Reviews (159)

Simply Grand!
You have all 3 Wallace and Gromit cartoons in one package with this! Anybody interested in animation should see this. Nick Park (also known for Chicken Run and Creature Comforts) uses the Claymation technique (simmilar to The Nightmare Before Christmas) and I was reading 1 review which said his 1st movie, A Grand Day Out took 6 years to perfect. That explains why he has only made 3 films at this writing.

The 1st movie, A Grand Day Out, introduces Wallace, clever crackpot inventor in England who loves cheese, and his dog Gromit, the brains behind the two. Wallace invents a rocketship to take himself and Gromit to the moon (after all, the moon IS made out of cheese, isn't it?). They find out quickly that the "oven" they've been using to heat Wallace's moon-cheese is really a crater-skiing robot who doesn't take too kindly to their visit!

In the 1993 Academy Award winning The Wrong Trousers, Wallace gives Gromit a pair of walking trousers (designed to walk Gromit when Wallace has better inventions to think up!). Gromit feels ignored, especially after Wallace takes in a boarder, a mysterious penguin. Later, Gromit discovers the penguin is a notorious thief and makes plans to save himself and Wallace!

In the 1995 Academy Award winning A Close Shave, Wallace and Gromit go into the window washing business. When Wallace meets the sweet Wendoline (who owns a knitting business) and her evil dog Preston, Wallace invents the Knit-O-Matic, a yarn making machine which strips the wool of a whole flock of sheep as fast as you can say "Confound it, Gromit!". Then when Preston starts playing with the machine, trouble begins (and it's up to Gromit to save the day)!

Each one of these adventures is worth more than 1 view and I look forward to more Wallace and Gromit adventures (and other Nick Park produced efforts) in the future.

No Cheese, Gromit.
The WALLACE & GROMIT shorts have accomplished something very few other franchises can claim. They are as popular with cult-clasping-college students as they are with kindergarten children. For the First episode creator Nick Park needed an excuse to get a man and his dog to the moon... A GRAND DAY OUT was the result. The episode is quaint and filled with great character and humor. The second, and greatest to date, THE WRONG TROUSERS introduces an evil penguin to the mix. Thats right, an evil penguin. The last episode, A CLOSE SHAVE, is an awesome sequel but suffers from the same thing that haunts many live action sequels. It is given a bigger budget and more time is spent on the mechanics of the story than the human side. All three are laugh-out-loud. And coming in short of 30 minutes, they can easily be taken in in one sitting and you won't feel guilty for not getting your bank book balanced. This is the most recent DVD release and includes interesting making of material, commentary by creator Nick Park, and even 4 early animations. Great for the entire family...

The worst animation on Earth
If you can stomach "Wallace and Gromit",I admire you.This is the absolute WORST animation on Earth!I felt like I was punishing myself by watching this horrible DVD.The stories had no plots-they were just a bunch of adlibbed scenes slapped together in hopes of making a plot.The animation itself is sloppy,choppy and cheapThis is NOT worth your time-if you want a good cartoon-get "Tom & Jerry" or "Popeye" instead.

ARE THERE MORE WALLACE & GROMIT OUT THERE ?
We have purchased all the Nick Park/Aardman/Wallace & Gromit DVDs we can find on Amazon. Are there more out there? It seems to me from watching PBS, etc. that there might be. It may take a certain mindset to really appreciate this animation, but we'll take all we can get!

WALLACE AND GROMIT SUCK!
THESE SHORTS ARE NOT WORTHY OF THE ONE STAR WE WERE FORCED TO GIVE THEM. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU PEOPLE???? WALLACE AND GROMIT ARE THE CREEPIEST THINGS ON TV AND SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO BE VIEWED BY CHILDREN (MUCH LESS ADULTS!) WE'RE GOING TO HAVE NIGHTMARES FROM BEING FORCED WHILE BABYSITTING TO WATCH "THE WRONG TROUSERS" WITH A 2 YEAR OLD. WHAT ARE WE MISSING? WHAT IS SO EXCITING ABOUT THESE VIDEOS?? NOTHING!!!! THEY ARE SCARY SCARY SCARY!!! AVOID THESE FILMS AT ALL COSTS. EVERY REVIEW ON THIS SITE PRAISES THESE MOVIES LIKE THEY ARE THE GREATEST THINGS ON EARTH. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THESE MOVIES- SAVE YOURSELVES NOW!! WE ARE REACHING OUT TO YOU!! P.S. We love you but yea craig ... Read more

Description

The first Baby Einstein video is packaged together with three more videos: "Baby Bach," "Baby Newton," and"Baby Shakespeare." The age target for "Einstein" is 1 to 18 months, "Bach" is 1 to 36 months, and "Newton" and Shakespeare" are targeted for 12-48 month crowd. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Mother Approved!
Our son is almost 8 months old and when we put one of the videos in, no matter where he is in the house he comes to watch. The colors and sounds has captured his attention and we can sit with him to learn. We are so happy for your products. Thank you for helping new parents find a way to connect.

GREAT VIDEOS! BEST BABY VIDEO BUY EVER!!
I bought them when my baby was 5-6 mo. She loved a little bit them by then, especially baby newton. Her interest for the videos has kept growing, she is 13 mo now and she LOVES these videos, she pays lots of attention to each and every thing she watches. My baby has never had a pacifier into her mouth, but these videos have definetely been her pacifier all this time.
I can't explain the emotion she feels when she watches me inserting the videocassette for her, she claps her hands, sings, dances, etc!
The only video that she doesn't watch is baby einstein, I think it's a little bit boring for her, and has always been. But for my overall experience, these videos deserve an A+++. My money was very well spent.

Best video series I have found
I have purchased several of the video series. Baby Genius and Bee Smart are pretty good. I also having the Signing Time videos. While I love Signing Time, my son is not quite into it yet. None of them keep my 7 month old fascinated like the Baby Einstein series. I have the language skills, bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Doolittle is a little disappointing. I have not purchased Newton yet, and may not, due to reading of the reviews. But, in comparison to the other series out there, Baby Einstein is the top. I still use the other videos, because they seem to provide more direct education. Yet, I have to work harder to keep my son's attention with the other videos. Just today, my son was getting fussy and would not soothe. I turned on baby Mozart and he has not made a peep. I may not get him to sleep anytime soon, though.

Somewhat Disappointed....
Neither of my kids seem to be remotely interested in any of the Baby Einstein DVDs. To me, they seem strange and almost like brain-washing. I think we'll stick to Disney and the like.

Mostly good, if used correctly.....
We have all of these videos and my kids love them. They are bright and colorful, with loads of great images and top notch music. I like that they vary and have different themes, our favorite is Baby Newton. I have no idea why they prefer that one, but they just do.

Now, I've read some negative reviews on here and I must say I can see the point that those parents are trying to get across. But Julie Clark tells us at the end of every video that you should watch with your child and discuss what you are seeing. This is an opportunity to interact with your child, this is not intended as an electronic babysitter (Nick Jr. is the electronic video, or didn't you know?). So if used properly they are learning videos. My two kids, aged 4 and 2, enjoy the chance to spend time with a parent and learn about colors, numbers, shapes, etc. For that purpose they are great! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

wonderful infant/toddler entertainment
I actually bought each one of these VHS tapes separately...and STILL I'm thankful that I've bought every one of the tapes in this series. My son (now 15 months) LOVES to watch these tapes, clap, squeal, and "dance" to the music. I'll let him sit in the living room floor, and enjoy the entertainment! While it gives my husband and I the much needed break! These videos put sight, sound, and motion all into effect. It's a fun way for little ones to start learning about animals, foreign language, ABC's and 123's, and much much more!

