Little House on the Prairie - The Complete Season 1

Rating:
Summary: Ain't nothing wrong with the sound on these discs.
Review: I just love to watch these over and over, The colors are so pretty. We never had no color tv when I was a youngin. I guess our tv was as bad as the person who thinks these folks sound like Alvin and the Chipmunks. It's just great seein these stories years later and de-cipherin all the secret meaning hidden in the program. That Nellie Olsen sure is the devil. I can't wait to see the new series with Paris Hilton in the role. I am a little fraid how they gonna update the show but it's so mindless already. I better pray in church for it real good.

Rating:
Summary: good.
Review: Little House On The Prairie - The Complete Season One is probably the very best season of this series. This is because all the episodes are beautifully done with great character acting, beautiful scenery and wholesome true messages that are very realistic.

Michael Landon was the writer, star and executive producer of this drama series. Landon set the bar for excellence so high that no one in the past 30 years has come close to the accomplishments of "Little House On The Prairie."

It is rather unfortunate that TV has gone way downhill compared to the days of "Little House On The Prairie." But we still have all the beautiful episodes preserved on DVD.

I have seen every single episode of this series (thanks to TBS, because the first-run series was years before I was born) and I noticed that some of the episodes included clips that were not on the syndicated version. These are very short, but noticeable if you are a longtime watcher and fan like myself.

Some of the very best episodes from this season include: A Harvest of Friends, Country Girls, If I Should Wake Before I Die, and Christmas at Plum Creek.

Here is a full episode listing and description of every episode that is included in the Season One box set:

* A Harvest of Friends (original air date: September 11, 1974)
There's money for farm land, but nothing left over for a plow and seed until Charles discovers his "harvest of friends."

* Country Girls (original air date: September 18, 1974)
A lesson about snobbery awaits Mary and Laura on their first day at school, when they meet Nelli Oleson. Laura becomes a great storyteller but still needs to work on her spelling, according to Miss Beadle.

* The 100-Mile Walk (original air date: September 25, 1974)
After his crop is destroyed by hail, Charles hits the road in a search for work. He meets 2 friends at his new job, one of whom is killed tragically.

* Mr. Edwards' Homecoming (original air date: October 2, 1974)
Charles brings home Mr. Edwards, the Ingallses longtime friend (since the Pilot Movie). Caroline plays matchmaker, trying to set up the Widow Snyder and Mr. Edwards.

* The Love of Johnny Johnson (original air date: October 9, 1974)
Laura fancies a new and older classmate (Johnny Johnson) who seems to have eyes only for Mary that couldn't care less about him.

* If I Should Wake Before I Die (original air date: October 23, 1974)
To gather her family together, elderly Amy Hearn fakes her death and arranges for a wake on her 80th birthday with the help of Charles, Caroline, and Doc Baker.

* Town Party, Country Party (original air date: October 30, 1974)
Mary and Laura go to a lavish party at Nellie's. Mean-spirted Nellie twists Laura's ankle which gives Laura insight on how her disabled friend Olga may feel. Olga showcases her new shoes (enabling her to walk, courtesy of Charles) at the girls' country part.

* Ma's Holiday (original air date: November 6, 1974)
Despite being Inexperienced, Mr. Edwards baby-sits with the girls while their parents are away for a few days on Ma's holiday.

* School Mom (original air date: November 13, 1974)
Substitute teacher Caroline finds her biggest challenge in a shy teenager who never learned to read or write. She deals with him with kindness and compassion; two characteristics that Mrs. Oleson never learned.

* The Raccoon (original air date: November 20, 1974)
Although Charles advises against it, Laura tries to make a pet out of a raccoon. Jasper the raccoon causes much trouble and a due to a misunderstanding causes a rabies scare.

* The Voice of Tinker Jones (original air date: December 4, 1974)
A traveling coppersmith (that cannot speak) plays a key role in resolving a squabble over a bell for the church.

* The Award (original air date: December 11, 1974)
Mary's life is filled with complications as she prepares for a special exam. And, Caroline learns a lesson in punishment and discipline.

* The Lord Is My Shepherd, Part 1 (original air date: December 18, 1974)
A son is born to the Ingalls (Charles, Jr.), and everyone rejoices except Laura, who is afraid that the baby will replace her in her father's affections. Charles, Jr. passes away leaving Laura to blame herself without cause.

* The Lord Is My Shepherd, Conclusion (original air date: December 18, 1974)
Jonathan, a mountain dweller comforts Laura, who has run away out of guilt over the death of a baby brother she never wanted. Charles and Mr. Edwards are guided to Laura.

