Reviews (2)

"Nothing Ugly About Him; He's Just...Different"
So says a female member of a youth gang that has kidnapped Vincent. Vincent has been badly-injured in an explosion and, now chained, is being cruelly taunted and tortured by the gang. Vincent manages to make his escape, killing one of the gang members in the process. Suffering from badly-blurred vision and other injuries, he must try to find his way to safety Below, all the while being sought by the youth gang who are now seeking revenge against him. As bad as his plight is, one can envy him one thing: there is a woman desperately seeking him, seeking to help him, ready to lay her life down for him. Her name...is Catherine.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "No Way Down" finished 34th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "No Way Down" 26th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes.

Moving, emotionally charged
Vincint is captured by a ruthless gang after following Catherine to an explosive witness meeting. The episode tells of Vincint painful search for a way back to his home after escaping the gang. It is slightly violent, but has some touching moments. If you like emotionally charged shows then this is for you. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best show ever (first guy to laugh get's decked)
At a time when full season DVD's are coming out for shows as long lost as MASH and as unasked for as OZ there has to be a market for a full season DVD for Party of Five. Party of Five, in case you missed it, was about the orphaned Salinger clan, and all the various bruising they took out of life. The Wedding is from the first season, and it centers around Charlie who is about to marry Kirsten. Charlie being a man of a suspect reputation gets cold feet and the episode starts to revolve around whether or not he'll go through with taking his vows. The show also offers comedic relief as Julia (Neve Campbell) and her estranged boyfriend Justin get a little drunk off the reception's champagne and commence in one of the more unromantic scenerios one takes part in when losing their virginity. The sad thing is The Wedding is just a small token of everything Party of Five offered as a show. It was probably the best family drama ever produced as their struggles with relatively familar themes come off as real struggles. As opposed the way trite family dramas (See Providence, 7th Heaven, and anything regarded as a 'family' show on ABC) treat similar themes as a way to relay a rather sugar sweetened message with the biggest fireworks coming during sweeps month. Why should only sci-fi nerds get full season treats with items like the X-Files, Star Trek, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Why do we have to be subjected to HBO dishing full season DVD's of every show on their schedule? If their's a full season of Arliss available before Party of Five, I'm raising hell.

Superb
This was one of the best Party of Five episodes ever. It was a very well-written script and very well-acted. It had laughs and sorrow. One of the best one hour shows you'll ever see.

Excellent
It's one of the best Party of five espisodes. Everything was good: the actors, the script, the dialogues, the scenes...everything. it's really a luxury to have a tv episode like this. Nothing more to say: the best of the best

boring
i thought this movie was made very badly. the actors and actresses did a great job but the script was week ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Romantic!
Probably the most romantic series - or movie - I've ever seen! The spin it puts on the "Beauty and the Beast" scenerio points out what is truly important in a relationship. A second aspect of the series is that I find it also fuels the imagination for what might really be going on in the great cities' underground subway systems. You never know.....

"I'm Not One of the Bad Guys, Cathy"
So says Elliot Burch to Catherine Chandler, a woman who has made it clear that she wants nothing to do with him. Before long Vincent and Father become trapped when a section of the tunnels caves in, and Catherne finds herself in the awkward position of begging for help from a man she has previously judged unfit for her company. She needs equipment from Elliot (no questions asked) in order to have hope of excavating Vincent and Father from the cave-in. The episode has some sharply-written dialogue between Vincent and Father as they endure their difficult circumstances in the best humor possible. The interaction between Catherine and Elliot is also well-done, and there is a memorable ending between Vincent and Catherine.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Shades of Grey" finished 6th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Shades of Grey" 17th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not bad but spanish gold in New York?
the show wasn't bad, but they made a serious mistake spanish gold in new york? I thought that was in florida?

are they trying to tell us something?

I have a group on this show if your interested mail me!

Episode is Less Than a Treasure
The Tunnel Dwellers find a priceless buried treasure and begin to bicker over what to do with the contents. One Tunnel Dweller becomes consumed with greed and resorts to violence to get what he wants. You've seen this type of thing before, and this episode breathes no new life into the story. It never really rises above the level of cliche.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Fever" finished 41st out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Fever" 43rd in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the 44 episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Last good show in the series.
One of the Best Episode of the series. It's a heat felt tear jerker that Pretty much defines the essence of this Once Great series. The reason I say once is because pretty much after this episode; the show literally goes down the drain. The quality that had made this show is replaced with sensationalism and exploitation. Going as far as to degrade woman, abuse victims, and homosexuals all for the sake of ratings. Even the actors spoke out on how bad the show had gotten, and could not waited to leave the show. Do yourself a favor, and remember this show for what it was, not for what it had became. Pick up this video, and relive the real Party Of Five, Not the Party of Five The writers and producers had sold out for the sake of ratings

I LOVE PARTY OF FIVE
This is the quientsencial Party of Five Vide

This is one of the best.
This is a great Party of Five episode Not better then Intervention or The Wedding but great in its own way great acting from Neve Campbell and the rest of the cast and most of all Lacey Chabert. so If you the Wonder Years type of Show you Should buy this video ... Read more

Reviews (10)

An Enthousiastic Glimpse Of What's Yet To Come!
To the newer fans who can't remember Cordelia as popular, Giles as a librarian or the wrath of the Master, this video of the first two episodes of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" offers an enthousiastic glimpse of what's yet to come.