We love them!
I've been recommending these videos for years to friends. We have them all now. This set is great because it has Baby Mozart in it....definitely the best of all of them. However, my children 3 1/2 and 18 mos. love the other 3 too. Both my children recognize the music played when my husband plays his cds. If they see toys or paintings that appear at stores, etc. they point them out and tell me which video they appear in. I just wish they hadn't put Baby Doolittle World and Neighborhood in the same set. I also wish these sets were on DVD!

The better of the two gift packs
We got this gift pack and volume one for a baby shower gift.
Volume one is not so great, but Volume 2 has Baby Mozart and Baby Van Gogh in it, which are both great. If you enjoy the Baby Einstein videos and don't have these, this deal is pretty good, since these are the best videos in the collection. My older daughter Emmie is just over two years. She doesn't get very much stimulation from them, but will still watch them with her new sister and me. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Winky Dink cartoons, popular in the 1950s, are now interactive. This set features a "magic screen": a piece of heavy clear vinyl that clings to 27-inch television screens--it can be cut to fit smaller screens, but those with larger sets won't get full screen coverage. Also included are special crayons, soft cleaning cloth, and the first volume of Winky Dink and You all enclosed in a plastic carrying case. Viewers simply trace an onscreen object and watch as it becomes a vital tool in defeating the dastardly Harem Scarem. Don't tell the kids, but viewer drawings don't actually determine the course of the action--they simply fill in blank portions of the animation. While artwork wipes easily away from conventional television screens, the advisability of encouraging children to write on televisions and other household furnishing is debatable. This compilation contains nine episodes featuring Winky Dink, his dog Woofer, and the villainous Harem Scarem. Whether Harem Scarem is corrupting the King, disturbing the music of the spheres, or stealing precious gems, the collaborative efforts of Winky Dink, Woofer, and young viewers ensures that good will prevail. (Ages 3 and older) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Get fun for the young and young at heart!
I was a huge WINKY DINK AND YOU fan as a kid and was so excited to see that this simple, but simply wonderful interactive set was back for today's generation of kids! All you do is put a piece of plastic (provided in the kit) on the TV screen and following the cartoon character's instructions, you draw something, like a line, that becomes a bridge that magically becomes integrated into the cartoon! The crayons and magic wipe (also in the kit) enables kids do two interactive pieces easily in each cartoon, and there are 18 cartoons in each volume. It's perfect for kids ages four and up. Even a video-obsessed 14 year-old-friend of my daughter thought it was real "cool." The lunch box-type kit is easy to transport, making it great for anyone, including babysitters going to their jobs, to carry it! Anyone who remembers Winky Dink (and his catchy theme song) will be ecstatic that he's returned. Anyone who doesn't know Winky Dink and Woofer and Harum Scarum should! This is great!

Winky Dink Revisited
I was a fan of this show 1st time around (50+ years ago) and was happy to see this release on DVD. I bought it for my wife whose parents were too cheap to shell out the 50 cents for her at the time. She had to have the Winky experience...the bliss of drawing on the TV screen! The 60's version completely escaped me because teenagers didn't do Winky, so these episodes were completely new to me. What was missing was Jack Barry's (50's) cornball antics. I must say, I was disappointed that the second Bonus Episode was faulty: it played the soundtrack of Episode One over the out-of-sync Episode Two. Also Ed Wykhoff's commentary feature was non-functional on my DVD. Otherwise, it was a thrill!...

Who knew crayons on the TV screen could be so much fun?
The concept is simple: Two cartoon characters have adventures on TV, and you have to help them by drawing on the screen. This kit includes the plastic overlay to protect your screen, a cleaning cloth, 6 crayons, and a video with 9 adventures. Other videos are available.

Who would have guessed that such a simple concept would be so much fun? Our 4 year old loves it. We're looking forward to inviting over friends so she can play again with them.

A must-see for all ages
We bought this video with memories of Winky Dink from growing up in the fifties. Our four children, ages 5 through 14, are wild about it, and that's quite an accomplishment for all of them to enjoy the same thing. It's very easy to use and fun for all. For anyone who wants to go back in time to the early days of television and share this nostalgia with each other and with new generations, this video is a MUST!!! We are going to buy several copies to give as gifts and even to save for our grandchildren!!!!

New Winky Dink Lover
Though I am not of the winky dink gernrations (they were aired in the 50's and later in the 70's, I am only 16) my parents were, and stubmbled across this rare gem. Since reciving the kit, I have used it for babysitting, and have found not only do the kids love it and beg for more, but they keep on wanting me to come back, and each time watch Winky Dink again and again! Thank you Winky Dink!!! ... Read more

Description

The fascinating tales of James Herriot, a veteranarian in 1940's Yorkshire England. When James joins the successful practice of Siegfried Farnon, the adventures begin. Whether it's Siegfried, his brother Tristan, or the mischevious characters and animals of the county, each day brings on a new set of adventures. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

What's all the fuss? This was the best of all the series!
My husband and I have loved the "All Creatures" series since we first became aware of it a few years ago. Series 4 happens to be my very favorite one. One thing bothers me about all the series, however. I am concerned about the care of the animals in the shooting of the scenes. I remember particularly a horse lying on the ground on her side trembling violently. I wondered at the time what they did to that horse to cause such a physical reaction. There are other instances and they are troubling to watch.

Great as usual!
Set after the end of WWII, this series was taped about eight years after the previous series. As one would expect, there are a lot of changes - but the show is still as wonderful as ever. In this series, Carol Drinkwater (Helen) has been replaced by Lynda Bellingham, and although "The Changing of the Helens" (as I think of it) takes some getting used to, Lynda Bellingham is very good. Also, Helen and James have two children now.

Of course, all of the actors look older than before (with the possible exception of Siegfried, who seems not to have aged in 8 years), but it doesn't matter at all. They are just as much fun to watch as ever. (And Tristan is still very, very cute.)

Although all the episodes are great, my personal favorite is called "The Bull With The Bowler Hat". It's wonderful, but I'm not going to spoil it for you - you'll have to buy the series and watch it! :-)

WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT
I AM A FAN OF THE FIRST THREE SERIES. I BOUGHT THEM ALL AND LOVE THEM ALL. THAT SAID, AFTER THE FIRST ABYSSMAL EPISODE OF THIS SERIES I'VE SWORN THEM OFF.

THE NEW HELEN MUST BE A RELATIVE OF THE NEW DIRECTOR IS MY ONLY GUESS. THEY'D HAVE DONE BETTER TO HAVE MOVED A MANNEQUIN ABOUT. HER ACTING IS THAT BAD, WHAT THERE IS OF IT. AND WATCH JAMES AND YOU'LL SEE HE'S AS DISAPPOINTED AS WAS I.

