Reviews (10)

"Home is the nicest word there is."
I grew up watching the reruns of Little House on the Prairie every day when I got home from kindergarten. My mom taped them, so my family owns 170 of the 200 episodes, from Episode 1, "Harvest of Friends," to the final episode, "Hello and Goodbye." Somehow, however, we missed taping "Premiere," so when I bought this DVD, I had never seen it. Well, I was a bit disappointed that in two hours the Ingalls family never reaches Walnut Grove (I was looking forward to seeing introductions of our favorite characters!), but I'm still very glad to own this gem. I know from experience that VHS tapes degrade with time and many viewings, but DVD will last forever. The pilot introduces Mr. Edwards (with a much thinner beard!) as well as the Ingalls family and includes some memorable moments between Pa and Laura. Probably the best scene of all is the classic "Errand for Santa," featuring a snow-caked Victor French who braves a blizzard to get his Christmas gifts to their recipients on time. Overall, a beautiful beginning to an endearing show.

"Caroline...We're Home....."
This review refers to "Little House On The Prairie...The Premiere Movie"(Goodtimes Video DVD)

Get ready to go from a good cry, to a big grin and back again on this very enjoyable and heartwarming family TV program. It's the beginning of a classic series that stands the test of time, and should be shared with a new generation.

"The Premiere Movie"..a double length feature that will introduce you to the Ingalls family and their harrowing journey to make a better life for themselves. You'll also meet Jack the dog and Mr. Edwards(Victor French) for the first time. When Charles says "Caroline..were home...".have the kleenex ready! It stars Michael Landon(who also directed many of the episodes), Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson.

Goodtimes DVD has done a nice job of transfering these 70's TV classsics. They look great. Nice color and sound. There is some occasional flickering but a very enjoyable view overall. It's nice to be able to enjoy them whenever the mood hits and without all the commercials!.If you really love these stories, you may want to consider buying the 4 pack. It includes this one,a double length feature "The Lord Is My Sheperd"(Little Laura runs away to be closer to God),"The Collection"(guest starring Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash), and "Laura Ingalls Wilder"(Laura and Almanzo finally tie the knot), another double length feature.

You'll laugh, you'll cry!...enjoy...Laurie

The Beginning of "Little House"
The Pilot film of "Little House on the Prairie" was what made Little House as it is today. It was first aired in 1974 on NBC-TV. Millions of fans gathered around the TV to watch it and now years later it is still a hit. Watch this great movie and enjoy it on DVD with your family for years to come! I have seen it several times and each time I see it I see somthing new that I have forgotten or that I have'nt seen before.

Goodtimes Video Tape Version!
I'm reviewing the video tape put out by Goodtimes Home Video, it contains the pilot movie that started the television show. Little House on The Prairie was one of my favorite shows as a child. I was Nine years old when this TV movie aired for he first time and I liked it and grew up watching the show. This Goodtimes tape is okay but kind of grainy. Complete seasons of Little House on the Prairie have been put on DVD, I think there is about 4 seasons that are available right now and I'm hoping to someday buy complete seasons on DVD! This is a terrific show!

Classic Tv Show
In this Dvd are the pilot episode of Little House of the Praire not a double lenght movie as the package says.

The transfer quality is good as well the sound.

The only thing is the absence of any subtitles or captions necesary for international customers like me.

I want to see also a good show featuring M Landon and Victor French Highway to Heaven released soon on Dvd.

Meanwhile I will collect most of the LHOTP Dvds. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

amazing story of family
If you see only one Little House episode in your life, see this one!!!... It has been my favorite for years. It's really about forgiving, understanding, and loving your family through hard times. With all the things going on in the world, this is what it all boils down to, and this is what TV should be. This is just a beautiful movie with excellent family values, outstanding acting (Michael Landon's performance is one to remember), and a strong feel-good tone brought together to create a story you can appreciate and characters you can admire.

I definitely recommend this. And if you're new to "Little House," I would also recommend the others in the series. Check out some really good ones like "Remember Me," "Premiere Movie," "Craftsman," and many more. This is a show that will never lose its flavor.

