Customer Reviews

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete First Season

5 star:		(308)
4 star:		(99)
3 star:		(27)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

This is where it all began! The first time we get to see Buffy, Giles, Willow, Xander, Angel and Cordelia. It's amazing to see the beginning of their relationships, and the first glimpses into a world that would last 7 seasons. The special effects weren't as refined, the picture quality was a little less, and there were only 12 episodes to this first season. But the humor and wit were here, the heartbreak, and a good hero's adventure begins! Buffy Summers moves to Sunnydale with her single mom to start a new life - hopefully a vampire-free one. But Sunnydale sits on a Hellmouth, so it attracts vampires and any number of demonic beasts hellbent on world destruction. She's gonna need a whole team of friends and a mentor to help her! It's a great first glimpse into the Slayer's world.

Oddly enough the first season was almost entirely shot on location rather than on sets. So the graveyard is enormous and really spooky! The high school looks impressive, and Sunnydale seems very real. The vampires look a little different as they play with the make-up as the series goes on, and the dusting effects are a little primitive in this season. But the first cut is always the deepest, and this season really sets the stage for everything to come! Buffy is an amazing show with a female hero who relies on others to help her keep the demons at bay. At its core the show is about growing up, and how high school can be hell. Especially if you feel like an outsider - not quite fitting in to the mainstream. Beautifully written and well-acted the show set action/horror cliches on their head and made it cool to be a strong girl who can kick butt and still get her heartbroken! Buffy is a hero because we can relate to her. She hurts as much as we do even if she's a little stronger physically.

Joss Wheedon (series creator and head writer) gives commentary on the premiere episodes and discusses how and why the series came about. You also get interviews with him and David Boreanaz (Angel) talking about the series in video clips initially produced for the VHS series that came out starting in 1997. You get the pilot's script and some photos as well. Collectors need this set, and newcomers should start with this one. Debate rages on which is the BEST season, but this is the first and thus absolutely crucial no matter what your opinion on where it ranks among the 7.

Okay, I love Buffy no matter what, and therefore I am biased. If you want the TV show, you got it! There's not much to complain about. Plus you get all the interviews with Joss and commentaries that are worth something. One sort of negative thing you get with this DVD set is the poorish-picture quality, but you got that in the first two seasons anyway on tv. Also, you only get three discs because this season only has 12 episodes (it wasn't aired the whole October-April season, it was just a summer show that became popular). I'm pretty sure Joss mentions those 2 things in some commentary or other. Anyway, if you're looking for the first season of Buffy, you're not gonna get it any other way unless you want 6 or so VHS tapes that are probably hard to find.

It's hard to beat Buffy. Now in its sixth season, this series has proven time and again to be one of the best acted, superbly written and well directed drama series of all time.
Finally, fans have a chance to acquire the show on DVD, complete with commentaries from show creator Joss Whedon. Available in Britain for some time, this DVD has been delayed reportedly due to a conflict with the cable network FX, which has just started broadcasting the series in syndication.
For non-Buffy fans, this collection of DVDs is where you start. For Buffy fans, seriously, how can you resist?
The show starts with one of the better premieres of any program, "Welcome to the Hellmouth" and "The Harvest" -- two excellent episodes that introduce Buffy and her loyal companions Xander and Willow, and blow away any comparison to the mediocre movie.
I won't argue that this is Buffy's best season, mostly because it is a show that gets constantly better. And other seasons, like the second and third, have better villains. But this DVD showcases a great start, and lays the groundwork for everything to come.
Included in the DVD is "Angel" which explains the origins of Buffy's true love, and "Nightmares," where everyone's worst fear is realized (and a killer of an episode not least for Buffy's nightmare -- turning into a vampire herself). Last but not least is "Prophecy Girl," where an ancient prophecy reveals that Buffy is fated to die in her war against the Master.
And the show's start even reveals tidbits of information not fully explored until later episodes, and other series. Note that Darla -- Angel's sire and original bad girl of Sunnydale -- gets her start in the first season. Upon seeing her, Angel remarks, "The last time I saw you, you were wearing kimonos." Later episodes of Buffy's spinoff series, Angel, show that very scene, where she is indeed in a kimono.
Its a nice change from other series, which forget the background comments as soon as they are spoken.
Its impossible to say enough great things about the series. I don't watch that much TV, but everyone I've introduced this show has been hooked.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you purchase these DVDs and experience the show for yourself. Buy it for a friend at Christmas, or just take it home yourself -- you won't be sorry.

