Rating: 
Summary: Welcome to Sunnydale! We've been dying to meet you.
Review: For anyone who's come in late to the Buffy phenomenon, this DVD set is a great bargain. These episodes pick up from the movie (and, frankly, make it unnecessary for anyone other than completists), and set up the Buffy show nicely.Who was Xander's and Willow's friend before Buffy arrived? Was Cordelia REALLY that mean before she went soft on Xander? Who were Willow and Xander infatuated with? And what was the deal with Angel? The first season sets up the rules for the Slayer (although some, like her ability to sense vampires, have gone by the wayside), the school years (including two very different principals, with the later being played by the actor famous for fan-favorite Quark on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"), Buffy having to maintain a secret identity, and the non-story arc episodes, including a very chilling episode, "The Pack," in which Xander falls in with a very, very wrong crowd. This is only a half-season, as Buffy was originally a mid-season replacement. That's OK, as the overall story arc, about the Master being trapped beneath Sunnydale and attempting to get free and conquer the world, isn't the best the show had to offer (certainly not as good as season three's double threat of Faith and the Mayor). The Master as a character is a little campy and not quite as scary as Joss Whedon seemed to have wanted him to be, and the prosthetic teeth the actor wears makes him sound like an angry mole rather than the main vampire in the Buffy series. (For fun, try and trace all the prominent vampires' lineage in the show -- you'll see they all end up at the Master eventually.) Some justifiably famous episodes are present in this DVD, including the season ender "Prophecy Girl," which includes some of Sarah Michelle Gellar's best acting in the series, and the growth of the character from the somewhat unsure of herself and overwhelmed novice slayer into the more confident pro she would become. And, of course, the events of this episode also set up a major surprise in season two ... Unfortunately, the DVD collection isn't as good as the episodes included. The added features are mostly the interviews made when half of these episodes were released on tape a few years ago, along with rather unimpressive publicity photos and a script. Further, the first episode, "Welcome to the Hellmouth," is not as the show was originally aired, which included a voice-over and some graphics telling the history of the Slayers. For fans who have read the excellent "Watcher's Guide" companions to this series, this absence will be a little confusing, and it's baffling in any case. If Joss thought this material was some that he wished he hadn't put in the original episode, it would have been appropriate to put it on the DVD as an "original opening credits" feature. The final DVD also has a lengthy Universal Studios ad tacked onto the beginning, which is absolutely maddening. I wouldn't have minded if the DVDs had included ads for the DVD of the movie, or of future upcoming Buffy DVDs, but why do I care about this other junk? In any case, this DVD set is a steal for Buffy fans, and is essential viewing for fans of one of the best television shows of all time. Buy it now!
Rating: 
Summary: Splendid.
Review: This boxed set and its follow-up (the six-disc Second Season set) are must-owns if you're even remotely interested in film or television. Buffy the Vampire Slayer simply has some of the best writing going. Joss Whedon made a brilliant move by adapting the charming but forgettable 1992 feature into the television medium. The longer character-development arcs and sense of intimacy in television are just perfect for fleshing out what at first may seem a whimsical idea, that of a high-school cheerleader who defies horror-movie convention and strikes back at the monsters and madmen. Within the first episode of the first season, the series finds its heart (along with your funny bone) and never loses it. Of course, much credit has to be given to the stellar cast: As Buffy, Sarah Michelle Gellar's is nothing short of a virtuoso performance, her facility with both drama and comedy lighting up every scene; Nicolas Brendon is delightful as charming loser Xander, often surprising you with moments of pathos underneath a clown veneer. Alyson Hanigan (Willow)'s comic timing is razor-sharp, and Anthony Stewart Head deftly juggles stuck-up conservatism and a disarming sense of self-deprecating humour as Buffy's "Watcher" and guardian, Giles. Even the small roles are highly memorable, my favourite being the engrossing role-switching dual performance of Robin Riker and Elizabeth Anne Allen in the episode "Witch". The writing is some of the sharpest I've seen in TV, witty and authentic to its teenage characters, free of the I'm-too-hip attitude that so many teen movies are plagued by. And Whedon had made sure that amidst all the monster slaying and wisecracks, emotional resonance is never sacrificed. Each one of these characters is lovingly constructed, feeling like old friends after a while. The second season is where the series really soars into the stratosphere. However, the first season contained in this boxed set is lighter in tone and therefore, arguably, more purely enjoyable. A definite candidate for the top spot in my DVD collection.