BEAUTIFUL story of family and forgiveness
What a beautiful and touching movie. I have recently become a huge Little House fan, thanks to my mom who got me hooked on the TV series =) This is one of the most powerful episodes I have ever seen--it's so REAL and therefore incredibly effective. What I like so much about the Little House videos is that they have such strong family morals. This is a family that loves each other so much, you just want to cry because it is so touching. In "The Lord is my Shepherd," the spirited young Laura Ingalls gets nervous when a baby boy is born into their family. She sees her Pa with his new son and worries that the baby will take her place in her father's heart. Laura's jealousy is so thick that she refuses to pray for her brother when he comes down with an illness that threatens to take his life. But, as it turns out, Laura ends up being the most devastated one in her family when the baby dies. She feels that the baby's death is her fault, and she feels overwhelmingly guilty because she actually believes that her father wants a son more than he wants her. Lost in her own emotions, Laura runs away to the mountains and, through the grace of God, meets a kindhearted old hermit named Jonathan who befriends Laura and gradually counsels her through gentle advice and a sense of understanding. It is Jonathan who will help Laura come to the realization that nobody could possibly love and need her the way her Pa does (and if you watch some more videos in the series, you will immediately see how much he really loves and cherishes Laura). It is a truly beautiful story that moved me so deeply. Both Laura and Pa learn valuable lessons about unconditional family love. The Ingalls family paints a clear picture of what family is all about. The acting here is strong, solid, and consistent. Melissa Gilbert is heart-melting and sincere as little Laura, and Michael Landon is absolutely incredible in his role. To me, he IS Charles "Pa" Ingalls, and the only one I can imagine fit for the part. He may very well be one of the most masterful actors I have ever seen. He plays the role to the max, and he becomes the character both inside and out. His acting is so strong--in fact, all of the acting in "Little House on the Prairie" is amazing. Sorry if I ended up writing too much--but when it comes to movies like this, there aren't enough words in the world to describe how good they are. "The Lord is My Shepherd" is a beautiful, beautiful story with all the morality, love, and sensitivity that you could ask for in a movie. Blended in with the hardships of pioneer life and a vision of the courageous individuals who lived through it, it makes a pretty impressive movie that you can watch with your entire family. Don't wait any longer to watch these shows--I truly do hope that you will buy some of them, because I'm sure you will be very moved and inspired by the message that they have to share. (sorry again for making this too long!!!)

the lord is my shepard: Little House on the Prairie
I like this video because of it's family values it has. The sence of family unity. I just love shows that are wholesome and that I can watch with my children. And Little House has that.They don't have any bad words or naughty senes in it. And still it lasts through time. That proves that wholesome entertainment lasts the test of time and people truely like that best. ... Read more

Description

From the woods of Wisconsin and the plains of Kansas to Minnesota, the Ingalls fight to build and hold onto a new home, facing the danger of an untamed wilderness on the American frontier of the 1870's.

A Christmas They Never Forgot - After a sudden, fierce snowstorm traps all the members of the Ingalls family inside the little house on Christmas Eve, they pass the time by exchanging stories about their favorite Christmases of the past. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very good Christmas story
Excellent "Little House" video with great music, sensitivity, love, and family. This video has everything. =) When the family gets snowed in on Christmas Eve, they pass the time by retelling stories of their most memorable Christmases in the past. Each flashback was touching and entertaining. My favorite stories were those of Almanzo and Hester Sue. Almanzo was just so adorable, I laughed, and Hester Sue had an extremely bittersweet story to tell. Yes, the flashbacks are short, but they're enough to give you a fairly good background on the individual character. Don't miss this "Little House" edition--it's a great video to watch, both at Christmas and throughout the year.

Wonderful Christmas Episode, Beautiful Music
This is a beautiful episode where the family reminisces about their favorite Christmases in the past. It's sweet to see Almanzo as a little boy, and also Caroline as a little girl. My favorite aspect is that Michael Landon brought in a special group of choral singers for this episode and the music is amazing, absolutely beautiful. It's a wonderful family video that really conveys the true holiday spirit.

