Ever since the advent of the animated series The Simpsons, adults have been watching more cartoons than all the children in their household put together. And in fact with the creativity and poetic license offered by an animated world populated with easily manipulated characters (just try getting a real live actor to perform some of the physical feats that Homer Simpson endures), it might even be argued that cartoons are wasted on the undeveloped psyches of children!

As the popularity of animated shows increased, they became more and more outrageous, utilising their chosen media to create greater shock value - and with huge success. Comedy Central’s notorious South Park show receives as much, if not more, publicity from the sections of society it has alienated. But still the show continues to appeal to only a significant niche market, pointing toward one simple question - why do the creators, writers and animators of South Park bother?

The show is undoubtedly packaged as a comedic one, and is watched by many for the sheer entertainment value it provides. The basis of all humor, it could be argued, is making a joke at someone’s expense, so we should not be surprised that singling out individuals, both real and imaginary, for ridicule tends to make us laugh. And while the show may have begun using bawdy humor purely for its own sake, South Park, now in its tenth series, has evolved into something far greater.

While the type of humor displayed in the show might seem like laughing at someone when they’re down at its very worst, South Park is, in fact, a supremely intelligent production, using the user-friendly medium of satire to make hugely cogent political and social commentary. With cutting insights laid before us in animated form, it could even be argued that the laughs are almost incidental.

But they probably aren’t. There is, they say, truth in jest, and this is so for many a good reason. Comedy makes commentary more palatable, and it changes our perception without us even realising it. We giggle with horror at our own political incorrectness, as we slowly understand that our laughter echoes larger social truths. Because the awful truth is this: South Park doesn’t just make us laugh. It makes us think.

Dave is the owner of southparkrally.info and southparkthemovie4less.info websites that provide information on south park

Why most Americans rent movies today - how you can save money on movie rentals online.
Rent movies online and save yourself time and money if renting on a monthly basis.

So how do you think most Americans entertain themselves these days? Some of the most celebrated weekend activities include shopping, going to the movies renting movies or having dinner with friends. When it comes to daily entertainment, many people enjoy their spare time and low cost of recreational choices like viewing television, playing video games, and renting movies online.

Why Rent Movies?

People rent movies for many incomparable reasons. One of the most popular departments at your local video store is the new movie releases section. This is where people go to find the most recent films available. It”s a good way to catch up on all the the flicks you missed in the theater. It”s also a magnificent way to save money. Before watching a movie at the theaters, many people decide to wait for it to come out on DVD. Several films are ready for rent within months of their theatrical debut.

Some people rent titles to preview them for their DVD collections. While the cost of DVDs has declined in recent years, most people still don’t want to add a movie to their compilation until they know that they enjoy the movie and will watch it again. A DVD rental club is often the best choice for movie buffs. Normally these clubs offer incentives for people who rent DVDs several times a month.

Whether you’re a cinema buff, or just rent movies on occasions, there are many excellent video stores and websites devoted to serving you. The local store is an excellent choice for last minute rentals. The online services are also a great way of renting without the hassles of traveling. They also offer very competitive prices if you rent more than a few times a month. With a little bit of planning you’ll always have a reserve of quality DVDs. There are no late fees, no shipping fees, and at just $20 a month, these sites pay for themselves after just three or four rentals. Netflix, Blockbuster Online, and Intelliflix are just a few in the business that can be worth their weight in gold in the long run.

The #1 Rated Online Movie Rental Club Review Guide. Expert Reviews, Offers, Articles, Movies, and Theatre Releases.
http://www.movierentalclubguide.com/go.php?c=asp&s=rmo

Known as “The Duke”, John Wayne made his first appearance in this world on May 26, 1907. His parents, Clyde Leonard and Mary Alberta Brown Morrison, named their first-born child Marion Robert. When his younger brother was born in 1911, his parents decided to name him Robert. Thus, they changed Marion’s middle name to Michael.