If you have no idea who Buffy Summers is and have no clue what a Slayer does, then this is a great introduction into the hip mythology of Josh Whedon and company. The actors in this cast are truly gifted, but are duly outshone by the creator of the bizarre world of Sunnydale, California. Josh Whedon was the man behind the film version of Buffy, which starred Kristy Swanson and Luke Perry (in his 90210 heyday). Watching the far-superior TV show that followed the mediocre film in 1997, it is inspiring to know that sometimes in life a good idea indeed prevails, despite the schlock Hollywood usually insists on producing. I think Buffy resonates for adults much more than for kids, despite the teenaged cast and high school setting. All the angst, isolation, and fear you felt in adolescence are captured in this series - though often represented by vampires, a giant praying mantis, or a pack of "cool kids" turned into rabid hyenas - sometimes not much of a stretch. Buffy the Vampire slayer is not a horror show, not a series about monsters, but instead an insightful, hip look into the bizarre adventure of growing up. Sarah Michelle Geller is a talented (and much underrated actress) - despite the super powers possessed by the Vampire Slayer, Buffy always comes across as a very real girl, just trying to be herself, finding out slowly who she is, while living up to the enormous burdens involved with frequently saving the world (she's faced, what, 6 apocalypses now?). This DVD boxed-set has been far too long coming State-side. Australia and Europe have had the set for some time, and this US region coding looks to have all the same features. I enjoyed the commentary by Josh Whedon, as well as a look at the script for the series pilot. It is terrific to see someone's dream and vision realized, so if you are a person who also dreams of creating something, anything, meaningful but are afraid it won't be critically or commercially accepted, then I suggest you take a look at this DVD collection (and the other seasons of this wonderful show when they are released). Then have a look at Kristy Swanson's Buffy movie. It's worth the price of the DVDs to learn once and for all that sometimes the good fight is indeed worth fighting...ideals are a good thing to have.

Fans have waited this moment for years. We can buy The Complete Buffyï¿s First Season at last. All the 12 episodes are more then worth the price.
Sara Michelle Galler, Angelï¿s introduction in ï¿Angelï¿, the pilot episode ï¿Welcome to Hellmouthï¿, The grate villain The Master (the eldest and strongest vampire of them all), and a lot more inside this 3 disc set. It seems to have good bonus features, and did I mentioned Sara Michele Galler?. Definitely the best TV series after Dark Angel. It has it all, drama, comedy, love stories, action, Sara Michelle Galler kicking the you know what out of the vampires and demons, an amazing writing work (my own personal opinion is that Buffy has one of the best script works in TV production).
Every episode without any exception is smart, funny and every actor and actress give their best performance. The adolescence parody that Buffy the Vampire slayer offers is more then accurate for those who understand it. [....]
I think I donï¿t have to say much, ï¿itï¿s Buffyï¿ after all, and the name says it all. Finally fans are rewarded for their patience. I just hope season 2, 3, 4, and 5 donï¿t take to long.

Ok, should I even bother in saying that "Buffy" is the best tv show? Anyway, even though I love it, I must admit that I liked it better the first two seasons, for after that, it became kind of too complex and maybe lost a little it's similarity with high school. Anyway, that's why it's great that they're selling the ENTIRE FIRST SEASON ( which to me it's the best and it's a classic) just in time for Christmas. Well, not really, but very close to Christmas. Re-live the laughter, the fun, the horror and the charm of Buffy's first season, where Willow still was insecure and nerdy, Xander was still hilarious and dorky; Giles had more screen time, and Buffy had a natural color hair and apple bossom cheeks, and Angel and Cordelia were still here. See how it all started! What I mean, is that you SIMPLY CAN'T DECIDE NOT TO BUY THIS It's simply great. Joss Whedon, the series creator is extraordinarily a genius and as I said, Buffy is the best tv show ever. I dont'know if you will ever find something like this again, it's too good to be true

For a first time screenwriter, Joss Whedon's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was a good effort for a feature film. I thought for sure the series was going to tank. When I started watching halfway through the first season, I quickly found that I was wrong. "Buffy" simply blossoms on television. I've been hooked ever since.

