 | |
List Price: $49.98 | | Label: Universal Studios
Salesrank: 11183
Released: October 25, 2005 |
| Our Price: $36.74 |
| Used Price: $21.99 |
|
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
Finally, the complete cult hit series American Gothic, produced by Sam Raimi, comes to DVD for the first time ever! Visit Trinity, South Carolina, a small town with more chills than charm. Sheriff Lucas Buck (Gary Cole) won’t let anyone - including local doctor Matt Crower (Jake Weber) or the determined Gail Emory (Paige Turco) - stand in the way of his evil plans. Marking the tenth anniversary of its broadcast debut and packed with all 22 episodes, including four "lost" ones never broadcast on network television, American Gothic’s eerie storylines of intrigue and suspense are sure to hold you captive!
American Gothic - Complete Series Reviews:
American Gothic 
2009-11-23 - American Gothic is set in the rural south lands of America, and brings to life the Hoodoo Voodoo atmosphere associated with that locale (much in the likeness of "Skeleton Key"). The main threat is one Sheriff Buck, who we learn is more than human - perhaps a demon or at the very least, under the control of one? His main opponent is one of his own making - the spirit of an innocent girl who he, himself, brutally murdered. The prize being fought over is the soul of the girl's younger brother, who, also, just happens to be Sheriff Buck's son.
This battle of good vs. evil is anything but typical. There are a number of twists and turns to keep one guessing. And, along the way, we discover that no one is purely good or purely evil - that we always have both options at our command but, we don't always choose wisely. Then, again, sometimes we do!
American Gothic is just dark enough to be spooky, and still balanced enough to give faith more than even chance at victory. This would be a great TV night contribution throughout October leading up to Halloween. I'd recommend it for mature teens and adults.
Others have rightly complained about the poor recording quality of the disks - that they stick, etc., and that the episodes are out of order - and they are right on both counts. My set works but the episodes are out of order. Even so, I'm giving the series 5 stars and 2 thumbs up because creative genius shouldn't be denied because of the blunders of a "manufacturing-challenged" corporation.
Absolutely AWESOME!!!*****
2009-09-13 - This series was awesome when it was on tv and then to actually own it and watch it now is great! I wish Shawn Cassidy would bring back a sequel!
Sophisticated, Fascinating TV Chiller
2009-06-28 - Back in 1995, horror maestro Sam Raimi and newbie writer/producer Shaun Cassidy combined their talents to bring this single-season Southern Gothic chiller to life. Set in the fictional small town of Trinity, South Carolina, "American Gothic" follows the diabolical, charismatic local sheriff Lucas Buck (Gary Cole), as he destroys lives, works to compromise the handful of Trinity residents bold or foolhardy enough to resist him, and attempts to corrupt his estranged ten-year-old son, Caleb (Lucas Black). Facing off against Buck are a tough reporter from out of town (Paige Turco), a depressive doctor (Jake Weber), and a literally avenging angel (Sarah Paulson); ambiguously allied with him are a smokin'-hot sadomasochistic schoolteacher (Brenda Bakke) and the easily bullied deputy sheriff (Nick Searcy).
Though "American Gothic" was marketed as a horror thriller, most of its scares are of the metaphysical kind. In a subversive twist on the "Touched By an Angel" model, most episodes see the ambiguously supernatural Sheriff Buck wreaking ruin in the lives of Trinity's residents. For the good sheriff, leading hapless, greedy, and/or unlucky townspeople to their damnation is all in a day's work: he'll offer down-on-their luck, desperate, or ambitious townsfolk what they want... just so long as they promise to return the favor down the line. And when the sheriff comes to collect, inevitably in a way his debtors don't anticipate... well, then there's be hell to pay. Literally.
Though "American Gothic" does have recurring themes and a few developing plot threads, it's mostly episodic, and strikingly unformulaic in its execution. One episode follows an investigation by reporter Gail into a long-forgotten crime ("Dead to the World"); another focuses on a family who futilely tries to defy Buck ("Damned If You Don't"); another has Buck teaching Caleb twisted life lessons while both are held hostage by desperate criminals ("Learning to Crawl"). Viewers who love ambiguity and variety in their storytelling will be in heaven. Those who expect straightforward plot progression, which is suggested by the first few episodes, will probably be frustrated. The lack of clear development for many of the characters can be off-putting-- in one episode, for example, deputy Ben has a breakthrough (the standout "Echo of Your Last Goodbye"), but seems to revert back to his old self in the next.
Still, what some will see as the show's main weakness (its constant flitting between characters and storylines) is also one of its strengths-- it's continually exploring different sides of the unusually multifaceted characters. Buck may act like a flat-out villain in one story, but in the next he's restoring order to Trinity by bringing criminals into line or meting out his particular brand of justice to the town's most selfish and depraved citizens. Viewers will have plenty to think about: do they find themselves rooting for Buck, in spite of the fact that he's undeniably evil? Are the heroes' lapses forgivable, or should the audience feel vindicated when their bad decisions catch up with them? How can anyone maintain their integrity and make the right choices in a place where evil has so much sway?
Supported by uniformly strong, intelligent writing, and featuring memorable, well rounded characters and great acting, "American Gothic" makes for absolutely compelling viewing. Very highly recommended.
One important note: in this DVD set, the episodes are presented in the mixed-up original broadcast order rather than the correct viewing order. Since the network seriously jumbled the chronology of the episodes, it's definitely worth the hassle to watch them in the intended order. The correct order is listed at imdb.com: [...]
Oldie, but goodie
2009-06-17 - I had never forgotten this short-lived spooky series (although I had forgotten the title). A search under Gary Cole popped it up. I just finished watching the shows, and I enjoyed them a lot. That's the great thing about being able to get old shows on DVD.
Quirky, spooky and fun!
2009-04-17 - Though this show only lasted one season on TV, I loved it. Gary Cole is perfect as the creepy, yet funny Sheriff Lucas Buck. Young Lucas Black is great as Caleb Temple. The other casting is good as well. The show is both creepy and funny. A shame it didn't last longer.