WANT MORE? THE SETS HAVE LOST THEIR FEELING OF REALITY. THE DIRECTION IS FORCED. AND WHATEVER FEELING THE CAST HAD IS GONE, LOST, HISTORY. CAROL DRINKWATER, THE ORIGINAL HELEN HAD IT RIGHT WHEN SHE JUMPED SHIP ON THIS ONE. IT'S A SAD THING TO WATCH A CAST RAVEL BEFORE YOUR EYES TAKING A BELOVED STORY WITH IT, BUT THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EVISCERATED CORPSE OF A SERIES.

OKAY, READY FOR SOMETHING POSITIVE? THE MUSIC IS BETTER. SEE, I'M NOT SUCH A NEGATIVE BLOKE. BUT, PLEASE, FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, SPARE YOURSELF THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF THIS SPUTTERING FAILURE.

New Look, Same Place
Those who've followed the Herriot story from its humble beginnings are in for a surprise! Series 4 opens with a "new" Helen, two little Herriots, no Mrs. Hall and is set some time after WWII. With Series 3 closing on such a powerful emotional note, I had hoped we would follow the fortunes of the cast through the war years and their subsequent return. After such a long period with this group, it took some adjusting to the cast changes. It didn't help that the writers recycled some earlier themes from past programs, and my copy of episode 1 had an annoying scratchy soundtrack. It left me altogether just a little frustrated.

But my disappointment was brief. This series is every bit as powerful as its predecessors. James and family are in the thick of life, dealing with everything from buying a home to attending school concerts to deciding whether to leave the practice. Siegfried is his usual brilliant self, Tristan loafs..ahem, works for the Ministry of Agriculture as an Artificial Inseminator (perfect!), and we are treated to a new vet in the practice, Callum. The bagpipe-playing, haggis-eating Scot soon wins the heart of Tristan's girlfriend while his menagerie of wild pets drives Siegfried to distraction. Even Granville weighs in with an hilarious episode resulting in the typical mess.

Buy this series! Yes, it looks different, and yes, there are some reprised scenes from prior programs, but for my money you'd have to go a long way to equal the acting and quality of writing seen in this entire series. So call the dogs in, gather the kids round and settle down for a tasty treat from the Yorkshire Dales. You won't be disappointed.

Different Air
I love this series. The first 3 series were some of the most entertaining TV I had ever seen. The 4th series however feels very different. James' wife is a lot more timid and seems to more willingly take a back seat to whatever James whats. James seems to be a lot more stern and less happy then in the first 3 series. He's lost some of his innocence which made him so appealing(perhaps due to the war). I was also a little disappointed that Christian isn't practicing medicine in the field. These things aside, still a great series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This boxed set contains six episodes of The Simpsons: "There's No Disgrace Like Home" (the Simpsons shock each other at a shrink's office);"Life on the Fast Lane" (Marge takes bowling lessons from--and nearly is seduced by--Albert Brooks as a French bowling pro); "Bart the General" (Bart plays Patton in his effort to beat bully Nelson Muntz); "Moaning Lisa" (Lisa's jazz hero, Bleeding Gums Murphy, is introduced); "The Crepes of Wrath" (Bart is a foreign-exchange student and winds up as a slave in France); and "Krusty Gets Busted" (Sideshow Bob frames Krusty the Clown for robbery in order to take over his show). --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (14)

OK, OK, OK, LIKE CHAUCER
The Simpsons will be seen in a hundred - a thousand - years, as emblematic of the best of American television of the twentieth century. Matt Groening's creation supercedes all animation rivals, utilizing the form to express the surreal truths of family life, of dysfunctional reality, of the American Dream. The Simpsons is often associated with the Flintstones, the counter-Disney hit animation series of the revolutionary Sixties, but in fact it has much more in common with the vision of The Honeymooners of the Fifties, or the anarchic moods of the Kraft Theater or The Twilight Zone - all of which it remorselessly parodies. If it has a weakness, it is the obviousness of its homages and references. Compositionally it steals weekly from Hitch, from Scorcese, from Tarantino, from John Doe. But that in itself is a wry commentary on the vomitory excesses of our pop-drenched society. In short, The Simpsons is TRUE. It seems, well, chronically uroscopic ... but its depictions of suburban prejudice, lethargy and threat are cautionary markers for our times. Groening deserves more credit than the corporate-Emmys allow (The Simpsons has won many): his observation of the dark side of our bloated Somatized culture is nothing short of Nobel class. I recommend this three-episode volume as a sampler of the whole. This dates from the early (early Nineties) era. As it developed, the series became more graceful and precise. In this set is mocks us: by 1999 it skewers us. Thank you, Matt Groening, Dan Castellaneta (Homer, among many roles - and a genius), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (the wondrous oracle Lisa), Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer et al. And also (can we forget him?) in loving memory of the greatly gifted Phil Hartman (Troy McClure). Oh, and those many, many, many dedicated animators ...

Welcome to the wacky world of the Simpsons!
This is the very beginning of Matt Groening's masterful creation of the unique yellow-skinned family and their craziest adventures in the surburban fantasyland full of many different characters who come and go, each with his or her own colorful personality and background. Once a rather anonymous tabolid cartoonist, Matt Groening had accelerated rather rapidly to superstardom over ten years with his famous cartoon family and now he is producing a snappy new science fiction series called "Futurama", which would be looking up with a bright future as well! So - long live the Simpsons and the Futurama!

boaf rap
boaf boaf stallion boaf please don't shine that light in my eyes boaf slaughter boff cakes and sausage boaf taco and bru haha.
Jashua come say hello to your mother.

The Best of the Simpsons: Boxed Set 1
Yes, if you are a died-in-the-wool Simpsons fan like I am, then you definitely need this product. Not only do I recommend it because it's hilarious, but it comes with lots of interested facts on the Simpsons inside of the box. But, just because I'm totally crazed about the Simpsons, I'd say something like that, but anyway, if you are a die-hard Simpsons fan, you must get this set now!

Good, but maybe not the best
If you're a true blue (or yellow) SIMPSONS fan (like me) then you'll have to get this set just to be complete. However I think the show was funnier after they got the dog and Homer got stupider and less angry. If you feel the same way you might want to consider volumes 2, 3, and 4. Still and all this ain't a bad deal. I like "There's No Disgrace Like Home" (Homer: "When will I learn? The answers to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a bottle . . . They're on T.V.!") ... Read more

Description

All Creatures Great and Small Series Three brings a rich new trove of James Herriot tales to the screen. Set in the windswept dales of Yorkshire, England, the series perfectly captures the warm drawing room fires and freezing wintry barns of the English countryside of the thirties. While this remote area cannot remain untouched by the threat of impending war, there are still plenty of battles to be fought on the home front: on the farms, in the fields and hand-to-hand in the surgery.

INCLUDES 14 EPISODES: Plenty to Grouse About, Charity Begins at Home, Every Dog His Day, Hair of the Dog, If Wishes Were Horses, Pig in the Middle, Be Prepared, A Dying Breed, Brink of Disaster, Home and Away, Alarms and Excursions, Matters of Life and Death, Will to Live, Big Steps and Little 'Uns ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Real Life Comedy Part 3
The Production: The TV series "All Creatures Great & Small" started in Great Britain on January 1978 with no nonsense photography with the typical grain of that time period. This DVD box set is from the third season, which played in January through June 1979. Some photography scenes were taken direct off Yorkshire farms. There are very little special effects, the only ones I can think of is either drugged or fake animals to act out certain quick scenes. Were some of the animals trained to act like they were sick or dying? Sometimes certain operations were preformed with a human hand, checking the rear of certain animals for pregnancies or intestinal problems. At times when the actors themselves are seen performing inspections on the animals, their hands were either hidden behind the animals or the actors makes facial expressions with the lower parts of their bodies off the screen. In this series, in one scene the main Veterinarian uses his free hand to cover the area where the needle is "Supposedly" going into the neck of the animal. Very down to Earth & as real as possible with great effect.