Rating:
Summary: How it Began
Review: This season pretty much tells you how everything began at Sunnydale. Every Buffy fan NEEDS this DVD. It featues the episodes:
-Welcome To The Hellmouth
-The Harvest
-Witch
-Teacher's Pet
-Never Kill a Boy on The First Date
-The Pack
-Angel
-I Robot...You Jane
-The Puppet Show
-Nightmares
-Out of Mind, Out of Sight
-Prophecy Girl I liked it a lot!
Rating:
Summary: A solid start to an awesome show!
Review: I didn't start watching Buffy until half way through season 4. I had always wanted to see it but while I was living in California we didn't get the WB, so I couldn't watch it. But once I moved to Rhode Island I was able to watch it and the first episode I saw was Hush, which was excellent and I have been hooked ever since. These complete seasons are great for cathcing up on all I have missed. While there could have been more extras it is still a good buy.
Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest(A-), A solid two part pilot that introduces all of the characters and sets up the shows mythology. From the beginning you can see that a great show is about to explode. The Witch(C+), The first episode to not deal with vampires. It has some very funny moments, especially when Buffy gets too perky, but this is just an average episode. It does introduce Amy who will become very important later in the series. Teacher's Pet(C-),This was the first episode to focus on Xander and its not great. It had its moments. Love the scene where Cordelia is talking to the councelor. But overall the effects are cheesy and this becomes the weakest episode from season 1. Never Kill a Boy on the First Date(A-), Buffy has to stop the annointed one from arising but is to distracted by Owen to care. A solid episode that brings the master back in the story and helps move foward the season's arc. Sarah Michelle Gellar does a great job in this episode trying to balance a normal life with a slayer life. The Pack(A-), Xander starts hanging out with some mean kids and the school principal gets eaten. A well done episode. The look on WIllow's face when Xander insults her is heartbreaking and the scene where Xander pins Buffy down is great. Also Buffy's little comment about being Scully'ed' is great. Angel(A), Buffy learns Angel's dark secret. An awesome episode with many classic moments. When Buffy finds out about Angel the look on her face is priceless. I also love Darla and I thought she was great in this episode. Too bad she had to die. I Robot, You Jane(B-), Simliar to teacher's pet in that Willow finds love but unfortunatly things don't turn out right. A mixed bag type of episode. The highlights include the introduction of computer teacher Jenny Calendar and the sexual tension that she and Giles obviously have. The Puppet show(B+), Your typical evil puppet epiosde with a twist. There are some creeepy moments especially when Sid is in Buffy's bedroom, but the scene at the end where Buffy, WIllow and Xander preform at the talent show is hilarious. Nightmares(A), I really liked this episode. Seeing everyone's nightmares come true was very fun to watch. It was also a treat getting to see Buffy look like a vampire. The best episode so far. Out my sight, Out of My Mind(B), Buffy has to fight a girl who is invisable. An alright episode. It's great to see Cordelia start to become part of the scooby gang and her speech about being popular was great. Prophecy Girl(A+), Buffy has to face the Master and die. One of the best Buffy episodes ever, from Buffy's speech about being to young to die, to Xander and Angel's team up, to seeing Cordeila drive through the school everything was perfect. Overall this set is very good and Buffy fans should enjoy it. Others will get to see a great show unfold before their eyes. The best is yet to come though because seasons 2-4 rock.
