Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Little House on the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection Review & Giveaway


Not Rated; 287 minutes; $14.98; Amazon

Little House on the Prairie mightn’t ended it's run on  television over thirty-three years ago, but you can still find episodes of the series in syndication. Based on the children books by late Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867 - 1957), the television series kicked off with a made-for-TV movie in the spring of 1974; the first season debuted that fall. The series lasted for 204 episodes over the course 9 season, as well 4 specials. Three of those specials were 95-minute movies that aired after the series had ended in 1983.

These three movies (Look Back To Yesterday, Bless All the Dear Children, The Last Farewell) are arriving on DVD and Digital HD from Lionsgate on September 13th in the two-disc set, titled Little House and the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection. All three movies have been restored and remastered! There are no special features or extras on the discs.

Look Back to Yesterday (first aired on December 12, 1983) was directed by Victor French (he also plays Mr. Edwards). Taking place shortly after the season nine finale, the movie centers on Albert Ingalls (played by Matthew Laborteaux) falling ill during his trip with his adopted father, Charles (played by Michael Landon). Diagnosed with a terminal blood disorder, Albert decides to spend his final day in Walnut Grove.


Bless All the Dear Children (first aired on December 17, 1984) was the second movie to be filmed after the series, but was aired after the final movie "The Last Farewell." Victor French once again directs. The film set around Christmas and centers on Laura (played by Melissa Gilbert) and Almanzo's daughter, Rose, being kidnapped.


The Last Farewell (first aired February 6, 1974) was directed by Michael Landon and centers on Charles and Caroline (played by Karen Grassle) returning to Walnut Grove for a vacation. A businessman Nathan Lassiter (played by James Karen), acquires all the Walnut Grove land through the Hero Township and evicts all the citizens.


Final Thoughts: I've never been a fan of the television series; though, I do remember watching a few episodes in syndication in the mornings before I went to school in the late 80s or early 90s. However, I do like the original novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I remember reading a condensed version of Little House in the Big Woods when I was in elementary school, and I recall a teacher reading one of the books to the class.

I wasn't even aware there were three post-series movies until I had received a press release about the DVD. From my understanding, the movies were part of the special features on the Season 8 & 9 remastered DVD & Blu-ray releases, but this is the first individual set release for them.

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying Little House on the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection. Looking Back to Yesterday is a little sappy, but it's the best one out of the three. Bless All the Dear Children is a predictable Christmas story, but I got a hoot out of Nancy's attempting to cut down a Christmas tree. The Last Farewell's plot has plenty of problems, including the destruction of Walnut Grove, but overall it's still a good watch.



*I received complimentary copy in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own.


Giveaway Details:

Little House on the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection DVD
1 Winner
Sponsored by Lionsgate
Only USA Addresses
*Blogger is only hosting the giveaway and is not responsible for shipping the DVD to the winner.
Giveaway Ends Sept. 13th!




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9 comments:

  1. I like the blonde character can't remember her name

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  2. Laura was one of my favorites on this show. :) Thanks for the chance to win.

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  3. My favorite character was Nellie Oleson

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  4. I remember every episode, would LOVE to win this to share it with my 6 year old granddaughter. they need to bring back wholesome shows like Little House on the Prairie. thank you for the opportunity.

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  5. Laura was always one of favorites. I used to watch this all the time with my dad

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  6. I really loved this show when I was young. One of my favorite Little House on the Prairie characters was Charles, Pa Ingalls.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

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  7. Laura was my favorite character, but Little Joe is soooo good looking.

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