The Actors: Christopher Timothy plays James Herriot, a Scottish newly qualified Veterinarian as co-owner with Veterinarian Surgeon Siegfried Farnon, played by Robert Hardy, in the Yorkshire farming community of Darrowby during the late 1930's right before World War Two. Veterinary student & Siegfried's younger brother Tristan, played by Peter Davison continues to miss things up, but this time with the ladies & cooking. The housekeeper is Mrs. Hall, played by Mary Hignett, who leaves in a few episodes to care for relatives. James wife & part time secretary for the entire business is Helen played by Carol Drinkwater, who takes a second job to cover the bills.

Commentary: The third season continues where the second season left off where several of the characters "Know" what the other characters will do or say, & sometimes repeat per word at the same time. This correctly & naturally reveals the growing bond between everyone in the household. Most episodes deal with the upcoming war & how it affects their relationships & the farming community at large. This ends the 1st section of the series with Siegfried & James going off to war leaving Tristan to hold the business, & Helen returns to her father's house. As with the first & second seasons, this box set comes with 4 DVD's: at three to four 50 to 55 minute programs per DVD with an added bonus of a few commentaries by the main actors & a 5 minute short review on the James Herriot museum.

There are now two other DVD box sets, the first & second seasons, & a single DVD of 2 specials short in the mid 1980's. "All Creatures Great & Small" did return to British TV in the late 1980's with 4 seasons, but these are only on VHS at this time. A good buy if you're into real life comedy.

All Creatures Series 3 perhaps the most relaxed of all
This series "All Creatures Great and Small" is special beyond a doubt. The Third season of episodes finds our friends concerned about the coming war and is contemplative about life changing soon among the dales. It is the most delightful of the 3 with wonderful flute music and genuinely funny plots that have Tristan taking over kitchen duties with his usual haplessness and we are also given another "dose" of Dr. Granville Bennett,a repeating character who constantly gets our heroes drunk. Another features a dog that is subject to "gas" straying into an afternoon tea party and stinks the place up while a stock character colonel is explaining the benefits of "curry powder" in the diet. Siegfried is distant at times and eventually reveals his feelings about the coming war to James. In the end, the obligations of duty summon them both while Tristan holds up the home vet practice (Finally passing his tests.)Things were never the same again after this season and for that and the reasons stated above I believe this to be the best. Well worth your time and investment. A sure tranquilizer for our hurried times.

Season 3 is here, when will season 4 and 5 come?
This is the best series for family and entertainment. We watch at least one a night. It is a comforting step back into a more simple time. A delight for all! Can't wait for season 4 and 5!

All And Any Creatures on DVD is Great
Finally volume III. I have not viewed yet, but this collection has audio commentary by Hardy, Drinkwater, Davison and a few select directors on episodes 6, 7 and 13. Plus, a 5 minute feature on the James Herriot museum in Thirsk, and the Who's Who in the cast. 722 minutes on four discs. I hope volume IV is on the way on DVD. .................................................

Five stars minimum
I've never quite been able to pick a single best episode of "All Creatures," my favorite TV series. However, there are certainly several contenders for that honor in Series Three, the final series before James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) goes off to war. The omnipresence of his impending departure makes this series kind of bittersweet, but fortunately the series came back in 1988 and ran through 1990 (with two Christmas specials and one full-length movie bridging the gap between the end of Series 3 and the beginning of series 4).

I hesitate to give away too much information about any of these episodes - they have to be seen! - but my personal favorites are "Charity Begins At Home," "If Wishes Were Horses," "Be Prepared," "A Dying Breed," "Plenty To Grouse About," and "Home and Away". As usual, the actors play their characters so convincingly that when reading Herriot's books it's impossible to imagine James, Siegfried, Tristan, etc. as anyone other than Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, and Peter Davison.

(One final note: after watching any given ACG&S episode with Mr. Davison in it - I admit I don't enjoy the ones without him quite as much - I can never help but consider the possibility that he may suffer from a hyperactive charm/appeal gland.) ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Just a little warning
My 3-year-old daughter was enchanted with the characters, yes, but has refused to view this video a second time. Why? Both segments contain scenes she finds alarming and scary. In the first, the young heroine-mouse quakes in terror of an imaginary weasel. In the second, the protagonists are trapped, shivering, in a collapsing ice tunnel. My kid is not particularly sensitive to dangers she can see, such as the monsters in "The Dark Crystal." What troubles her are imagined terrors, like the unseen, undescribed weasel of Brambly Hedge.

Good, but altered from original
Good tape, but one problem: previews for Brambly Hedge contained on my child's other "Crayola Presents" kids' videos show the Brambly Hedge characters talking in quiet, attractive British accents - indeed, this Brambly Hedge tape itself includes such a preview. Yet the actual tape is in fact dubbed into American. That itself is not so much the problem: the real problem is that the voices and accents used are about as loud and grating as they could be. A far cry from the original, or indeed, the quiet, calm spirit of the books (and George Carlin's Thomas the Tank Engine voice shows how well a UK show can be rendered into American if any care is taken). My 4 year-old still watches it, though, and I feel the show is better value than so much of the Satuday morning junk.

There are two episodes on this tape, about a half-hour each. In the first, two young mice get lost in an autumn storm and have several adventures before being rescued. In the second, a winter snow storm allows all the Brambly Hedge mice to build an ice palace and have a dance before rescuing a couple more mice snowed in. There follows a third section, a long digression on the whole world of Brambly Hedge; who the mice are, where they live. This seems to be thrown together a little too quickly, with very flat narration (at least in the American version) - my child loses interest here. The books are a better bet for this part.

Other fine British kids' shows that have not been altered or duubbed in any way include Mouse and Mole, William's Wish Wellingtons, Old Bear Stories, Brum and the Baby Carriage, The Secret of Roan Inish, The Sand Fairy (AKA Five Children and It), Postman Pat, The Princess and the Goblin. With a multiplayer VCR (such as Samsung's model) you can play British PAL system videos on your American NTSC television, opening a whole new world of childrens' and adults' entertainment (get the tapes through Amazon's UK site).

No British Accent
I thought that the characters would have a British accent, since the book derived from there. It doesn't do much justice to the book.

Where'd They Get These Voices?
This video is really a cut above the average. The production values are super and my just-turned four-year-old daughter likes it a lot. I was dismayed, however, to find the mice of Brambly Hedge speaking with American accents, badly tinged here and there with something not quite British. It sounds like the producers ransacked the high school drama club for some cheap talent. The U.S. licensee apparently decided that our American kids couldn't follow an English accent. Wrong. Result: the video looks lots better than it sounds. I was disappointed.