Buffy has already been slaying vampires for some time as "Welcome to the Hellmouth" begins and, after adults perceive her actions as part of a violent attitude, she moves to Sunnydale to start her life over. Despite Buffy's determination to retire from slaying, the new watcher Giles convinces her of Sunnydale's proxmity to the Hellmouth and the importance of fighting the Master. After the story background has been introduced and Willow, Xander and Buffy become friends, "The Harvest" illustrates the newfound importance of their fighting team against the forces of evil. Also, the story introduces Buffy's mother, Joyce, and her first meeting with the mysterious Angel.

Don't miss the interview with creator Joss Whedon just before the episodes air (I recommend watching them after you see both shows). This is a wonderful introduction to establish Buffy's reasons for slaying and the foundation of the soon-to-be Scooby gang!

Buffy Rocks As Always
I have been a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer since about the middle of first season. I did not get to see how she arrived in Sunnydale or how she befriended Xander and Willow. Also the introduction to Angel was a sight to behold as well. "She is the Slayer..." as Giles put it and this video proves it so. I'm glad these shows have been put to videotape for all to relive and enjoy the series. I plan to collect all of them!!

I Bought the Complete First Season on DVD!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an outstanding show and a mix of Fantasty, Horror, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, and Action and Adventure! Welcome to The Hellmouth is the first episode of season 1 and shows Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) on her first day at Sunnydale High after moving from Los Angeles with her Mom after being kicked out of her old high school. She is hoping to start over and to give up being the Slayer but the school librarian Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) turns out to be her new Watcher and he must convince her that she needs to fight the forces of evil in Sunnydale which is sitting on the Hellmouth. On her first day she meets Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) who is the most popular girl in school and she also meets Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) who is a shy wallflower type constantly being made fun of by Cordelia and her friends and when Buffy sees the way Cordelia treats Willow and Xander she decides she would rather be friends with them then become one of the popular girls by hanging out with Cordelia. Willow and Xander soon discover that their new friend is a slayer of vampires and other demons and decide that they want to help. The big bad of this season is a Vampire called The Master who is played by Mark Metcalf who some older Buffy fans may remember as playing Nedemeyer (SP?) from Animal House. We are also introduced to Darla (Julie Benz) and the mysterious Angel (David Boreanaz). The Harvest is the second part of Welcome to the Hellmouth in which Buffy with the help of her watcher and friends must stop the Master's gang of vampires from completing ritual sacrifices that will restore the Master from the underground. I highly recommend these episodes. I don't have the videos but opted instead to buy the boxset that has the complete first season on DVD!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Beginning, Take 2
In "Welcome to the Hellmouth" Buffy Summers moves to Sunnydale in the wake of that unfortunate incident where the gym burned down (an allusion to the climax of the film version, which you certainly do not need to see to appreciate these episodes). She yearns for a normal life, but suddenly she is confronted with a new Watcher, a mysterious dark stranger named Angel, and the little known fact that Sunnydale is located on the Hellmouth, a demon portal of the first order. At the present time the big bad in town is the Master, a vampire lord trapped below and waiting for his time to rise up, kill the Slayer, destroy the human race, etc. However, the most important element for redefining Whedon's vision is the creation of the Scooby Gang of Willow, Xander and (later) Cordelia. The master metaphor here is that High School is Hell, and it is the Scoobies that help bring that out the most and gives the Buffy storyline added depth.

"The Harvest" picks up right where Part One left off, with Buffy about to get the bite from Luke, the Master's right hand vamp. The title refers to a rather special night where the Master selects a vessel who will go out and feed upon the Sunnydale night life with all that power being transferred to the big bad guy trapped down below. The mystery of Angel is played out a bit more, but the most important thing is that this is merely round one in what would prove to be a season long battle between the Slayer and the Master.

Joss Whedon did not like the campy twist his script was given in the theatrical version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and this two-part pilot episode for the television series reaffirms the correctness of his original twist on the girl who beats up the monsters that attack her in the dark alleyway. For those of you who love this television series from the start or are going back to find out how all the merriment began, this is definitely your starting point. It provides a solid foundation for the series and holds up extremely well, better than most pilot episodes do several years down the road.

Better than most movies.
This is where the television series began and picks up more or less
where the movie left off. You can start here, you don't need to have
seen the original movie. All you need to know is that Buffy is the
current slayer and that a slayer is someone given special superhuman
powers that enables them to fight the supernatural in all their
forms.

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) has been brought from her old
school (in the movie) to the town of Sunnydale by her mother for a new
start, unfortunately it turns out that as luck (or design would have
it), Sunnydale is built on a gate to hell called the Hellmouth. This
sets the premise for the show, in that frequently various monsters are
attracted to the presence of the Hellmouth and cause all kinds of
mayhem each week.

This tape is the first two episodes of the first
series. It introduces and brings the major characters together for the
first time: Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), Buffy's new watcher
and doubling (as cover) as the school librarian, Xander (Nicholas
Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan), two of the people so far on the
outer of the in crowd they might as well be in another solar system
and Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), very much part of the in crowd and
someone that the rest of the group continually cross swords
with.

This two part opener is fairly straightforward, it introduces
the Season 1 villain, The Master (Mark Metcalf) who is trapped
underground....
...his henchmen led by Luke (Brian Thompson - best known as the
shapeshifting alien bounty hunter from the X-Files) and Darla (Julie
Benz)...

This
is a great start to the television series and it is amazing how the
actors have portrayed their characters so well from the very first
episode. It also sets the tone of the show, in that not only is there
frequent battles with monsters but also having to deal with high
school, classes, the principal and people who just don't like you
because you're not in the 'in crowd' at the same time.

This tape is
a great introduction to the show and makes a great gift to introduce
the show to anyone who hasn't seen it before, with a great mix of
humour and action. ....