Little House On The Prairie - The Christmas They Never Forgo
I have seen all the Little House On The Prairie Shows. You can't go wrong with these. It shows how families & friends stick together through thick and thin. Teaches good family values that have been lost over the years. It shows how hard it was to make a living in the 1800's and how family and friends pull together to help one another. You will cry and you will laugh.

Not what I expected!
I love everything that is connected with Laura Ingalls Wilder, and was looking forward to this video. However, it was just filled with reflections and short flashbacks. I would prefer to see a movie that actually developed one of these flashbacks rather than this. I was also hoping to give the Ingalls bug to my daughter. This video doesn't allow you to watch any particular character long enough for that. I probably would have bought this eventually but only after I purchased the other available videos.

I love it! I really recomened it for all Little house fans!
Little House on the Prarie is a wonderful show! I've loved it ever since I was a little girl! And it has the love of a famiy in it! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Movie
This movie is truer to the books than the tv series. It is not perfect but is what helped introduce me to Laura and her books.

Wonderful
This is the movie that started it all. A young pioneer family heads out of their home in the "big woods" not quite knowing what to expect. They settle on the Indian territory, make a home for themselves, and remain close as a family. Despite a few fearful encounters with Indians, wolves, and a fire upon their house, the Ingalls family remains tight in love. They celebrate their first Christmas in the territory, befriend the loving yet gruff Mr. Edwards, and experience many births, both in their hearts and in their horses. If you want to see a good movie on love and persistence, then by all means buy this one. ... Read more

Description

Difficult economic times cause the Ingalls to move closer to Mary who is teaching at the blind school in the city. They all prepare to celebrate Mary’s birthday: Pa sells his fiddle to purchase her a present and Laura makes her a card written in braille. Everyone is moved to tears when Mary expresses her appreciation for the special people in her life – as they are everything she could ever really want ... Read more

Reviews (1)

continues the "Little House" tradition
This episode has no problem carrying out all of the characteristics of "Little House on the Prairie" that makes the series so wonderful. In this story, the Ingalls' adopted son Albert is forced to get a true taste of prejudice at a young age. The people who are supposed to be his friends turn on him and call him a "Jew lover" when he befriends and becomes the apprentice of a kind, elderly Jewish craftsman. Albert and the craftsman carry this episode all the way through--they are two beautiful people who come together to address the issue of prejudice and stress the meaning of love. Great acting, great story--I recommend it ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great story
"Home is the nicest word there is." These are Laura Ingalls' sweet and touching words that help kick off the "Little House on the Prairie" video series in "A Harvest of Friends." The Ingalls family has decided to settle at Plum Creek in Walnut Grove. Pa builds a house for the family, and they are all happy there. Pa starts working for two men named Mr. Hanson and Mr. O'Neil to ensure that he can earn the supplies he needs for his harvest. Mr. Hanson is a kind and caring man, but Mr. O'Neil is pushy and unrelenting. So, when Pa falls out of a tree at a family picnic and is ordered off to bed, you could probably guess which one of those two men is understanding and which one refuses to cut Pa any slack. I was very touched when the title of this video came to life and presented itself so beautifully at the end. This is a good one--I give it 5 stars and I definitely recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

STRONG STORY WITH A TWIST FROM LANDON
Michael Landon directed and acted in Sam's Son, his autobiography, about his struggles as a kid growing up. He discovers his strengths are taking care of a bully, being a javelin thrower and helping his wonderful father. It's an inspirational film I truly enjoyed. I loved the ending of this movie. The Four Aces singing "Dream" over the closing credits was the icing on the cake.

Timothy Patrick Murphy (Mickey Trotter from Dallas) played the young Landon, and appeared to have a childhood-type likeness to Landon.

