come up with the money. Also included is "Gold Country"(also a two-parter), "The Collection", "Blizzard", and "The Monster of Walnut Grove"(Laura thinks Nels chopped off Harriet's head).

The transfer quality varies a little from set to set and sometimes even from epsiode to episode. In the first season, the color is off a little, and the the quiz(a special feature) does not work. In season 2 the color is improved, and the quiz works. In both of these seasons, the major guest stars are not shown in the title credits(but who wouldn't reconize Ernest Borgnine Or Red Buttons?) Season three looks great, has the all the opening credits, but has a couple of places where bits of scenes are missing, and transitions bewteewn the commercials are not too smooth. It is also a shame that there are no subtitles or captions for all to enjoy.

Having said all of that, for the most part they are a most enjoyable view, and keeping in mind that these are nearly 30 year old TV programs, and the best masters available were used for the restoration, I think we can just relax and enjoy them for what they are. Stories of family togetherness, a magnificent documentation of life in the 1800's, and programs that have stood the test of time and may be enjoyed by every generation.

So is this package deal of the first three seasons together, the best way to go?..Maybe. It does cost a little less then buying them seperately. You'll save enough to buy the Premiere Episode which is not included in Season 1. However, if you keep your eye on the sellers, you may find it to be an even better deal to buy them seperately.(keep in mind the extra shipping costs).I don't see this 3 season package for sale as used though. In any case,from Amazon or an outside seller, it is certainly less then your neighborhood video store.

So, welcome home to Walnut Grove. Spend some quality time, with the Ingalls, Mr. Edwards, Harriet, Nellie, Nels, Willie,and "Fred" the drunken goat. And try not to get too hooked..with three seasons to enjoy, you may never see the light of day! "Git out the way for Old Dan Tucker" and...Enjoy!....Laurie

I didn't think that the quality of the dvds was as bad as some of the reviewers are saying granted it wasn't great but I'm sure some of the problems just weren't able to be fixed. I am glad that I will finally be able to own every episode on dvd so that when I have kids they can enjoy it too. Buying it this way was also cheaper than buying them individually by like 40 bucks so it is money well spent if you like the show. I can't wait for all the seasons to come out the next one is season 7 which comes out on February 15, 2005. Don't forget to pick up the Pilot Episode it is not included with the season 1 set.

I ordered this DVD set for my wife who is a huge Little House fan. I was confident that this was one of the best Christmas presents I ever gave her. My wife loves it. She had been taping episodes for quite some time from a TV station that didn't come in very well. Nearly everyday after she got home from work, she would watch the episode that she had just taped, even though she's seen all of them many times. Well, now that she has the 1st 3 seasons, she still watches an episode after work, but instead of the fuzzy picture on the VHS tape, she watches an episode on DVD. I must admit I end up watching some of them myself. It's unfortunate that no one makes quality shows like this anymore. A lesson to be learned in every episode. (By the way, the picture quality is fine, definitely not an issue for shows that are more than 20 years old.)

I think I even learned something from the episode we watched after work today.

I have to say that the title of my review is true. To the Little House on the Prairie fans, you will love these seasons. Finally for once, you can accually see the little house series, without having to go to the nearest video store, or bid higher prices on auctions that you will pay a great deal of money for, when it is right here on amazon. you get free shipping, no tax, and yet the relaxing little house sequels. I also want to mention that you should look into the 4th season, that has not been released yet, and will be avalible February 18, 2004. I had ordered this item last november with the pilot movie as well. I hope you enjoy these shows.
On a 1-10 scale, 10 being the best thes would be a:

not a one, or a ten, this would definily be a +71.7

~L.H.o.t.P. Lover~

I have hundreds of DVD's of all types and have enjoyed this series with my family more than anything else, we're not quite through all and we'll be sad when they're done!