Customer Reviews

The Rockford Files: Movie Collection - Volume 1

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First let me say, this review is not of the company that puts out this dvd or the manner in which the dvd was released. I agree they should have all the movies together in one set and could have made it match the seasons. But, movie and music companies always leave something to be desired in how they release things so I am not gonna write a review of that. I am writing this in regards to the actual made for tv movies. I personally do not understand why everyone is talking so negatively about these movies. My personal opinion is that, anytime you add James Garner to the mix you're gonna get your money's worth. I am a collector of dvds so I am happy/proud to say that I can finally have these to complete the Rockford Collection. Although the actor is older, you don't get the feeling that they tried to underplay his age. They accept it, they broach the subject many times with humor, and all-in-all you get an actor playing his age as well as not losing any of the qualities that made the actor so memorable. there are the trademark one liners, though he does seem a bit more rough around the edges he is still the same old rockford we grew up with in the 70s and in reruns. The saddest part was that Rocky wasn't able to be in them. Anyone who is/was a fan of the show will feel as if they've lost a family member as well. The storylines are fine, and are excellent vehicles for the Rockford character. There are a few reunions (for us as well) as he is joined by Beth and Angel (throughought the course of the movies) too bad Isaac Hayes didn't show up though. That would have made it more complete. I would glady reccomend this set to anyone who has seen the series and loved it as I did. I'd support anything I can with Garner's name on it. He is a fine actor who simply made it look easy and natural. I really would have liked it released differently (one complete set) but that is a minor qualm. Just be grateful these made it to dvd. Many companies are always looking for what's new and hot and not necessarily for what is good. Garner never made a movie/series I didn't like. He was the type that could elevate the material to levels it was probably not meant to be at. Even though the set is not out yet (I have recently seen these episodes...recorded off the Hallmark channel) and will tell you you won't be disappointed if you buy these.

If you are a "true" fan of "The Rockford Files',this twin dvd disc set is a must buy.I own all six seasons of "Rockford' on dvd,and believe it is one of the best programs ever produced for television.This dvd set includes 4 "Rockford" movies produced after the series ended.The dvd transfer for picture and audio quality is first rate.Very crisp,clear and colorful.Many made for tv movies transfered to dvd are not top notch,but this set has an amazing picture and sound quality.Many of the "Rockford Files" original actors are reunited in these movies.Thanks very much Universal for making available this top notch set.I am really looking forward to volumn 2 of this set.Long overdue for true "Rockford" fans.You won't regret purchasing this dvd set.

I've been waiting almost a decade for this! I have my own set, recording on the DVDR, editing out commercials, etc but still didn't perfectly get every commercial cut out or release the pause in time. I don't know why all 7 weren't released together but imagine it's the whole legalities / dick slapping on the table / who has the rights to this and that nonsense. I remember an interview with Mr. Garner after the first movie where he stated that Rockford was one of his favorite characters and alot of himself was in Rockford. He said that, while approached many times with the prospect of reviving the character there had to be the right scripts as he didn't want to tarnish the integrity of the series. He said the timing was right and, at 66, if he didn't do it then he really would have been too old to do it.

I believe the scripts were good and Mr. Garner was incredible as well as the supporting cast. It says alot about Mr. Garner as a person and actor that many of the original supporting cast as well as writers and staff participated, some coming out of retirement to do so.

I have shared my thoughts on many things from music to movies, etc however, if anyone ever listened to a nobody like me I hope this review is taken in the respectful spirit it is intended. While meeting Mr. Garner just to shake his hand and thank him for the many hours growing up watching him, almost in some ways using his character as a role model, buy this and enjoy it for the wit and skill in writing and acting that seems to have been lost in a world of special effects and how many things can be blown up over skill. I anxiously await the remainder of the movies being released, maybe we'll even get the bonus of a movie not released or some great gag reel footage.

A shame the world can't be simplified to what it was when the original series ran and gas was 69 cents a gallon. these movies open a window in the 90's of a simpler time. God bless Mr. Garner and the fine writers for these movies!!!
W. Heald

No fan of the wonderful James Garner series would want to be without this first set of movies, made 14 years after the series was canceled. These 90-minute movies are first-rate and have all the spirit and humor of the original series.

They are a follow-up to the original 6 seasons of the TV show. Garner's knee and back problems, which resulted from his insistence on performing most of his own stunts, especially those involving fist fights and car chases, caused him excruciating physical pain, and he opted not to continue with the show, and NBC canceled the program in mid-season.

It took 14 years for the ill will between his production company and the network to subside, during which time a decade-long lawsuit over profits was finally settled in his favor.

So beginning in the mid-1990s eight movies were produced. Its great to see Lt. Becker and Angel again in these movies.