A good clean movie
A very good movie. Michael Landon always has movies that are very good to watch for the whole family. I really liked this one. ... Read more

Description

: From the woods of Wisconsin and the plains of Kansas to Minnesota, the Ingalls fight to build and hold onto a new home, facing the danger of an untamed wilderness on the American frontier of the 1870's.

Christmas at Plum Creek - In this unforgettable holiday classic, the members of the Ingalls family work to make their very first Christmas at their new home in Plum Creek a memorable one full of joy, tears, and a whole lot of love. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Christmas spirit is written all over this video
If you want Christmas spirit, look no further than "Christmas at Plum Creek." This is a beautiful video with a good message. The entire Ingalls family is struggling to provide their fellow family members with good Christmas gifts, and they end up doing just that by working energetically and making substantial sacrifices. The sacrifice that young Laura makes for her beloved Ma is one that will melt your heart and bring you to embrace the true meaning of Christmas. Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon deliver wonderful performances, just like always. Buy it, you'll be glad u did, it's a wonderful story that has everything about Christmas that is important tied in with it.

Sweet story of an Ingalls family Christmas
I grew up watching the Little House series, and I recently purchased this episode. This story illustrates the Ingalls' first Christmas at Plum Creek. It shows how each family member finds a special way to give a gift without a lot of money, even having to make big sacrifices and be a little sneaky keeping secrets. The story is very touching and really captures the holiday spirit in the Ingalls family. I love it and will pull it out every Christmas.

"Christmas at Plum Creek" is a MUST as a holiday tradition!
This epsiode will have you laughing and crying and take you back to the childhood joy of Christmas. Be sure to add this video to your holiday favorites, nothing will bring the true Spirit of Christmas closer to your heart!

A heartwarming holiday episode
Purely delightful watching this episode. It's one the entire family can enjoy. The Ingalls in their circle of Christmas cheer and holiday secrets had me AND my children smiling to the very end.

a gift to share with all
beautifully done, it's like you are there ... Read more

Description

Based on the best-selling books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this classic, produced and directed by Michael Landon, takes us from the woods of Wisconsin to the plains of Kansas where the Ingalls struggle to build a new life.With indomitable courage that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the Ingalls face endless challenges and experience countless adventures as they pursue their dream of a new home.This premiere movie is a "must-have" for all Little House fans! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The best show of all time!
I wish there were shows like this still on TV today! We got this DVD for a family Christmas present a couple of years ago and we're starting to collect the whole series on DVD.

The actors are awesome, especially Michael Landon. Charles Ingalls was about the kindest, smartest, and sweetest father you'll find in any TV show or movie, ever. Karen Grassle was pretty good as his wife, Caroline Ingalls. Not all of her performances in the series are that great, but in this, the Pilot Episode, she really shines. Melissa Sue Anderson is perfect in the role of sometimes annoying, but still lovable, oldest daughter Mary. Of course, then there's Melissa Gilbert as Laura. Next to Michael Landon, she exhibited the most talent. Finally, the twins Lindsey and Sidney Greenbush play the adorable baby of the family, Carrie.

This is such a touching story, and true to boot. A family who sticks together through hard times--what could be better? One warning, though: if you see this pilot you'll find youself buying all the other Little House DVDs there are.

NOT included on the Complete Season sets
This is the ONLY single disc release that is not being included on the Complete Season box sets being released by the same company. All of the 2-hour specials, etc. being released individually are also included on the box sets, but this pilot episode is not. So, if you are a Little House completist, buy this disc to add to your box set collection.

