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Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete First Season

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete First Season

List Price: $39.98
Your Price: $27.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Besttttttt Season of buffy on dvd Yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I used to be a buffy fan until the 3rd season but i have seen some of the new ones and they aren't that scary or anything lke that . i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee buffy i wish they stuck with the horror They had in this season, oh well i'm sooooo happy the have all 1st season on dvd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Back To The Basics: Hellmouth and a whole lot of Campiness
Review: Buffy moves to Sunnydale, can't run from her destiny, she must face the demons and vampires that live on the hellmouth, with the help of her friends and watcher she manages to go through her first year at Sunnydale High.
The first season is smart, witty, campy and has a lot of the elements from the 1991 movie starring kristie swanson and luke perry. While the other seasons are basically Buffy The Vampire Slayer the tv show, the first season has some similarities with the movie. While the movie was quite bad, joss worked on his idea and created what he always wanted for the movie on tv.
this is a must see!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: High school memories and reminders of tv greatness
Review: I myself am not the biggest Buffy fan ,but having said that the 1st season of this tv show can rival any tv show in history the whether it be the simpsons,monty python ,or i love lucy.I myself graduated high school the same year as Buffy in 99 so this brings me a lot of fond memories ( and some not so fond )so in early 97 she was a sophomore like me which truly is the most painful and confusing time of high school .How many of us remember thinking in the 1st season I bet Willow and Xander will hook up sometime in the 2nd or 3rd season , sorta wrong there.Remember when you thought you couldn't trust Angel and he would eventually be Buffy's downfall. Anyone remember in the great Cibo Matto performance thinking can great indy bands finally take over mainstream radio ,this was a very sweet innocent time when we all thought great music had a decent shot at mainstream .I know among the truly biggest Buffy fan's there will always be debates over when the show was at it's best be it right now the early year's or anytime inbetween.The truth is it doesn't matter .This great show means different thing's to different people . I suppose if i was a few years older or a few years younger maybe i would like the newer episodes better.The truly exciting thing is a show this unique and original would have lasted about 12 weeks on the air if it even made the air 20 years ago .Thanks to cable tv, minor networks, (upn wb) and DVD a great show like this can reach the entire world . I know myself i will gladly take the stroll down memory lane and purchase this dvd upon it's release . God Bless Joss Whedon and God Bless America

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The beginning of a beautiful friendship...
Review: I will always hold a fond place in my heart for the first season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." This season is truly a peek at a show on the verge of greatness. All the ingredients are there, and they're all good. Further, this season can only not be classified as a masterpiece in retrospect. We know now what great things are to come in all the other seasons (the second all the way through to the sixth, the present season), so this season cannot help but pale in comparison.

But, taken by itself, this is really a wonderful beginning. Not many shows can boast a perfect first episode. And yet this show can. Everything just cliked perfectly from the start: the characters, the mythology, the feel of the show. The only major flaw in the early episodes were weak guest stars. While the main cast (Sarah Michelle Gellar, Allyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Stewart Hall, and Charisma Carpenter) are all achingly perfect, most of the guest stars (with the exception of Kristine Sutherland, Robia LaMorte and Armin Shimmerman) were rather mediocre. By the second season, just about everyone on every "Buffy" episode was great.

But let's break it down episode by episode:

"Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest"--What more can I say but that this is a perfect first episode? It lets us in on the mythology of the series, but does not give us to much at once. Further, all of the main characters are explored, and it is clear from the beginning that this is an ensemble piece--all of them are important. Sets up the year's major story arc with the Master.

"The Witch"--While some have called this a weak episode, I like it a great deal. It shows us that Buffy not only slays vampires, and that there is more to the show than that. Also, we see Buffy in a weakened state, with her friends having to help her. With Amy we also see the beginning of a witchcraft theme that will be further explored in later seasons.

"Teacher's Pet"--Another episode that many have called weak, but I think is very enjoyable. Xander gets to be the focus of an episode, and we get to see the first in his line of increasingly bad choices in women (until Cordy next year). No, this is not the best episode, but it's involving and funny.

"Never Kill A Boy on the First Date"--The first story-arc episode since the premiere, this is an extremely entertaining episode, where we get to see Buffy try to juggle being the Slayer and having a normal dating life. Also, of course, we see the first signs of the Anointed One.

"Angel"--Arguably the most important "mythology" episode of the first season, not only do we learn great secrets, but they are ones that will have an enormous effect on the series, particularly in the second season.

"I Robot, You Jane"--In my opinion, this is the first season's real clunker of an episode. The monster is, quite frankly, silly and not very believable, making the story quite lightweight. On the positive side, the dialogue is fresh and witty, as usual, and we finally get to see Willow spotlighted in an episode. Jenny Calendar is also given more of an introduction. She will also be important in the second season.

"The Puppet Show"--A true masterpiece, by first season standards, this episode manages to be both funny and creepy. It is the best of the first season's stand-alones. We start to see just how much of a "Nazi" Principal Snyder is, and the coda scene during the credits is one of the funniest moments in BtVS history.