For the first time, Whedon has provided us with all the terrors of high school (remember those?) in a horror genre setting. Not only that, but he provides a confident, cool FEMALE character to trounce the bad guys. Whether you're a fan of the genre or a teenage feminist, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) provides a niche for the unpopular misfits in high school, but looks upon them as heroes. Were you as uncomfortable as Xander (Nicholas Brendon)? As geeky as Willow (Alyson Hannigan)? As quick with an aphorism as Oz (Seth Green)? The series proves that high school is indeed survivable no matter who you are, even if you're cliquish Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter). And in the end, the more unpopular you were - possibly the more important you were to your teenage community.

Mix in your favorite teacher (or librarian) played by Anthony Stewart Head (who should play "Doctor Who" after he's done with "Buffy") to be the requisite horror genre British pseudo-scientist, and Buffy's single mom (Kristine Sutherland) and you're all set to go with the most intelligent sci-fi TV series possibly written for this age group. (The next closest thing being the intelligent, yet non-sf "Freaks & Geeks".)

I'm not kidding. It's amazing how quickly these characters grow in the first season and their responses remain true to life despite the extraordinary situations they're thrown into. Creator Joss Whedon has become one of the most talented writer/directors working in the industry today, despite the fact that "Buffy" is most of what he's been doing for the last five years.

As far as what you get in this box set, you're in for a treat. This is the full first season, not just the half previously released on VHS; including the season finale "Prophecy Girl" - where we see just how heroic Buffy really is, despite her adolescence and fear of death. Also present throughout the series are teenage issues of emotional/sexual conflict ("Teacher's Pet") and problems with acceptance ("The Pack"). Specific highlights also include Whedon's commentary for the two part premiere as well as the first appearances of Angel (David Boreanaz) and Jenny Calendar (Robia LaMorte).

Remember, Buffy's not JUST about vampires. In fact I think it's safe to say that vampires are secondary to the emotional undercurrent of the show, if not a particular episode's plot. Forget "Felicity" and shove off of "Dawson's Creek", this is the one for the adults.

Buffy has to be one of the best written show on television...and to be able to watch the whole first season on dvd is tremendous! Unfortunately, suffering from it's own name, people tend not to give it the chance that it deserves. Trust me...this is definitely one to check out!

It's rare to see such a talented cast of actors together in an intelligently scripted storyline. Kudos to the creator, Joss Whedon for taking his Hollywood-botched movie, and transforming it into the serious drama/horror/action/comedy that he intended it to be.

This is where it all starts. I can't say that the first season is the best of the Buffy series, but it's definitely better than most shows out there. From the first episode, BTVS has shown a steady rise in plot and drama, while always keeping a lighthearted twist. You can see the cast gel together...and when the first season is finished, you'll find yourself wanting more.

The moral of the story: Give the show a chance! After watching a few episodes of the first season, most people find themselves pleasantly surprised. Not hooked...but pleasantly surpised. You'll have to wait until season two for that...

Typical of Buffy's 'older' fans, I discovered her late in the second season. The problem with being an intellectual snob is that one only discovers television shows by accident, which means you've always missed a good deal of history. So, despite an occasional rerun, I pretty much lost the entire first season. To make matters worse, I've only recently acquired the ability to watch DVD's. I am pleased to announce that my woes are now over. With the release of the first season on DVD and the up and coming release of the second season, I am about to enter Buffy heaven.

Watching these episodes I was struck by the talented writing and acting that were present right from the beginning. It is immediately apparent that the show was never intended to be yet another scary film take-off. From Sarah Gellar to Anthony Head the actors display an almost effortless professionalism. And the writing is filled with the kind of bright dialog and wit to which us adults can only aspire.

This set contains the first 12 episodes which are all there was of the first season. Officially, that's from ''Welcome to the Hellmouth' to 'Prophecy Girl'. It's hard to pick one out as a favorite, but I'm currently very fond of 'Teacher's Pet' in which Xander's woes remind me of much of my own early history. All are wonderful, and I no longer think of myself as one of the BTVS disadvantaged.

In addition to the episodes themselves, there are interviews with Joss Whedon and David Boreanaz, a full length commentary on 'Welcome to the Hellmouth' by Whedon, who also provides several interviews. Television trailers, photo stills, and the original pilot script are there as well. Languages alternatives are English and French (also available in surround sound). Spanish and English subtitles are also provided. Sound and video quality are excellent. I had a problem getting the second and third DVD's to play on my PC, which were resolved by updating the DVD drive's firmware.