Absolutely delightful!
My 5 children thoroughly enjoyed this tape. So much of viewing for children today does not portray childhood innocence and simplicity---Brambly Hedge is a "breath of fresh air". Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Four Winnie the Pooh shorts are repackaged into one set: Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), the Oscar-winning Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too! (1974), and Winnie the Pooh and a Day For Eeyore (1983). The first three were strung together in 1997 as the popular film The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The merits of these adaptations of A.A. Milne's classic tales are up to debate, but the impact that these shorts--especially the first Two--had on kids and parents in America is not. Winnie (the Disney version, anyway) became an icon for millions of kids and parents. The vocal talent is exceptional, including Sterling Holloway's Pooh, Paul Winchell's Tigger, and Ralph Wright's Eeyore (Wright also penned the adaptations). The two later stories lost some of the voices and some of the magic, but Pooh fans will enjoy these tales, which had varying degrees of success but share the same distinctive pedigree. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Best and oldest Pooh Movie
I think that this story is the best Pooh movie because it is the first one released by Disney in 1966. The voices are great, the color is fabulous, the animation is amazing, and the music really helps you get a deeper understanding about what is happening.

This story has a lot of action like when Pooh rolls around in the mud to trick the bees, and when he falls from the tree, and when he is flying through the air with the bees.

I thought a few things about it. In the book by A.A Milne, when they pull him out, he falls on top of them. In the Disney version, he flies into the honey tree.

I thought this is the best Pooh offering because it was the first, and how the first usually has the most magic. I love this story because it is so cute and nice and the friends are trying to help him in many ways, like when they all help pull him out of the hole.

I have had the movie for a long time, and I have always loved the story, because a lot happens, and how the story has a lot to think about. I think it is so cute when he is singing the rain cloud song, and flying over the tree. This movie is full of Magic!

A timeless classic
This is a wonderfully charming tape, that is a true classic for kids and parents to share together.

In the story, Pooh tries to get honey to fill his honey pot. He climbs a tree, and eventually gets stuck in the rabbit hole. It features Sterling Holloway (1899-1992) as Pooh, Junius Matthews (1890-1978) as Rabbit. Also features John Fiedler (1925-) as Piglet, and Hal Smith (1916-1994) as Owl.

I recommend this video to everyone who loves classic movies.

The Best.
Adapted from Winnie-The-Pooh(1926) and The House At Pooh Corner (1928)by A.A. (alan Alexander) Milne(1882-1956),Illustrated by E.H. (Ernie Howard) Shepard (1879-1976).The main characters are Christopher Robin Milne and Winnie-The-Pooh(the stuffed bear).4 summers ago,when I was 6 1/2 ,I went to Target Drug store -the one in Walnut Creek,CA Usa to be exact-I received Winnie-The-Pooh (1966).It is a great toddler video.But eventhough I am NOT a toddler anymore, I still LOVE it.This wasn't really what you would call a movie.It was just a theatrical short viewed before a movie in theatres to enjoy.Only the 1hour films by Disney are movies. Besides,it's only about 25 minutes.It starred Sterling Halloway(1899-1992)as pooh, Bruce Reitherman(who also did the voice of Mowgli in The Jungle Book)(1956-)as Christopher Robin,Hal Smith(1916-1994)as Owl and Ralph Wright as Eeyore.It also featured John Fiendler (1925-) as Piglet.The 5 songs were "Winnie-The-Pooh","When I up-down,touch the ground","I'm so rumbily in my tumbily","I'm just a little black rain cloud" and "Hooray!".The last of the the theatrical shorts to be produced by Walt Disney(1902-1966).It was the first theatrical short about Pooh Bear.The animation was great!I love the opening piece of music.THe A.A. milne books were good,too!Ever since that "willy nilly silly ole bear"was first brought to life in theatres,He was one of the most best-loved Disney characters in all 7 continents.TTFN

The classic tales are by far the best for toddlers
We are absolutely thrilled with this collection. My daughter is now two, and she's been watching them since about 18mo. These older stories are much easier for little ones to follow than the current Disney Pooh stories on TV, and, according to my daughter, they're less "scary" as well. My husband and I also prefer the theme songs and the narrator to today's more updated version. My daughter knows all of the lyrics to the theme song now.

The first video I ever "owned!"
This is 100% classic! The storyline is as gentle and un-scary for little kids as it gets and it's also very engaging and entertaining. I remember, even as a little one I loved how the whole thing was played out like it was a book, and I love the sequence at the beginning with the stuffed animals and the scratchy filming! Possibly the best video ever for the very very young! ... Read more

Reviews (158)

Fantasia is Brilliant, But 3 Disk Set is Overrated
Walt Disney's 1942 FANTASIA was a groundbreaking film and remains a landmark to this day, a brilliant series of animated sequences set to notable concert music conducted by Leopold Stokowski of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The three disk FANTASIA ANTHOLOGY, however, is extremely overrated.

The first disk is the original FANTASIA, which Disney describes as restored. This is not strictly true. First and foremost, the restoration of visual elements is sloppy at best, with the film plagued by streaks and blips, and at least one sequence ("Dance of the Hours") appears to be slightly cropped. That aside, portions of the Deems Taylor narration have been completely lost, and these have been rerecorded by Tim Matheson--and Matheson's voice is not a good match for Taylor and the sychronization is poorly done. Lastly, one selection ("Pastoral") has been censored: a brief image, which would be considered racist by today's standards, has been deleted from the sequence.

Even so, it is still FANTASIA, and it overcomes all of these liabilities. The animation, which was created by hand and photographed through a number of laborious processes, shows Disney Studios at the height of its powers. Every one is certain to have their favorites among the selections (mine are "Dance of the Hours" and "Night on Bald Mountain"), but every selection is brilliantly conceived and executed, and although the content varies from sequence to sequence the overall style of the film hangs together in a most remarkable way. FANTASIA was, is, and will no doubt will forever remain a touchstone in animation art.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the second disk, FANTASIA 2000. This particular film is extremely uneven, the sequences lack the same cohesive style that held the original FANTASIA together, and the entire film is beset by a series of often obnoxious "celebrity" introductions that give the film the feel of a made-for-TV variety show. Still, some of the visual ideas are very impressive, and while they are too few to offset the portions of the film that do not work, they still make FANTASIA 2000 mildly entertaining.

Both the FANTASIA and FANTASIA 2000 disks include documentaries and commentary tracks on each film. The third disk, called "The Fantasia Legacy," is a bonus packed with interviews, archieval footage, and sketches that show how each sequence in both films was developed and then filmed. Some of this material is redundant, for it is included on the documentaries on the first two disks, but most of it is unique to this disk alone. Disney originally saw FANTASIA as a film that could be re-released with a mix of old and new selections every few years, and the most interesting material on the "Legacy" disk is a restored "Clair de Lune" (made for and then cut from the original FANTASIA) and various storyboard ideas for future sequences.

The only way one can obtain the "Legacy" disk is to purchase this three disk package--and therein lies the rub. The original FANTASIA is brilliant, and even in its so-so state it is worthy of a place in any DVD library. FANTASIA 2000, however, is trivial, occasionally interesting but not greatly memorable and not a piece that one would normally go out of the way to purchase. And the price for the three disk package is quite steep.

