The Golden Girls - The Complete First Season
Director: Paul Bogart, Peter D. Beyt, Matthew Diamond, Zane Buzby, David Steinberg, Lex Passaris, Jack Shea (III), Robert Berlinger, Jim Drake (II), Judy PioliStudio: Touchstone / Disney
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
Running Time: 620 minutes
DVD Release: November 23rd 2004
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DVD Review
Launched during the neon-lit 1980s, The Golden Girls shed light on a side of Miami ignored by Miami Vice. In other words, no drugs, no murder--just four women of "a certain age," spending their golden years in the sun. Like the theme, "Thank You for Being a Friend," the long-running sitcom was about friendship (not crime). As for the "girls," they were tart-tongued Dorothy (Beatrice Arthur), former farm girl Rose (Betty White), Southern belle Blanche (Rue McClanahan), and Dorothy's salty Sicilian mother Sophia (Estelle Getty). All were widows, with the exception of the divorced Dorothy. Created by Emmy-winning producer Susan Harris (Soap), The Golden Girls re-ignited the careers of 1970s TV veterans Arthur (All in the Family, Maude) and White (The Mary Tyler Moore Show). At the same time, it made stars of McClanahan (who co-starred on Maude), by playing a comic version of A Streetcar Named Desire's Blanche Dubois, and the scene-stealing Getty, made to look older than her actual age (she and Arthur were born the same year).
Notable guests to lend their talents to the first season include Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo ("The Operation"), Alice's Polly Holliday ("Blind Ambitions"), and WKRP in Cincinnati's Gordon Jump ("Big Daddy"). In addition, Harold Gould (Rhoda), who appears in "Rose the Prude," would return as a (different) recurring character five years later.
The Golden Girls ran for seven seasons and spawned spin-off The Golden Palace (without Arthur) and a British version called The Brighton Belles. By the end of its run in 1992, it had garnered numerous awards, including two Emmys for best comedy series. In addition, each of the four actresses received a well-deserved Emmy for her efforts. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
User Reviews
The Beginning of An Amazing Show - Rating: 5/5
The first season of The Golden Girls is by far, the best of all the seasons. Lots of laughs and memories will be delivered to the long-time GG fans who have waited for this special DVD release. For the new fans, this is a wonderful place to start!
Not only is this halarious and heartwarming, The Golden Girls has one of the best TV pilots that I have ever seen! The beginning wisecracks from Dorothy (Bea Arthur) and the great comebacks from mother Sophia (Estelle Getty) are as fresh as ever. We even get to see the character that never had a chance, the housekeeper known as Coco.
The 4 stars, Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White are amazing as the 4 roommates from Miami. This is a fantastic show.
***With this incredible first season, there is just 1 flaw- the special feature showcasing Joan and Melissa Rivers practically bashing the Golden Girls' costumes. It's as if they have never lived in the 80's before. Get with the program, ladies!!!
Golden girls season one - Rating: 5/5
I dont know why the price of this is so high on amazon.com because i bought seasons 1-4 at walmart and they sell them for 29.99 for each of the seasons 1-4
Picture it, Maimi 1985... - Rating: 5/5
The Golden Girls is a timeless treasure, every line these gals say is funny. Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McChanlan, and Betty White are the best cast ever esembled in t.v. history. I would recommend buying every season that is out so far. If you want good, solid writing, great chemistry between actors, and funny storylines, then The Golden Girls are waiting for you. Thank you for "being a friend."
RIOtT FUNNY, HILARIOUS - Rating: 5/5
They always said that women over 40 will not make it in prime-time TV. Well, those that said it, may not have watched this series. Truly magnificent, touchingly funny, and very much commanding. This series shows how funny and real, "over the hill" women can be.
The writing is good. The production values are good. But the actresses are splendid.
Golden Girls Junkie Gets Her Fix - Rating: 5/5
Admittedly, I jones for the girls. I watch it every chance I get, and I use much of its wisdom for life. Thank goodness it was released on DVD, though I will still catch it on Lifetime whenever it's on.
Those of you out there 30 and under may just remember the show as appealing to your senses as a youngster and can't possibly understand the draw as someone older. Well, take my word for it: it works on many levels and will be a completely different experience as an adult (but still just as enjoyable). Many kids missed the sexual innuendos the first time around, but most people I force to watch it now are pleasantly surprised that it is thoroughly entertaining. The first episode definitely sets the stage for the major themes of the show, but if you are new to the girls you may want to start with season three or four, where the characters have been fleshed out. These first episodes are a delight for any fan, though the outfits may leave something to be desired. Also, the extras of Joan and Melissa commentating is a bit banal and can be skipped. Still, if you watch the show as much as I do, you will notice the three or four lines an episode that were cut from each Lifetime episode (I assume for time's sake). I told you I had a sickness....