"The Pack"--An excellent episode that really breaks down the idea of a group of bullies acting like a pack of animals. Only here, it is literally. Xander goes a little bad, and all hell ensues.

"Nightmares"--This episode is pure artistry at its best. It is darker than most of the other eps this season, and also brilliant in how it shows that most realistic nightmares are not the monsters Buffy faces every week, but the doubts, concerns, and worries of every teenager, such as a father telling his daughter he doesn't love her, entering a classroom naked, etc. Buffy's fear of being buried alive is an amazing foreshadowing of the sixth season.

"Out of Mind, Out of Sight"--We get to learn more about Cordy, and, even, *gasp!* possibly like her a little in this episode. It is an interesting concept, well carried-out. And the final scene is one of the creepiest of the first season.

"Prophecy Girl"--The best episode of the season, and also the season finale. It is the first first season episode to transcend the first season. It has the quality of a second season episode, which is saying a great deal, since the second season is pure genius.

So, to sum up...Buy this set. It is required viewing for Buffy newbies and fans alike. No, it is not the best season. It is only the beginning. But what a wonderful beginning it is...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: It Begins Here
Review: Despite what the Emmy voters think, "Buffy" is consistently one of the most creative, best written, and best performed shows on television. Although the first season has some miscues that are typical of any freshman show (e.g. the somewhat unsatisfying "Teacher's Pet" and "The Pack"), it still leaps and bounds above the expectations that we are conditioned to expect from ordinary television. Five seasons later, it's still going strong. There aren't many shows that maintain a consistently high level of creativity and quality for six seasons, but "Buffy" manages it with style. I look forward to releases of future seasons.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: It's about time!
Review: Finally, the complete first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is available on DVD (rather than the boxed set previously available that contained only half of the episodes). While a little uneven in quality compared to later, more polished seasons, the series' trademark wit and pathos are in fine form in this set.

The set begins with the two-part series premiere, "Welcome to the Hellmouth" and "The Harvest." These episodes introduce Buffy, a sophomore in high school and the Slayer chosen to fight the forces of darkness; Willow, the shy technology-savvy redhead; Xander, the goofy regular guy who happens to have a serious crush on the Buffster; Cordelia, the shallow queen always ready with an acerbic comment; and Giles, the staid school librarian and Buffy's watcher. Some important secondary characters are also introduced, like Angel, Buffy's future boyfriend, and Darla, Angel's vampiric ex-flame. The storyline involves the plans of the Master, a vampire, to escape his prison and wreak havoc at the same time that Buffy has just transferred to a new school (after being kicked out of her old one for burning down the gym). Naturally, she and her friends avert the catastrophe.

"The Witch" is a great episode, looking at both mother/daughter relationships and being pressured by parents to succeed. When the cheerleading squad meets various mystical "accidents," one-by-one, Buffy has to investigate. The trail apparently leads to Amy Madison, a gawky girl turned second-string cheerleader. She's moving up the ranks as her competitors go down... One of the best episodes in the set.

"Teacher's Pet" features Xander, as he and all the other guys go gaga for a new substitute teacher. But Buffy's suspicious when she sees the teacher do a head-twist, Exorcist-style. Unfortunately, Xander's already in her trap...

"Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" is a more humorous episode. Buffy tries to have a social life, but those pesky slaying commitments keep getting in the way. She finally ends up dragging her date to the funeral home when they find that an ancient prophecy is coming to pass...

In "Angel," the mysterious Angel's secret is revealed: he's a vampire! (As if it were a surprise to anyone.) But when Buffy thinks he's fed on her mother, she has to make a decision: can she bring herself to kill him?

The spotlight's on Willow in "I Robot, You Jane." When introspective Will starts an online romance, Buffy's a little worried. But when it turns out that there's a demon in the Internet - and that he's Willow's "boyfriend" - things get particularly hairy. This episode introduces computer teacher and technopagan Jenny Calendar, Giles' sometimes girlfriend and a pivotal character in Season Two.

"The Puppet Show" is the series' token creepy-ventriloquist's-dummy episode. Giles has been drafted for the school talent show, but several of the participants have turned up rather dead. Buffy suspects one of the stranger kids' ventriloquist dummy is behind the deaths. Though this episode is not the strongest of the season, an enjoyable and unexpected twist makes it still eminently watchable.

In "The Pack," Xander's started to act funny - snarling at his friends and hanging out with the bullies. It all started when he entered the hyena cage at the zoo. But can Buffy figure it out before things get out of hand and somebody gets...well, eaten?

"Nightmares" brings everyone's worst nightmares to life. Buffy's father tells her he doesn't love her, while bookworm Giles forgets how to read. The Master seizes the opportunity to try to make a break for the outside world, and nearly succeeds. Worth it if for nothing but Cordelia's bad hair day.

In "Out of Mind, Out of Sight," an invisible girl is terrorizing Cordelia and her associates. She comes to Buffy for help, and Buffy gives it (albeit very reluctantly). But when the attacks coincide with the crowning of Cordelia as the new May Queen, problems arise - big surprise.

