Reviews (26)

Seemed consistent with Vonnegut's vision.
I geatly appreciated much of Vonnegut's writing, and had read the short story which this must have been based on. While the story itself was quite short, leaving much to be filled in by the video, I feel that the video handled this in the spirit of Vonnegut's other works (I had recently seen the "Breakfast of Champions" which I thought reflected horribly on what is might be my favorite book of Vonnegut's). I would have given it 5 stars for the content, however I had to subtract one star because the quality of video is lacking; the acting isn't great, it's obviously made for TV, and the mood of the movie is greatly disturbed by the few long segments of jazz music.

Move over Regain. Eugene (nuke-em) Levy is the President.
This movie paints a (1950's like) world where everyone is equal, as opposed to everyone having equal opportunity. Naturally Harrison is not content with his world. He is earmarked and recruited for the elite job of taking care of items that can not be handled by the "equal." He finds unique ways to handle the situation that were not anticipated by his new colleagues.

No fair comparing this great made-for-TV-movie with a few scribbled pages. I like made-for -TV- movies; if you don not, then why are you watching them? Different media calls for different handling of the same basic concept. Speaking of concepts, most people want to compare this movie to "1984 (1985)" ASIN: 6304362498. However the message is quite different. If you are going to do comparisons to similar concepts then you need to read "This Perfect Day: A Novel " by Ira Levin, which is almost the same story. Maybe "Brave new World" ISBN: 0060929871 for the equal but not train of thought. After you look at similar concepts you should look at the opposite argument in "Gattaca" ASIN: 0767805712

It is too bad that this movie is rated "R", as it is ideal for teens, there are no au naturel scenes, and who uses expletives in the 1950's? The end may be a little graphic however it is very mild compared to most of toady's movies. Any way it is best viewed while in the process of forming wold opinions.

the gw bush administration
I loved this flick when i saw it years ago. it carries the basic theme of vonnegut's short story, but the plot uses A LOT of discretion to depart from the (rather simple) premise of the story). i think it still works well though. if you havent seen it and plan to (you should), pay attention to the president character. i always think of that character when i see george w bush's decision making.

"And that's the way it is."
This movie held my attention all the way through.
This movie has many scenes which remind me of real life today, not just in the vague future. The head bands and school scenes remind me of how many teachers sometimes don't let their students grow. The head clubs remind me that if you want a challenge and to grow, you have to go out there and get it, sometimes overcoming obstacles along the way. Then there is the strange philosophy of those in the innermost circle of the people running everyones' lives. Some people really are more equal. Then there is finding that special someone to share your life and interests. The piano and sax scenes were very moving. The ending is a bit hokey, and shows hopelessness, but then just a glimmer returns.

Good, smart sci-fi
Bruce Pittman's intelligent and modest TV adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's short story is a wonderful and much underappreciated piece of high sci-fi. Films of this kind are rarely made, simply because there's not much potential audience for low-budget science fiction - most people are in sci-fi mainly for special effects and impressive battles. Harrison Bergeron, though, is one of those few adaptations made of real philosophical sci-fi, the kind that creates an image of the future as a reflection of our own reality. And it succeeds quite well in delivering its message, and for what it is it could be enjoyed by almost everyone - though I doubt it could have done well in the theaters.

The film revolves around two wonderful lead actors - one is Sean Astin, who recently gained success and fame as Sam Gamgee in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. The other is the wonderful British actor Christopher Plummer, remembered by sci-fi buffs as the Klingon General Chang from Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country. Brilliant comedian Eugene Levy gives an eerily funny performance as the President. The story is of a future America in which equality is achieved by discouraging exceptional talent or intelligence and creating forced mediocrity. Harrison (Sean Astin) is one of the exceptional few whose intelligence surfaces despite the government's best efforts and is therefore given the chance to work for the government. There he discovers the timeless Orwellian truth of Fascist regimes - all are equal, but some are more equal than others. Astin's interplay with Clummer (the classic 'Big Brother') is wonderful, and the ending is beautiful. The script does an excellent job of expanding Vonnegut's very short story into a 100 minute film.

Harrison Bergeron is well worth watching - if you can get your hands on it. As far as I know there isn't a DVD available, but the VHS can be ordered on Amazon and the movie plays occasionally on television. If you're interested in science fiction literature of authors like Vonnegut, Philip K. Dick, or Isaac Asimov, this wonderful little think-piece is a good purchase. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The saga of Felicy King, Gus Pike, and Avonlea finally ends
When Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote about Sara Stanley and her King cousins in "The Story Girl" and the "Golden Road," her readers came to understand that the high and mighty Felicity King was fated to marry Peter Craig, the hired boy on her father's farm. On the television series "Avonlea," (a.k.a. "Road to Avonlea"), the character of Peter Craig was phased out but the idea of the fate of Felicity (Gema Zamprogna) clearly remained the same, although now with Gus Pike (Michael Mahonen), a young fisherman who arrives in Avonlea and decides to stay, smitten with young Felicity and in awe of school teacher Hettie King (Jackie Burroughs). However at the end of season six Gus was believed lost at sea, and when the show came to the end of its seventh and final season, it was necessary to bring their story to a resolution.