The best pilot of all
Little house on the prairie is the greatest show ever.
The pilot was not aired here in France. I know folks who had bought the VHS so I could see it. But I ordered the DVD anyway.
The quality is great, the pictures are wonderful, much more than the VHS. It is so great to hear the original voices! And funny to hear the Osage chef speaking french with such an accent! :-))
Anyway, the DVD is worth the buy, you won't be disappointed and although it is encoded region 1 ONLY, you can perfectly see it with ALL DVD player as it's written behind "zones (1-6)".
I absolutely recommend this article for all the fans and the others. It's the beginning of all, you discover the characters, you love them!
Everybody acts so well they don't look like acting. It seems that you are looking your dreamed-neighbours by the window!!
Well, buy it, even in other countries than USA, because it's not very expensive regarding its value. ... Read more

Description

In this dramatic two-hour episode, Charles takes Mary to an eye specialist when she begins to experience difficulty seeing. He is devastated to learn that she will most certainly lose her sight and for a while cannot bring himself to tell her the truth about her condition.When Mary does go blind, Charles and Caroline decide it would be best for her to attend a special school in Iowa.Although reluctant to participate and learn in the beginning, Mary develops a special bond with her teacher, Adam Kendall that changes her outlook on life.Mary becomes an excellent student and is invited to stay on as a teacher. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Included on the Complete Season set!
In a very unclear and probably intentionally confusing marketing move, this and all of the other "2-hour TV special" Little House DVDs being released separated are actually included on the Complete Season box sets being released by the same company. I purchased three of these "specials" before realizing that they were all 2-part episodes to be found on the complete season sets. This one, for example, can be found on the Complete Third Season, which is now available. While I don't have a problem with these 2-part shows being released separately, I don't understand the need for it and I really, really wish that it would be made clear somewhere on the packaging. Considering that these single disc releases have no special features, this is the worst example of DVD "double dipping" I've seen in a long time!!

wonderful....great memories of a terrific show
Hands down, "I'll Be Waving as You Drive Away" is a classic in the "Little House on the Prairie" series and is something you'll definitely want to see if you're a fan of the show. Indeed, it is a critical turning point, both on the show and in the true-to-life books, and it launches some drastic changes in the entire Ingalls family. When fifteen-year-old Mary is stricken with blindness, it is her initial denial and her family's fear and guilt that makes for a very emotional first few months. Mary's parents send her to a top-notch school for the blind, where she refuses to learn at first but is pulled in the right direction by her patient teacher Adam Kendall. In time, they form a loving bond that will last forever, and Mary's character matures a hundred times over through her experience.

This is a beautiful episode, and it is easy to see why actress Melissa Sue Anderson was nominated for an Emmy for her performance here as Mary. This entire show is filled with many memorable, touching, and sometimes shattering moments that test a family's strength and inspire you. Anyone who takes the time to appreciate this wonderful show will definitely see that.

Wonderful episode, superb TV series...highly recommended.

BEST episode of the 4th season!!!!!!!
This is televison at its BEST in the 1970's and LHOTP at its BEST!!!!! the acting is superb and this is the season finale for season 4, this is also the most pivotal point in the LHOTP storylines. the episode is all about Mary going blind and how the Ingalls deal with Mary's blindness. 5 stars out of 5

Takes you back...
This is one of my absolute favorite episodes of Little House on the Prairie. This is where the character of Adam is introduced. Finally the girls are starting to grow up. Mary is stricken blind and after much denial and fear finally overcomes the shock of it all, and finds her way back. Adam helps her through her struggle with tough love, and Mary is able to be the teacher that she always wanted to be. ... Read more

Description

The Ingalls – including Albert, The Garveys and The Olesons tire of the bustling city and decide to return to Walnut Grove. They discover that the town has been severely neglected during their absence and set to work immediately to ensure Walnut Grove is restored to its former glory! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Heart touching & still missing true historic Wilder story
I always loved Little House and from time to time love to jump back in time to once again watch the series. What is sad is this story is so focused on Almanzos sister, it should be called Almanzos sisters sacrafice. It also is far from the actual historical events in Laura Ingalls Wilders life. I found that the story was very much writen as Landon wanted it to go. Not as how it should have gone from history. I found it disappointing with the Wedding scene almost non-existant and poorly done. The story was enjoyable most of the times however and only would recommend if you're familiar with the series on tv. If not I would say pass.