Anyway, as I said these two episodes are better than most
movies made and chances are if you like this sort of thing, you will
especially like this. Hopefully, you will also want to keep following
the show as it is also actually one of the most skillfully written and
insightful shows around at the moment as well.

Highly recommended.






... Read more

Reviews (21)

THe best video in the pack
These two episdoes are the best in the pack. First you got Angel which is the episode when Buffy learns the truth about Angel and when they share there first kiss. Then you have the puppet show. Even though many people don't like it I think it's one of the greatest epsidoes in the video pack. A horrible murder happens at the school talent show and Buffy suspects that sid, a wodden dummy is the killer.

Out of all the Buffy movies this is the Must Have video!
I have all three Buffy The Vampire Slayer videos and all are great. In "Angel" and "The puppet show" it is full of comedy, and drama. Sarah Michelle Geller and David Boreanaz are wonderful together. This is a must have video!

Angel-The Puppet Show
The VDO is good i like the angel episode:D...the puppet show wz ok but the VDO is worth it 4 just the Angel episode:D

Buffy learns the truth about Angel (and about Sid the dummy)
This third and final tape in the collection of episodes from the first season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" presents "Angel," one of the pivotal episodes, along with a rather pedestrian effort "The Puppet Show." What this means of course is that like most aficionados of Buffy I am stunned that the set concludes with "The Puppet Show" instead of the pivotal "Prophecy Girl" which wrapped up the whole story arc regarding the Master. Fortunately, Joss Whedon has been more selective in his collections for seasons two and three.

"Angel," written by David Greenwalt, really completes the initial set up for the series as Buffy learns that the mysterious man in her life is not only a vampire, but also a vampire with a soul. What a difference a kiss can make. This is where the ascent to the epic heights of "Becoming," which ended the second season, really begins as Buffy and Angel are established as two of the most star-crossed lovers in history. After the shattering revelation in "Angel," the adventure of Sid the talking dummy in "The Puppet Show," written by Dean Batali & Rob Des Hotel, is something of a let down, although the tag sequence of Buffy, Willow and Xander butchering "Oedipus Rex" is truly memorable. But when it comes to significant episodes in the Buffy mythos, "Angel" is definitely on the short list.

The Buffy episode of "Angel" is a keeper, but "Puppet Show"?
"Angel" is a very pivotal episode from the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer when Buffy discovers her boyfriend is a vampire with a soul, but "The Puppet Show" is a below average one, although the tag sequence is a hoot. Why you would want just this tape instead of the entire boxed set is beyond me. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Paracelsus sends Vincent on an Unexpected "Trip"
The tunnel dwellers find themselves in a dilemna as the producer of a dangerous recreational drug responsible for many deaths Above turns out be a man (called Paracelsus) whom they exiled many years ago. How can they stop Paracelsus without taking the risk that he will expose the existence of the tunnel society to the authorities Above? Vincent takes this task upon himself, but he finds Paracelsus to be a formidable foe. There is some good drama here, and this is the episode that introduces us to the enigmatic Paracelsus.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "The Alchemist" finished 24th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "The Alchemist" 27th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

Description

Volume 3 features the episodes "Becoming, Part 1" and "Becoming, Part 2." ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A heart-wrenching, incredible set of episodes
"Becoming," parts 1 and 2, are two of the most intense episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Ending the show's second season, the episodes wrapped up a lot of story lines that had been building in the seasons before, and also created a beginning for storylines to come. Part 1 of "Becoming" focuses on Angel's past, showing how he became a vampire, how he made Drusilla a vampire, and how his soul was returned to him. Fastforward to 1996: Angel is living on the streets, near starvation, when he is found by a good demon named Whistler, who takes Angel to Los Angeles to see a pre-slayer Buffy. Part 2 returns to the present, where Buffy must make some life-and-death decisions. I won't give anything away, but the last 5 minutes of the episode are perhaps the saddest, most intense 5 minutes in Buffy history. If this episode doesn't bring tears to your eyes, nothing will. Superb performance by the entire cast in one--okay two--incredible episodes. Every Buffy should fan should have the Becoming episodes on tape.

Probably the best 'Buffy' episodes ever
With 100 episodes already aired and the new series currently being broadcast, this TV show has only gone from strength to strength. But whatever you think about the later series, there's no denying that 'Becoming' parts 1 and 2 make for fantastic watching. Here we see in full evidence what Joss Whedon managed to create: a show that seems to be aimed at teens but actually has a lot more to it, a gothic-fantasy-comi-tragedy masterpiece.

In this episode Angelus plans the end of the world when he finds the tomb of the demon Acathla. Buffy has to keep her romantic feelings for the vicious killer under wraps and stop him before Acathla can destroy the world. Sounds silly doesn't it? Well, what most people don't realise is the genius of 'Buffy'. It uses overexaggeration to demonstrate the true trauma of adolescense, a horror unto itself. Here it literally is the end of the world when Buffy's boyfriend doesn't want her anymore. He changes, only literally.

Among this we also get a fantastic fight between Buffy and Xander, Kendra's return and some dramatic outbursts. There are some fantastic scenes, such as when Buffy's mother finds out about her 'identity'. We get mom on the side asking her daughter if she's 'tried not being a slayer' and the mutual frustration at loving one another but quite understanding each other. Then there's the end, which will blow the audience away. The acting from all concerned (but particularly Gellar and Boreanaz) is excellent, as we are led to a tragic conclusion. Sarah McLachlan's 'Full Of Grace' perfectly fits the end.

All in all, a real winner.