The two pivotal episodes are collected on "Return to Me." First up is "Return to Me," which finds Felicity only a few days away from her wedding to Stuart McCrae (David Ferry), the local banker. But then she gets a mysterious phone call that sends her and Aunt Hetty in search of Gus. Amazingly, they find Gus alive in South Carolina. He was not killed in the shipwreck, but he did lose his eyesight. Both Felicity and Hetty insist that Gus has to come home to Avonlea, but he stubbornly refuses. However, there is no way Gus can stand up to two women who are not only more stubborn than he is, but who are the two that he cares most about in the world.

The grand finale is "So Dear to My Heart," where Gus returns to Avonlea and stuns the entire King family. But now the question is whether Felicity will go through with her wedding to Stuart. Meanwhile, in the wake of the disastrous cannery fire, Jasper (R.H. Thomson) and Olivia (Meg Ruffman) have decided to leave Avonlea, which infuriates Hetty so much that she refuses to attend Felicity's wedding. However, this is the final episode of this beloved television series, which means that everybody is going to end up at this wedding (yes, that means everybody including you know who).

Gus being blind is a bit melodramatic for my tastes, but there is such a thing as destiny and the sight of Felicity running through town in her wedding dress to drag Aunt Hetty to her wedding certainly makes up for that. There is really no better final storyline "Avonlea" could have had to bring everything to a close.

A fitting end to a amazing series...
Road to Avonlea~Return to Me, features two episodes from the poplular Disney series Avonlea. Return to Me features two episodes, So Dear to My Heart and Return to Me. Two of the last episodes of Avonlea. In these last two episodes Felicity is engaged to be married to a man named Stuart, when she learns that the love of her life, Gus Pike, is alive. She travels to South Carolina to find him. She then convinces Gus to return to Avonlea with her. A grand wedding takes place in which many characters return to the show. Sara Polley redeams her role as Sara Stanley after a couple years of absence from the show. As well as characters such as Racheal Lynde, Davy and Dora, and Ms Stacy from the Anne of Green Gables Series. This episode is a much have for any fan of the TV show Avonlea or Anne of Green Gables! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Human rights tragedies in North America
Many people would be shocked to know that Native American children were abducted and sent to Christian boarding schools as late as the Great Depression. Komi is one such child, forced to abandon her language and beliefs and adhere to Catholicism. She even has to go by a new name: Amelia. Although it's set in Canada, similar things happened in the U.S. As a high school English teacher, I find this film a great tool to teach kids about tolerance and the consequences it can have on individuals. I highly recommend this movie to teachers, students, and anyone who is interested in learning about a forgotten piece of our country's history. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Horror Films 101
This was a pretty good slasher/psychological thriller. It was filmed in Edmonton, so if you've been you will know some of the locations. My dad was living in Edmonton at the time and he was recruited to do some computer work.

I now own the DVD and must say that Micheal Ironside is a good actor, but is famous for going into small-time projects.

Overall this is a good film.

catchy tunes
This film is so 80s and so great!

I love when the blond girl seduces her dad and then throws her mom through the front door! Or when she sings "a wop baba loo bop, wop bam boo" and the lockers squish that other girl!

GREAT FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE HORROR
I LOVED IT!!!! I BUY IT BECAUSE IT REMINDED ME OF HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS MOVIE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IT STILL SCARES ...ME NOW T THE AGE OF 30. 5 PLUS STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG!!
(...)It was so much fun!! I really enjoyed the movie the first time I saw it. In fact, I have been trying to find a copy for ages. Now I have found that Amazon has it, GREAT!!! (...)..hehe.....ENJOY!!!

its movie night
i think this was really good. some people hate it buti love it . very original.scary.nothin to go with the first but its good ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Both Felicity King and Aunt Hetty meet young Gus Pike
If you have read "The Story Girl" and "The Golden Road" by Lucy Maud Montgomery, then you know that the fate of Felicity King was that despite her snobbish pretensions and lofty pretensions, she would end up marrying the poor boy who worked on her family farm. In these two episodes from early in the second season of "Avonela," Felicity is introduced to the fork in the road that awaits her, but while the title of the tape is "Felicity's First Date," she is not the character who unites these two episodes:

"How Kissing Was Discovered" begins with Janet King's Great-Aunt Eliza coming for a visit and turning the King household upside down. Meanwhile, Alec discovers that playing cricket is not as easy it was when he was a younger man and Felicity (Gema Zamprogna) has her eye on a young cricket player on the visiting team. After all, she is now all grown up (she is almost a teenager) and has decided it is time to receive her "first kiss." However, Sarah and Felix have made a new friend in Gus Pike (Michael Mahonen), a young sailor recently arrived in Avonlea and looking for work. Alec lets Gus stay in his barn and while Felicity will not give the boy the time of day, it is clear that he finds her rather interesting.

