O Pioneers!

Starring:Jessica Lange, David Strathairn, Tom Aldredge, Reed Diamond, Anne Heche, Heather Graham, Josh Hamilton, Leigh Lawson, Graham Beckel, Bradley Gregg, Adam Nelson, Darin Heames, Deborah May, Christopher Collet, John Durbin, Philip Heckman, Daniel Franklyn Hatch, J. Michael Hunter, Sherman Monahan, Gail Ogden
Director: Glenn Jordan
Studio: Hallmark
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
Academy Award (r)-winning actress Jessica Lange heads an extraordinary cast in this breathtaking adaptation of Willa Cather's turn-of-the-century epic saga of settlers carving a home from the wilderness and finding the dreams of a lifetime.

Description

Academy Award (r)-winning actress Jessica Lange heads an extraordinary cast in this breathtaking adaptation of Willa Cather's turn-of-the-century epic saga of settlers carving a home from the wilderness and finding the dreams of a lifetime.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Movie.......2006-01-20

This is one of many wonderful movies put out by Hallmark. Thw scenery is beautiful as well. There are several other titles available in their heartwarming tales. You can purchase them at hallmark.com avg. price: $14.98 for DVD. VHS also available.

A Gripping Tragedy & Love Story.......2005-08-02

This is a gripping story that is well acted by all the cast, and is based on the book by Willa Cather. However, this isn't your 'typical' pioneer film. It's very touching, but the ending is very bittersweet. Alexandra's father dies and leaves the farm to her because she is the oldest and has the wisest judgement, even though she is the only girl in the family. Her mother is still alive, but has no interest in the land. Alexandra's brothers listen to her because of their father's command, but sadly really have very little respect for her. Her childhood sweetheart and kindred spirit, Carl, is a budding young artist and leaves town with his family to fulfill his dreams. I found these earlier scenes, played by younger actors to be very sweet and touching. After finding success and making the family rich, Alexandra has to settle issues of her heart when Carl returns 15 years later. She also tries to fulfill a promise to her mother that she will help her youngest brother find a career away from farm life.

Sensitive viewers please beware! This is the story of two couples who are separated and are re-united, one ends happily and the other very tragically. I had actually had nightmares after watching this, because it was such a beautiful love story but was rather disturbing in its outcome. Due to the mature storyline of this film & the tragedy, I would not recommend it for younger children. Parents may also find they have to discuss the meaning of adultery, etc. However, I love many of the scenes in this movie which is one reason why the ending was such a disappointment to me. This movie is definitely worthwhile though and has a good message.

Good literature in a movie!.......2005-04-01

I love this movie! it has a wonderful meaning to it, and the acting is superb! This is worth the money BIG time!

Not worth your money........2005-02-14

I love Hallmark movies and western type films, but this was disapointing. I thought the story was dull and the only interesting character was the guy who killed the two lovers at the end.

At least he put us out of our misery.

I found it unbelieveable that a strong woman like Alex would fall in love with such a weak and indecive young man.
The camara work was good and some of the locations was beautiful but I wouldn't waste your money. Over all this was a pointless and boring moving.

Great Adaptation!.......2003-08-23

I thought this adaptation would have gotten a nod from Willa Cather. The scenery was beautiful, the characters just as Willa Cather drew them in her book by the same title. Jessica Lange was Alexandra with her quite dignity, and strong will and the chemistry between she and Carl was very believable. Perhaps the best characters were Maria (Anne Heche) and Emile, who did a superb job at playing star crossed lovers. I was very impressed with the screen play. There were so many quotes from the book, who ever did it had a good sense of the book. There were only two faults I found with the film and that was the casting of two characters. I believe they could have found someone else to play the younger Alexandra. Heather Graham seemed too stiff and her accent was always slipping. The other character was the land. There should have been more shots of it. The land was such a central part of the book. It is what gave Alexandra her strength and her faith.

Product Description

Every DVD we sell is brand-new, direct from the manufacturer, sealed, and in mint-condition. This is the Hallmark Crown Collector's Edition version of the DVD (Hard-to-find!). All DVDs are shipped by US Postal First-Class Mail and we provide FREE Delivery Confirmation to track your package!

Average customer rating:

Don't Fence Me In
Great Roy Rogers western that stands out thanks to the supporting cast!
Good Movie But It Is Not In Color!

The Gay Ranchero
Starring: Roy Rogers , Trigger , Tito Guízar , Jane Frazee , and Andy Devine
Director: William Witney
Manufacturer: Bridgestone Group Inc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Happy Trails Theater: Southward, Ho!

ASIN: B0000CBXYD
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Customer Reviews:

Don't Fence Me In.......2007-01-04

Classy, 40's musical western. Nice sets, lots of action. You can't go wrong with this Roy Rogers classic.