2 of the Best Buffy Episodes Ever!
This tape contains two episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": the season 2 two-part finale "Becoming, Parts 1 and 2." Buffy's former boyfriend Angel, a vampire, is plotting the end of the world and Buffy must stop him. He's trying to revive a centuries-old demon named Acathla, who will suck the entire world into Hell. To stop him, Buffy must form some alliances with a new demon in town named Whistler and vampire nemesis Spike, who wants his girlfriend back. This is one of the best TV cliffhangers ever, and "Becoming, Part 2" is consistently rated as one of the top episodes by fans. If you're a Buffy fan, this is a must have video.

Get out your box of Kleenex
This is the only T.V. show that has ever made me cry. I mean, more even than Titanic. From the very beginning of the Trilogy, you can feel Buffy's pain and broken heart, and yet also feel her determination to be strong in spite of it. Even though it's a bit extreme, it ultimately parallels very real situations one can find oneself in after a relationship turns sour. When the person you thought you knew suddenly shows an ugly side you've never seen before. This is one of the most poignant storylines I've ever seen.

"Becoming": The tragic culmination of Buffy & Angel's Love
Let me start off with a simple declaration: "BECOMING, PART 2," IS ONE OF THE TEN BEST TELEVISION EPISODES I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

Both parts are written and directed by Joss Whedon, who finally received an Emmy nomination for writing this past year because of the changes in who gets to vote on such things. While we would expect more such nominations for him in the future, this is the apex of Whedon's work on this series. "Becoming, Part 1" sets up the whole experience with Angel's plan to resurrect the demon Acathla and includes several pivotal flashbacks in Angel's life: being turned into a vampire by Darla, being cursed by the Romany people, and coming to L.A. to see Buffy learn she is the Slayer. The episode ends with Drusilla's attack on the library where Kendra is killed, Willow and Xander badly hurt and Giles kidnapped. The "to be continued" part comes as the police discover Buffy over Kendra's body.

In addition to the stunning climax, "Becoming, Part 2" includes other key moments in the series: Joyce learning her daughter is the slayer, with a hysterical brief conversation between a stunned Joyce and a nervous Spike in the Summers living room; Angel tortures Giles, who finally breaks when Drusilla creates the illusion of Jenny Calendar in his mind, a scene which shows that brutality can be psychological as well as physical; and Willow's possession at the key moment during the spell to restore Angel's soul. Tragically, it is too late. Angelus has opened up the portal to hell and the only thing that will stop the end of the world as we know it is the death of the person who pulled out the sword, forcing Buffy to do the unthinkable.

I watch a LOT of television and I have taught Television Criticism courses for a couple of decades and in my "professional" opinion Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the best show on television today. I have described it as operatic and that term best applies to this culmination of the Buffy and Angel/Angelus plot line. The last act of this episode is a dramatic culmination of all that has come before, contains the best fight sequence (with swords) in a show that prides itself on innovative staging of its fights, and is an ultimately emotionally shattering experience captured beautifully by Sarah Michelle Gellar's slow dissolve into tears while the haunting Sarah McLachlan song "Full of Grace" is played. Joss Whedon had set this moment up from the first episode of the series. It is a payoff usually reserved for the final episode of a series and not simply the end of the second season. "Becoming" is truly an astounding accomplishment in the history of dramatic television. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The third season of Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer was marked by the arrival in Sunnydale of renegade slayer Faith (Eliza Dushku), a moody loner who seemed to like her calling just a little bit too much--she definitely got a certain pleasure out of staking vamps that went beyond mere job satisfaction. While Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was always wary of Faith, the two developed a deep friendship and appreciative rapport--that is, until the evil mayor of Sunnydale (Harry Groener) tapped into Faith's dark side and lured her into his plot to take over the world, first as a double agent spying on Buffy, then as out-and-out nemesis. And as the mayor's ascension approached--which happened to fall on Sunnydale High's graduation day--Buffy and Faith's battles got nastier and nastier, as Buffy attempted to wrestle with her dark side (literally and figuratively), save the world and her friends, and keep her lover Angel (David Boreanaz) out of Faith's evil clutches. "Bad Girls" shows Buffy and Faith at their closest, going on a demon-killing rampage--until Faith accidentally kills a human being, and shows little regret for doing so. "Consequences" deals with the, well, consequences of the accidental murder, and also brings Buffy face-to-face with the mayor's evil plans for Sunnydale. Up until this point, Buffy and Faith had come to a somewhat wary understanding of each's personality; these two episodes show the deterioration of their friendship into something more deadly. "Bad Girls" also showcases the arrival of Faith's watcher, Wesley (Alexis Denisof), now of Angel fame. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great, but wait for the DVDs
These are two great episodes from season three and set up what proves to be an explosive story arc showcasing Faith - who is what Buffy could have been without the support of friends and family.

However, DON'T buy it. Season two DVDs are going to be released in the US come June 2002 and the wait will be well worth it. See the episodes in the context of the entire season. Sure, you'll know what's going on if you buy this video, but the previous episodes help show just how Faith came to have such a chip on her shoulder when it came to Buffy and the Scoobs.

Good vs evil has never been so compelling
Where to begin? The series has often been scoffed at for its title, but here 'Buffy' is again proving itself to be one of the most intelligent, thought-provoking and emotional pieces of dramatic work on television. In the two episodes here we see Buffy's forays into the darker side of her nature, the Slayer side of her nature that was to become a bigger feature later on. Faith's always been a bit of an outsider, someone who refuses to let herself be constrained by society's rules. She's exciting and before long is tempting Buffy away from her friends.

