Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

** UPDATE: What this set has.. Three discs are double sided, with 2 ep's on either side. The 2013 movie is the fourth disc. Although all 12 episodes are not listed on the back, they are there (the titles only go by every other episode: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11). To be absolutely sure, I've done the math: 42 minute average runtime, multiplied by 12= 504 minutes, add 89 minutes for the 2013 movie= 593. There is a "Behind the Scenes" featurette on each side of the disc 3-4 min's long per one. The stated runtime is 601 minutes. I chose this set, for the fact that it DOES contain subtitles (English & Spanish). It was also stated on the FB fanpage ("Fan's of Hallmark's When Calls The Heart"), that the difference between this set and the US Hallmark aired episodes is that there are a few scenes only aired in Canada. Conversely, there have also been a few scenes they cut from these sets that DID air on Hallmark. So, if you wish to have both sets you will need to look for the 10 disc set by Word Films (via Fish Flix, Family Christian, and eBay), or here: http://www.amazon.com/When-Calls-Heart-Complete-Season/dp/B00PMC6M12/ Discs 1-6 are two episodes a piece (aka "the movies"), then the 2013 movie on disc 7, and the remaining discs are episodes 1-12 again, "as seen on Hallmark" channel. But there are NO subtitles. For more information please check out: HeartiesWCTH.com , the official "When Calls The Heart" (TV Show) FB page, as well as the FB "closed group" fanpage: "Fan's of Hallmark's When Calls The Heart").** ______ Now to my review... First off, I haven't read any of the Janette Oke book series this show is named after (although from what I've read, it's not actually based on the namesake's lead characters, but rather a new book spin-off entitled "Where Courage Calls"). However, I have seen the movie (the lead actors are different than the series, except for Lori Loughlin). **Semi-spoiler: As some fans may already know, the "movie", that was a sort of lead in to the series, ends rather abruptly (the runtime is about equal to 2 episodes). There's also two separate storylines going, so unfortunately there's not much time for either to get very far. Being the 2 leads had to be recast for the show, they sort of had to rewrite "Elizabeth's" entry into "Coal Valley". Also the mountie is not named "Edward", but rather "Jack", and so he has a different history than the movie's mountie.** My initial impression/review of ep's 1-4, was a 4 star rating. But I'm giving the entire season 5 stars, because I feel that the story lines from episodes 5-12 really take off! Actually, some of the best moments of the season are in those episodes (ep's 9 & 12 are especially phenomenal)!!! This is my first experience with either lead actor (well, technically Miss Krakow appeared in 1 episode of a show I watch, but I can't recall her performance). I'm especially amazed at how well Mr. Lissing can conceal his accent, which I'm sure can't be easy! Also, the chemistry between the leads seems to flow naturally, and doesn't feel contrived (despite the fact their characters get off to a rough start). If I'm being totally honest, there are a few over dramatic, and somewhat predictable moments (*slight SPOILER*: for instance when the hero "Jack" is ALWAYS there to save the day-- seriously, pretty soon they're going to have to sew an "S" onto his uniform because he's the Edwardian version of "Clark Kent"!). But really, what does that matter when each episode has an underlying positive message, AND it's clean family friendly entertainment (a rarity these days)?! It's definitely reminiscent of "Christy" (one of my favorite, but sadly short-lived TV series in the mid 90's), "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman", and perhaps a little of "Anne of Green Gables", or "Little House on the Prairie". My one real complaint, is that music is constantly being played during much of the dialogue and it competes with their voices (so unless you have closed caption on, you might have to replay it, and/or constantly adjust the volume)! Unfortunately, other Hallmark productions have this problem too... I conclusion, I highly recommend this for anyone who loves this genre, or are who are simply looking for something decent for the whole family to watch! **Thankfully Hallmark has renewed this series for a second season. However, filming commenced in November, and the premier date is April 25, 2015 (8/7 pm CT.). It's unfortunate that a new series takes precedence for an earlier release instead of "WCtH", which should start the same time as it did this year (Jan.). But at least we have another season to look forward to! And the cast, & official FB page keeps us updated on all the latest info!**