Search - Gilmore Girls - The Complete First Five Seasons on DVD

Think 1940s screwball comedy mixed with a planned community

ninjasuperstar | Iowa | 03/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The quick, witty dialogue of Gilmore Girls is an homage to screwball comedy films like His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby. It works surprising well, largely because there are different levels of speed talking: Some characters can keep up, others get lost, and some try on certain days and prefer to be normal people on other days. References and allusions abound as well. Some of the cultural references are highly obscure - that is, even with your ability to pause and rewind the world of Gilmore Girls, there are times when even the viewer can't keep up. This is all part of the fun of a dialogue-driven comedy that serves its main characters far too much coffee and a hilarious amount of food.

When the plot turns serious and the dialogue slows down, the sparkling planned community shimmers away as the stuff of real life creates drama. I appreciate that the writers understand the need to feel drama slowly. You can't banter through it, because only happy people relish in clever games.

It's hard to explain how a show about mostly white, middle class people living in a crime-free fantasy has become so popular, especially on the WB, which has been one of the few channels to embrace all of America's cultures, races, classes, and so on. I think the answer is that the relationship between a single mother and her daughter and an absentee father is highly translatable to many Americans. There are many conversations detailing Lorelai's struggles to provide for her daughter. Viewers also empathize with the weird and uncomfortable encounters with rich, elitist people, namely, Lorelai's parents.

The DVDs are somewhat lacking in extras - a making-of video and some extended or extra scenes are all you get. I think fans of the show would enjoy a dialogue dictionary of all of the references the characters make, a list of the books Rory and Jess are always reading, a map of Stars Hollow, a coffee cup, and Sookie's recipes."

Real People and Real Relationships

Bobby L. Salas | 01/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gilmore Girl's is by far one of the wittiest shows today that manages to incorporate both drama and comedy. The story that continues through the first five seasons is simply about a mother and daughter that are best friends and are, in their own ways, maturing together. It shows real relationship dynamics and that families are not just what you're born into, but what you create as well.
The cast from Gilmore Girl's is very refreshing. Lauren Graham, whom has also performed in "Bad Santa," plays Lorelai, a single mother in her thirties. Alexis Bledel, who has appeared in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," plays Lorelai's daughter, Rory. What makes this show so unique and popular is the rapid dialogue and pop culture references that permeate each episode. The writer Amy Sherman-Palladino outdoes herself by writing an entertaining, funny script that can also be educational.
The range of characters, the dialogue, and the individualistic yet realistic portrayal of each character and each of their relationships are just some of the qualities that make all five seasons intoxicating. Each character has traits that make them distinctive and memorable, and each relationship is painted just as uniquely. Every role leaves an impression. There is no magic or over the top drama. It is the laughter and tears of real life, along with all the struggles and fun that accompany it.
Each season comes with a synopsis guidebook to each episode, and enlightening extras. The guidebook is a quick reference point if you're looking for a favorite episode or if you just want to know what's coming up next. Each season has an episode in the extras that does pop ups for each reference made in that season. Wonderful behind the scenes footage and fun interviews can also be found in the extras.
Everyone, not just mothers and daughters, can enjoy all five episodes. Anyone who loves witty conversation and a realistic and interesting group of characters would love this series. If you like characters that you can relate to and that really pull at your heart, then get ready to fall for the Gilmore Girls.
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You will not be disappointed!

Teresa A. Smith | Broken Arrow, OK USA | 01/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Might as well save you money and buy all the seasons at once! Gilmore Girls is a must have!!!! Witty with a cap "W". Can not get enough. Great to watch with my young teen children also. They love the wit and learning the Gilmore-isms(Insert labeled with each episode). My kids and it will pull a Lorelai & Rory by vegging out in front of the t.v. with junk food and watch episode after episode. It may not be wise for one's diet, but it a blast for all! I have lost some sleep by my kids asking me, "One more episode, please!" But they do not have to twist my arm that hard. :)
You love wit and charm...you do NOT want to miss this!!!"

Gilmore Girls is the best show on T.V.

Vicki L. Mollenauer | 01/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't say strongly enough how great this show is. Gilmore Girls is witty, funny, true to life, creative, and educational. Each episode fits more dialogue into it than any other show I've seen. I don't know how the actors learn all those lines! My sisters (in Montana and Oklahoma) and I (in Virginia) call each other long distance just to talk about a certain episode we've just seen. Some of the lines from various shows have become a part of our normal conversation because the wording is just so perfect (ex. "Spry and accommodating" referring to Luke). I love having the first five seasons on DVD (from Amazon) and can't wait to own season 6."