Basically what we have here is the allure of evil. In this episode it's not a demon or a vampire but herself that Buffy is fighting. The scenes at the end show that the dark that is so evident in Faith is also right there in Buffy. Not only is Buffy seen to come off the rails a little but is also given a glimpse at Faith's life, the fact that evil may be attractive but what does it lead to? The series steered away from conventiality here by suggesting that Buffy isn't the perfect girl after all, she's not the goody-two-shoes that she might seem. Unlike any other series before it, 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' has human characters, ones that change and grow as time passes. Whilst obviously having links to a teenager getting in with a 'bad crowd', this also a forbidding tone by suggesting that the Slayer's power is rooted in darkness, that evil needs to be fought to rid yourself of the image of what could be you.

Besides all the drama though, there is a nice touch of humanity in all this. The audience is made to feel sympathetic towards Faith, a character that is dangerously close to the edge. In creating a fantasy show that not only embraces various genres - comedy, drama, tragedy - but also imbues itself with a realistically human feel to it, 'Buffy' beats other shows hands down. This two-parter is yet more evidence of this, containing every element of a TV show that anyone could ever want.

Faith becomes a Rogue Slayer and joins with the Mayor
This pair of episodes from the third season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer constitute the beginning of the story arc focusing on Faith becoming a Rogue Slayer and allying herself with the Mayor and his Ascension. In "Bad Girls" the Mayor's minions are seeking an amulet of invincibility while Faith's attitude about slaying rubs off on Buffy. After a night of dancing together at the Bronze the two Slayers are caught in a robbery and Faith stakes a mortal, Deputy Mayor Finch, thinking he was a vamp. The episode ends with a chilling scene in which Buffy confronts Faith for having killed a living being only to have the unrepentant Slayer declare, "I don't care." The story continues in "Consequences," when the Mayor sends the police after whichever Slayer killed his assistant. Faith continues her blind run towards the edge, blaming Buffy for what happened. The first episode is written by Douglas Petrie, who was also responsible for "Revelations" and "Enemies" from Season 3, while Marti Noxon who is second only to Whedon in penning Buffy episodes wrote the other as well as that year's Vamp Willow duo of "The Wish" and "Dopplegangland". Whether you know the outcome of the tale or not, either way Eliza Dushku's portrait of Faith's descent into psychosis is gripping. Buffy and the Scooby Gang are just along for the ride at this point. As always, you have to wish there was more commentary from Joss Whedon on the story behind the episodes, but these are certainly memorable episodes from the series.

Faith turns to the Dark Side
Faith was always an edgy character from the moment she was introduced on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In "Bad Girls" she takes the first step over the edge and in "Consequences" she actually joins the forces of evil in Sunnydale by allying with the Mayor. However, the most memorable sequence on this entire tape is when Buffy and Faith are dancing together at the Bronze in "Bad Girls." That alone is worth purchasing this tape. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

I Have the Complete First Season on DVD!
This tape has two very good eposodes from the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The episode Witch is one of my favorite season one Buffy episodes in which Buffy wanting to have something that will give her the feeling of having a normal teen life tries out for the cheerleading team but after strange events like a cheerleader bursting into flames, etc, Buffy, Giles, Xander and Willow discover that someone is using witchcraft to become a cheerleader and the #1 suspect is Willow's friend Amy Madison who's mother was once the best cheerleader that Sunnydale High ever had but while her mother was the best Amy is very uncoordinated and not good at cheerleading! Another favorite season one episode is Never Kill A Boy on a First Date in which Buffy attempting to have a normal teenage social life agrees to go on a date with Owen a schoolmate who is into poetry but of course vampires put a crimp in her plans. I like this show and this season so much that I bought the complete first season on DVD!

Gothic fantasy at its best
Looking back at the earliest 'Buffy' episodes, it's always hard not to get at least a little bit nostalgic. These two episodes are stand-alone ones, not really anything to do with the main story arc. That doesn't mean to say that they're not wonderful fun though. In a way, it's these episodes just as much as the big ones that make it. In these earlier years, the show was new and exciting. It's blend of action with drama and comedy made it a slow but undeniable hit with British and American audiences.

'Witch' sees the introduction of Amy Madison, who was later to feature prominently in episodes such as 'Bewitched, Bewildered and Beautiful' and 'Gingerbread'. The supernatural intrigue story may seem old but it's the way it's told which makes 'Buffy' such a winner. There's pop culture references which punctuate the punchy dialogue and some hilarious comedy made from Buffy's formidable strength as she throws one cheerleader across the room whilst trying out a new routine.

In 'Never Kill A Boy On The First Date', the audience gets to meet shy quiet Owen who has a penchant for Emily Dickinson and Buffy. Here a nightmare date brings a whole new quality to it, with the night ending at the Sunnydale Funeral Home.

It's strange looking back because we know what's to come for the characters that we have grown to love. We know the fates of Angel, Joyce and Buffy. We know that shy retiring Willow becomes something else entirely. In this the show has really broken all expectations. It's managed to give its characters dimension without it appearing ludicrous. Looking back only goes to show how much they've changed in not only a realistic but also a touching way.

A great must have for any BTVS fan.
With the DVD of Season 1 out, this is a true collector's item.
Treasure it, it's going to be worth a lot.

Buffy Lover I am
I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction into the Buffyverse especially since I did not start watching the show until well into its third season. It was great fun seeing the characters interact and get to know each other as they battled the creatures of the dark. With this video I get to track the development of the Slayer, the Scooby gang, and everyone's favorite Watcher/Librarian, Giles. Can't wait to get my hands on another boxed set.