Video quality is very high. The image is clean, colors are true. It looks better than we all saw when broadcast.

Note for fans: Not many actual location sets from 70s shows still exist, but the Sandcastle restaurant is still there on the beach in Malibu (and the food is high quality). Rockford's trailer no longer sits at the end of the parking lot, but its really cool to walk over and stand where it was! As a big Rockford fan, its a treat for me to visit the "set" whenever I'm in Southern California. 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Paradise Cove, Malibu, CA.

Here is a brief synopsis of the four movies in this first collection:

"I Still Love L.A." (1994) - Jim is trying to leave California behind him when a series of natural disasters, the L. A. riots and the murder of a wealthy mother make it impossible for him to go. Joanna Cassidy guest stars. Dedicated to Noah "Rocky Rockford" Berry, who passed away 3 weeks before it aired. He was too ill to be in the movie.

"A Blessing In Disguise" (1995) - an old friend is up to a dangerous new trick when Jim catches Angel preaching from the pulpit of the Temple of Holy Light church, whose members have put the life of a young actress at risk.

"If The Frame Fits" (1996) - It's up to Jim to clear his own name when he becomes the primary suspect in the death of a rival P.I. and the police, FBI and a Latino gang all want to get their hands on him. Rocky's death is addressed. The giant mural seen in this episode is still there: Victor Clothing Company, 242 South Broadway. Guest star: Dyan Cannon.

"Godfather Knows Best" (1996) - Family duty calls when Jim must come to the aid of his troubled godson, who is accused of murdering a high-profile fashion designer. Dan Lauria guest stars.

Anyone who truly loved the TV series will love these movies. They are clever, well written, the sound is excellent,
the picture is excellent, and James Garner is wonderful! Its great to see all of the regular actors return, except for Rocky (Noah Berry Jr) as he had passed on!! All in all I recommend getting this two disc set, can't wait for
the next set, thank you, Universal Studios, for putting out this set. It is enjoyable to watch!

These 4 movies were magnificent and recapture the spirit of the original show. Joe Santos is back as Dennis Becker, Stuart Margolin is back as Angel, Gretchen Corbett is back as Davenport. The Pontiac Firebird is back, so is the answering machine. Noah Beery died during the first film, he does not appear. Jim's trailer (now a "double-wide") is still sitting in Paradise Cove, across from the Sandcastle. The stories are well written, interesting, believable. The actors hold true to original character types. There were 8 movies total, I eagerly await the release of the final 4.

I have grown up watching The Rockford Files. I have purchased all 6 seasons and enjoy watching them! This movie collection is no different. I was thrilled when I found that the Rockford movies!

The movies included in these 2 discs include:

* I Still Love LA
* A Blessing in Disguise
* If The Frame Fits...
* Godfather Knows Best

You won't regret buying this movie collection!

I bought this Movie Collection Volume 1 because when these were originally run I was without a television and didn't have access to one. I really would like to see the rest of the collection (I mean after 2 years??? Come on!!!)
Having said that I would recommend any hard core Rockford fan to get these movies. The portrayal of Jim Rockford by James Garner is a masterpiece of acting.
"Rocky" has died and Jimbo is on his own, except for his good friends Dennis Becker,
Beth, and Angel. Jim is kind of a loner, but he is dragged into life by his occupation and loyalty to friends. When his dad is mentioned you can see the emotion from all the actors for fellow actor Noah Beery, Jr. come through their eyes and voice. But Jim is still Jim. The walk is a little more limping and slower, the reaction time is slowed, even the music is a little slower, but it is still the same old Jim Rockford. When he should be in someother line of work, and age is starting to take its effect, Jim is still in there, slugging it out for the little guy who never gets a break or justice. The feel of the movies is the 1990's and you can see a little bit that Jim is a little out of touch with the cultural changes that took place over the last 15 years. But it is fun to watch him still coping.
So here is to the 1990's and to James Garner, who is in retirement, but still going strong. I hope Jim Rockford is still around also.

It was great seeing Rockford and Angel together again. Too bad Noah Beery, Jr., couldn't have been a part of it. In short, it still doesn't get any better than this.

As a longtime Rockford fan, I was so glad to see Universal finally release the show on DVD. I have all the DVD releases and they are all done well. This includes all six seasons plus the first four CBS Rockford movies. The only regret I have is that the last four CBS TV Rockford movies have yet (as of June, 2011) to be released. But, since I have DVDs of these shows copied from TV, it could be worse. Still, I hope Universal releases those movies sometime soon. I do have one minor complaint and that is the First Season, at least my copy, was done on two sided DVDs which requires better care. The rest are on single sided DVDs. If you like TRF, you need the set. As an aside, Yahoo has a group, TheRockfordFiles which has many members and is a good source for information on the history of the show and much more.