I Like the Books, the TV Show and The TV Movies!
I was nine years old when one of my favorite television shows Little House on the Prairie first aired on TV and I grew up watching it with my family. I'm a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder, both the real one who wrote the books the television show is based on and the character from the show played by Melissa Gilbert and I loved when they brought in Dean Butler to play Almonzo Wilder, he and Melissa had some wonderful chemistry that made the marriage of Laura and Almonzo believable. Yes the show made some changes from the books and not everything that happened in the show for Laura and Almanzo are in the books and though Laura's sister Mary did go blind I don't think she ever got married so Adam I believe was a totally fictional character and I don't know if if the real Laura's parents ever adopted a boy named Albert but I still like the show anyway and I highly recommend it! The TV show now has at least four seasons that are on DVD and I'm hoping to buy the DVD complete seasons someday.

good times collection with john amos
I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND IF YOU HAVE BLACK COMEDY SHOW THAT HAD JOHN AMOS,ESTHER ROLLE, JIMMY WALKER IT WAS TV BACK IN THE 1970 TO ABOUT 1975 OR I THINK. I AM ALSO LOOKING FOR THE GOLDEN GIRLS WITH BEA ARTHUR, RUE MACLANAHAN, BETTY WHITE. IF YOU LET ME KNOW MY HUSBAND HAS AN ACCOUNT WITH YOU ALREADY DISCO_80913
SIGN DEPERATE SHALON

far from the truth!
i am an avid little house on the prairie fan! both the television show and the real life books and articles i have read about the ingalls family. i was very dissapointed when i read in an article that the events in the television show are far from what really happened in her books and real life. for example, yes mary did go blind but there was never any such man as adam, who in the video become her teacher and later her husband. they built a whole story line about mary and "adam". come to find out there is no "adam". when mary became blind she lived the rest of her life with pa and ma sitting in a rocking chair letting her life whittle away.

Love Wilder, can't stand Landon's schmaltz & ego
Sorry to dissent from the fan-fest for LHOTP lovers, but I just can't take the schmaltz that Michael Landon put into these movies, especially in the later years. Worse, he deviated so far from the original stories that the characters and situations are unrecognizable. The first movie (where is it? Out of print? It's the only one true to the books and without a weepfest every 15 minutes!!)was good, and I watched the series religiously as a child, but my gosh, Landon turned the later years into male bonding sob fests. Alfred (nonexistant in books!) becomes a major character, and he and Pa get most of the attention...I guess I'm a minority viewpoint, but don't mistake these made for TV movies for a Laura Ingalls Wilder experience. Read the books. ... Read more

Description

Charles’ father, Lansford Ingalls, loses the will to live after his wife passes away.Charles brings him to Walnut Grove to be near his loved ones.Laura’s horse is injured soon after and she believes it to be her Grandpa’s fault.Feeling hurt, Lansford leaves town until Laura, having realized her mistake, seeks him out and insists that he return with her. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Included on the Complete Season set!
In a very unclear and probably intentionally confusing marketing move, this and all of the other "2-hour TV special" Little House DVDs being released separated are actually included on the Complete Season box sets being released by the same company. I purchased three of these "specials" before realizing that they were all 2-part episodes to be found on the complete season sets. While I don't have a problem with these 2-part shows being released separately, I don't understand the need for it and I really, really wish that it would be made clear somewhere on the packaging. Considering that these single disc releases have no special features, this is the worst example of DVD "double dipping" I've seen in a long time!!

wonderful
This is, as always, a great addition to the "Little House" series and consistently delivers that same inspiring message of family, faith, and love. The basic storyline follows Charles Ingalls' struggle to cope with his mother's death and, even more so, the emotional decline in his father. Charles finally manages to bring him home to the family, hoping it will help. Indeed, spending time with everyone--especially little Laura--works wonders in rebuilding the man's spirit until Laura gets into an accident with her horse and blames her grandfather for it. Feeling guilty and disgusted with himself, Grandpa takes off without telling anyone, but in the end it is Laura who accepts her own mistake and takes up the struggle to bring him back.

Some fans may be disappointed with the way the episode ends, but it is still a wonderful story that makes you feel good and is worth the money. ... Read more