Little House on the Prairie - The Pilot

Little House on the Prairie is a show that cannot be forgotten, anyone who knows about this television series has enjoyed it...who couldn't, and I am deeply grateful that Laura Ingalls Wilder made this all possible with her books that I immensely enjoyed reading. The reason I love this show is because of my interests in this time period in American history, America's population had been growing and traveling to the west, the hostility (and peace) between the American's and the many Indian tribes and the extraordinary efforts of these pioneers. I'm a fifteen year old male (boy, who cares) and these stories still unfortunately make me cry sometimes since I consider myself a sensitive person and my emotions come through sometimes. This time period is much to be desired, while America has advanced in many areas (especially in technology) I think respect for family, community and the more simplistic enjoyments in life have became a thing of the past. These programs always make me want to (while not always) start working a bit harder and try to respect others. (although my sarcastic attitude comes through) While yet I do not believe there is a god I do like the Ingalls religious beliefs, there strong moral beliefs and I think these heartwarming stories also have made this television series a classic.The pilot focuses on the Ingalls family's struggles leaving the big woods and trying to start life a new on the prairie. Now anyone who's reading this must have seen the show, but if somehow you haven't, let me tell you, the acting is some of the finest that's ever been on television and that is as simple as I can put it. Now the reason I'm not giving this one disc DVD a flat out five stars is easy, the pilot could have easily been featured on the season one DVD and that this DVD is pretty much a bare bone set, the bonus features are extremely measly, all there really is on this set are a few cast member biographies and you know there desperate when they include the scene index as a `special feature.' This lack luster attempt is not unnoticed because this show deserves much better and that's why I'm not all impressed while yet still pleased that the show has been released on DVD. The restoration of the pilot is decent while there are a few moments of blurry and grainy film but otherwise the quality of the footage is quite nice.I have some advice for newcomers to this series, throughout the series if you see the words Directed by Michael Landon, get ready to have a nice long cry and enjoy.

I grew up watching the repeats of "Little House On The Prairie" on TBS however I have never seen the pilot movie. I don't think it was put into syndication? "Little House On The Prairie" premiered years before I was born, suffice it to say it has been one of my favorite television shows because it is a rare combination of both entertainment and family values. In fact, I cannot think of any television show that is as beloved as this wonderful series.The pilot movie introduces the Ingalls family for the first time. The characters aren't as polished or well-rounded as they are in the TV series. The pilot also introduces their longtime family friend Mr. Edwards.It starts out by telling the story of why they left their original home (and relatives). Charles finds a nice piece of land and sets up his residence for his family. It is at this time that they meet Edwards who helped in the construction of their new home.Also included in this movie is a very touching Christmas scene (that was repeated in subsequent "flashback" "Little House" episodes) where the Ingallses celebrate their first Christmas in their new home. Mr. Edwards even plays Santa by surprising the entire family with his cheer and gifts.Keep in mind that this is not set in the town of Walnut Grove (where the TV series took place). In the pilot movie they lived in a different location which was even more remote with no town and no neighbors to speak of (except the Native Americans who befriend the Ingallses).Tragedy strikes when their log house catches on fire. I thought it would all be burned down, however they were blessed with a beautiful rainstorm which saved their home and barn.But their happiness is short-lived when the government tells Charles that they have to vacate. The land is not for them; so they pack up their belongings and say good-bye to Mr. Edwards and go on their way to find a new home.The movie ends with the Ingalls family riding away. This somewhat loosely explains how they came to their new town (Walnut Grove) in the TV series.Unfortunately, television these days doesn't even come close to the high standards that Michael Landon set forth on "Little House On The Prairie." This is a wonderful pilot and a wonderful TV series!

It's a true adaptation of Laura Ingalls' first book. If you want to know how it all started, this is the movie for you. The first series of The Little House starts, so to speak, in the middle of something and we don't know how the Ingalls got there. This pilot movie answers all your questions as you follow them on their journey to the West. Great entertainment and a lot of fun!

Want to know how the Ingalls family got started on their journey across America? This DVD sets the scene, for the series to come. Don't miss it.

Brilliant - original quality of image showing its age (or maybe its the NTSC standard) but more than made up for by enjoyment of my kids watching it. Timeless.

One of my fave shows, can watch it over and over, never tire of it.

I found the sound quality poor, sometimes not able to make out what was being said.