In "Aunt Hetty's Ordeal" the pivotal relationship between Gus Pike and Hetty King (Jackie Burroughs) begins. Given how Hetty treats Sara, Olivia and everybody else in the extended King family, you have to worry about poor, uneducated Gus. The problem is that everybody in Avonlea knows to take Hetty King with a grain or salt. But Gus thinks everything Aunt Hetty says is carved on stone tablets and when Hetty makes a heated offhand remark to the young man it has significant repercussions.

The title of this episode has a couple of meanings. At first we think "Aunt Hetty's Ordeal" is that Muriel Stacey, who has been appointed school superintendent instead of Hetty, is coming for a visit. Hetty thinks it is an inspection, but, of course, it is no such thing. But that does not stop the old hens in town from ruffling Hetty's feathers. Reminded that kids flocked to be in Miss Stacey's school, Hetty goes out to the cannery to recruit and reels in Gus Pike. He can neither read nor write, smokes and plays the fiddle, but he wants to learn and this touches Hetty. Gus had been a minor character in previous episodes, and "Aunt Hetty's Ordeal" is where he starts becoming more important to the show in general (and Felicity King in particular). This is also the point where Hetty King, who tended to be a bit insufferable for my money, started to thaw, because the big difference between Gus and Sara, is that Gus is not family and Hetty ends up opening her heart to him.

These episodes continue the transition from Lucy Maud Montgomery's novels to more original storylines (although clearly Gus Pike replaces Peter Craig in "The Story Girl" and "The Golden Road"). Note: Do not try to figure out how Hetty King and Muriel Stacey are contemporaries and where this all fits in with the Sullivan Productions of the "Anne of Green Gables" books. Hetty has supposedly been teaching forever at Avonlea School and Anne was teaching there a year or two after Miss Stacey. "Avonlea" had a proud history of bringing back both characters and actors from the "Anne" movies and this is just another nice example of the practice.

A WONDERFUL film!
This has two episodes from the 2nd season of ROAD TO AVONLEA which include HOW KISSING WAS DISCOVERED and AUNT HETTY'S ORDEAL. They are two of the best episodes I've ever seen and I recommend this to ANYONE who loves ANNE OF GREEN GABLES or ROAD TO AVONLEA! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Peg Bowen helps Felix, but dad comes to take Sarah home
I do not think Lucy Maud Montgomery ever came up with a more maddening creation that Hetty King (Jackie Burroughs), the self-appointed moral judge of the King clan in Avonlea. Aunt Hetty is in the thick of things for both of the first season episodes of "Avonlea" collected on this third of four videos, "Magical Moments":

"The Witch of Avonlea" is Peg Bowen (Susan Cox), who lives in the woods smoking her pipe and doing whatever she wants with no concern for what the good folks of Avonlea think or say. When Felix King (Zachary Bennett) finds himself unable to spell anything during the class spelling bees because he is so afraid of Aunt Hetty, his nightmares convince him she might be a witch. So he goes off to visit Peg, who gives him a "magic" stone. His confidence restored, Felix wins the school spelling bee and moves on to the next level of competition. If you do not know that he is going to lose the magic stone before the contest then you must be totally unfamiliar with the rules of children's fiction. Meanwhile, the dreams of Felicity (Gema Zamprogna) have their own comeuppance, as events take her down a peg at the same time that Felix enjoys his moment in the sun.

The important episode here is "Nothing Endures but Change," which finds that Blair Stanley, Sara's father, has been acquitted of the scandalous embezzlement charges that forced him to send his daughter to live with her mother's relatives on Prince Edward Island. Blair arrives in Avonlea ready to take Sara (Sarah Polley) back to Montreal, at which point everyone of Sara's King relatives absolutely freaks. None, of course, as much as Hetty, who announces she will not give the child up to her father. Hetty has always blamed Blair for not only taking her sister Ruth away but in living a decadent life (of travel) that resulted in her death (she caught tuberculosis at home in Montreal). Hetty also has a few things to say about what appears to be happening between Olivia and Jasper Dale, which only makes you wonder how Alec ever managed to get away from Hetty's all encompassing powers. Sara wants to say goodbye to all her friends and attend the upcoming skating party she has been looking forward to, but her father wants to get out of Avonlea and as far away from Hetty as quickly as possible. Sara cannot abide the thought that two of the people she loves most in the world cannot even talk to each other civilly, and so she hatches up a plan to force their reconciliation. But these two stubborn adults cannot admit for a second that the other cares as much for Sara as they do, which only means that fate is going to have to take a hand to make things right.

For me the chief charm of "Nothing Endures but Change," certainly the loftiest sounding title in the series, is enjoying Hetty King getting her comeuppance a few times. She really is such an intolerant woman for somebody who does so many unforgivable things. However, her redemption is still down the road, coming in the form of Gus Pike. It is in his unflinching admiration and respect, that Hetty King is finally confronted with a true mirror of her life.