If you are a Disney fan who must have every scrap of material available, I would recommend the investment this package requires. But if your primary interest is the original FANTASIA, you are much better off simply purchasing a DVD of that film alone--the other two disks are simply not worth the expense. Purchasers should alos remember that the original FANTASIA does not often appeal to very young children, and if the purchase is being made for a child you are likely to be disappointed in their response. Final thought: the original FANTASIA is brilliant, FANTASIA 2000 is so-so, and the bonus disk is for hardcore fans. This pricey package is recommended to the latter only.

Fatasia is Beautiful - Even Better on DVD!
I saw Fantasia 2000 before a saw the original. And I love both of them, but I think I love the original just a little bit more. After I saw 2000, I wanted to go buy the original. But it wasn't around. When I found out it was coming out on DVD, I rushed out to buy it. The "Making of Fantasia" feature is great!

1. Toccata & Fugue - Rousing music, good choice for opening. But I'm not a big fan of abstract animation.

2. Nutcraker Suite - Although most people like the Sorcorer's Apprentice best, I like this one the best. The music is so catchy! This peice's fantasy characters make me feel like a little kid again.

3. The Sorcorer's Apprentice - Ummm . . . Its O.K. Its good to own since its hisotric in Micky Mouse history.

4. Rite of Spring - This segment rocked! Why doesn't anyone like it? If featured breakthrough technology for the '40s! And the dinosaurs were so accurately drawn according to science at that time!

5. Intermission & Sound Track - Was this stuff necisary?

6. Pastoral Symphony - Great music, mythological characters. I guess it depends on your conscience for wether or not to like this one.

7. Dance of the Hours - LOL! This piece was great! I never knew Fantasia had the "Camp Granada" song! And the hippos and croc are so cool!

8. Night on Bald Mountain - Disney went overboard on this one. It's pretty demonic. It's up to you one wether to watch that one or not. I know he wanted the biggest battle of good vs. but this was too much.

9. Ava Maria - Kinda hokey and religous. It's alright. but the multi-plain camera was put to good use.

A Work of Art
Fantasia is a very unique creation, there has never been another movie quite like it, before or since, and I think it's safe to say there never will be. Disney took a risk with creating something so dfferent from the norm; most of the American public is not likely to sit and listen to classical music for two hours, or watch a movie with no words. However, it was a very worthwhile risk, as Fantasia is a beautiful work of art, and has become a classic.
There is a certain captivating magic when the incredible sounds of the world's best musicians combine with the dazzling sights of the world's best animators. The imagery is full of fantasy, rich color, and graceful beauty. It's impossible not to be dazzled as the music washes over you, and you watch the stories of each of these little worlds unfold.

Misleading box, but it's still a masterpiece.
First, go click on the picture of the box so you can see a larger image. See how it says "Walt Disney's Original Uncut Version" at the bottom? Well, it's not. No, one scene in Fantasia was edited for every single home release as far as I know. It's in the scene "The Pastoral Symphony". When the female centaurs are getting all prettied up and ready for the male centaurs, you'll notice a very fuzzy extreme close up on one of them. What's going on in this scene? There's a black skinned centaur named Sunflower helping that one out. Go do a search for "Disney Sunflower Snopes" and it should show up. Why does Disney do this? Kids watching that part aren't really going to have any racist thoughts regarding the scene, or become a KKK member or anything after watching it. But there you have it, this isn't really "uncut" because of that. And this only enforces that there's a high chance of Disney not releasing Song of the South anytime soon. And this is a shame that they're going so P.C. that we're never going to be allowed to see how everything was originally released. If they can put out the Treasure tin sets, which have a lot of Asian and Spanish stereotypes, why is there such a problem with Song of the South and a black centaur?

Other than that, Fantasia is a masterpiece. While it didn't really help Disney out much financially, the animation that accompanies the music is flawless. You really admire the artists that worked on each short. While it took hundreds to work on one piece at a time, now it'd only take a couple of guys on a computer with the latest animation software a few days. It's funny that most of this looks better than a lot of recent Disney films. The colors, smoothness of the animation, and how it blends with the music is just breath taking.

The picture is as good as you're going to get for a movie this old. There's very little grain and dust on the print, and you'll hardly notice it with all the beauty on-screen. The audio is crisp and clear, so go nuts turning it up.

The special features are ok. The commentary is made up of interviews and clips from Walt and others. When some people speak on it, there's a little bit of static, which doesn't matter since it's taken from an early source. It's not going to interfere with hearing anything they say, but I just thought I'd mention it. It's still a very interesting commentary track. I listen to it from time to time and always learn something new. The documentary is pretty cool too, though a lot of it I've already heard from other Disney specials and such. If you want the real goods as far as extras go, get the Fantasia Anthology edition. The third disc on that sucker is amazing.

So if you're really expecting the "uncut" version, you'll be disappointed. I doubt it'll ever be released unless somehow Leonard Maltin can get that put out too. I mean, if he can get the Donald Nazi short put out in the newest wave of Disney Treasures, he's gotta have SOME chance of giving us the original Fantasia. Pick this up before it's out of print for another 10 years. It's a film to pass down the generations.

classic
This is a classic marriage of two art forms Music and Animation. There are six sets of classical pieces By the Philadelphia Orchestra under the leadership of Leopold Stokowski. Each piece is accompanied by animation that either tells a story or illustrates visually the music. Each piece is a feast for the eyes and ears. The most famous piece is Mickey Mouse as the sorcere's apprentice. He gets ahold of his master's magical hat and decides to take a short cut indoing his chores with disastrerous results. The two pieces that really stand out for me is the "Nutcracker Suite" and "Night on Bald Mountain" This is a great movie for anyone who enjoys classical music. It may be too "High Brow" for children but it could be a good medium to introduce them to classical music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Bob's dad Bob arrives for an unexpected visit, a simple case ofmistaken identity lands Bob and his crew a big job restoring a crumblingcastle--under the leadership of Bob Senior. Problem is, Bob's dad isn't quite up to therole of foreman nor are Bob and Wendy comfortable taking orders from him.Naturally, the construction crew steps up to the challenge, assuming names like"Sir Roll-a-Lot" and "Lady Dump-a-Lot" and learning all about medieval castlesand legends as they work. When Bob and his Dad get locked in the dungeon, theyhave a heart-to-heart discussion that reveals the importance of honesty andteamwork. After the restoration is complete, Bob's mom joins her family, theconstruction crew, and the historical society for a celebratory medievalpageant. This 45-minute, never-televised Bob the Builder episode is richin history and construction fun. (Ages 3 to 7) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (8)

one of the best Bob the Builder DVDs
We have 6 or 7 BTB DVDs and this along with The Big Game are some of the better ones. Very nice full length movie style episode about Bob and the Gang, and a castle visit. Has a story line to appeal to the grown-ups as well, with some tension over Bob not being treated like an independent adult by his visiting father(also Bob).

Sir Bob can fix it!
Bob the builder is great fun. My two boys are big fans, and even I get a kick out of Bob, Wendy, and all his talking equipment. This is longer than most of the Bob the Builder shorts, but the kids watch just as intently. Bob's dad (and near the end his Mom) are a great addition to the Bob family of characters, and this episode even has a little suspense...though nothing to upset the little ones.

