Rating: 
Summary: Only reason this dvd doesn't rate a 5 for me....
Review: ..is because of the degradation you see during the dark/night parts of the show although this has nothing to do with the quality of the dvd transfer. As some had pointed out, this is due to the tight budget the initial runs of the show were done in that they didn't film in high quality film. So, you really don't get a "remastered" release as this was how the show was really seen during it's first season. And believe me, when I saw this way back then, I thought that was pretty weird myself. Anyways, for the parts of the dvd you do see during the daylight hours, it's all bright and crisp so they did take care in the dvd processing. The menu screen is somewhat lackluster and boring as you really have only four selectable title options initially. The extras and stuff are shown when you decided to view a story title. Even then, you are only basically treated to a few interviews and commentaries with maybe a few bios thrown in. Definitely somewhat of a "standard basic" options selection in today's dvd world. The DVD set is a three disc set with only "12" full episodes and not the 24 that's stated on the sticker since the show was run halfway thru midseason and wasn't really expected to gather such a strong collowing. I'm glad it did as Buffy, and now Angel, are full of quick wit one liners and action that it's always a joy to watch their shows. The one complaint I hear from newer viewers is that they don't get some of the in jokes and become frustrated with the show as Buffy always tends to allude to past events that current viewers might get a bit lost. Well, here's your chance to catch up as the first season is now officially on dvd, and the very, very affordable price of $... for 12 shows!!! That's a bargain if I ever saw one. And you new viewers will finally get to see Darla and Cordelia way back when before their appearance on "Angel." We'll also get to see the younger Xander and Willow before they grew up into the characters they are now. You'll finally get to understand all the cheerleader/witch in jokes that pops up form time to time. You'll see Buffy's mom and grow to watch her and like her and understand how fans felt after what happened last season. Definitely pick this set up.
Rating: 
Summary: Classic Buffy episodes given OK DVD treatment
Review: On March 3rd, 1997, the WB network introduced a series that today still defines quality TV. Its mix of comedy, action and drama have rarely been matched, even today. Now, finally, after years of waiting, American audiences can collect the stellar series, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, from the very beginning. This show chronicles the adventures of young Buffy Summers, a high school student who is revealed as the Chosen One destined to fight the demons and vampires that plague the world. Since this was a mid-season replacement, there were only 12 episodes in this 1st season. As always, Sarah Michelle Geller is at the top of her game in the title role, while Anthony Stewart Head is full of wry humor as Rupert Giles, her Watcher.
The episodes, despite being filmed in 16mm, are sharp in both visual and sound quality. However, the special features are a little lacking. There's an insighful and amusing commentary by show creator, Joss Whedon, which covers the 2 part pilot for the show. However, the Whedon interview sections only covers only half of the episodes, being a hold-over from the old 3-pack VHS set. Also, the interview with David Boreanez (Angel) doesn't offer anything new. Some outtakes and making of featurettes would've been nice. Hopefully, future season sets will correct this flaw.
However, the thing is the show and these episodes are classic and fun. I would highly recommend this to any Buffy fan or someone who cares about quality TV.
Rating:
Summary: Still Great/Smartest Show on TV
Review: I caught the series at the beginning more out of curiosity than great expectations for a superb intelligent/sometimes intellectual comedy/drama/action saga about real people, especially women, in a not-too-unreal unreal world. Have been a dedicated, hopefully not obsessive, fan since. Been waiting for all the episodes to come out on VHS/DVD for some time now and the first season holds up well - boy, fashion changes a lot... GIMMEE MORE, GIMMEE MORE, NOW!Disappointment: Got 4 out of 5 because there are very little extras (similar to VHS), no liner notes (are they called liner notes on DVDs?, but considering the nice price...I won't complain. Hint, Hint: it would be nice to have the non-broadcast pilot and more goodies on subsequent DVD packages.
Rating:
Summary: Buffy is back from the dead, in syndication and on DVD
Review: I guess the idea is that if we waited this long for the complete first season of Buffy to appear on DVD we would not mind that the extras are extremely limited: Joss Whedon's commentary on the pilot episode(s) is the biggest treat and proves that the man simply knows what he is doing with this show to the depths of his soul. It would be impractical for him to do the same for all 12 episodes, but we have to hope he does the same for "Becoming" when that comes out in June (supposedly; fortunately the undead can hold their breaths a long, long time). Other than that, there are some brief interview clips with Joss and David Boreanaz (sporting a wee bit of facial hair) and a promotional trailer. The cast did more stuff talking about Buffy for the syndication run on FX. Go figure. However, if you have been waiting for the opportunity to hear Buffy in French, your time has come.