The Morrison family moved to the Mojave Desert in southern California in 1911, after Clyde was diagnosed with a lung condition. Although the pharmacist-by-trade fancied himself a rancher, he was a poor manager and the family ranch failed. They moved to Glendale, California shortly thereafter. Still, the family was never well-to-do by any stretch of one’s imagination. Marion and Robert grew up poor, but proud.

Marion delivered medicines for his father and newspapers, to supplement the family’s income. He was frequently accompanied by his dog, Duke. Because they were basically inseparable, his neighbors in Glendale began referring to them as “Little Duke” and “Big Duke”. Marion liked the name Duke so much better than his given name that he adopted it as his nickname. It stayed with him for the rest of his life. He joked throughout his life that he was named after a dog.

Marion quickly developed a reputation as a hard worker and he excelled academically, as well as being a star player on his Glendale High School football team. When he graduated from high school, he applied to the U.S. Naval Academy. While he was almost accepted there, his bid ultimately failed. However the University of Southern California at Los Angeles recruited him on a football scholarship. His budding career as a professional athlete was cut short following a swimming accident at a local beach. He lost his scholarship and had to leave USC because he lacked the funds to continue his education there.

During his time at college, he had been working around the local film studios in L.A. Tom Mix, a famous Western film star at that time, got him a summer job at a props department in exchange for USC Trojan football tickets. Marion quickly made friends with the legendary director John Ford and started doing bit parts in films for him in 1928. In a film called “Maker of Men”, he was one of the featured football players and was billed as Marion Morrison. He went on to do bit parts in about 70 films, none of which were particularly notable. During those films he was billed by different screen names including Marion Duke, Duke Morrison and a couple of others.

He continued to work as a prop man until his first starring role in a 1930s film called “The Big Trail”. The director of that film gave him his stage name, Anthony Wayne, named for the famous general, “Mad” Anthony Wayne. However, the studio did not particularly like the connotations connected with that name and changed his first name to John. The newly named John Wayne went from making $35 weekly to an astounding $75 weekly! Quite an accomplishment for that day and age. And a huge amount of money to someone who grew up poor.

The first movie in which he had a starring role was a flop. But, he began establishing his credentials and reputation as an actor from that point forward. His appearance in the epic Western “Stagecoach” in 1939 brought him to the forefront as a true “star”. He never forgot his roots in the industry, though. From 1928 - when John Ford gave him his first bit part - until 1963, he appeared in over 20 of Mr. Ford’s films, usually for much less that the going rate at the time. These included such classics as “Stagecoach”, “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949) and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962). The last film listed there also starred another well - known and established actor, James “Jimmy” Stewart.

The Duke’s career spanned almost 250 films and five decades. He also did a radio serial program, from 1942 to 1943, called “The Three Sheets to the Wind”. He became involved in film industry politics in 1944 when he helped to organize and charter the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals (MPAPAI). This was a right - wing political organization and Mr. Wayne eventually became its President for two terms. He quickly became known as an ultra - conservative. This was strongly affirmed in 1960 when he produced, directed and starred in the epic film “The Alamo”. And his patriotism was even more profoundly evident with another epic in which he co - directed and starred, “The Green Berets” (1968), the only film during that time which positively portrayed the Vietnamese Conflict.

Quite possibly one of his best known characters, for which he won the “Best Actor” Oscar (Academy Award) in 1969, was “Rooster Cogburn” - a crusty, grouchy, one-eyed, aging lawman - in “True Grit”. There are those who say that the award was given in recognition of his forty years as an actor, rather than his actual performance in the film. Nontheless, this role was the embodiment of the real person behind the role and not to be denied as a fine blending of Mr. Wayne and the character.