Amazing example of a growing family @the turn of the century
Beautiful two episode tape depeicting the King family's trysts and triumphs at the turn of the century. These episodes were taken from the "Road to Avonlea" television series based on the popular works of Lucy Maude Montgomery. A true and simple tale of an unconfident boy whom enters a spelling Bee, and wins! The latter tale, "Nothing endures but change" tells again of the King family when their beloved and bewitching cousin, Sara Stanley, is taken from Prince Edward island by her father, but runs into an ill-fated accident, which may be the end of our young Sara. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The trials and tribulations of Rachel and Marilla in Avonlea
I subscribed to the Disney channel just to get to "Avonlea," and even if you have not reading the novels and short story collections of Lucy Maud Montgomery on which the series is "based" you can still enjoy this excellent family series. "Gift of Friendship" is the second of four video tapes from the first season of the series, and contains two episodes featuring the recurring characters of Rachel Lynde (Patricia Hamilton) and Marilla Cuthbert (Colleen Dewhurst), who we first met in the "Anne of Green Gables" mini-series.

"Quarantine at Alexander Abraham's" is one of the best adaptations of a Montgomery short story to the cast of characters on "Avonlea." Standing in for Montgomery's original female protagonist who has to confront confirmed old bachelor Abraham is one of her most beloved supporting characters, Mrs. Rachel Lynde. But this episode is also the first time that Mrs. Lynde takes center stage, which is definitely a treat for her many fans. Mrs. Lynde is put in charge of the boy's Sunday School class and when she finds the young boy who work's Alexander Abraham's farm has gone truant, she heads out to save the boy's soul. Meanwhile, Felix and Sara have run ahead to warn their schoolmate of the impending storm. However, everybody involved is in for a big shock when they all end up in Abraham's home only to discover he has been quarantined because of the small pox. That means this quartet of not too happy individuals are stuck with each other for at least two weeks (to the horror of Felix's mother). Mrs. Lynde decides that she and her two small charges are going to clean the house from top to bottom, no matter what that old curmudgeon has to say, and the war is on.

Next we have "The Materializing of Duncan McTavish," which starts with Sara Stanley not sure she is going to enjoy her first time at the Avonlea sewing circle, since she really does not know how to snow. But then something quite interesting happens. When all the ladies are talking about who had how many beaux way back when, Sara asks Marilla Cuthbert "Did you ever have a beau?" Having endured a lifetime of slurs because she never had a beau after refusing to forgive John Blythe, Marilla defiantly declares "I had one once." In for a penny, in for a pound, Marilla weaves a fantasy about her beau whom she named Duncan, because it is her favorite name, and McTavish, because she sees an advertisement for McTavish Porous Plasters. Everyone is suitable shocked and Marilla cannot imagine what came over her. But as Marilla knows all too well, "if you do wrong, you will be punished for it sometime, somehow or somewhere." Who should arrive in town but Duncan McTavish, to sell his Porous Plasters, and Sara Stanley knows Fate has brought the two former lovers together again. Of course, this is news to the amazed and confounded Duncan McTavish.

Early on with the television series "Avonlea" the idea was clearly to adapt some of Lucy Maud Montgomery's better stories from the two "Chronicles of Avonlea" collections. While something was lost in the translation of "Old Lady Lloyd" from story to television, "Quarantine at Alexander Abraham's" and "The Materializing of Duncan McTavish" are superb adaptations. Plus, you have two of of favorite characters from the Sullivan productions of the "Anne of Green Gables" movies right in the middle of both stories ((Hamilton and Dewhurst were an under-appreciated comedy team when they worked together).

Quality family entertainment!
When our family stumbled upon Tales of Avonlea during it's original Disney airing(1992-96)--we felt like we had struck gold! We purchased 3 of the 4 videos in the prepared set, to add to our family video library, but couldn't find Volume 2--Gift of Friendship--until now, on Amazon Marketplace. Thank you!
The beauty of early 20th century Prince Edward Island sets the stage for lively adventures, and a return to the simple, peaceful life of days gone by. In the first episode of this double feature, young Sara Stanley forges a surprising new friendship, when she and Mrs. Rachel Lind serve as "sisters of mercy together" in unexpected circumstances.
In the second episode, Sara is welcomed into the warm, social "fabric" of Avonlea's ladies' sewing circle--during which a shocking revelation from one of the ladies about a past beau, causes temporary, humorous shockwaves in the town, and also a surprising twist which saves the day.
Each character adds new sparkle and depth to the story, as timeless themes of love, loyalty, friendship, fear and belonging unfold in the lives of these charming Avonlea citizens.

the best tv series
tales from avonlea is the best disney picture ever made

The Entertainer
Having watched this highly-acclaimed show since it's inception in 1990 as a ten-year old boy, I've realized how lucky I truly am to see such fine programming filled with such intriguing plots, unforgettable characters, famous guest stars (Christopher Lloyd won an Emmy for his role in 1992), and touching--but not sappy--moments. My particular favorite episode was when Aunt Hetty went out to "bring in the lost sheep"--and came up with Gus Pike and a HORRENDOUS backache! Unfortunately this series is no longer shown on Disney, but I've recorded almost 40 episodes when they reran some of the episodes in 1996. I promise you this video is worth the money.

