All Creatures Great & Small

will buy some more for my daughter

Channel 5, which must be the least-watched of the main television channels, certainly seems to have scored a hit with its commissioning of a remake of the one-time popular and long-running series All Creatures Great And Small, based on the books by the Yorkshire-based vet James Herriot. Those familiar with the earlier series (not forgetting two even earlier feature films) will find the new one has quite a lot of changes : additional characters and invented scenes and rather more in the way of humour. Although the three main characters, the somewhat eccentric Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), his madcap younger brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) and the newly-qualified Herriot himself (newcomer Nicholas Ralph) are firmly in place their housekeeper Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) is now younger and more like a big sister, forever offering advice, sympathy and tea to her sometimes stressed charges. The romantic interest (for Herriot) in the shaped of farmer's daughter Helen Alderson (Rachel Shenton) appears to be lost to him when, in the final (of six) episodes she delivers a bombshell. Not to worry, though, because further series are planned no doubt complete with the gorgeous Dales scenery and a collection of local farming folk who say it as it is and don't hand out compliments very easily. Overall this may actually be an improvement on the earlier versions and for a pandemic-stressed audience the sort of pleasurable entertainment with touches of grit that is very welcome. Moreover the entire cast fit into their roles beautifully. Nice to report that the new series has been well received by critics and viewers alike.

Better than original, more natural and excellent production.

While lacking a sliver of the original's fireside warmth of the famous original's, the characters are this time played so realistically that the humour is often explosive, being even more true to life. While Herriot becomes ever more one of the “family” and Siegfried loses much of his initial brutish bark, Tristan is from the first moment the scallywag in need of motivation while Mrs Hall gives all the self-effacing warmth that the brothers often don't deserve. By the time you've finished watching the first few episodes, you will have forgotten that you're not watching the legendary, original series and wish that this first series also had 13 episodes. A small morsel of extra joy: you may recognize a magical face amongst the other actors, his having been a regular in a famous film franchise.

A fabulous series that pays attention to detail. The cast is well chosen. Whilst the balance of character portrayal is even across the cast, Samuel West is brilliant as Siegfried Farnon and Anna Madeley (BBC Sense & Sensibility) adds real depth to playing the housekeeper, Mrs Hall.Old enough to remember the original series, this production comes as a pleasant surprise. I’m sure it will go far and is well worth watching again. And again.Eager for more.

When I received my DVD, first it was not within a cellophane cover and the plastic of the outer casing looked used and was dirty.I paid £14.99 plus £3 shipping and this is the first time I have had to question the quality. I have never bought a new DVD and it not have a cellophane cover.Although the DVD's within look perfectly fine, I do like my collection to look as it should so a little disappointed this time.I have seen the series which is absolutely great and a perfect remake of one of the best and most enjoyable series of the 1970's. This I can watch over and over again and still have the same good feelings from the experience.A wonderful series from Channel 5 which I understand the BBC turned down. More fool them!Can't wait for more!

Having watched the original series again and again (years ago), enjoying the incredible charm and beauty of it, I must say the remake of 2020 holds up very well. The role of the shrewd housekeeper Mrs. Hall has been extended in a very interesting way. The original Helen though, played by Carol Drinkwater, is unsurpassed in her attraction and beauty. We're all looking forward to the sequels of the remake to come, hopefully...

Having got to know Rachel Shenton personally, I suppose I was always destined to buy this series but the familiarity has not influenced me whatsoever. I would've pre ordered this dvd as I just love this series. It takes me back to the days of tv when there were shows that could make you laugh out loud, shed a tear, were inoffensive, humerous, entertaining and of the highest quality. Without doubt, my favourite show of 2020.

Picked up season 1-2 for friend she liked it but was a little disappointed there was not Christmas special in them

Dal libro del grande scrittore James Herriot ,questo film suddiviso in vari episodi ,e di grande valore artisticolo suggerisco a tutti indipendentemente dall'eta'. Purtroppo esso non ha i sottotitoli per le persone che non parlano inglese.

Great story with a fine cast. Competes with previous version and ties.

All creatures great and small - the first release of Doctor Wights veterinary memories was a special one: every Sunday afternoon, 5 pm, telly on and enjoying the Yorkshire Dales (before that series I wasn't aware of this amazing scenery!) with James Herriot (Dr Wight) and the Farnon Brothers. A good portion of medical topics, but also a taster of what seems to be very British, very dry humour.And now, "another one" (Yorkshire folk's welcome for the new assistant James Herriot, when he started his job with Siegfrid Farnons rural surgery) - not a better one, but also interesting, humorous, enjoyable. I am really keen on watching the next series (hopefully, they will continue the wonderful Vet stories). I would say, as an admirer of the Yorkshire vet, there must be another one ....and another one .....and so on!

I love this series and so was shocked and extremely disappointed to find that what was sold to me as "Season 1" did not contain the final episode - the Christmas special that tied everything up and set the stage for season 2. Furthermore, I have now discovered at least one deleted scene in episode 6. I can't imagine that there aren't more. Finally, this seller was of no help in resolving the issue at all. Won't do business with them again for sure. I have purchased episode 7 on iTunes - sorry I did not think of doing that sooner! {new info: my daughter tried to watch this on her DVD player and was unable to because of "issues with color"!!!! - another reason not to ever buy anything from this seller or Acorn}