Eric Pregosin | New Carrollton, Maryland United States | 11/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This disc is for all women who are strong, all men who are good looking, all children who are above average, and everyone else too. Whether you've been listening since 1974 or the 1980s or since the show has been archived online since 1996, this DVD is for you. For those who are new to it, this is a radio show from Minnesota that airs at 5pm Minnesota time (6pm my time) on NPR Saturdays which is full of light music (country, gospel, bluegrass, etc.), drama, humor and more. Hosted by Garrison Keillor along with Sue Scott, Tim Russell, the sound effects man of the night Tom Keith or Fred Newman (the latter usually for shows on the road not at their home base in St Paul, Minnesota but both appear on this disc), and a who's who of guests. Except for on the Disney Channel briefly in the early 90s, unless you went to the Fitzgerald Theater or to one of their on tour locales live, you had to just use your imagination while listening to your radio. Now for the first time we can watch a show as it unfolds right in our own homes anytime we want. This show aired (well the main thrust of it) on NPR on May 15, 2004 (their last show at their home base for the 2003-2004 season) to celebrate the show's 30th Anniversary (first broadcast for you history buffs was July 6, 1974), and it gives a good view what the show offers on a weekly basis. If you wanna sample others, visit http://www.prairiehome.org and go into the show archives where you can playback on your real player any show that aired since January of 1996 in whole or in part. The archives also include 2 shows from 1985 which were rerun during the 90s as a tribute to the memory of Chet Atkins who guest starred on both and was regarded by show host Garrison Keillor as a special friend. Buy this disc, visit the archives, then put your radio on Saturday nights. Whether it's a live show, rerun, or this disc you will be in stitches for the next 2 hours, and wish it would never end, or that you were there live.:-)."
Drama, comedy, musical, western... RADIO on TV!!
Matthew J. Rygelski | St. Louis, MO USA | 09/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First off, how could anyone do this for 30 years? And yet, Garrison Keillor has continued to bring strength and originality to this Saturday evening radio play performance every week, without hesitation. Recorded live at the Fitzgerald Theater, this unique DVD gives you the rare opportunity to finally see the performance which you have only previously been a listener.
Never fear though, absolutely nothing is lost from the enjoyment of future audio listenings by looking behind the curtain to learn how this wizard performs his magic! In fact, adding this to your collection will more than likely add to your appreciation of the radio performance with an even greater detail complimented by the exclusivity of your new behind-the-scenes visual reference. Discover the true talent of sound effects masters Tom Keith and Fred Newman, watch Garrison Keillor "act out" as he reads Guy Noir, and awe in the many vocal characters of Tim Russell and Sue Scott. If you regularly tune in every week to the radio show, Dusty and Lefty advise you to buy this here DVD... pardner."
Wonderful
K. Kwong | 09/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to Praire Home Companion as long as I can remember. When this show became avaliable on video, I had to buy it. I've watched it over and over. This is one of my most favorite videos. Must have for a PHC fan!"
Prairie Home Video is SWEET
David Gray Remington | Moscow, Idaho | 02/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After listening to PHC on radio for over 20 years, seeing the 2004 dvd of a show was sweet. I still like the radio format but all fans of Keillor and PHC will want to see this show and be able to visualize "how they do it". FIVE STARS !!!! :-)"
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor
Bill L. Gass | Oak Brook IL | 07/25/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This 30th Anniversary Season Celebration was outstanding! I saw the move and the 4th of July special with Garrison Keillor and Company. The 30th Anniversary show was better produced, better talent, and an overall pleasant look at Mr. Keillor's unique style. I just love it! I am a Grandfather, A. 75, and I bought this DVD to circulate among my friends and family members. Everyone has agreed with me, totally, that it is a highly entertaining show, done in a down home style."