John Wayne remained a lifelong friend to John Ford and they made numerous voyages together in Ford’s yacht along with actor Ward Bond. Apparently, Mr. Wayne and Mr. Bond were drinking buddies and loved to play practical jokes on one another. One log entry made by Mr. Ford noted, in polite terms, that the “First Mate” (Wayne) had used Mr. Bond’s whiskey flask to relieve his bladder. While it was not revealed as to whether or not Mr. Bond was enlightened to this fact, Mr. Ford obviously appreciated the gesture enough to make a note to himself to give John Wayne a raise.

Mr. Wayne’s sense of humor was brought to public attention more blatantly when he agreed to appear on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, on national television, dressed in a pink bunny suit. He could laugh at himself yet come across confident and secure in his acting roles and as a champion of worthwhile causes and endeavors. He embodied true patriotism and belief in America and the sense of values which he felt her citizens should be proud to embrace and accept as normal. He scoffed that there were those who called him a “superpatriot” for what he considered to be the way that all Americans should live and present themselves to the rest of the world. Just imagine what his thoughts would have been when 9/11 occurred!

…to be continued. Look for Part 2 - John Wayne - “The Duke”.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Entertainment

One of the least appreciated films of 2005 is Must Love Dogs, an upbeat romantic comedy about two recent divorcees. Directed and adapted to screen by Gary David Goldberg, veteran TV writer for such shows as MASH and Family Ties, the film offers a number of laughs and very little in the way of strained or forced moments. As usual, John Cusack’s character appears on the big screen as an amicable and enigmatic personality. Cusack and Diane Lane make for a good onscreen pairing, but the script is somewhat lacking in its ability to deliver. Much like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail, the concept and the couple are intriguing, but the unmet high expectations leave much to be desired…

Must Love Dogs follows the life of Sarah Nolan (Diane Lane), a recently divorced preschool teacher attempting to move on with her life. Sarah’s sister Carol (Elizabeth Perkins) is constantly nagging her to get out and meet Mr. Right, but her prodding does nothing to animate the borderline depressed Sarah. Nevertheless, Carol’s well-intentioned act of signing her sister onto PerfectMatch.com provides a handful of prospective leads. One of them is a recently divorced woodworking artist named Jake (John Cusack), and the two agree to meet in the park with their dogs. The encounter is a forgettable one, but the two develop a mild attraction to one another.

Meanwhile, Bob (Dermot Mulroney) the father of one of Sarah’s students, develops his own attraction for Sarah, forming a love triangle that leaves Sarah in utter confusion. As Sarah’s widowed father Bill (Christopher Plummer) plays the field with much greater success, it only seems to exacerbate Sarah’s disillusioned outlook. But when one of her father’s new female friends, the likeable and spunky Dolly (Stockard Channing) dispenses some of her own advice on life and relationships, it makes for a more interesting and humorous film. Caught in the lurch between two unknown outcomes, Sarah must choose the relationship that is right for her. But in the course of her hesitation, she risks losing the only relationship of the two which is truly worth her while.

Fun and oftentimes witty, Must Love Dogs has some great scenes and original one-liners. Based on the bestselling novel by Claire Cook, Must Love Dogs will never be confused with a deeply symbolic or Oscar worthy picture, and the plot itself is quite predictable. But the film manages to do the most important job a film can do: entertain. Although it suffers at moments from use of bad dialogue, it’s not a total throwaway film. Like another recent Diane Lane movie, Under The Tuscan Sun, the mandatory gay friend with attractive significant other is present for relationship advice. That’s just one of a variety of overused Hollywood clichés the viewer will encounter, along with the coincidence of Jake meeting Sarah’s father and Sarah’s end-of-the-movie race to embrace Jake, of which I must ask, why couldn’t she just wait until he got ashore? Because it wouldn’t make for a magical romantic movie ending, that’s why. Otherwise, Must Love Dogs is a likeable picture with many funny moments most will enjoy…

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find more reviews like this one of the Must Love Dogs (DVD).