Bob the Builder and Travelin Tyke
My 4 year old really loves Bob the Builder and I assure you your son will as well. I loet my daughter watch these and she wasn't nearly as interested, but i still think these videos are great! Lot's of practical ideas and always fun. ...

dubbed 2000 series
If you are used to watching BTB of the BBC 1998 series you will be extremely disappointed. Bob and his gang's voice have changed & so is their favorite line to 'can we dig it'. There should be options for English,American English & others.

The best of all!
Bob the builder had lots of adventures, & this one is the best!
Bob & his gang have to mend an old castle. That's right! A old spooky castle! Luckily, there are no badies so young children will enjoy it too! Young kids find it easy to get scared. This shall be a great video for children who get haunted. Did you know that you can see Skip, a new character, in the background?
I must not say any more or I might spoil it for you! ... Read more

Description

Boop it up with the silver screen's original sultry siren in this classic collection from the famed Fleischer Studios. Released just in time for Mother's Day giving, the collection contains more than 13 hours oforiginal Betty Boop cartoon shorts--115 in all--on 8 videocassettes. The deluxe "Collector's Edition Library Case" packaging is designed to be displayed with the spines creating the unforgettable face of this curvaceous cartoon queen. The collection also includes the exclusive Betty Boop "Boopliography," a booklet containing intriguing inside information on this popular cartoon and a special tribute from Richard Fleischer, son of modern animation pioneer and Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer.

Volume 1: The Birth of Betty (54 min.)
Beginning with her 1930 debut in Dizzy Dishes as a canine cabaret singer, the wide-eyed wonder winks and wiggles her way to stardom in one hilarious adventure after another. These early films show her evolution into the vivacious vamp she would become, and also feature a special introduction from Max Fleischer's son, Richard.

Volume 2: Pre-Code (108 min.)
Betty turns up her megawatt star power in a racy round of pre-Hays Code adventures, from her oh-so-hot hula with the Royal Samoans to her daring bareback escapades under the big top. The curvaceous cutie then brings down the house in a jazzy collage of cartoon classics featuring a cavalcade of performances by Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Rudy Vallee, and Ethel Merman.

Volume 3: Surrealism (110 min.)
Take a surrealistic journey into the wonderfully weird world of the Fleischer Studios, where everyday objects take on a loopy life of their own. Then the antics continue when the saucy siren of the silver screen embarks on adventures ranging from a Booped-up birthday party to a supernaturally silly visit with a psyched-out psychic.

Volume 4: Musical Madness (106 min.)
The madcap musical merriment continues with a treasure trove of toe-tapping tunes starring America's spit-curled sweetheart. Then join cartoondom's resident vamp for a rollicking romp through a cornucopia of classic fairy tales, from a close encounter with Mother Goose to a nasty scrape with a very big, very bad wolf.

Volume 5: Curtain Call (110 min.)
It's showtime once again as America's sassiest scene stealer shines in merry musical tributes to Fanny Brice, Jimmy Durante, Maurice Chevalier, and more. She then teams up with the lovable, lighthearted professor known as "Grampy" for some mostmechanicalmisadventures, from one goofygaggle of gadgets to the next.

Volume 6: Betty's Boys (108 min.)
You can be sure that wherever the boys are, Betty's sure to follow. Prepare to meet a new bushel of Betty's best buddies, including Little Jimmy, Henry, the funniest living American, and the Big Boss himself. From perilous predicament to flat-out flirtation, Betty always gets her man.

Volume 7: Betty's Travels (100 min.)
Pack your bags and fasten your seat belts as Betty sets out on a whirlwind series of jaunts by plane, train, and automobile. Also prepare to meet Betty Boop's precious pet pooch, Pudgy. Cuddly, enthusiastic and loyal to the core, Pudgy became Betty's constant companion and was at her side for more than three years.

Volume 8: Betty & Pudgy (94 min.)
The canine comedy continues in this chronicle of the adventures of Betty Boop and her cuddly companion, Pudgy the pup. Whether experiencing the first blush of true love or cutting loose with a classroom of funky barnyard pals for some swingin' scat in music school, Pudgy's always ready for an adventure. Also features closing comments from Max Fleischer's son, Richard. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Black and White and Boop All Over!
"Definitive" is an excellent word to describe this most complete collection of cartoons from one of the most enduring stars of 1930's Hollywood.

It is missing only a handful of Boop cartoons, but those are believed lost forever and have never surfaced on any video collection that I'm aware of. In addition, the prints are generally struck from the best, uncut copies available. The collection also includes several "politically incorrect" cartoons that are never shown on any of the cable networks, and the set also includes a brief video history of Betty narrated by Max Fleischer's son, director Richard Fleischer. Despite an earlier reviewer's assertion, only one Betty cartoon was ever filmed in color - "Poor Cinderella" - and it appears here in all it's two-color glory.

Without a doubt, the early cartoons that feature Betty teamed with boyfriend Bimbo and Koko the Klown are head and shoulders above the rest, especially when teamed with a Cab Calloway song. "Bimbo's Initiation" and "Snow White" are perhaps the finest examples of the surrealistic style of cartoon the Fleischer Brothers excelled at. "Is My Palm Red" is Betty at her risque best, before the Hays Office censors toned down her act. Of the latter shorts, only those with Grampy rise above the pedestrian. Alas, Betty went to cartoon heaven not with a bang, but with a whimper.

For any fan of animation in general and Betty in particular, this collection is THE "must-have!"

Boopin' All The Time
Betty Boop is so adorable whether on calandars, posters, or starring in movies. Because Betty Boop's movie career ended in 1939 I know she existed well before I was born. There should be more movies sold to us younger people who wanna Boop-Oop-A-Doop all the time. I say this video collection deservs a 10.

Good package for the "true" collector.
This Betty Boop collection is very good and a must for a true Betty collector but the videos are available separately and certain volumes may be of more interest to individuals and thus a better buy. The buyer can purchase the volumes with content of interest to him/her. An example is the volumes with Pudgy the Pooch, NOT of interest to most Betty fans. There are problems with this collection, the first is it is incomplete though this is probabaly due to the fact that some films are lost (maybe forever). There is no color, even on the cartoons that were made in color. Finally I feel the films should have been in chronological order rather than the "catagory" volumes used ("pre-code", musical, etc.) This would have allowed viewing the changes in the characters as they occured and would also have allowed fans of a certain era to by the period they wanted. Other than these it is a good collection and the picture quality is very good and the sound, in most cases, is very good and un-tampered-with (cleaned up but without adding new sounds). For Betty fans it is a good buy.

Very whimsical kartoonies starring our famous starlet!
Though I don't own this collection (though I would definitely buy the whole thing!), I did see many of those wonderful old-time cartoons featuring our longest-living and most beloved flapper ever invented on a cel sheet with her kewpie doll-like baby face so coyly wreathed by those cunning little black ringlets and completed with big, round fluffy-lashed eyes and that tiny beestung lips right underneath her little button nose!

Believe it or not, our animated sweetheart had once been a singing anthropomorphic dog with a famous voice by the real, live nightclub singer. Then she became human and continued to trot flirtatously through a whole parade of dreamy cartoon shorties, accompanied by her very comical buddies like Koko the Klown, Bimbo the talking dog, and Gramps the eldery inventor who lives upstairs and sometimes helps her out in her time of need. Some of Betty Boop's wacky adventures are quite innocent and very imaginative with a fantastical 3-D background; others are quite naughty and even racy at times.