Great Roy Rogers western that stands out thanks to the supporting cast!.......2006-05-13

Roy Rogers movies are always a load of fun, and you can pretty much count on the same level of quality no matter which one you choose, be it from 1937 for 1948. It's remarkable how much quality control went into these films.

"The Gay Ranchero" stands out, however, because of the supporting cast and unique storyline. As great as Roy's presence was in his movies, this time Tito Guizar steals the show as the titular "gay ranchero" (just for clarification, that's as in "happy" ranchero) who comes from Mexico to the US pursuing the (rich) girl of his dreams. But she won't marry him because he's given up bullfighting, and she thinks he's gone coward! Throw in a scheme to sabotage the local airline and steal it's precious cargo, and you got yourselves a movie!

Good Movie But It Is Not In Color!.......2005-01-16

There are several Roy Rogers movies on VHS that are listed as color when they are not. This is one of those movies. It is made by Alpha Omega Publications and dated Oct. 19th, 2004. It is in B&W and not in color.

Average customer rating:

AVOID THIS HAPPY TRAILS THEATER VERSION.
Be forewarned
A must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector
Fame and Fortune vs. Trigger.
Good Plot - Poor Tecnical Quality

Under California Stars
Starring: Roy Rogers , Trigger , Jane Frazee , Andy Devine , and George Lloyd
Director: William Witney
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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( U ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Trail of Robin Hood
Heart of the Rockies
Sons of the Pioneers
Along the Navajo Trail
Trigger, Jr.

ASIN: B00006AUG4
Release Date: 2002-06-18

Customer Reviews:

AVOID THIS HAPPY TRAILS THEATER VERSION........2007-05-24

I recently purchased several " HAPPY TRAILS THEATER " Roy Rogers movies on dvd & I'm now doubting my better judgement. It was the AUTHORIZED BY THE ROY ROGERS ESTATE & DIGITALLY RESTORED statements that motivated my purchase...PLEASE, DO NOT FALL for this gimmick advertising. Maybe THE ROY ROGERS ESTATE doesn't know any better...but it should!!!
This is an extremely heavily edited version of a very good Republic Western. The dvd case states approx. 65min. Roy & Dale yak with director William Whitney for at least 10min. of that time cutting the film length to under an hour.
Now I have nothing against Roy & Dale recalling old times, actually I like it, but not if it means I have to watch a choppy version of UNDER CALIFORNIA STARS to compensate for time loss??? on a dvd???
GOODTIMES VIDEO/DVD took an old TV-edited version of Roy & Dale's HAPPY TRAILS THEATER PROGRAM and slapped it onto a dvd without restoring all the missing parts that had been cut out for commercials...you can easily spot the commercial " fades ".
The cuts & jumps were jarring & confusing...
Luckily I have a 20-MOVIE PACK of Roy Rogers films on 4-dvd's from MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT that has a version of UNDER WESTERN STARS listing at 70min. I put this version on right after watching the HAPPY TRAILS version and I must say that results were astounding!!!
MILL CREEK's is most likely as complete a version as you will find. Right from the BEGINNING...HAPPY TRAILS jumps into Roy fighting make-believe on a movie set...MILL CREEK starts the picture off with a great establishing shot of what is most likely REPUBLIC STUDIOS before Roy's intro...& all through the MILL CREEK version you catch a second here, a minute there, several complete scenes here and there. All the songs are intact as well including Roy & THE PIONEERS singing " DUST " at Roy's coming home party ( Roy ends the song with his great line " ...and may the good Lord take a likin' to you."...which, of course is all missing from the HAPPY TRAILS version ). Another missing song, the theme title " UNDER WESTERN STARS " sung duet by Roy & Jane Frazee also appears in the MILL CREEK version. To cut the title theme song is a statement in itself as to HAPPY TRAIL's lack of care in product presentation!!!
As for what version " LOOKS & SOUNDS BETTER ", you would have to be nit-picking to favor HAPPY TRAILS...both look fine for a Tru-Color film & the MILL CREEK version is just as acceptable.
For money value, the MILL CREEK 4-disc set is worth it alone for a MUCH MORE complete version of " UNDER WESTERN STARS " by about 20min & 2 songs.
However, MILL CREEK's version of " LIGHTS OF OLD SANTA FE " runs under 60min & is a cut version...so this is not a perfect world.
HAPPY TRAILS VERSION: 1 star.
MILL CREEK VERSION: 5 stars.
Compare them yourself, you'll see.

Be forewarned.......2004-03-27

Be forewarned....the very opening of the movie on this DVD has been truncated. The source for these transfers is evidently a program hosted by Roy and Dale in their later years. While I have no problem with the DVD's containing the intros, I did not pay for a movie that is not in its entirety...COMPLETE opening credits and all.