By far, this is the worst installment in my opinion, of course, that's just matter of taste. Obviously, there are MANY shining moments here, including the double-pilot "Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest", "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date", "Angel", "Out of Mind, Out of Sight", and "Prophecy Girl". But this season set the stage for one of the most outstanding TV series I've ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest: 9.5/10

This is a great start to the whole thing, and begins right away with an impending apocalypse. We get a glimpse of the Big Bad right away, and you already know his intentions. It really forces you to keep watching, which I'm sure was Joss Whedon's goal here. We are introduced to our lovable characters, Xander (Nicholas Brendon), and Willow (Alyson Hannigan). We're also introduced to Angel (David Boreanaz), portraying to know more than he really should, Darla (Julie Benz) the annoying vampiress poster girl, The Master, and of course, Mr. Giles (Anthony Stewart Head). The fight at the end of the Harvest, and in the middle with Darla and the Vessel are excellent.

Witch - 8/10

Explores for Buffy's first attempt at normalcy, aside from slayage. She tries out for a cheerleading squad, but one of the girls seems to be a bit obsessed with getting on the squad, using witchcraft to terrorize the participants, including Buffy. Nice twist, but a little boring, IMO.

Teacher's Pet - 7/10

A new substitute teacher comes in for science class, named Natalie French. She's hot, and Xander falls for her, of course she's kinda has a thing with virgin boys. Cool episode, but nothing special really.

Never Kill a Boy on the First Date - 9/10

This is the next chapter in the season story arc. And this is also our first exposure to the Buffster intertwining her slayer duties with a potential boyfriend. As The Master searches for the Anointed One, who by legend will lead the Slayer to The Master so he can be set free, Buffy has her first date in Sunnydale. Angel also makes an appearance. The acting here is superb. Also, another nice twist at the end. I guess the Anointed One wasn't who we thought he was.

The Pack - 8/10

A lot of people don't like this one, but I thought it was pretty cool, and not the first time our lovable heroes are taken "emotional hostage", but an outlying force. This trend would continue on. The gang are at the zoo, and Xander tries to stop a bunch of bullies, but ends up being hypnotized by hyenas, and starts to turn into one in a way. There are some heartbreaking convos with Xander and Willow in the midst of this, leading to Buffy solving the problem. Make sure you appreciate Principal Flutie, and the new school Mascot. :)

Angel - 10/10

Here, Buffy kinda finds out Angel's true self. It's pretty heartbreaking, and this episode has the most drama as of yet, leading to her accusing Angel of an attack on her mother. The end proves where Angel's heart is. A great episode, and a great preamble to the Buffy/Angel saga.

I Robot, You Jane - 7.5/10

This episode is important to humanity in a way, in the sense of internet relationships. When Willow scans in some ancient text, a demon gets embedded into the computer system, and takes control of the minds of kids throughout. Not a bad episode, but Xander shows his loyalty to his best friend.

Puppet Show - 6/10

This is probably my least favorite. I thought this one was a little on the stupid side, with a ventriloquist dummy come to life, and seemingly collecting body parts to get reborn. The dummy is actually a good guy. It's an OK stand alone episode, and it does have its moments of humor, and Buffy acting like a scaredy cat.

Nightmares - 8.5/10

Equally as important as "Angel", but not quite with the same drama, but I like the real-life type of situation here. This is probably one of the more harrowing episodes, about a young boy in a coma tearing away at everybody's fears and making them come true. Buffy and Giles' being the most heart-stopping, and in the middle of it a seemingly-unbeatable demon guy that this young boy seems petrified of. This a great episode, IMO, but not quite among my favs.

Out of Mind, Out of Sight - 9.5/10

Loving the torture of Cordelia aside, this really is an excellent episode, kinda dealing with loneliness and the desperate desires to fit in and be noticed. I love how the episode ends, though, I wish we would have heard more about it... Great acting by Charisma Carpenter, and SMG here, and kinda one of the first times they've acted as a team. Things go back to normal though. Near the end, Angel has to get an ancient book called the Codex for Giles on slayer prophecies.

Prophecy Girl - 11/10

Definitely among my favorites throughout the show, and the reason why this season got 4 stars. Buffy shows her most human side here, and her vulnerabilities. The Codex basically prophesizes that Buffy will die by the hands of The Master after the Anointed One leads her to hell. After vying to quit being the Slayer, she does her duty, and says her goodbyes to everybody. The Master does kill her, but an unlikely savior comes by to allow the Slayer to be revived. The ending is very exciting and Buffy shows herself to be stronger and faster than ever. Great job done here.

I recommend this for anyone wishing to get a start on the Buffy series. It's necessary to start with this season as it's a great preamble to some of the stuff occurring in season 2.