Anne of Avonlea [VHS]

I am sure most of you love all of the Anne books and the first two films, which means the issue is why you should also pick up the DVD versions. The answer is simply the director's commentary. There are a few missing scenes, several of which are alternative takes, and some behinds the scenes still photographs, but the chief charm here is listening to director Kevin Sullivan talk to the film's editor about the production (she does not have much to say; I think she was there to give Sullivan a real person to talk to during the almost four hour film). From this commentary you will learn where many of the scenes were shot on PEI but mostly around Toronto (we tracked down several of them on the journey home from PEI, including THE BRIDGE), what he took (and why) from the three Lucy Maud Montgomery novels this film was based on, Dame Wendy Hiller's accident that almost made her quit the film and the scene she insisted Sullivan shoot for her, and loads of other fascinating little details about the production and the performances.

This is certainly an above average commentary track and fans of the film will not be disappointed. It would be nice if the DVD features closed-captioning, which I like to turn on while doing the director's commentary, but despite this rather odd omission, I think fans will enjoy this addition to their collection. Besides, it is not like we have not already pretty much memorized the entire show. Final Note: If you watch the opening scene of "Anne of of Green Gables: The Sequel" or whatever it is being called this time around) you will see Anne Shirley bicycle by Dalvay by the Sea, the "White Sands" hotel from the "Avonlea" series. I mention this because I stayed at the hotel for a couple of days at the start of my honeymoon on PEI, where I picked up both of the "Anne" DVDs after seeing the musical version of "Anne of Green Gables" in Charlottetown.


Equally as charming as the first one   August 10, 2005
Laura Bellamy (Greensboro, NC United States)
45 out of 45 found this review helpful

"Anne of Avonlea" is a brilliant companion to the original "Anne of Green Gables." This sequel combines the next THREE novels in the series --- "Anne of Avonlea," "Anne of the Island," and "Anne of Windy Poplars." Several characters are combined to make ONE specific character, but the story still remains very much Anne's story.

Now a little older, having taught at the public school in Avonlea for a while, Anne decides to try her hand at teaching at a private school in Kingsport --- a wealthy town mainly run by a particular set, the Pringles. It's a new and daunting experience --- especially considering that she can't seem to win over the students or the school board --- but her stubbornnes won't allow her to give up, and she charges forward with her usual determination.

There are several new characters, but we still have appearances by the old ones. We meet Morgan Harris, his intelligent daughter Emmeline, his mother and his sister, and of course we meet countless girls who go to Kingsport Ladies College. But Rachel Lynde and Marilla Cuthbert are still around, Diana Barry remains a wonderful friend, and of course there is the wonderful Gilbert Blythe --- more in love with Anne than ever.

This is one of the best sequels I have ever seen, it fits perfectly with the original movie and does a decent job of remaining as faithful as possible to the books, in spite of everything that was altered. I love this movie. To this day, my family occasionally has "Anne Weekends," in which we watch "Anne of Green Gables" one night and "Anne of Avonlea" the next!


The story continues   January 29, 2001
Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood)
24 out of 25 found this review helpful

Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst star in the inevitable follow-up to ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - ANNE OF AVONLEA (aka ANNE OF GREEN GABLES THE SEQUEL in Aust. and the UK).

Anne decides to spread her wings and leave Avonlea, and takes a teaching position at the Ladies College at Kingsport. There she comes under scrutiny from the town's oldest family - the formidable Pringles.

Having left Gilbert (Jonathan Crombie) in the lurch at Diana Barry's (Schuyler Grant) wedding to Fred Wright, she begins to realise her true feelings for him, and decides she will accept his proposal.

After her husband's death, Rachel Lynde (Patricia Hamilton) moves in with Marilla, and Anne is shocked at the news that Gilbert has contracted scarlet fever....

A rare case of the sequel matching the original, this new mini series is as delightful as the first.

As of this review's writing, the third installment in the series has been made, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - THE CONTINUING STORY tells of Anne and Gilbert in the first World War.


An excellent sequel!   December 26, 2001
Robert Ortiz (The Southwest)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful sequel to the film "Anne of Green Gables". In this movie Anne Shirley has graduated from college and is now a schoolteacher in Avonlea. She's still the same independent and strong-minded Anne we have come to know and love. She's older and more mature now and faces new obstacles that include dealing with extremely difficult and arrogant people, her struggles to become a writer and the adjustments she has to make to a new teaching position at a prestigious girl's college. As we witness Anne's travails in life and love, we can clearly see that despite these obstacles, she will survive because she is a resilient, independent and resourceful young woman who should be admired for her strong character and good nature. This is a wonderful follow up that will be fun for the entire family! Megan Follows is unforgettable in her role as Anne Shirley, she is a truly gifted actress that makes the character of Anne come to life in a way we will always remember. Colleen Dewhurst is superb as always as the stern but loving Marilla Cuthbert. With a great script, excellent performances by the lead and supporting casts, and a beautiful, picturesque setting, Anne of Avonlea is a true classic! Highly recommended. Also recommended is of course, "Anne of Green Gables".


Anne, The Sequel   June 2, 2003
K. Morgan (United States)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Anne, the Sequel, is a great movie. It has the same characters as in the first movie with some new ones added in. The actors all do a great job, especially Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie, in making their characters come to life. The chemistry between Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie is great. It is so fun to watch these two bring their characters to life. You almost forget they are anybody but Anne and Gilbert.

The setting for the movie is great also. There are so many pretty places shown in this movie. It is worth watching the movie just to see the settings!

As previous reviewers have stated, the movie does not follow along with the books. This is to be expected however. Not many movies follow the book. (Even though the first movie did stay relatively close the the book).

It is so great that there are movies out there to watch that don't have violence or bad language in them. This is a movie for the family to watch. It is a movie that displays values and morals. This is a feel good movie to be watched over and over. A must-have for anyone's collection.