Now at the very dawn of the new millennium, our very plucky young heroine continues to win many a heart and would appear in a motorcycle garb, a hippie costume, a very slinky nightgown complete with a long feathery boa, whatever you could imagine her in! But her classic outfit is of course a seductive little tiny black dress with a very curly hemline as well as a perky little garter at her nubile young thigh and tappity-tapping high heels! So hats off to one of America's most recognizable cartoon icon other than Mickey Mouse himself!

Must Have for Betty Collectors
I bought this collection for my mother, but have found that I watch it almost as much as she does! With almost every Betty Boop talkartoon or screen song made, including the original "Dirty Dishes" talkartoon, in which Betty played a small part as a dog, this truly is The Definitive Collection. This is certainly a must have for anyone tracing the evolution of Betty from canine quest-star to sweet, sexy flapper, to toned-down lady. ... Read more

Description

Filmed on location in the Yorkshire Dales, All Creatures Great and Smallbrings the world of veterinarian James Herriot to life with all the warmth and humor of the original stories.Series 2 continues the true-life story of James Herriot (Christopher Timothy), as he finds that there is no end to the joy and heartache that go with caring for all creatures great and small. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Real Life Comedy Part 2
The Production: The TV series "All Creatures Great & Small" started in Great Britain on January 1978 with no nonsense photography with the typical grain of that time period. This DVD box set is from the second season, which played in September through December 1978. Some photography scenes were taken direct off Yorkshire farms. There are very little special effects, the only ones I can think of is either drugged or fake animals to act out certain quick scenes. Were some of the animals trained to act like they were sick or dying? For example: This set shows a horse dying of lockjaw with the finishing effect of lying on the ground shaking. Sometimes certain operations were preformed with a human hand, checking the rear of certain animals for pregnancies or intestinal problems. At times when the actors themselves are seen performing inspections on the animals, their hands were either hidden behind the animals or the actors makes facial expressions with the lower parts of their bodies off the screen. Very down to Earth & as real as possible with great effect.

The Actors: Christopher Timothy plays James Herriot, a Scottish newly qualified Veterinarian as co-owner with Veterinarian Surgeon Siegfried Farnon, played by Robert Hardy, in the Yorkshire farming community of Darrowby during the 1930's. Veterinary student & Siegfried's younger brother Tristan, played by Peter Davison continues to miss things up, for example: blowing up a cow in one show. The housekeeper is Mrs. Hall, played by Mary Hignett. James wife & secretary for the entire business is Helen played by Carol Drinkwater.

Commentary: The second season is more even in plot & characters than the first season. Most shows deal with the brothers Siegfried & Tristan tricking James into volunteering for something they don't what to do. The whole Veterinary household will become a part of your family with their joys, sorrows, & adventures. As with the first season this box set comes with 4 DVD's: at three to four 50 to 55 minute programs per DVD.

There are now two other DVD box sets, the first & third seasons, & a single DVD of 2 specials short in the mid 1980's. "All Creatures Great & Small" did return to British TV in the late 1980's with 4 seasons, but these are only on VHS. A good buy if you're into real life comedy.

Best TV series I've ever seen
In reviewing the first season DVD set, I said that "All Creatures" was my second favorite series. I have changed my mind: it's now my absolute all-time favorite! Its slice-of-life approach to storytelling is sometimes comic, sometimes tragic, but always warm-hearted. And the humor is unmatched, whether it depicts Siegfried's hypocrisy, Tristan's conniving, James' awkwardness, or various other characters' eccentricities. Now I can't wait for season three.

Wonderful stories, acting and Christmas Cake, too.
We are great fans of the series and books and particularly love this set. Series Two contains the wonderful "Merry Gentlemen", which features the delightful "Christmas Cake" subplot. Here, Seigreid proves to all, including James, that he is indeed, "an excellent judge of cakes." Running time for the collection is 11 hours and 40 minutes.

Nostalgia for a vanished past
I was one of those people who never had time to catch the series when it was featured on public television due to work constraints. The blessing of technology today has allowed me to "catch up" on this classic courtesy of the DVD's. I really found this "world" relaxing and mildly fun. It is the type of world I remember of sitting in front of a fire, smoking a pipe and perhaps some liquid refreshment at hand talking with friends for hours on end. That is what this show emulates among many visitations to professional veternary emergencies. The characters are lovable, memorable, and reflect a part of the "polite world" which unfortunately today no longer exists. The unhurried atmosphere and the natural beauty of the Yorkshire countryside combine with the lives of rich and poor and animals on the dales. I suggest you read the account by James Herriot first. There is a very good Reader's Digest edition with great illustrations that efficiently condenses and contains the best parts of Herriots original series of "All Creatures Great and Small' books. This will aid you when you see the series because there are a lot of "old world" things that the book will aquaint you with (complete with illustrations that explain what the 'gadget" was used for) and you will see in the show. So you will appreciate the effort of the producers of this series all the more. Robert Hardy is memorable there are also spot characters that make it a very entertaining and wonderful production. You will love this work if you like animals or nature. Well recommended.

The whole family!
My husband and I watched this many years ago. We read the books and loved them. Now that this is available on DVD I bought this for my husband as a birthday gift. We weren't sure the kids would like it, it isn't full of action and adventure, but they all LOVE it! They are 12, 13 and 7. Every night they all ask to watch another show or two - heartwarming, funny, interesting - what more does a family need in a show?? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Wonderful Way To Introduce Anyone To Shirley Temple!!
This is a wonderful product! I recieved it as a birthday present from my parents and I loved it! It contains "Baby Take a Bow"-about a little girl who finds a stolen string of pearls and keeps them in her home for a nosy detective to find. Her father is accused of the crime. "Curly Top" is about a lonely man who adopts an adorable little youngster along with her grown-up sister, whom he falls in love with. "Heidi"...well you all know Heidi! The little orphan girl living with her grandfather who struggles to live a private life without people trying to take her away from him. All three films have been fully restored in colour with excellent sound quality...they almost match the standards of films from the early nineties. They all feature the darling Shirley Temple and come in a pretty red and gold box with cute pictures on it...totally worth it!!

any Shirley vhs
i have seen all but 1 of her movies and well they were all good
i would like to learn a lot more about her! i'm 11 so take this from an 11 year old!(-:

memories
These tapes brought back many many happy memories. Something I bought to share with my grandchildren, who otherwise would not have had the pleasure of knowing Shirley Temple.

possibly the most overrated star in American movie history
Shirley Temple kept her studio going in the 1930s, but today she seems like a programmed automaton: watching these movies made me cringe. (The fact that, in later life, she turned into an ultra right-wing, pro-Vietnam War activist does nothing to endear her to me.) Comparing her performances to Judy Garland's Dorothy is like comparing a robot to an actual human being. For the real thing, watch Margaret O'Brian in Meet Me In St. Louis. Better yet, Haley Joel Osment, an actual actor who happens to be young. Shirley Temple? YUCK!!

They don't make movies like this anymore!
I watched Shirley Temple movies when I was a little girl. I looked forward to those movies every Saturday afternoon and hope my own daughter will too. These videos teach values we are hard-pressed to find on TV today. Some may find them "hokey", but I still get a great deal of enjoyment from watching them. If you have a little girl, don't miss these! ... Read more