You Gotta' Love It!!!!!
I have always loved Buffy, since her first dusting, to the tragic events of Joyce Summers. This is a pair of my favorite episodes, the only others are "Hush" and "Prophecy Girl" Buy it!!!! you'll love it, trust me on this one! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"We Can't Let Them Hurt the Helpless Ones"
So says Vincent to Catherine as he enlists her aid in rescuing children from an abusive foster home. Vincent and Catherine work as a team in this one and triumph over the bad guys (as you might expect). I think it works pretty well (contrary to the producers of the series, who reportedly thought this episode among the weakest). There are some nice moments between Vincent and Catherine here, and a little more comic relief than is usual for this series.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "A Children's Story" finished 31st out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "A Children's Story" 25th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Will Catherine Ever See "That Heavenly Face" Again?
Catherine gets a job offer in Providence, Rhode Island that would make for a spectacular career advancement. She is reluctant to take it because it would mean leaving New York and moving away from Vincent. She consults him on the matter. Though Vincent can scarcely bear the thought of her moving away, he knows that he is all that is standing between Catherine and the job opportunity. He is too noble and self-sacrificing to allow himself to stand between Catherine and ANYTHING that might be good for her, so he lies through his fangs and tells her that the best thing for BOTH OF THEM is for her to go to Providence and fulfill her potential (though, of course, it will only make both of them miserable). But he talks her into it. Afterwards, deeply distressed, he walks out of the tunnels without, perhaps, taking his usual care in concealing his identity. He is captured by a scientist. The scientist studies him as one might a lab animal and plans to unveil him to the world as a great discovery (I will note here that parts of the episode don't hold up to strict standards of plausibility). Catherine eventually manages to track him down and assist Vincent to freedom. The final scene is one of the most powerfully-moving in the entire series. In it Catherine leaves no doubt as to who her "heart's best treasure" is, or whose "heavenly face" she feared she would never see again. There will be no more talk of moving away from New York for a job offer.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Nor Iron Bars a Cage" finished 18th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Nor Iron Bars a Cage" 11th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes.

Heartbreaking and warm ending.
A once in a lifetime opportunity brings Catherine's life to a heartbreaking decision. Faced with the possibility of loosing Catherine, Vincent falls victim of despair. I liked the episode because it shows the depth of Vincent's love and the dangers he faces upon venturing Above. It also brings Father to face the truth about the love Vincent and Catherine share and his opposition to it. Great shot of Vincent's eyes! Heartwrenching begining but heartwarming ending.

Captured and caged like an animal, Vincent prepares to die.
When Catherine accepts a transfer to Providence, RI, Vincent tries to be happy for her sake, yet he's emotionally ravaged. In a moment when he's less than cautious, he's trapped above, caged, and experimented on like an animal. With Catherine's help, he's freed, and she finally admits to herself she cannot leave him - ever, because she loves him more than her own life. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Elliot and Catherine, Together Forever?
Elliot Burch, eligible young real estate tycoon and Catherine's once and would-be boyfriend, is erecting what would be the world's tallest building. The laying of the foundation for the building threatens the very existence of the tunnel community. An anguished Catherine thinks she has a plan for stopping Burch's tower, but only at the cost of heartbreak for both Vincent and her. This intense drama builds to a harrowing emotional climax. The conclusion, making great use of the Shelley poem from which the episode derives its title, ENLARGES the story and elevates Elliot from an interesting character to a tragic figure.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Ozymandias" finished 8th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Ozymandias" 8th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes.

One of the series' best
When Vincent's world is threatened by the building of a gigantic skyscraper, Catherine must intervene to save it. This is one of the finest episodes this wonderful series ever produced, combining all the elements that fans of the show love: heart-wrenching drama, suspense, a tried-and-true nemesis, gripping romance, and the beautiful poetry-reading of Ron Perlman. His rendition of the title poem is the icing on the cake. Simply stunning. If you like this show, this is a must-see! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Murder Witness is in Danger of Becoming a Murder Victim
A young woman of the tunnels named Laura (who happens to be deaf) witnesses a murder when she ventures above ground. Vincent enlists Catherine's aid in helping Laura report to the authorities Above. But the murderer has other ideas for Laura. This is fairly routine television for the most part, but there are some nice moments between Vincent and Laura.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "An Impossible Silence" finished 28th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "An Impossible Silence" 32nd in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The "Beast" emerges!
When Vincent's old friend returns with a vengence he gets caught up in an investigation pursued by Catherine. Despite Vincent's warning, Catherine continues the risky case only to be shot by Vincent's enemy. This results in a harsh Vincent, but a sweet ending. Best Quote: "If you die, so do I."

"A Life Without You Would be Unbearable"
So says Vincent to Catherine as he frets over her safety after she takes on a case that involves organized crime. The episode has some virtues. There are some nice moments between Vincent and Catherine, and the villain is a little more interesting than most, owing to the fact that he has boyhood ties to Vincent. But it is not one of the more plausible episodes. In one particularly ludicrous moment, Vincent abandons a bleeding and unconscious Catherine (who has been shot!) on the steps outside a hospital so he can pursue vengeance on those who shot her. Wouldn't the top priority be getting medical care for Catherine? I would think that getting her medical attention would be more important than concealing his identity, even, if it came to that. How long might she lie out there unattended? Of course (as luck would have it!) a medical person saunters out of the hospital right after Vincent leaves and immediately takes responsibility for the situation.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "The Beast Within" finished 38th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "The Beast Within" 38th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes.

