American Gothic - Complete Series | 
| Directors: Bruce Seth Green, Doug Lefler, Elodie Keene, James A. Contner, Mel Damski
Actors: Gary Cole, Lucas Black, Paige Turco, Brenda Bakke, Sarah Paulson
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $49.98
Buy New: $35.25
You Save: $14.73 (29%)
New (31) Used (13) from $30.57
Rating:  133 reviews
Sales Rank: 10118
Format: Box Set, Color, Dolby, Dvd, Full Screen, Subtitled, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 3
Running Time: 1002 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.4 x 0.8
MPN: MCAD28602D
ISBN: 141706773X
UPC: 025192860225
EAN: 9781417067732
ASIN: B000ATQYXI
Theatrical Release Date: September 22, 1995
Release Date: October 25, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Visit trinity south carolina a small town with more chills than charm. Sheriff lucas black wont let anyone - including local doctor matt crower or the determined gail emory - stand in the way of his evil plans. All 22 episodes plus 4 episodes never aired on network tv. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 10/25/2005 Starring: Gary Cole Paige Turco Run time: 1002 minutes
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| Customer Reviews: Read 128 more reviews...
 Sophisticated & Fascinating TV June 28, 2009
Kara Schoonmaker (Chicago, IL)
Produced during the period of possibility in network television created by the X-Files' success, this long-forgotten, single-season Southern-gothic chiller is well worth your time. Battlestar Galactica's David Eick, horror maestro Sam Raimi, and newbie writer/producer Shaun Cassidy ("Invasion") combined their talents back in 1995 to bring one of the least conventional television shows ever conceived to '95's fall season. Set in the fictional small town of Trinity, South Carolina, "American Gothic" follows the tangled web of relationships between charismatic, diabolical local sheriff Lucas Buck (Gary Cole), his estranged son, Caleb (Lucas Black), an investigative journalist from out of town (Paige Turco), and the smokin'-hot sadomasochistic local gradeschool teacher (Brenda Bakke). With a central cast of characters rounded out by a deputy saddled with perpetual crises of conscience (Nick Searcy), a depressive doctor (Jake Weber) and a literal avenging angel (Sarah Paulson), "American Gothic"'s gallery of rogues and broken people is refreshingly removed from the norm.
Although "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 have Sheriff Buck wreaking ruin in the lives of another unfortunate set of Trinity's residents. The good sheriff is in the business of making deals, you see: he'll give down-on-their luck, desperate, or ambitious townsfolk exactly what they want... just so long as they promise to return the favor somewhere down the line. Should they renege on their contract when Buck calls in that favor, well, then, there'll be hell to pay. Literally. On the other hand, if townspeople refuse to accept Buck's deals-with-the-devil in the first place, they'll have to contend with his displeasure immediately. For Trinity and its inhabitants, it's damned if you do, damned if you don't.
In spite of the recurring motifs of temptation and tragedy, "American Gothic" mostly resists formulaic storytelling. Instead, its focus continually shifts between the different characters and their various struggles, with each episode centering around a one-of-a-kind premise. One follows an investigation by muckraker Gail into a long-forgotten crime ("Dead to the World"), while another focuses on a family who futilely tries to defy Buck ("Damned If You Don't"); another observes what happens when a supernatural plague rolls into town ("The Plague Sower"). People 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, are likely to be frustrated. Indeed, the lack of clear development for many of the characters can be fairly off-putting-- as one example, deputy Ben has a breakthrough in one episode (the standout "Echo of Your Last Goodbye"), then immediately reverts to his old self in the next.
Still, what some will see as one of the show's main weaknesses (its constant flitting between characters and storylines) is also one of its strengths-- we're continually being shown different sides of the characters we know, and the variety of situations they're placed in raise some fascinating questions. Buck may act the part of a flat-out villain in one story, but in the next he's restoring order to Trinity by bringing criminals into line, meting out his particular brand of justice to the town's most selfish and depraved citizens, and lavishing attention on his son Caleb when no one else can be bothered. "American Gothic" presents a moral universe that's populated by multifaceted, ethically ambiguous characters, and viewers will find themselves both sympathizing with the show's villains and feeling disappointed or horrified by the actions of its heroes. Faced with continually shifting perspectives on the characters, viewers will have plenty to think about. How often do we find ourselves rooting for Buck, in spite of the fact that he's undeniably evil? Are our heroes' lapses forgivable, or do we feel vindicated when they reap the consequences of their bad decisions? Supported by uniformly strong, intelligent writing, and some fantastic performances, "American Gothic" is absolutely compelling television. Very highly recommended.
One important note: as the other comments mention, the episodes in this DVD set 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. Also, the double-sided DVDs that come in the set are particularly scratch and skip-prone, so be forewarned.
Oldie, but goodie June 17, 2009
M. McMann (Houston, TX USA)
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! April 17, 2009
DisneyMom (Peoria, Arizona United States)
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.
One of my favorite additions to my library. March 25, 2009
E. M. Galioto (Tobyhanna, PA United States)
How sad our society is that it seems cool to be ignorant. Like all smart and engaging television, this was ended before it's time. I'm a HUGE Gary Cole fan, and this show even entertains my History Channel husband. Gary was so great at being smug and evil, all while he was Sheriff in Trinity. Check out virtual Trinity and Step into intrigue and suspense. I will always love Shaun Cassidy, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera.
A great set! January 25, 2009
Keri Van Zeyst (USA)
I just love this series. The acting is great, the episodes are usually unique stories and the characters are developed well. They are often sardonic yet down to earth. The nice thing about the box set is that you get a few episodes that were never aired too.
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