Search - All Creatures Great and Small - The Complete Series 7 Collection on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 4/11/2024...

Slow but entertaining!

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.

Tristan Returns

j. | Upstate NY | 08/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Season seven is a great completion to the series, bringing back Tristan in most of the episodes, and of course James and Siegfried lead the cast. Lynda Bellingham continues the role of Helen, which is my least favorite actor on the show (I enjoyed the prior Helen - Drinkwater - much more). Also some of the old characters are brought back, such as, Granville Bennett, Mr. Biggens, Mrs. Pumphrey and Hodgekin, etc.

The story lines are reminiscent of the later book, with young Rosie wanting to be a Vet, James' bad purchase of netting, as well as, his attempt to build a small greenhouse. Then of course that is topped off, with Helen's bad choice of a carpet from a door to door salesman. Also, we have the young farmer with sensitive nostrils, wearing a red bandana to buy his fish and chips and gets arrested, with James bailing him out. Then we have the famous Wolfie dog that chases off the two young thieves that rob several old age pensioners, as well as many other fine examples.

There is the obvious repeat of some of the old story lines, but they are enjoyable - What is nice, is that the old incident is referenced and smoothly added to the episode. The show does take some liberties and there are several incidents that are not true to the books, but the episodes are most enjoyable.

Too bad there are only seven seasons.... Episode twelve provides a meaningful ending to the series, with our three main characters together, leaving the viewer, to find their next adventure.

The 1990 Christmas special (Brotherly Love) is very good, but more like two additional episodes - There is not much related to a Christmas season. One distracting point of the special is the music - When there is an ironic or funny incident, the music is like - Waa -Waa -Waa; which just does not seem to fit. (There is a little bit of that music in a few episodes too).

The 2003 cast reunion is enjoyable, but much of the interview material is known through past DVD commentaries, etc, and there is not much new information. The attendees have aged well - Tristan (Peter Davison) is not in the reunion, due to other commitments. The best part is the off set Vet who provided guidance to the cast through the years is interviewed as well.

Overall, a definite purchase and is far better than the 4 - 6 series, and brings back the feel of the original seasons 1 - 3.

Series 7
(September-December 1990)
1. The Prodigal Returns
2. Knowin' How to Do It
3. If Music Be the Food of Love
4. A Friend for Life
5. Spring Fever
6. Out with the New
7. Food for Thought
8. A Cat in Hull's Chance
9. A Grand Memory for Forgetting
10. Old Dogs, New Tricks
11. Hampered
12. Promises to Keep
"

Series 7, All Creatures

Susan G. Young | Bendigo, Australia | 10/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased Series 7 for my husband, for our 25th wedding anniversary. He has been a fan/collector for many years, and this was the last one left to obtain in our quest for the complete set. He says they are great-they are his one form of relaxation. He was also impressed that the 1990 Christmas special was included-we thought we wouldn't be able to get it at all. I don't think he has been disappointed with any of his All Creatures DVDs-they are all very watchable, and the era they are set in has been portrayed beautifully.
We would recommend it to all watchers of great British T.V."

Another good one

Jean Hulbert | Southeast | 11/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great entertainment, well photographed and produced--all the participants are in character. Of course, the animals are the best part! This series is, in my opinion, better than the last one."