Customer Reviews

Little House on the Prairie - The Pilot

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the ONLY single disc release that is not being included on the Complete Season box sets being released by the same company. All of the 2-hour specials, etc. being released individually are also included on the box sets, but this pilot episode is not. So, if you are a Little House completist, buy this disc to add to your box set collection.

I grew up watching the repeats of "Little House On The Prairie" on TBS however I have never seen the pilot movie. I don't think it was put into syndication? "Little House On The Prairie" premiered years before I was born, suffice it to say it has been one of my favorite television shows because it is a rare combination of both entertainment and family values. In fact, I cannot think of any television show that is as beloved as this wonderful series.

The pilot movie introduces the Ingalls family for the first time. The characters aren't as polished or well-rounded as they are in the TV series. The pilot also introduces their longtime family friend Mr. Edwards.

It starts out by telling the story of why they left their original home (and relatives). Charles finds a nice piece of land and sets up his residence for his family. It is at this time that they meet Edwards who helped in the construction of their new home.

Also included in this movie is a very touching Christmas scene (that was repeated in subsequent "flashback" "Little House" episodes) where the Ingallses celebrate their first Christmas in their new home. Mr. Edwards even plays Santa by surprising the entire family with his cheer and gifts.

Keep in mind that this is not set in the town of Walnut Grove (where the TV series took place). In the pilot movie they lived in a different location which was even more remote with no town and no neighbors to speak of (except the Native Americans who befriend the Ingallses).

Tragedy strikes when their log house catches on fire. I thought it would all be burned down, however they were blessed with a beautiful rainstorm which saved their home and barn.

But their happiness is short-lived when the government tells Charles that they have to vacate. The land is not for them; so they pack up their belongings and say good-bye to Mr. Edwards and go on their way to find a new home.

The movie ends with the Ingalls family riding away. This somewhat loosely explains how they came to their new town (Walnut Grove) in the TV series.

Unfortunately, television these days doesn't even come close to the high standards that Michael Landon set forth on "Little House On The Prairie." This is a wonderful pilot and a wonderful TV series!

The Pilot episode is great but I wish it had been included on the Season 1 boxed set. All of the other 2 hour special episodes are being included.

Get ready to go from a good cry, to a big grin and back again on this very enjoyable and heartwarming family TV program. It's the beginning of a classic series that stands the test of time, and should be shared with a new generation.

"Little House...The Pilot"... is a feature length episode that will introduce you to the Ingalls family and their harrowing journey to make a better life for themselves. You'll also meet Jack the dog and Mr. Edwards(Victor French) for the first time. When Charles says "Caroline..were home...".have the kleenex ready! It stars Michael Landon(who also directed many of the episodes), Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson.

This Pilot episode does not come in the first season set, you do have to buy it separately. There are a few different editions to choose from, and several products sites where they are being sold. This Gold Hill "Pilot" is sold on both DVD and VHS. This studio also has put together a six-pack of some favorites in case you don't want to buy all the seasons, but have a handful to view. The six-pack includes Christmas At Plum Creek / A Christmas They / The Pilot / As Long as we are Together / I'll be Waving as you Drive Away / Journey in the Spring / There's No Place Like Home. There is another studio, Goodtimes" that also has it available on both DVD and VHS and is called Little House...The Premiere Movie". Goodtimes also offers several package deals. One is a nice two-pack with "Remember Me", the one with Patricia Neal asking Charles to find a home for her 3 children. Another is a four-pack, including the "The Lord is My Shepherd",a double length episode guest starring Ernest Borgnine,"The Collection", guest starring Johnny and June Cash, and "Laura Ingalls Wilder. So it is worth surfing around to find the best deal for the episodes you are interested in. You may even come across other package deals. Of course, you can always get this one and then buy them season by season, in which case you should check on the outside sellers, there are usually some good deals on the seasonal sets.

It's nice to be able to enjoy them whenever the mood hits and without all those pesky commercials! Once you start, you may not be able to stop, so have a good supply of Kleenex on hand.

