Amazon.com: This gorgeous adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic children's story is well worth watching with the whole family. Produced for Canadian television, it's one of those rare productions that actually sticks to the book and even enhances it through first-rate performances and an excellent script. Set on bucolic Prince Edward Island in the late 19th century, Anne of Green Gables is the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and headstrong orphan. When brother and sister Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew work the farm, they are astonished when Anne arrives at the train station by mistake. "What use is she to us?" grumbles the gruff Marilla. "We might be of some use to her," answers Matthew, who has taken an instant liking to the talkative Anne. As Anne grows up, her adventures are both hilarious and moving. It's a delight to watch as she forms a friendship with the beautiful Diana and her admirer--the dashing Gilbert Blythe--then dyes her hair green, cracks a slate over Gilbert's head when he calls her "Carrots," and finds a sympathetic teacher who encourages her to attend college.
Richard Farnsworth is perfect as the shy and gentle bachelor Matthew, who confides to Anne that he never went courting because "I would have had to say something." Colleen Dewhurst delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Marilla, a seemingly cold-hearted spinster whose no-nonsense exterior conceals a warm heart. And as Anne, Megan Follows strikes the perfect note, maturing from freckle-faced orphan to elegant and poised young woman. --Elisabeth Keating
Best--Good--Fair ^ This is a collection of three Anne stories. The trilogy, as a set, has only a Three-Star rating. However, the quality of the three stories varies greatly.
The first, "Anne of Green Gables", was written by the author of the popular series, and is outstanding. All characters are well acted, especially by Megan Follows as Anne Shirley. Likewise, Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth deliver memorable performances as Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert. The show successfully deliveries a feeling of the simple life of those times and stirs a love of Prince Edward Island by the viewers. This movie from the CBS/PBS television series will enchant and thrill all fans. This production earns a full FIVE-Star rating.
The second story "The Sequel" was written by the Director, Kevin Sullivan, rather than L. M. Montgomery who created the series. This story indicates that Sullivan is just trying to milk a sequel to his successful Anne of Green Gables series. This tale banters Anne as aloof and disdaining of both Gilbert and another suitor. She intertwines with the wealthy classes when she moves to accept a teaching position with another school. The story sets fairly well though and is enjoyable. However, it has lost most of its charm and innocence, along with Anne's wide-eye enjoyment of nature and people. Fans should still enjoy this story which does maintain the general feel on the characters. This production earned a FOUR-Star rating.
Finally, the third story "The Continuing Story" is a great disappointment. Once again, it was entirely written by Director Kevin Sullivan and departs greatly from the author's story theme. This is a dark plot revolving around war and espionage. Reminiscent of "The Perils of Pauline" it wallows in misery and suffering during World War I. Apparently Sullivan wanted to recast the original actors in their roles but had to adjust the plot to accommodate the older actors. In doing so, he twists the story and creates a new setting with Gilbert as a soldier in France and Anne blundering from one scene of calamity to another. Except for the character names, there is precious little resemblance of this story to the originals. This productions in rated only ONE-Star, and actually doesn't deserve that high. I cannot imagine fans who would not feel offended by this cheap imitation.
Please do not pass on this DVD set because of the unsatisfactory third story. I am glad that I did buy it. I have no regrets about buying it. I only wish that I had been aware that two were not actually written by the author and that the third was such a dark, non-typical Anne of Green Gables.
Perfectection! ^ I ordered this 2-tape VHS set and was so impressed with my overall experience. The package came in a very nice shipping unit, and when I opened the package up, the VHS's were brand new, still in plastic wrap. Very happy with everything!!
Anne of Green Gables: The Collection ^ I am so happy with this collection, and I also got a very good price.
Anne of Green Gables ^ The package was torn and the vhs tapes were gaping out,but when they were played they were ok.
Very worth it ^ This DVD is 2-sided -- that is, you watch Part 1 on the first side and Part 2 on the second side. So you have to be kind of careful with it so as not to scratch it, etc. The picture quality is superb, as is the story, acting, cinematography, etc. It's a must-have for for anyone looking for a wonderful family-friendly story that all ages (say 6 years and up) can enjoy.
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