Rating:
Summary: Extra features make the Buffy DVD a must-have
Review: I have seen all of the Buffy season one episodes, so I did not expect to be as fascinated with the DVD as I was. The best feature on the DVD was an audio commentary by director Joss Whedon on "Welcome to the Hellmouth" and "The Harvest," BtVS's two part premier. Getting inside Joss's head was great! I watched the episodes once without commentary and once with - it was fascinating. I hope future DVD releases include features like this audio commentary. A making-of Buffy would be great!
Rating:
Summary: OMG OMG OMG!! GO BUFFY!!
Review: this is the best dvd ever,what else can i say,its great, i watched season 1 on tv(and every other season so far) and finally it comes out ,it even has sepcila features like charactor bios and original pilot scripts and picture gallerys. A big WOW for buffy and in june season two is comin out on dvd 6 whole dics a collection worth collecting .
Rating:
Summary: Buffy - television for ADULTS!
Review: Fans of Buffy don't need to read reviews to know how amazing the series is - for the rest of you, read on...
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of very few bright spots on the television landscape. While the title may sound like that of a teen trifle like Dawson's Creek, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look. The writing and acting are top notch. The performances are layered and nuanced, and no other series can match Buffy for it's sharp turns from drama to comedy to horror and back again. Listen closely, and you'll be rewarded with many laughs at the sly, subtle pop culture references and asides that make their way into the rich dialog.
Most importantly, Buffy is about life - specifically, adolescence - and the difficulties we all face or are facing. Buffy constantly has to deal with the fact that she doesn't fit in and no one understands her (after all she has super powers and fights vampires and demons after school). Her feelings and issues are EXACTLY those of most teenages, the genius of Joss Whedon's series is that we get to see things from Buffy's point of view. When Buffy prepares to go out to stop an evil apocalypse, her mother grounds her and says "I know when you're a teenager you feel like the world's going to end if you don't go out..." The viewer gets to empathize with the teenager's plight - The world really IS going to end if she doesn't go out! This type of multi-layered meaning is what makes Buffy a MUST SEE for those who appreciate intelligent entertainment.
Finally, Buffy is a great role model for today's teenage girls. Forget the cute blond victim seen in traditional horror movies - Buffy is smart, strong, sexy, and she kicks ...!
This DVD version is a great starting point for the new Buffy viewer - just be prepared, it only gets better in later seasons!
Rating:
Summary: Growing up was never this scary...
Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of the most reflective pieces of modern life that have ever been created. Meaning, it's like real life, but more entertaining. Teenage angst takes on a whole new meaning in this show. Joss Whedons' stories about a little blonde cheerleader who is suddenly given the responsibility of saving the world day in and day out are exciting, action packed, touching, emotional and surprisingly close to real life on many levels. Dealing with teenage angst is tough for all young people, the fact that Buffy is given the added pressure of fighting Vampires and demons puts her regular high school life in perspective. She realizes she would give anything to be just a good student, a cheerleader and have social time at the mall and the local club. But nothing comes that easy. Life gives us responsibilities and Whedon seems to know this without question. He throws everything he can at our tough little heroine and she seems to take it all in stride, sometimes not as gracefully as others. Along the way she finds friends in unlikely students, geeks. Where in the movie, which afterward is where the TV Show picks up, she would never have socialized with these kind of people, she finds herself gaining solace in their normality and more honest personalities. BTVS cannot be described by in a short sentence or two. The characters, story arcs, themes and even the villains have long term affects. The individual stories stand alone, but as a whole, the show ties itself together in several ways. This DVD is worth the money for the shows alone, the extra features only make it that much more exceptional.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best television has to offer
Review: The best show over the past 7 years has been Buffy The Vampire Slayer by far. Most people who haven't seen the show do not understand the obsession of so many great fans who sit at home every Tuesday night and religiously watch the smartest show on television. This season one set is a must have for any fan. I can't wait for future seasons because there are so many great episodes that deserve the same release.
Rating:
Summary: A phenomenon I missed out on the first time
Review: In 1997 "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" took television by storm, or so I'm told. In truth I never watched a single episode on tv in the 5 years it has been aired. I thought it looked like a campy, teeny bopper "Scooby Doo" show which I, mistakenly, predicted would have a short shelf life.
Visiting family at Christmas 2001, I was told by my 40 year old brother that "Buffy" was the show to watch. He loves it and told me that I was missing out by not giving the series a chance. So in deference to him, I bought "The Complete First Season" the day after it was released and I have seen the light! The show is campy in some places, but the writing is superb and the show's producers and writers aren't afraid to take chances. Each episode continued to suprise me as people were killed who appeared to be written into the show for the duration. Each episode also has genuinely funny moments with some highbrow humor that I wouldn't necessarily attribute to high school students but somehow comes off so much better than "Dawson's Creek" dialogue. My one complaint about the DVD of the First Season is that it is sorely lacking in Special Features. Some interviews with the show's cast would be greatly appreciated as well as more in-depth commentary on each episode from Joss Wheadon. Overall, I LOVE Buffy and can't wait until Season 2 comes out in June.
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