Entertaining
Although some of the acting was not as strong as in 'Anne of Green Gables', the two short films presented on the videocassette were charming, and ultimately worth seeing. If you enjoy the Anne series and want more of Avonlea, you will appreciate these films. Not just for children--adults will like them, too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An excellent film! A great family friendly show!
This DVD included the first two episodes of "Road to Avonlea" the TV series, or better known in the U.S. as "Avonlea", as aired on the Disney Channel in the 1990's. A touching and family-friendly series about a little rich girl who moves to Prince Edward Island to live with her relatives when her father is accused of embezzlement in his own company. The adventures that this little girl Sara Stanley has with her cousins, (the "King" family) are hilarious and heart-warming! This is definately worth checking out!!

delightful
Excellent for children, found this film to be one you can learn from mistakes,has values presented,happy ending! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good film from an Emergency Management P.O.V.
The movie has a good story line and does a good job of showing the resistance Emergency Managers come up against in efforts to mitigate against disasters. It demonstrates the attitudes individuals in a community have when it comes to responding to a disaster. The move did get a little sappy in parts and just screams "Made for TV", but overall it was an enjoyable, uplifting movie.

One of the better TV movies.
Based on a true story. TV movie of the week status aside, this little flick is prety good. Richard Thomas looks like a man now instead of JOHN BOY and he can still act. Vernon is good in her role and the long lost love angle works between these two. Great watch with the one you love. The MOVIE HOUND gives this flick 3 dog bones. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A disappointment, yet intriguing
The DVD isn't in widescreen format, which is always disconcerting. However, the film itself is uneven. The main performances are all good, with a particularly fine performance by Dean Cain in the lead as a man who's obsessed with finding out who killed his brother and why, then has to deal with the fact his own wife was involved. Eric Roberts is fine playing a man who's gone over the edge (a type he's done in the past). He's not playing a man you love to hate, but just a man you hate. The female lead gives an effective performance in a two-dimensional role, but it's an impossible role to play, like being cast as Helen of Troy or some other legendary beauty - you can't win. Literally every lead male character in the film falls for her, and since all three guys are so different in type you can't figure they'd fall for the same type of woman, so what makes this one so special? That kind of conceit in a film is trying to force a viewer to suspend disbelief. It doesn't work, neither does the fact she's apparently not too bright, because the first half of the film is so implausible she should have seen it all coming. By the final half of the film, however, the plot becomes tighter, more tense, and this leads to a satisfactory finish. Worth watching for the acting, and how it all ends.

No Alibi
In "The Alibi" starring Dean Cain and Eric Roberts, Dean Cain plays,Bob, a young corporate up and comer who plays basket ball with his brother and childhood friends every Sunday. This all changes when he meets Camile, played by Lexa Doig. In Camile, Bob has suddenly found true love. But Camile has a secret and that secret involves the unexpected death of Bob's brother. As Bob and Camile try to grow in their love, Bob also tries to solve the murder of his brother. The two quests are at ends as Bob cannot rest until he knows what has happened to his brother and that knowledge will destroy what he has found with Camile. I found the plot and development of the story intreging. Dean Cain does a great job as Bob, showing a wide range of emotions and determination. Eric Roberts is a great villian - I really hated him in the end. Lexa Doig is more limited in her range of emotions but is convincing in her part. My biggest disappointment with the film was that it was not long enough. It skipped several time frames (as in the scene where they are discussing Christmas presents and the next scene is New Year's Eve) which gave it a disjointed feel and at 90 minutes in length, it could certainly have had smoother transitions. Overall, I enjoyed the film and am glad I purchased it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Cousins, family, mischief, tragedy, life and love in Avonlea
"Avonlea" is a show that is of an impeccably high quality, balancing the line between the worlds of adulthood and childhood that sometimes interlap, sometimes don't, but never cliched, never sterotypical, and always maintaining a high level of fun and mischief. It's real life seen through the eyes of the beautiful town of Avonlea and the large extended King clan, which was created by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

It's a lovely show, no overbearing sappiness, but full of honest and varied sentimentality with incredible actors portraying wonderful characters with idiosyncrasies and quirks (sometimes you love em, sometimes you hate em), yet who still feel as though they could become your best friends. And it's these characters that run the show. They grew, they developed, and they become intensely realistic and beloved people with each passing season.

It's not your average series. Every episode is completely believable, and any of the circumstances that occur, or more often, unravel, feel as though they could occur in your own life. And because of it's intelligence and beauty adults may enjoy it more than they expect, though there's plenty of entertaining material for kids to find enthralling (I know many children who devoured this show, try showing them "Proof of the Pudding", I still find it hilarious). In terms of these videos, my one problem is that they don't have all the episodes on video yet. Otherwise you'll have no real problem taking any of the episodes and watching, since the writing is very throrough in making each episode it's own entity, though the whole series through the years developed numerous intricate plots.

