I have been a "Little House on the Prairie" fan for as long as I can remember. It is the first series of books I remember reading over and over as a child. I remember watching it on TV as well. My children have picked up on it, and enjoy the series as much as I always did. We like to read the books and rent the DVD's from our local library.
"Farmer Boy" was one of my favorite books in the series - one that I read over and over. I loved the simplicity of life in the 1800's, and the tales of growing up on a farm. When I had the opportunity to review "Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura" from Legacy Documentaries, I was thrilled.
"Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura" is a DVD documentary that runs nearly an hour long. It is actually hosted by Dean Butler, the actor who played Almanzo in the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series! (The kids found this incredibly entertaining for some reason!)
The film is shot on location at the restored Wilder Homestead in upstate New York. We have always enjoyed our "New York connection" when reading about the Wilder family. Living in a rural area, we can relate to the cold winters and many of the farming stories.
What we liked about this video: Even though it's a documentary, it is very interesting and uses real people, including children, dressed in authentic outfits to actually re-enact the scenes of the book. It is very 'real life', and not just adults talking about the story or that particular era. Because the actual Wilder Homestead has been restored to a near replica of how it looked during Almanzo's life, watching the video really makes the stories in the book "come alive." We loved watching the young actors and actresses on the video. They had excellent acting skills!
Who would enjoy this video: Anyone! It is wholesome entertainment that is suitable for all ages. People who enjoy history, and especially fans of "Little House on the Prairie" will really like this DVD. In my opinion, it is a great family film.
We would also recommend it for: Homeschoolers who are covering the mid-1800's era of American History. It is a fun way to learn a lot about farm chores, the responsibilities that children had, schooling, entertainment, and everyday practical skills. Life in the 1800's, before all our modern technology changed things, was so different. It is great for today's children to really get that visual.
How much does it cost: The DVD currently sells for $21.95 on the Legacy Documentaries Website. It comes with a full 30 day, no questions asked guarantee. The company policy states that if you are not 'completely delighted' with the film you may return it for a full refund. That is a pretty strong commitment!
Legacy Documentaries is also releasing a companion video soon, called "The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder." Many of my Crew mates reviewed that DVD. To see what they had to say, click the banner below:
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