Search - Little House on the Prairie - The Pilot on DVD


Little House on the Prairie - The Pilot
Little House on the Prairie - The Pilot
Actors: Melissa Sue Anderson, Alison Arngrim, Richard Bull, Victor French, Jonathan Gilbert
Directors: Victor French, Michael Landon, Lewis Allen, Maury Dexter, Alf Kjellin
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Television
NR     2003     1hr 35min

Based on the best-selling books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this classic, produced and directed by Michael Landon, takes us from the woods of Wisconsin to the plains of Kansas where the Ingalls struggle to build a new life. ...  more »

     

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Movie Details

Actors: Melissa Sue Anderson, Alison Arngrim, Richard Bull, Victor French, Jonathan Gilbert
Directors: Victor French, Michael Landon, Lewis Allen, Maury Dexter, Alf Kjellin
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Television
Sub-Genres: Love & Romance, Family Films, Drama
Studio: Lions Gate
Format: DVD - Color - Closed-captioned
DVD Release Date: 07/08/2003
Original Release Date: 03/30/1974
Theatrical Release Date: 03/30/1974
Release Year: 2003
Run Time: 1hr 35min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 1
Edition: Special Edition
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English

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Movie Reviews

NOT included on the Complete Season sets
12/31/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the ONLY single disc release that is not being included on the Complete Season box sets being released by the same company. All of the 2-hour specials, etc. being released individually are also included on the box sets, but this pilot episode is not. So, if you are a Little House completist, buy this disc to add to your box set collection."
Michael Landon set very high standards that no one matched!
JGC | 12/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"
Excellent Show
A. Rodriguez | Phoenix, AZ USA | 11/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Pilot episode is great but I wish it had been included on the Season 1 boxed set. All of the other 2 hour special episodes are being included."
A must to go with the series.
History_Girl | Australia | 11/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent family movie and a must to own if you also have the series.

This movie tells the Ingalls story before they reach Walnut Grove. They settle and build a new home and their new life. Only they are forced to move after it is discovered that they have built their house on Indian territory.

The quality of the movie is excellent and you just can't go past looking at the extras."