* Christmas at Plum Creek (original air date: December 25, 1974)
The Ingalls family is short on cash but long on ingenuity in celebrating Christmas at Plum Creek. Laura trades her horse (Bunny) to Mr. Oleson for a new stove for Ma Ingalls and her only regret is that her father spent too much time on a new saddle for Bunny (not knowing that Laura had already agreed to trade her).

* Doctor's Lady (original air date: January 15, 1975)
Doc Baker romances Mrs. Oleson's niece and contemplates marriage until he realizes that their age-gap is just too big. This is probably Doc Baker's only romance in the shows 10-year run.

* Family Quarrel (original air date: January 22, 1975)
The Olesons finally separate, and neither will budge an inch to patch up their differences until Caroline and Charles intervene to help patch things up.

* The Circus Man (original air date: January 29, 1975)
A traveling entertainer dispenses powders with "healing powers" and is asked to leave Walnut Grove due to his irresponsible message. Charles reluctantly asks him back for Laura's sake; and Laura learns a valuable lesson in honesty.

* Plague (original air date: February 5, 1975)
An epidemic of typhus breaks out in Walnut Grove. Charles, Doc Baker, and the Reverend Alden help care for the sick as they turn the town church into a hospice.

* Child of Pain (original air date: February 12, 1975)
An alcoholic farmer abuses his young son until the town of Walnut Grove intervene. Charles helps the father sober up while Caroline and the Ingalls girls invite the young son (Graham) into their home as their guest for a few weeks, while his father gets better.

* Money Crop (original air date: February 12, 1975)
Hope turns to anger when a young agronomist fails to return from Minneapolis with a promising new seed corn.

* Survival (original air date: February 26, 1975)
A U.S. marshal involves the family in his bigoted pursuit of a Sioux Chief. Charles helps save the life of the Chief after he is shot by the marshal while the entire family is holed up in a small shack waiting out a spring blizzard.

* To See the World (original air date: March 5, 1975)
Farm boy Johnny Johnson runs off to see the world and learns a valuable lesson from Mr. Edwards and Miss Mei Mei.

* Founder's Day (original air date: May 7, 1975)
An aging logger puts his pride on the line in the Founder's Day log-chopping contest. Charles learns that sometimes it is more important to have compassion than it is to win, and he lovingly passes that message on to Laura.

I am so happy I own this season on DVD. And, I plan on getting more of the "Little House On The Prairie" DVD box sets. Please know that the Season One box set does not include the original pilot movie of "Little House On The Prairie." That is sold separately. I suspect that is because the original pilot movie was not actually part of the first-run series but more of a movie as it did not ever appear in syndication. Speaking of syndication, I hope TBS will bring back "Little House On The Prairie." Until a couple of years ago it was shown twice daily. This is such a wonderful show for all generations. It is a classic!

Rating:
Summary: Can't get enough!!!
Review: I can not tell you how excited I am that Little house is out on DVD. I received the first season as a gift and now am so hooked I need to continue to purchase them on my own and not wait for a birthday or holiday!!!!
I grew up in Mankato MN so this show has always had a special place in my heart!
There are so many great values to be learned in each show!
The picture quality etc was great in Season 1 and I am not at all concerned about the rest--I will buy them no matter what!!!


Rating:
Summary: Little House on the Prairie fan
Review: Highly recommended series to introduce to young viewers. Wholesome family entertainment to be enjoyed by all. Once you start this compelling series you will have to have the lot - Season 7 being released in February 2005 with 8 & 9 to follow.
Before you watch Season 1 be sure to purchase The Pilot which does not appear on the Season 1 discs - see where the series began - it is essential viewing for all Little House on the Prairie fans. If you are having difficulty getting your child to read get them hooked on the TV series and they will beg you to purchase the series of books to read. Enjoy this wonderful show which is now restored to keep for future generations to watch.

Rating:
Summary: THE WHOLE TRUTH
Review: The first season of 'Little House on the Prairie' is a delight to me as I did not see it on its original run and it is interesting to see the formative year that would set the pattern for future episodes.

I will refrain from rattling on about the actors and the quality of the plots because we all know who they are and what the episodes were about. Instead I will just hint at whether I think this set is a good buy or not.

Some reviewers here on Amazon are reporting poor technical quality of the DVDs while others appear simply to be glad that the show is out and are not bothered by some of the problems highlighted.

By and large I found the picture quality of most of the episodes to be acceptable with sharp images and strong colors. "The Raccoon" is an exception. The mono sound is OK but the level is low and some episodes have a rumble. The programme looks just as it did on the UK's Channel 4 network in the early 1990's which suggests these DVD's are sourced from the same masters and therefore have not been re-mastered from the original negatives or interposites (the positive equivalent).