Great! Catherine investigates a most dangerous case!!!
Catherine investigates a dangerous case, and Vincent is apprehensive of her doing this task because he knows what dangers might lie ahead for Catherine. This video will definitely keep you on your toes for one action packed hour of suspense. Enjoy! I loved the movie/episode, a must for any LH fan or B&B fan! ... Read more

Description

Volume 2 features the episodes "Old Passion" and "I Only Have Eyes for You." ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Giles and Buffy have to deal with the evil that is Angelus
This tape offers up a pair of emotional episodes from the second season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." In "Passions" Angelus provides Giles and the rest of the gang with chilling proof of why he was the most vicious vampire of his day. Even after Angelus' shocking murder of Jenny there are two unforgettable scenes: the first when Giles comes home and finds Jenny's corpse in his bed and the second when Buffy confronts the grief stricken Giles. Then in "I Only Have Eyes For You" we get to see how good former Emmy Award winner Sarah Michelle Gellar and relative neophyte David Boreanaz are as actors. Buffy and Angelus are possessed by the restless ghosts of a male student and the female teacher he loved. But the twist is that the genders flip when the unhappy lovers take possession of Buffy and Angel. One of the best acting moments in the entire series, all setting the stage for the shattering two-part finale of "Becoming."

`Passion' & `I Only Have Eyes for You'
Passion is one of the best Buffy episodes I have seen. It starts with a voice over from Angelus which manages to capture both the passion of his feelings for Buffy, whether it be hatred from Angelus, or love from Angel, and the menace which builds throughout the episode to the shocking method Angelus uses to ensure he stays without a soul. In addition, the episode has an angle of vuyeuristim which adds to the menace of the whole episode. Angel has always had a tendancy to be laconic, with the result this episode gives a greater insight into the way he feels for Buffy and the way he thinks than anything we have seen or heard from him before.

The events in `Passion' and the emotional backlash they cause, make the story of the teacher and schoolboy lovers in `I Only Have Eyes for You' far more poignant than they would have been as a stand alone episode. The Buffy/Angel story mirrors the teacher/schoolboy love affair, and the role reversal with Buffy taking the role of the boy and Angel as the female teacher is an interesting twist. The whole episode is beautifully acted right through to the end when Buffy realises she can forgive and move on, and the revulsion Angelus feels over the emotions for Buffy the possession stirred within him.

These are two wonderful episodes, superbly written and beautifully acted.

Buffy & Angelus in "Passion" and "I Only Have Eyes for You"
Of the three tapes in this boxed set from the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this is certainly the weakest of the three, but that is only because Volume 1 offers the "Surprise" and "Innocence" episodes where Angel turns into Angelus after making love to Buffy and Volume 3 offers the two-parter "Becoming" finale. Given that this particular collection specifically focuses on the Buffy-Angel relationship rather than being simply the best episodes from that second season, the pair of episodes on this tape are the perfect choices.

Of the six other episodes featuring Angelus, Whedon picked the perfect two to bridge the beginning and end of this epic: "Passion," with the brutal death of Jenny Calendar offers a pair of emotional scenes, first when Giles discovers Jenny's body in his bed and when an agonized Buffy angrily confronts Giles about his reckless attack on Angelus. "I Only Have Eyes for You" finds Buffy and Angel caught up in the lives (and deaths) of another pair of star crossed lovers, and offers a painful reminder of the feelings they had for each other before things went so horribly wrong.

Because these two episodes make sense only in the context of the return and departure of Angelus, there is little reason to have this particular tape without the rest of the set. This collection perfectly captures the whole Angel/Angelus story arc. Furthermore, "Becoming, Part 2" is one of the 10 best television episodes I have ever seen in my entire life (and I watch a LOT of television).

Buffy & Angel Chronicles Vol. 2
I was so happy when my Buffy and Angel Gift Pack arrived- three cassettes! Since I'd only read BTVS books and none of the episodes (no cable), my expectations for these 6 episodes were quite high. Now, all I have to say is: It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

The Second Volume contains 'Passion' and 'I only have eyes for you', and is light- medium blue in colour.

In 'Passion', Angel has lost his soul, but has gained an obsession: terrorizing Buffy. When she learns he has been sneaking into her home and the homes of her friends, she sends Giles to Jenny Calendar for help. Perhaps Jenny might also restore his soul. But the demonic Angelus doesn't want his soul back, and making sure Jenny will never cast the spell falls right in line with his plan to bring Buffy grief.

In 'I only have eyes for you', Buffy stops a bizarre shooting in the school hallway, then is later momentarily transported back to 1955, when a student in love with a teacher shot her, then himself. When the school janitor kills a teacher in exactly the same way. Buffy realizes that people at Sunnydale High are being forced to reenact that murder. Determined to end the curse, Buffy lets herself be possessed by the ghost...which unfortunately puts her face to face with her one true love: Angel.

Vol. 2 isn't as great as Vol. 1 & 3, but helps along the story and adds in those small important details. You realize that Angel truly has turned evil when he kills Jenny, and that his cure is lost forever (till Vol. 3, that is). You also see how Buffy has to come to grips with what has happened and her own inability to forgive herself.

I still think it's better to get the Gift Pack than the individual tapes because the experience won't be the same. You're worth it so don't cut yourself short.