Rating:
Summary: BtVS Kicks Bad Guy Butt in this action packed DVD
Review: Buffy is a 17 yr old girl who has moved to Sunnydale after accidentily burning down her school gym in Los Angeles while fighting vampires. Sunnydale should be a breath of fresh air for her, a place where she can be normal. But Sunny Dale is anything but normal. As the first episode is aptly named "Welcome to the Hellmouth" Not only does Sunnydale have the highest mortality rate, but is also the center of mystical forces. And Buffy must accept her duty as the Vampire slayer, one girl in all the world who is chosen to fight the demons and the vampires. The show was a midseason replacement, so there wasn't much time for the archnemesis, the Master to evolve. He is a 600 yr old vamp who plans to open the hellmouth. Buffy and her friends, Willow and Xander are great, along with her watcher Giles, and the snobby Cordelia. Perhaps even a love interest for Buffy, Angel a mysterious young man who helps her in the face of danger.
The only bothersome thing about this DVD was that after you played an episode, you had to take the disc out to get to the main menu. Atleast I haven't found a way.
From "Welcome to the Hellmouth" to "Angel" and "Prophecy Girl" you need this DVD!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Start!
Review: Although "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" started as a mid-season replacement for whatever, the show was so well made that it was an instant hit. Its make-up department was nominated for an Emmy in the first season. This show is the product of a great effort from everyone involved...
Rating:
Summary: Buffy the Vampire Slayer- the Complete First Season on DVD
Review: This is a must for all Buffy fans!! Even if you are not a fan yet, if you buy this I guarantee you will get hooked. It's addicting and once I finsished all the episodes I was anxious to get my hands on the second one. It's the beginning of a phenominal series that which has now lasted 6 seasons. Joss Whedon's remarkable and creative ideas are at work in this great thrilling expreience of the dark forces and the unknown.
Rating:
Summary: the bomb
Review: i have been wathing buffy since it started i am a fan i think they should thought seasons 3,4,5 right now if you were a fan you
would understand me thank you
Rating:
Summary: Too dark to see: is it the DVD or ?
Review: I have never used the DVD before. I have viewed 2 of the DVD's
and they are too dark to see at times. I have used 3 different
software DVD players on the same computer. Does anyone know
what's happening? Is it the DVD or the players or? There is
no light/dark adjustments on the players. I do not have another
DVD to see what it displays like.
If you have any idea's please email me at
snoopy71 then the @ sign then mindspring.com
Thanks!
Rating:
Summary: Good start to a greater series...
Review: Don't let the title fool you. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a smart, funny and sometimes very scary series. I think the series improved in later seasons (particularly the 2nd and 3rd, although it still produces great episodes even in the 6th season). But there's still a lot of good stuff at the beginning. The characters are so fresh and new. Xander loves Buffy. Willow loves Xander. Less melancholy in the Buffy/Angel relationship. Were the characters ever this young? It's a bit strange for me because I jumped on the Buffy bandwagon in the summer between the 2nd and 3rd seasons. So, for me, first season Buffy is a bit like looking at high school (or even baby) photos of friends I met in university. My favourite episode in this season is the finale, "Prophecy Girl" where Buffy faces the propechy of her impeding death. As she pleads to her mentor, "Giles, I'm sixteen. I don't want to die." Not the brainless commentary that critics who have never actually watched the show maintain. (Most critics who have watched the series given high praise.) The extras -- well, a bit light. I did enjoy Joss Whedon's commentary on the first two episodes. The "interviews" are recycled from the earlier video tape release (which only featured a selected 6 episodes, as opposed to the full 12 on DVD). And the video quality isn't the best. Apparently poor film stock was used in the first two years. (I think the transfer on the 2nd season DVD is worse, which is why I gave it three stars even though the writing and acting quality deserve 5 stars. Here, the writing and video quality both come out to a 4.) [....]
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