And yet, even with the problems of real life barging through from the very first episode (which deals with embezzlement), there's always a warm glow that you will always find a loving place there. For years I imagined PEI, and these people as though I was there, that's a success for these filmmakers. "Avonlea" is full of love and life and eccentricities and tragedy. Yet with all of it's fans, and acclaim, and ratings, and awards through the years, it's real triumph is the fact that it was endearing and beautiful from the first moment to the very last.

L. M. Montgomery's "The Story Girl" comes to "Avonlea"
When her father is threatened with financial ruin, young Sara Stanley is shipped off to her late mother's relatives on Prince Edward Island. Sara arrives in Avonlea with her Nanny Louisa is tow, only to meet up with the formidable King family, headed by the imperious Aunt Hetty, who also happens to be the local school teacher. "The Journey Begins" is the pilot episode written by Heather Conkie for the "Avonlea" television series. Sara Stanley was a character featured in "The Story Girl," which was author Lucy Maud Montgomery's favorite novel, and its sequel "The Golden Road." Along with two collections of short stories known as the Chronicles of Avonlea, these four books are the material from which various episodes were developed for this series.

What becomes fascinating in this first episode is how the premises of "The Story Girl" are redeveloped for this series. In the books Sara would come to visit her King cousins each summer, heading back to Montreal in the fall. However, the situation needed to be altered so Sara was a more permanent part of the Avonlea community. They could have made Sara an orphan, in the grand tradition of Montgomery's most famous literary creations Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon, but it is important that at least on some level Sara WANTS to stay on PEI. At the heart is one of Montgomery's strongest themes, how a young girl forges bonds of affection with a spinster. Aunts Hetty and Olivia certainly recall Emily's Aunts Elizabeth and Laura and there are strong echoes of that novel in this story.

One of the strengths of this series, in addition to its strong ensemble cast of solid character actors, is the casting of Sarah Polley as Sara Stanley. Polley had already proved herself to be one of the best "child" actresses of her generation before she got this role and she only continues to prove in this episode and the rest of the series. I used to have the Disney Channel just so I could watch "Avonlea" and honeymooned last year on PEI, staying at the "White Sands Hotel." So, it is pretty clear that I am just one of countless millions of enraptured fans. Whether you come from "Avonlea" to Montgomery's novels, or the other way around, just be sure you enjoy both.

The Genesis
Well, folks, this was the episode that started it all--"The Journey Begins". We are introduced at first to the palacious estate in which Sara, her father, and her Nanny Loisa lives. We see how extravagant a lifestyle Sara's grown up in, but she seems nonplussed and untainted about her wealth, though we do detect she's a bit spoiled. But when she and Nanny Louisa reach Rose Cottage and encounter the indomitable personage of Hetty King, sparks fly between the two stubborn ladies. What brings Sara and her Aunt Hetty together, though, is the death of Sara's mother. Hetty softens her attitude toward Sara; and everyone by the end of the episode wants her to stay, making it an easy decision for the happy girl! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A shy 9-year-old farm boy in rural America, Stephen Cline is walking near his house and happens upon the fresh scene of a crime. His older brother is apparently involved and is immediately suspected by the local sheriff, but young Stephen covers for him. And soon Stephen, apparently traumatized, refuses to speak at all. His family is puzzled, his mother cares enough to take him to visit psychiatrists, yet somehow no one ever makes the connection between the recent tragic news in the neighborhood and Stephen's total aversion to talking. Even at school, Stephen's refusal to talk is somehow taken in stride by both teachers and students.

Despite some glaring flaws in logic and other puzzling aspects to the plot (which is said to be based on a true story), there are some commendable aspects to this film. Bonnie Bedelia turns in a credible performance as Stephen's aching mother, and Dan Hedaya strikes the right notes as a stern but helpful psychiatrist. Young Marc Donato has a very expressive face and curly hair, and while he occasionally resembles a juvenile Harpo Marx, he is able to generate both pathos and mirth. But despite performances that make the family tension at the heart of the story seem realistic, the story itself doesn't always live up to the individual performances. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (2)

the silent adventures of afro child
holy SMOKESSSSS!!!!!!! what a tale! what a truely unique adventure! not only does it wisp us away into a world of silence but into a world of little kids who can't talk!!! the child's "afro" reminded me of the many tangles and turmoils of life. but his sweet innocent "face" reasured me that all was well. this movie pointed out the ultimate truth more accurately than any of its kind- namely that nothing draws a family closer than a murdering police officer. nine thumbs up!!! may this movie be forever "locked" in our hearts.