Mediocre Buffy
I love the Buffy-Angel romance, but I don't think I would have selected these two episodes as among the best. "Passion" has an annoying voice over in the beginning, although I respect the show's director for being willing to take risks with their characters (I don't want to spoil the ending here but it's gutsy). "Only Have Eyes for You," I'm afraid, is a bit derivative. Haven't we seen enough television shows about teen-age guys being seduced by their teachers? That's the biggest element of fantasy in this episode, I'm afraid. The magic stuff pales in comparison. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The third season of Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer was marked by the arrival in Sunnydale of renegade slayer Faith (Eliza Dushku), a moody loner who seemed to like her calling just a little bit too much--she definitely got a certain pleasure out of staking vamps that went beyond mere job satisfaction. While Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was always wary of Faith, the two developed a deep friendship and appreciative rapport--that is, until the evil mayor of Sunnydale (Harry Groener) tapped into Faith's dark side and lured her into his plot to take over the world, first as a double agent spying on Buffy, then as out-and-out nemesis. And as the mayor's ascension approached--which happened to fall on Sunnydale High's graduation day--Buffy and Faith's battles got nastier and nastier, as Buffy attempted to wrestle with her dark side (literally and figuratively), save the world and her friends, and keep her lover Angel (David Boreanaz) out of Faith's evil clutches. "Enemies" details Faith's attempts to seduce Angel away from Buffy, by stealing both his body (hubba hubba!) and his soul. Fearing what may happen to Angel if he crosses over to the dark side again, Buffy is heartbroken by Angel's conversion--or is she? The controversial "Earshot" (pulled from its initial broadcast due to its similarities to the Columbine massacre) is one of Buffy's best episodes ever, mixing pathos, humor, and suspense as Buffy develops the ability to read minds, and discovers someone is thinking very seriously about mass murder at Sunnydale High. Jonathan (Danny Strong), Buffy's nebbishy classmate who got his own Buffy "episode" the next year, plays a pivotal role. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Suspense and humour - everything you could ask for
Enemies - Here we see Faith in her quest to steal Angel's soul. Or is it that simple? Eliza Dushku's consistently brilliant performance as troubled Faith is especially brilliant here as she first conveys sorrow at Angel's rejection of here sexual advances and later taking solace in her villainous streak. This episode is also notable because we get to see Angelus again, which is always a treat. Obviously, there's no need to mention Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is outstanding as ever in her reaction to Angel's conversion. All three principal actors are particularly mesmerising in a pull-the-rug-from-under-you endings.

Earshot - This controversial episode was pulled in the U.S. due to its similarities to the Columbine Massacre. It's one of the best 'Buffy' episodes made - Jane Espenson is a true genius - as Buffy's new 'gift' to read minds is first used for humour before she's let into the trauma and insecurities of the entire school. It's totally involving, with several essentially supporting roles being given a full character with a matter of lines. Danny Strong as Jonathan is good value also, as the spurned geek. Plus, the ultimate message - that everyone, be they pretty, popular, or athletic, experience pain - doesn't seem cheesy.

Buffy and Faith become "Enemies" and delayed "Earshot"
The second volume in The Slayer Chronicles continues the story arc from the last half of the Third Season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer where Faith becomes a Rogue Slayer and joins with the Mayor in his quest for the Ascension. In "Enemies," written by Douglas Petrie, the Mayor arranges to steal Angel's soul as a way of distracting Buffy. The plan appears to work, especially when Angelus takes a liking to Faith and the pair begin torturing a captured Buffy. "Earshot," by Jane Esperson, was the infamous episode that the WB decided not to air the day after the Columbine tragedy. The plot has to do with Buffy killing a demon and ending up with the power to read minds. Before all the voices start to drive her insane she hears someone planning to kill everybody at Sunnydale High. However, the reason the network was nervous about the episode, which Sarah Michelle Gellar picked as one of her favorites because of what it says about surviving the horrors of high school, was Xander's off handed comment about sometimes thiking about opening up on the school with a gun.

"Earshot" is not really important to the Faith/Mayor story arc but it has to be included because it is a footnote to a national tragedy. The Vamp Willow episodes of "The Wish" and/or "Doppelgangland" might be more popular with Buffy fans, but you have to respect Whedon's decision to include these episodes. Still, it would be nice if they filled in some of the gaps from the first three seasons by having tapes focusing on Willow, Xander, Giles, etc., the same way they do with the paperback novelizations of episodes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The third season of Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer was marked by the arrival in Sunnydale of renegade slayer Faith (Eliza Dushku), a moody loner who seemed to like her calling just a little bit too much--she definitely got a certain pleasure out of staking vamps that went beyond mere job satisfaction. While Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was always wary of Faith, the two developed a deep friendship and appreciative rapport--that is, until the evil mayor of Sunnydale (Harry Groener) tapped into Faith's dark side and lured her into his plot to take over the world, first as a double agent spying on Buffy, then as out-and-out nemesis. And as the mayor's ascension approached--which happened to fall on Sunnydale High's graduation day--Buffy and Faith's battles got nastier and nastier, as Buffy attempted to wrestle with her dark side (literally and figuratively), save the world and her friends, and keep her lover Angel (David Boreanaz) out of Faith's evil clutches. The season's pièce de résistance is the two-parter "Graduation Day," wherein Faith tries to kill Angel with a poison arrow, and the students of Sunnydale High prepare to do battle with a mutated mayor and his army of demons. The first episode features one of Buffy's best fight scenes ever, as Buffy battles Faith in order to provide Angel with the antidote--slayer's blood--that he needs in order not to die. The second episode (and season finale) is a clever nod to the anxieties that accompany anyone's high school graduation, as well as a resolution to the mayor's evil machinations. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Awesome!!!
Graduation Day Parts 1 and 2 are the best. You get to see how much Angel means to Buffy, you get to see a great fight between Buffy and Faith, and you get to see the best ending a video can have. This video includes:

"Graduation Day Part 1" Faith shoots Angel with a poison arrow. The only cure is Slayer blood. First Buffy tries to get Faith's blood, but ends up giving Angel her blood.

"Graduation Day Part 2" Buffy, her friends, and all the students of Sunnydale High School prepare to battle the Mayor and his vampires.

- Graduation Day Part 2 has the best ending you could ever imagine. You don't know what you are missing.

good
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