A brainchild of Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Futurama launched itself into homes across the galaxy in Spring 1999. Employing the same quick wit and visual humor that has made The Simpsons one of the most successful shows in television history, Futurama (despite its early cancellation in August 2003) maintains its own loyal cult following…

The Futurama (Season 3) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the first on the DVD in which Fry ingests a bad egg-salad sandwich that subsequently makes him smarter and stronger. Professor Farnsworth concludes that intelligent worms have taken over Fry’s body, and the crew must work together by shrinking themselves (a la Fantastic Voyage) in order to fight the parasites. But Leela has second thoughts, however, when she falls in love with the “worm-effected” Fry… Other notable episodes from Season 3 include “Amazon Women in the Mood” in which a planet of Amazon women sentences Fry and the rest of the male crew to death via abundant pleasure, and “That’s Lobstertainment!” in which Dr. Zoidberg tries his hand at comedy and enlists the help of his uncle, Harold Zoid to help him… Season 3 features yet another proprietary alien language that viewers can decipher by studying signs and billboards throughout the various episodes…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Futurama (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 33 (Parasites Lost) Air Date: 01-21-2001
Episode 34 (Amazon Women in the Mood) Air Date: 02-04-2001
Episode 35 (Bendless Love) Air Date: 02-11-2001
Episode 36 (The Day the Earth Stood Stupid) Air Date: 02-18-2001
Episode 37 (That’s Lobstertainment!) Air Date: 02-25-2001
Episode 38 (The Birdbot of Ice-Catraz) Air Date: 03-04-2001
Episode 39 (Luck of the Fryrish) Air Date: 03-11-2001
Episode 40 (The Cyber House Rules) Air Date: 04-01-2001
Episode 41 (Insane in the Mainframe) Air Date: 04-08-2001
Episode 42 (Bendin’ in the Wind) Air Date: 04-22-2001
Episode 43 (Time Keeps on Slipping) Air Date: 05-06-2001
Episode 44 (I Dated a Robot) Air Date: 05-13-2001
Episode 45 (Roswell That Ends Well) Air Date: 12-09-2001
Episode 46 (A Tale of Two Santas) Air Date: 12-23-2001
Episode 47 (Anthology of Interest II) Air Date: 01-06-2002
Episode 48 (Love and Rocket) Air Date: 02-10-2002
Episode 49 (Leela’s Homeworld) Air Date: 02-17-2002
Episode 50 (Where the Buggalo Roam) Air Date: 03-03-2002
Episode 51 (A Pharaoh to Remember) Air Date: 03-10-2002
Episode 52 (Godfellas) Air Date: 03-17-2002
Episode 53 (Futurestock) Air Date: 03-31-2002
Episode 54 (A Leela of Her Own) Air Date: 04-07-2002

About the Author

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find more reviews like this one of the Futurama (Season 3) DVD.

Voltron Defender of the Universe

Voltron Defender of the Universe started in the 1984 where it became a world wide hit. Voltron is a story of a magnificent robot which consists of 5 different robots with a resemblance to a lion that fights evil who wants to take over the universe.

The Voltron force is lead by Keith who controls the Black lion that is powered by lightning. The Black Lion has no special powers except that it is the main lion that controls the complete Voltron robot.

Lance is the second in command and pilots the Red Lion which is powered by fire that enables it to release fire from its mouth. Being powered by fire Red Lion has the ability to withstand extreme heat that other lions cannot, it also holds a part of the Blazing sword that is used to vanquish evil.

Pidge is the youngest in the Voltron team and also a computer expert. Pidge pilots the green lion which is powered by life of the forest; it has the skill to create tornados that can carry enemies away.

Hunk is the strongest and heaviest of all the pilots, he pilots the yellow lion which is powered by earth (magma). The yellow lion is the left leg of Voltron, it can dig very fast underground using its strong legs and claws.