Fooled by box into seeing a great movie.
I rented this movie to see a story about a child and a murder. It is there, but wrapped around the story is the dysfunctional family and the stress of a normal shy boy who suddenly quits talking. Great show and a movie experience that I can say I am glad to have seen with my wife. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A disappointment, yet intriguing
The DVD isn't in widescreen format, which is always disconcerting. However, the film itself is uneven. The main performances are all good, with a particularly fine performance by Dean Cain in the lead as a man who's obsessed with finding out who killed his brother and why, then has to deal with the fact his own wife was involved. Eric Roberts is fine playing a man who's gone over the edge (a type he's done in the past). He's not playing a man you love to hate, but just a man you hate. The female lead gives an effective performance in a two-dimensional role, but it's an impossible role to play, like being cast as Helen of Troy or some other legendary beauty - you can't win. Literally every lead male character in the film falls for her, and since all three guys are so different in type you can't figure they'd fall for the same type of woman, so what makes this one so special? That kind of conceit in a film is trying to force a viewer to suspend disbelief. It doesn't work, neither does the fact she's apparently not too bright, because the first half of the film is so implausible she should have seen it all coming. By the final half of the film, however, the plot becomes tighter, more tense, and this leads to a satisfactory finish. Worth watching for the acting, and how it all ends.

No Alibi
In "The Alibi" starring Dean Cain and Eric Roberts, Dean Cain plays,Bob, a young corporate up and comer who plays basket ball with his brother and childhood friends every Sunday. This all changes when he meets Camile, played by Lexa Doig. In Camile, Bob has suddenly found true love. But Camile has a secret and that secret involves the unexpected death of Bob's brother. As Bob and Camile try to grow in their love, Bob also tries to solve the murder of his brother. The two quests are at ends as Bob cannot rest until he knows what has happened to his brother and that knowledge will destroy what he has found with Camile. I found the plot and development of the story intreging. Dean Cain does a great job as Bob, showing a wide range of emotions and determination. Eric Roberts is a great villian - I really hated him in the end. Lexa Doig is more limited in her range of emotions but is convincing in her part. My biggest disappointment with the film was that it was not long enough. It skipped several time frames (as in the scene where they are discussing Christmas presents and the next scene is New Year's Eve) which gave it a disjointed feel and at 90 minutes in length, it could certainly have had smoother transitions. Overall, I enjoyed the film and am glad I purchased it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lucy Maud would be proud....
The episodes on this video are How Kissing Was Discovered & Aunt Hetty's Ordeal. I loved both of the episodes. They bring tears to your eyes and joy to you life. I loved the beauty of the scenery If you are a fan of Avonlea movies get this one.

Oh, The Places You Will Go!
It's amazing how much I haven't grown up the past 10 years! Ten years ago, I teared up when Gus played his violin for Miss King (even though he "may wreck the King's english) out of appreciation for her care. Ten years later, I still had the same reaction. Some things prove to me that history only becomes history if you let it. Hetty King is a very strict, often irritating, demanding person, but you really can admire her for the 'hidden' love she shows for others. We see Gus' intro during the first episode, this vagabond in dirty clothes kissing the prim and proper Felicity; this is the beginning of their relationship: "Better than kissing my dog", Gus says! Then, we see the emergence of Gus as a motivated, intelligent young man trying to rise above his soiled past while balancing his ideals of a better future. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Low budget film but worth watching
An extremely low budget and cheap film. It is divided into 5 mini stories based on Bradburys Martian Chronicles. It is no where near as good as the original Chronicles starring Rock Hudson.

Cheap and unnecessary
I remember the "Martian Chronicles" with Rock Hudson, Maria Schell and others and I'm still waiting for a re-release of this mini-series. I bought "The Martian episodes" instead and it's nothing but a cheap and unnecessary remake. Sci-Fi Fans will maybe enjoy it, but there is certainly better stuff on the market !

Awful. Worst movie ever.
This movie kills the objective of the boo

This TV movie is a very good presentatio of Bradbury's book.
I remember seeing the Martian chronicles when first it aired on Television as a mini-series. I never thought that any one could accurately put Bradbury's poetic vision of Martian colonization and the end of the earth on celuloid. This film does an admirable job of presenting Bradbury's vision. Although there are a few scenes that some might consider to be slightly campy, overall, the film is haunting and poetic. The mini-series does what no single movie could have. For any Bradbury fan, it is a welcome gift to see his words translated to screen, as they have rarely been done in the past. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

L.M. Montgomery's "The Story Girl" comes to "Avonlea"
When her father is threatened with financial ruin, young Sara Stanley is shipped off to her late mother's relatives on Prince Edward Island. Sara arrives in Avonlea with her Nanny Louisa is tow, only to meet up with the formidable King family, headed by the imperious Aunt Hetty, who also happens to be the local school teacher. "The Journey Begins" is the pilot episode written by Heather Conkie for the "Avonlea" television series. Sara Stanley was a character featured in "The Story Girl," which was author Lucy Maud Montgomery's favorite novel, and its sequel "The Golden Road." Along with two collections of short stories known as the Chronicles of Avonlea, these four books are the material from which various episodes were developed for this series.

What becomes fascinating in this first episode is how the premises of "The Story Girl" are redeveloped for this series. In the books Sara would come to visit her King cousins each summer, heading back to Montreal in the fall. However, the situation needed to be altered so Sara was a more permanent part of the Avonlea community. They could have made Sara an orphan, in the grand tradition of Montgomery's most famous literary creations Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon, but it is important that at least on some level Sara WANTS to stay on PEI. At the heart is one of Montgomery's strongest themes, how a young girl forges bonds of affection with a spinster. Aunts Hetty and Olivia certainly recall Emily's Aunts Elizabeth and Laura and there are strong echoes of that novel in this story.