You'll laugh, you'll cry!...enjoy...Laurie

If you prefer to own just a few special episodes here are a few i would recommned:
Remember Me
Little House on Prairie: Lord is My Shepherd
Little House on the Prairie (A Christmas They Never Forgot/The Craftsman)

An excellent family movie and a must to own if you also have the series.

This movie tells the Ingalls story before they reach Walnut Grove. They settle and build a new home and their new life. Only they are forced to move after it is discovered that they have built their house on Indian territory.

The quality of the movie is excellent and you just can't go past looking at the extras.

It must have been late 1974 when series one of 'Little House on the Prairie' first aired around 7 in the evening on BBC1 here in the UK. At first I never gave this series a look in and it would be another two years before I sat and watched an episode ("Remember Me") all the way through, this time on the opposite channel, ITV for the London region (otherwise known as Thames Television). From then on I would watch it regularly in its Thursday at 4.20 slot immediately after getting home from school. Mother would also rush in to watch with me and it became a firm favorite of ours.

In the early 1990's Channel 4 Television bought 'Little House' and promised a complete screening promptly starting with "Harvest of Friends". No one I knew who was a fan of the show seemed to realize there was a pilot movie which made me wonder if it had ever been broadcast in the UK. However a book I had - and still have - listing movies on TV has an entry for it so I knew that it existed.

As you can imagine I was delighted when I spotted that The Pilot had been released on DVD and that complete episode seasons were also coming out as boxsets. I couldn't wait and quickly purchased this together with the first season knowing that I would be in for some really satisfying entertainment.

The Pilot is a stand alone TV movie that sells the concept of a harsh life on the Kansas plains very well. It isn't difficult to see why NBC invested in future episodes as the writing, directing, and performances of the cast are first rate. The music by David Rose (Bonanza), is also unforgettable.

Presented in a bright case with a photo of Michael Landon dominating the cover, the film itself is exceptionally sharp and colorful. There is a slight warping on the sound but it's not too off putting and I would still recommend this DVD to any "Little House" fan.

Well it may have taken me 30 years to see this film which is absolutely ridiculous when I consider the number of times I have seen the series. I got there in the end though thanks to this DVD and for this alone it gets 5 stars.

This is the movie that started it all. It tells the story of how the Ingallses moved from thier "Little House in the Big Woods" to the Kansas frontier. It's a good family story. The only other chaacter to join them in Walnut Grove is Mr. Edwards. The family faces wolves and friendly Indians, but are forced to move in the end. The story is full of tolerance and love. The characters have rough edges that wear off as the series develops. A great movie and a good series. They don't make TV like this anymore.

This Pilot-episode DVD is a must for any Little House on the Prairie Fan. It is not included in any of the DVD season sets. It tells the story of the Ingalls' trip from the "Big Woods" in Wisconsin, to the land they first settled on in Kansas- before settling in Walnut Grove, MN. The story introduces you to the entire Ingalls family, and also Isiah (Mr.) Edwards. Though not as good as the eventual episodes and seasons that followed, it is sure to complete your Little House collection.

I am a Little House fan so this was a must have for me. You will not be dissapointed. The pilot is based on the time before the Ingalls family live in Walnut Grove. You also meet Mr Edwards. My passion for this series began with Michael Landon and his creative genius for delving into positive family values. I look forward to the time when my children are old enough and we can watch the series together.

I wish there were shows like this still on TV today! We got this DVD for a family Christmas present a couple of years ago and we're starting to collect the whole series on DVD.

The actors are awesome, especially Michael Landon. Charles Ingalls was about the kindest, smartest, and sweetest father you'll find in any TV show or movie, ever. Karen Grassle was pretty good as his wife, Caroline Ingalls. Not all of her performances in the series are that great, but in this, the Pilot Episode, she really shines. Melissa Sue Anderson is perfect in the role of sometimes annoying, but still lovable, oldest daughter Mary. Of course, then there's Melissa Gilbert as Laura. Next to Michael Landon, she exhibited the most talent. Finally, the twins Lindsey and Sidney Greenbush play the adorable baby of the family, Carrie.

This is such a touching story, and true to boot. A family who sticks together through hard times--what could be better? One warning, though: if you see this pilot you'll find youself buying all the other Little House DVDs there are.