The set ends on a high note with "Prophecy Girl." Giles finds a prophecy that predicts Buffy's death at the hands of the Master. It deals very clearly with Buffy's bleak realization of her own mortality, and ends with a showstopping showdown between Buffy and the Master. Quite possibly the best episode in this set.

I can't recommend this boxed set highly enough. Extras, like interviews with Joss Whedon (the creator) and David Boreanaz (Angel) round out the set. A worthwhile purchase both for Buffy fans and those wanting to see what the fuss is all about.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Complete Collection Finally Arrives
Review: At last, fans have finally been given a complete collection of the first season of the phenomenal hit, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Joss Whedon's brainchild is now presented to us in the first of what one hopes will eventually be a comprisal of all of the series' seasons. While previously, viewers have been able to see highlights of Season One, which chronicles the move of Buffy (the excellent Sarah Michelle Gellar) and her mother (Kristine Sutherland) to the small, demon infested town of Sunnydale, this is the first time it has been released in its entirity. Buffy, this generation's Vampire Slayer, soon learns from her mentor (a.k.a Watcher), Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), that the destiny she had eluded must be met, which she does through the aid of her friends (all capably played by Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, Charisma Carpenter, and David Boreanaz). While facing such villains as Darla (Julie Benz) and the vampiric Master (Mark Metcalf), Buffy comes to terms with her troubled past, symbolic of the show's metaphorical message - High School IS a place of demons and horror, but it is survivable, as proved in "Buffy." Probably the most underrated show ever created, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is wonderful and now in this first season DVD can be completely enjoyed and praised.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "The Master's Plan" revisited.
Review:

Picking up just a few months after the movie left off, (which starred Kristy Swanson), season one evolved around the appearance of many of the now key characters of this series.

The first was Buffy Summers, who in the series is played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is far superior as Buffy than Krusty. She begins as being resentful as being "The Chosen One", and thought her vampire slaying days were at an end. A stroke of fate placed her directly on the Hellmouth when she switched schools, forcing her to again slay all of those nasties.

The second is the dark, mysterious and brooding "vampire with a soul" apropriately named as Angel aka Angelus. He is portrayed by David Borandaz, who can ignite his character with both charm and terror sometimes at the same time.

Next up is Ruport Gyles, (Anthony Stewart Head) on the outside a Clark Kentish mild mannered, occasionally dim-witted libriarian. But in reality he is Buffy's watcher, who at times has a strength (both outer and inner) which he may not realize he has.Not to forget her two best friends, Willow and Xander (Alyson Hannagan and Nicholas Brandon), they both have their strengths, Willow her computer wizardry and Xander his . . . um well, he's just one of the girls [as Buffy so aptly points out in one of the episodes in this set].

We can't forget Cordellia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), while she fancies herself as the self-imposed queen of the school, and a nemisis of Buffy, when push comes to shove, she finds herself standing alongside Buffy fighting the demons (when she herself isn't being held captive by one that is).

Finally the seasonal characters, in this season it's the Master (Mark Metcalf). Everything that a Vampire is, is in him, thought to be one of the last "true" vampires, he rises from his sub-terrianian grave ready to be released from his sub-terrianian prison, waiting to kill the only thing that stands in his way . . . the Slayer.

On this three disk set are all 12 of the 1st season episodes:
01. Welcome to the Hellmouth
02. The Harvest
03. The Witch
04. Teacher's Pet
05. Never Kill a Boy on the 1st Date
06. The Pack
07. Angel
08. I Robot -- You Jane
09. Puppet Show
10. Nightmares
11. Invisible Girl (aka: Out of Sight out of Mind)
12. Prophecy Girl
I'm glad that they decided to follow the patern of the X-Files and Avengers, in that they package the series in seasons, rather than individually, as it makes it less expensive for the customers.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: FINALLY!!!!
Review: FINALLY!!!! Buffy is on DVD. At last we get to see what Joss thought and have so many new features. Plus the always hott David Boreanaz talks as well. If you are a fan of Buffy YOU NEED THIS!!! I love it and can't wait til' the 2nd season comes out on DVD!!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I think I speak for everyone when I say "Huh?!"
Review: Jesus H! It's about time they made this available in the US! BTVS is the best written/acted/directed show I've ever watched. It's got humor, action, suspense, and romance. Tying all these elements together is the best writing since Mash. Sarah Michelle Gellar is perfect as Buffy (she of movie semi-success, hopefully with her talent and looks, Sarah will blossom into a major movie star). The first 3 seasons were the strongest. I think the plots and overall feel of the shows have gotten weaker in seasons 4 and 5, but even these shows kill 95% of what's on television now.
I'm a married high school teacher in my late 20's, and every year, I meet numerous students who love the show. My wife never watched the show until I converted her, and several of my friends and co-workers are now part of the Buffy faithful. BTVS is such a strong show, and has so much appeal to people of all ages, that it's a shame more people don't know about it. I only hope we don't have to wait as long for seasons 2-5 as we had to for season one!


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