Secondly, the source is not good either. Roan Group did a much better job with their Roy Roger movie transfers.

In spite of being "Authorized by the Roy Rogers Estate"...which made me this a safe purchase....these Happy Trails Theatre DVD's are anything BUT high quality.

A must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector.......2003-09-21

This is a must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector. It's very suspenseful. It's when Trigger is stolen by a gang of outlaws and Roy and Andy Devine and the Sons of the Pioneers come to Trigger's rescue.

Fame and Fortune vs. Trigger........2002-04-25

Nobody made Westerns like Republic. In "Under California Stars," Roy Rogers portrays a singing cowboy movie actor. Truly inspired casting. Roy discovers that evil horse hunters are trapping wild horses on his Double R Ranch. Roy frowns on this bad behavior. He beats up creepy bad guy House Peters, Jr. to stop him from abusing a captured horse. After Roy makes it plain that wild horse hunters are not welcome on his range, the outlaw gang kidnaps Trigger and holds the smartest horse in the movies for $100,000 ransom. The crooks in this little flick are dumber than usual. These B Westerns, filmed in TruColor, were Roy's last series of films before moving to TV in the 1950s. The Sons of the Pioneers pad the script with several musical numbers. Pre-Jingles Andy Devine is the comic relief ranch foreman, Cookie Bullfincher. He inflates the ranch payroll by hiring his lookalike, country bumpkin relatives. Triva Note: Michael Chapin is Lauren Chapin's brother. She was "Kathy" on the "Father Knows Best" TV show. Low-grade VHS editions do not help this film's technical qualities. Regardless, the movie is "G" rated fun for kids and nostalgia collectors. Saddle up and ride, pardner. ;-)

Good Plot - Poor Tecnical Quality.......1999-10-28

This release from UAV (United American Video) has very, very poor visual and sound quality. I suppose that is why the price is so low, but it's not worth watching. Find this good movie released by someone else like Republic Home Video or such.

Average customer rating:

AVOID THIS HAPPY TRAILS THEATER VERSION.
Be forewarned
A must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector
Fame and Fortune vs. Trigger.
Good Plot - Poor Tecnical Quality

Under California Stars
Starring: Roy Rogers , Trigger , Jane Frazee , Andy Devine , and George Lloyd
Director: William Witney
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

Westerns | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( U ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Trail of Robin Hood
Heart of the Rockies
Sons of the Pioneers
Along the Navajo Trail
Trigger, Jr.

ASIN: B0000C0FFP
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Customer Reviews:

AVOID THIS HAPPY TRAILS THEATER VERSION........2007-05-24

Be forewarned.......2004-03-27

Secondly, the source is not good either. Roan Group did a much better job with their Roy Roger movie transfers.

In spite of being "Authorized by the Roy Rogers Estate"...which made me this a safe purchase....these Happy Trails Theatre DVD's are anything BUT high quality.

A must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector.......2003-09-21

Fame and Fortune vs. Trigger........2002-04-25

Good Plot - Poor Tecnical Quality.......1999-10-28

Average customer rating:

AVOID THIS HAPPY TRAILS THEATER VERSION.
Be forewarned
A must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector
Fame and Fortune vs. Trigger.
Good Plot - Poor Tecnical Quality

Under California Stars
Starring: Roy Rogers , Trigger , Jane Frazee , Andy Devine , and George Lloyd
Director: William Witney
Manufacturer: Bridgestone Group Inc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( U ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Trail of Robin Hood
Heart of the Rockies
Sons of the Pioneers
Along the Navajo Trail
Trigger, Jr.

ASIN: 630502863X
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Customer Reviews:

AVOID THIS HAPPY TRAILS THEATER VERSION........2007-05-24

Be forewarned.......2004-03-27

Secondly, the source is not good either. Roan Group did a much better job with their Roy Roger movie transfers.

In spite of being "Authorized by the Roy Rogers Estate"...which made me this a safe purchase....these Happy Trails Theatre DVD's are anything BUT high quality.

A must have for the Roy Rogers fan and collector.......2003-09-21

Fame and Fortune vs. Trigger........2002-04-25

Good Plot - Poor Tecnical Quality.......1999-10-28

Average customer rating:

The Yellow Rose of Texas
Starring: Dick Botiller , George Cleveland , John Dilson , Dale Evans , and William Haade
Director: Joseph Kane
Manufacturer: Genius Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( Y ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0006GAOMC
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Average customer rating:

Don't Fence Me In
Great Roy Rogers western that stands out thanks to the supporting cast!
Good Movie But It Is Not In Color!

Gay Ranchero
Starring: Roy Rogers , Trigger , Tito Guízar , Jane Frazee , and Andy Devine
Director: William Witney
Manufacturer: Good Times Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video