Whether you want to sit through the opening titles or not is your choice, I just object when the option is taken away from me. There is a tendency for some video distributors to want to only cater for the "let's fast forward through the credits" mentality and remove them. They can hardly do this and then claim on the packaging that the programmes are "complete and uncut". It could be said that this is a breach of trading standards. This matter has fortunately been corrected on the later sets following pressure from offended fans.

I am not too concerned about the lack of chapter selections or extras. However, the more there is contained in a box set, then the more attractive a package it is.







Rating:
Summary: Thank you for everyone who contributed to this series.
Review: Where to begin? Little House on the Prairie is either loved or hated. I'm often told I'm crazy for loving this show.
There are no CGI effects here. No Star Wars space monkeys. No ring to rule them all. Only our wonderful villagers living their lives and trying to do the best they know how.
As a child I never realized how beautiful Karen Grassle was and what a truly wonderful job she did playing a GREAT mother and a heaven sent wife. Michael Landon played his role so wonderfully that you believe he really is Pa Ingalls. Melissa Gilbert simply shines. Melissa Anderson and the Greenbush twins are wonderful.
Watch this show and dream of a time before lawsuits were a respectful alternative to taking personal responisiblity. Watch this show and dream of a time when you could jump on a moving train and as long as you paid your ticket no one cared. Watch this show and feel the warmth of a clean, European American town with values so strong and healthy that the biggest problem is Naughty Nelly Olesen. (Hey, if an annoying girl is your biggest problem then you have no problems) A town where they have nothing compared to our standards but have everything that is needed and more.
I really can't say enough about Little House and the Prarie and it is so unfortunate that I don't know a single person who even likes this show, nevermind loving it so dearly as I do where the characters and the place are as real to me as the sky and earth.
As you probably know, this show was based on a series of children's books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I've recently started reading them and think they are an excellent addition to watching the episodes. Rather than merely getting caught up in the situations and problems they also take you on a virtual tour of the mundane aspects of living in the Big Woods to Walnut Grove. Some may role their eyes over this, but others may see these little mundane situations in light of how they connect to the very essence of living a life of love and family.
While there are a few DVD glitches here and there, nothing really severe. All episodes are present, with the exception of the pilot and brief actor and actress profiles. The pilot can be purchased seperately on amazon. I would have loved to have interviews with the cast and maybe even some background footage. But then again, the only way I would be REALLY happy is if I could move to Walnut Grove and start my own family there.

Again, a truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made Little House on the Prairie espescially the real Laura Ingalls Wilder for allowing us to take a brief glimps into her world.

Rating:
Summary: Great family entertainment!!!
Review: Our family loves the shows. We have seen the first three seasons and are watching season 4. Not that we are experts, but none of us have noticed any problems with the cinematography as previously mentioned. It is great to see the example of a family that is NOT disfunctional -- it is something we need more of. I find these shows vastly superior to the majority of shows currently on TV and I highly recommend them.

Rating:
Summary: 5 stars for the story, not the production
Review: This was the best purchace I have made in a long time. My children 6 and 8 years old are always excited about watching the next episode. I forgot how great this series was. It is fun to watch it with them and see them often on the edge of their seats screaming "hurry, hurry" or "don't do it Laura!"

Adventure, comedy, tragedy, friends, enimies, morals, conflicts, teamwork, family, trust, truth, lies.

The picture quality is not great but not that bad for a 1970s TV series. We have not got to season 4 yet and I hear that one is bad.

The only down side is that my daughter keeps whistling the theme song. Last weekend she did it all day long.

Forget about digital quality, HiDef, surround sound, and "DVD extras" and watch some great drama.


Rating:
Summary: happy to have family entertainment
Review: Love it, and am happy to pass on these wonderful shows to my kids. Ahh the joys of not having cable TV...you get to choose what your children see! And LHOTP is happy for all!

Rating:
Summary: little house a childhood favorite
Review: i was a young girl when little house on the prarie came on t.v. i grew up about the same age as melissa gilbert. it came on every monday night. my family time memory was my mother buying a bag a dorito patato chips and a bottle of pepsi and she would split the chips and the single bottle of pop with each of us three girls. we sat on the floor and never missed an episode. as i grew up, i started taping them on vhs so i could watch them whenever i wanted for the fear that someday they would take it off the air. now i am very pleased with the fact that i can buy the series on dvd. i have all 4 so far that are out and will continue buying them all. i really hope to see the seasons continue. my favorite episodes are the ones when dean butler joins the show. thanks for great memories little house on the prarie.