Search - All Creatures Great and Small: The Complete Collection on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 1/1/2019...

Based on the books of the British veterinary surgeon Alf Wight, who wrote under the pseudonym James Herriot. It's an old saying in the film industry that one should never work with children or animals, as they never do what they are supposed to. Well, this show did, and proved it was possible, although the animals still greatly misbehaved. The series had two runs, totaling 90 episodes: the original (1978 to 1980, based directly on Herriot's books) was for three series. The second run (1988 to 1990, filmed with original scripts) for the fourth series. Since then, it has become an internationally beloved world favorite, and indeed, when viewing these now, one gets a feeling that the countryside was a glorious place inhabited by amazing people. Two or three of these episodes at the end of the day provides an escapist, gentle, heartwarming, cozy-cup-of-cocoa type drama. It's warm, simple, nice, and lovely, even educational, and it's not going to frighten the horses. Although, I should add, that all the main actors here suffered at least one anointing of having their hand up a cow.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Dr. Ron Pataky gives five stars!

Dr. Ron Pataky | Ohio, USA | 04/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Few if any productions in the very history of television have resulted in such unanimous approval and delight throughout the world as have the wonderfully warm and humorous films emanating from the writings of James Herriott, the late British veterinarian now known to have practiced in real life as Alf Wight. And small wonder in an age when beauty and human warmth for their own sake are virtually lost to humankind. I can say with honesty and openness that never in my 38 years of reviewing films have I encountered anything produced for television that exceeds the sheer unbridled joy of the Herriott stories. Any words I might humbly contribute will fade one day like desert-blown dust, but I am convinced that these masterpieces will live long beyond the breath and memory of anyone readings these words. I am enthralled each and every time I revisit the series, which I try to do every 18-24 months!"

Special bonus in the full collection

Mrs. Felicity M. Stanton | Tasmania Australia | 09/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having the entire All Creatures Great and Small collection is really terrific in that you can view all episodes in order including the specials. This series is not just a vetinary saga but the life of a North country community and how this changes over time. Sensitively filmed, it is a timeless portrayal - history in a fun way if you like."

All Creatures Great and Small

Mary L. Spencer | Cleburne, Tx USA | 09/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Have almost finished watching the whole collection and it is almost addictive. It's relaxing to spend time with some beautiful people especially if you are an animal lover. It is money well spent.Those Brits are the best."