One of the strengths of this series, in addition to its strong ensemble cast of solid character actors, is the casting of Sarah Polley as Sara Stanley. Polley had already proved herself to be one of the best "child" actresses of her generation before she got this role and she only continues to prove in this episode and the rest of the series. I used to have the Disney Channel just so I could watch "Avonlea" and honeymooned on PEI, staying at the "White Sands Hotel." So, it is pretty clear that I am just one of countless millions of enraptured fans. Whether you come from "Avonlea" to Montgomery's novels, or the other way around, just be sure you enjoy both. ... Read more

Description

Life has been idyllic for Jo March.Happily married, she has been overseeing the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of Plumfield, a boarding school for boys in rural Massachusetts.Then her charmed world explodes around her and she finds herself scrambling to keep some part of her dream alive.In an uphill battle for a woman alone, Jo must call on all the courage, boldness and daring of her youth to keep Plumfield going...and to survive.Out of desperation, she turns to an unlikely source of help - with no idea of the surprising impact it will have on the school, the boys of Plumfield and her own life. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of the Best Family-Oriented Series
I watched "Little Men" for 2 years on PAX TV when it originally aired and fell in love with this delightful, heartwarming family drama. Safe for the entire family to enjoy, "Little Men" will warm your heart with valuable lessons, charming anectdotes, and a house of boys and girls tumbling through life's many adventures.

In addition to the rambunctions children of the series, is the burgeoning relationship between Jo Bhaer and the new caretaker of Plumfield, Nick Riley. After the unexpected death of her husband Fritz, (which may alarm many L.M. Alcott fans) Jo finds herself torn between her past and her future. The addition of Nick Riley to the story-line, though a major change in the original plot of the novel, is pivotal to the series. He adds the charm, roughness, and tenderness of a man wrestling with his own past as he quickly falls in love with a woman of strength and courage unlike any he has ever known.

Anyone who purchases this series on DVD (the first 2 include the first 4 episodes) will undoubtedly enjoy it....

A treasure for the whole family
This series was based upon the classic Louisa May Alcott book "Little Men". Although it does move away from the book in certain ways, the series still brings the charm of Alcott's novel to the small screen. The scripts are well written, the acting superb, and the stories are timeless. This DVD, containing the first 4 episodes of the series, will be something to treasure and which can be shared with children and adults alike for many years to come.

I loved the book but the movie......
They killed off Joe's husband so she could have a romance? Oh sure no problem.NOT! Also I missed Meg's kids being in the story.Oh yeah and Joe's other son. The acting wasnt the best either. If you are looking for a movie that will bring the book you read to life do not count on this movie.

An Outstanding Release That Leaves You Wanting More
I can't say enough about this series that unfortunately ran for only 2 seasons. I recently bought the two DVD set of the first 4 episodes, and the picture & sound quality are excellent. Sorry, but I'm dying to say this - Spencer Rochfort's (Nick) eyes are incredible! This series is well acted with good stories appropriate for the whole family. Although it is an extention of LM Alcott's work and includes invented characters such as Nick, the romantic interest for Jo, it seems realistic and in keeping with the flavour that Miss Alcott was trying to portray through her writings. The romance between them is very sweet and is in no way "over the top". It isn't one of those productions that leaves purists such as myself feeling betrayed by the presentation of the story or characters, and now I wouldn't want to be without those new characters! My favourite actors are Trevor Blumas who plays Nat and Robin Dunne as Franz Bhaer. The DVD includes bios of some of the characters and also there are extra features for those who have a DVD-ROM. It is interesting to note that one of the executive producers, Carl Binder, (who also produced Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman for 3 years), is Canadian as well as most of the actors/actresses. It seems to be a joint production between Canada and the United States. It is very much in the flavour of other outstanding Canadian productions such as Road to Avonlea by Sullivan Entertainment. Those of you who like those shows will definitely like this as well. I was also amazed when reading the bios, how much the teenagers have in common with one another in real life. They are a very athletic and musical group of individuals. Together they made an excellent team in this outstanding family show. My biggest disappointment of course is that there are not more episodes available on DVD. I'm presently ordering copies of this release for my friends. I am hoping that since this DVD was just released last year (2003) there is still a chance that they will release the rest. I hope the producers are reading this!! Also it would be good if any future releases were closed captioned or subtitled for the hard of hearing, as these were not included in this edition.

Family Entertainment at it's Best
I agree with the other reviews. This is a great family series. I happened across it on PAX before I received my Dish network. I was only able to get poor reception and it was on the weekends so I rarely was able to see it. When I came across the DVD, I couldn't wait to order it. I then shared it with other family members and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. From the youngest to the oldest, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, neices they all wanted to get the DVD and are begging for more.

The only thing that could be better than this DVD is the release of the whole series on DVD. Hurry, the sooner, the better. ... Read more