Sven is the original pilot of the blue lion but because of a severe injury he got he was replaced by Princess Alura. Princess Alura is the leader and surviving heir of the planet Arus. The blue lion is powered by water that enables it to fight underwater with extreme dexterity; it can also shoot water from its mouth and form an ice wall to temporarily stop enemies. The Voltron force is the last hope of the universe to defend, protect and destroy the minions of King Zarkon who is the leader of planet Doom.

Voltron was aired on television last September 10, 1984. Featuring the voices of Michael Bell as voice of Lance and Sven, B.J. Ward as voice of Allura / Nanny / Haggar, Lennie Weinrib as voice of Hunk / Lotor, Neil Ross as voice of Keith / Jeff / Pidge / Chip, and many more…

So Grab your copy now of Voltron Defender of the Universe at www.tvdvdplanet.com

The preeminent show of the 1990’s decade, Seinfeld grew from an idea of “a show about nothing” into a sacred pop culture icon, not that there’s anything wrong with that… The show follows the life of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and the exploits of his “short, quirky, bald guy” best friend, George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Jerry’s neurotic neighbor Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards), and Jerry’s ex-girlfriend Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Through the years, they’re joined by a loveable cast of characters that includes Newman, Uncle Leo, the Soup Nazi, Frank and Estelle Costanza, the Bubble Boy, and countless others…

The Seinfeld (Season 6) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “The Chaperone” in which Jerry gets a date with a Miss America contestant. However, the catch is he needs a chaperone. Kramer agrees to be the chaperone, but his and Jerry’s involvement end up ruining her act… Other notable episodes from Season 6 include “The Big Salad” in which George confronts his girlfriend over her taking credit for getting Elaine the big salad that he purchased, and “The Face Painter” in which Elaine is embarrassed when her boyfriend, David Puddy, paints his face crimson red for a New Jersey Devils game…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Seinfeld (Season 6) DVD:

Episode 87 (The Chaperone) Air Date: 09-22-1994
Episode 88 (The Big Salad) Air Date: 09-29-1994
Episode 89 (The Pledge Drive) Air Date: 10-06-1994
Episode 90 (The Chinese Woman) Air Date: 10-13-1994
Episode 91 (The Couch) Air Date: 10-27-1994
Episode 92 (The Gymnast) Air Date: 11-03-1994
Episode 93 (The Soup) Air Date: 11-10-1994
Episode 94 (The Mom & Pop Store) Air Date: 11-17-1994
Episode 95 (The Secretary) Air Date: 12-08-1994
Episode 96 (The Race) Air Date: 12-15-1994
Episode 97 (The Switch) Air Date: 01-05-1995
Episode 98 (The Label Maker) Air Date: 01-19-1995
Episode 99 (The Scofflaw) Air Date: 01-26-1995
Episode 100 (Highlights of a Hundred: Part 1) Air Date: 02-02-1995
Episode 101 (Highlights of a Hundred: Part 2) Air Date: 02-02-1995
Episode 102 (The Beard) Air Date: 02-09-1995
Episode 103 (The Kiss Hello) Air Date: 02-16-1995
Episode 104 (The Doorman) Air Date: 02-23-1995
Episode 105 (The Jimmy) Air Date: 03-16-1995
Episode 106 (The Doodle) Air Date: 04-06-1995
Episode 107 (The Fusilli Jerry) Air Date: 04-27-1995
Episode 108 (The Diplomat’s Club) Air Date: 05-04-1995
Episode 109 (The Face Painter) Air Date: 05-11-1995
Episode 110 (The Understudy) Air Date: 05-18-1995

About the Author

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find more reviews like this one of the Seinfeld (Season 6) DVD.

The writer/director of this film would only be noticed by the public is he went broke and knocked over a liquor store. The cast is the “Blacksheep squadron” of the movie world. An A list of nobodies. The most notable actress in this effort also appeared in obscure reality television show, “Joe Schmo”. If you were only given this information about the film, a logical conclusion is that the movie should only be aired on “Mystery Science Theater 3000″ or late at night when nobody is awake, or sober. Oddly enough though, this film works.

What most people do not know about writer/director, David James, is that he is, in the truest sense of the word, a real rounder. He is a coinsurer of the ring game, though he can be seen, year in and year out, hanging around World Series of Poker events like a remora hangs onto a shark. This love of the game combined with his history and knowledge gives the movie a realism that is rare in poker films.

Unlike “Rounders” which follows a linear story line, “The Big Blind” has more of a “Pulp Fiction” feel to it. There are multiple plots and story lines which center around the Lake Elsinore casino. James masterfully interlocks these vignettes to create a wonderful cinematic tapestry about the happenings in and around the poker world.

The game itself contains a wide range of personalities and personas. This fact is not lost in the film. Instead of zeroing in on one stereotype, David James creates dozens of diverse personalities. Truly art mimicking real life.

If your enjoyment of poker is not limited to the game itself, but the atmosphere as well, you will enjoy “The Big Blind”. The gritty realism that is represented in this film leaves you with the feeling that the depicted events could be happening at your favorite casino at any time. If you are looking for star power though, I suggest you go rent some quality film like “Gigli”.

Amy White http://www.texas-poker-777.com

www.texas-poker-777.com

Nominated for 17 Emmys, including one Golden Globe for Best TV Series - Drama, Little House On The Prairie is one of the most popular shows in television history. Based on the autobiographical series of “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the show explores the inner-workings of a small town and family on the 19th Century American frontier. Director/Co-Executive Producer Michael Landon (of Bonanza and Highway to Heaven fame) also wrote one-third of the episodes (in addition to playing a lead role as the family’s father, Charles, when the actor originally cast for the part failed to show). Charles would go on to become one of the show’s most popular characters, and Little House On The Prairie would become an American favorite, boasting ten successful seasons to its credit…

Little House On The Prairie follows the lives of the Ingalls family as they settle on the banks of Plum Creek in the township of Walnut Grove, Kansas during the 1870’s. A true pioneer family, the story is seen through the eyes of the Ingalls’ middle-daughter, Laura (Melissa Gilbert), who experiences all the normal growing pains and emotions of a young girl growing up on the prairie. Carpenter Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon) and his former school teacher wife, Caroline (Karen Grassle), head up a family of three that includes two additional daughters, Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) and Carrie (Lindsay & Sidney Greenbush). The town also includes a loveable cast of supporting characters, such as Walnut Grove School teacher Eva Beadle (Charlotte Stewart), town doctor Hiram Baker (Kevin Hagen), pastor Robert Alden (Dabbs Greer), family friend Isaiah Edwards (Victor French), the wealthy Oleson family, and a host of other characters…

The Little House On The Prairie DVD features a number of dramatic episodes including the series premiere in which the Ingalls family travels from Big Woods, Wisconsin to the more open and fertile lands of the Kansas prairie. Along the way, they make friends with Mr. Edwards (who helps them settle), have a run-in with some Indians, and fight a dangerous fire… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include “Ma’s Holiday” in which Charles and Caroline decide to go on a second honeymoon, and “Circus Man” in which a traveling salesmen tries to hoodwink the people of Walnut Grove into the notion that he possesses magic healing powers…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Little House On The Prairie (Season 1) DVD:

Episode xx (Pilot) Air Date: 03-30-1974
Episode 1 (Harvest of Friends) Air Date: 09-11-1974
Episode 2 (Country Girls) Air Date: 09-18-1974
Episode 3 (100 Mile Walk) Air Date: 09-25-1974
Episode 4 (Mr. Edwards’ Homecoming) Air Date: 10-02-1974
Episode 5 (The Love of Johnny Johnson) Air Date: 10-09-1974
Episode 6 (If I Should Wake Before I Die) Air Date: 10-23-1974
Episode 7 (Town Party, Country Party) Air Date: 10-30-1974
Episode 8 (Ma’s Holiday) Air Date: 11-06-1974
Episode 9 (School Mom) Air Date: 11-13-1974
Episode 10 (The Raccoon) Air Date: 11-20-1974
Episode 11 (The Voice of Tinker Jones) Air Date: 12-04-1974
Episode 12 (The Award) Air Date: 12-11-1974
Episode 13 (The Lord is My Shepard) Air Date: 12-18-1974
Episode 14 (Christmas at Plum Creek) Air Date: 12-25-1974
Episode 15 (Family Quarrel) Air Date: 01-15-1975
Episode 16 (Doctor’s Lady) Air Date: 01-22-1975
Episode 17 (Plague) Air Date: 01-29-1975
Episode 18 (Circus Man) Air Date: 02-05-1975
Episode 19 (Child of Pain) Air Date: 02-12-1975
Episode 20 (Money Crop) Air Date: 02-19-1975
Episode 21 (Survival) Air Date: 02-26-1975
Episode 22 (To See the World) Air Date: 03-05-1975
Episode 23 (Founder’s Day) Air Date: 05-07-1975

About the Author

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find more reviews like this one of the Little House On The Prairie (DVD).

The brainchild of writer Joss Whedon, Buffy The Vampire Slayer originally entered American pop culture as a full-length feature film, starring Kristy Swanson, in 1992. But creator Whedon felt that the project never quite did justice to the full scope of his vision, so he managed turn the film into a television series in 1997. The result of Whedon’s increased artistic freedom is a series that has enjoyed both critical acclaim and audience notoriety. Nominated for 14 Emmy’s during its seven year run, the show managed to win only two (both in 1998 for Outstanding Makeup and Outstanding Music Composition in a television series). Yet, the true success for Buffy The Vampire Slayer is indicated by the massive success of the show’s long run, strong DVD sales, and the overwhelming success of the series spin-off Angel…

Sarah Michelle Gellar plays the title role of Buffy Anne Summers, a teenage girl who stands alone among her generation as the “chosen one” able to “stand against vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer…” But Buffy is not alone in fulfilling her destiny as a slayer of vampires. She also receives help from the high school librarian, Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), who is a Watcher - the one chosen to train and guide slayers on their developmental path. In addition, new friends Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan - of American Pie fame) and Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) quickly uncover the truth of Buffy’s destiny, and they often aid her in defending the world against evil forces…

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer DVD offers a number of exciting episodes including the series premiere “Welcome to the Hellmouth” in which Buffy and her mother arrive in Sunnydale, California, trying to escape their past. But Buffy quickly learns from the school librarian that the small town sits atop a “hellmouth” about to bring forth a master vampire. When her secret is revealed to new friends Willow and Xander, the three must work together to keep the master vampire from using his vessel to enter their reality… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include “The Harvest” in which Buffy prepares to face down the master vampire’s henchmen so she can stop the harvest (a ceremony which will free the Master), and “I Robot, You Jane” in which Buffy and the Scooby gang discover a demon trapped in the school’s computer network…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Welcome to the Hellmouth) Air Date: 03-10-1997
Episode 2 (The Harvest) Air Date: 03-10-1997
Episode 3 (The Witch) Air Date: 03-17-1997
Episode 4 (Teacher’s Pet) Air Date: 03-25-1997
Episode 5 (Never Kill a Boy on the First Day) Air Date: 03-31-1997
Episode 6 (The Pack) Air Date: 04-07-1997
Episode 7 (Angel) Air Date: 04-14-1997
Episode 8 (I Robot, You Jane) Air Date: 04-28-1997
Episode 9 (The Puppet Show) Air Date: 05-05-1997
Episode 10 (Nightmares) Air Date: 05-12-1997
Episode 11 (Out of Mind, Out of Sight) Air Date: 05-19-1997
Episode 12 (Prophecy Girl) Air Date: 06-02-1997

About the Author

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find more reviews like this one of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer (DVD).