Man, remember flipping through the Sunday comics and stumbling upon that weird panel with a cow using a payphone or aliens reading bizarre instructions? Yeah, that was Gary Larson. Pure genius. For those of us who grew up chuckling (or being mildly disturbed) by The Far Side, the animated special Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I felt like a holy grail. Finding concrete info about it now? Like searching for a specific cow tool in a giant barn. That's why I dug deep. This isn't just trivia; it's the lowdown every fan or curious newbie needs.
Picture this: It's 1994. You've got your VCR ready. CBS airs this weird, wonderful half-hour special bringing Larson's twisted genius to life. No talking. Minimal sound. Just unsettlingly perfect animation translating those single-panel gags into short, silent vignettes. It won a flipping Primetime Emmy! (Best Animated Program, if you're keeping score). But try streaming it today? Good luck. Tracking down the physical release? Even trickier. Why is something this iconic so hard to find? Exactly why I put this guide together.
What Exactly IS Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I?
Let's cut through the fog. Forget a traditional cartoon. Tales From The Far Side I is an experimental anthology. It takes dozens of Larson's classic single-panel cartoons and weaves them into animated segments, often without dialogue. The humor is dark, surreal, observational – pure Larson. Think cows plotting, nerdy scientists, oblivious humans, and nature biting back. Hard.
It aired once on CBS (October 24, 1994) and once more a few weeks later. Then... poof. Limited home releases followed. It wasn't a series pilot, despite the "I" implying a sequel (which came later: Tales From The Far Side II aired in 1997). This first special stands alone as a unique artifact: Larson's vision, minimally filtered.
My Take: Watching it feels like stepping directly into Larson's brain. The animation style is intentionally crude sometimes – don't expect Disney polish. It adds to the charm, honestly. That unsettling atmosphere? Perfectly captured. Some segments are laugh-out-loud funny ("The Fights of Nature" kills me). Others are just deeply, wonderfully weird. It's definitely not for everyone. If you need clear plots or cute characters, look elsewhere. This is niche, brilliant, and unapologetic.
Content Breakdown: What You Actually See & Hear
Imagine flipping through a dusty scrapbook of nightmares and chuckles. That's the vibe:
| Segment Style | Description | Notable Examples (If You Know the Comics) |
|---|---|---|
| Silent Vignettes | Multiple panels animated, purely visual storytelling. Music & sound effects only. | Cows in cars stuck in traffic ("Bummer of a birthmark, Hal"), The Kid with the Alligator in the Sandbox. |
| Extended Single Gags | Taking one famous panel and building a 1-2 minute story around it. | Midvale School for the Gifted (kid pushing the "Pull" door), Bonnie & Clyde skeletons in car. |
| Linking Segments | Creepy atmospheric bits often featuring the "Idiot Family" or skeletal figures. | The skeletal truckers at the diner ("Necro-Nom-Nom-Nom"), the Idiot Family driving. |
The music, by Bill Frisell, is a character itself. Jazz-infused, quirky, sometimes melancholic, sometimes chaotic. It perfectly underscores the absurdity. No voice acting means you rely entirely on visuals and sound – a bold choice that completely works for Larson's brand of humor. It forces you to *look*, just like the comics did.
Finding It Today: Your Realistic Options (Good Luck!)
Okay, here's where frustration sets in. Gary Larson is famously protective (some might say overly so) of his work, especially digital distribution. He pulled The Far Side website offline for years! Finding Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I legally is... an adventure.
- Physical Media (The Primary Way):
- VHS: Released in 1995 by Republic Pictures (catalog #VHS 7229). This is surprisingly the most common find, but condition varies wildly. Expect to pay $25-$60+ on eBay depending on luck and seller. Check tape warping!
- Laserdisc: A rare Japan-only release (PILF-2363). Very niche, very expensive ($100+ if you even find it). Only for hardcore collectors.
- DVD: This is the tricky one. Rumors persist, but no official standalone DVD release exists in the US or Europe. Some bootlegs float around (often poor quality, buyer beware!).
- Digital/Streaming (The Mirage):
As of late 2023? Nowhere legitimate. It's not on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, Tubi, PlutoTV, Peacock... nada. Larson's stance seems unchanged. Maybe someday? Don't hold your breath. Piracy exists, obviously, but it's a crapshoot on quality and ethics.
Warning: See listings for "The Far Side" DVD collections? Double-check! Most contain *still images* of the comics with narration, NOT the animated special. Major bait-and-switch disappointment potential. Look specifically for "Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I" or "Tales From The Far Side Volume 1" on the cover. The CBS Emmy win is usually mentioned on legit copies.
Ownership & Viewing Experience Snapshot
| Format | Availability | Price Range (Used) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VHS | Moderate (eBay, thrift stores) | $25 - $60+ | Original release, authentic feel | Degrading quality, requires VCR, 4:3 aspect ratio |
| Laserdisc (JP) | Very Rare | $100+ | Best quality physical release (analog) | Extremely expensive, needs LD player, rare |
| Digital Stream | None (Officially) | N/A | Convenience (if it existed) | Doesn't legally exist currently |
| "Bootleg" DVD | Gray Market (eBay/etc) | $15 - $40 | DVD convenience | Illegal, often poor quality (VHS rip), no extras, supports piracy |
My own saga? Took me three years of sporadic eBay hunting to snag a decent VHS copy for $35. The tape squeaked a bit, but seeing that weirdness uncut was worth it. The lack of an official DVD or digital option feels like a missed opportunity – a whole generation can't easily experience this Emmy winner! Come on, Gary!
Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I: Frequently Asked Questions (The Real Ones)
Is Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I appropriate for kids?
Oh boy, big "it depends." Officially rated TV-PG. It has no swearing or real violence. BUT. The humor is dark, absurd, and often macabre. Expect recurring skeletons, creepy crawlies, implied doom, and jokes about death, nature's cruelty, and human stupidity. If your kid laughs at the original comic's cow scientists or "Nature's way of telling you it's time to leave," maybe. Sensitive kids? Probably not. It's more unsettling than scary, but the tone is unique.
How long is the Gary Larson Tales From The Far Side I special?
It clocks in at a tight 22 minutes (without commercials). The original CBS airing was 30 minutes with ads. The VHS/LD is pure content. Feels longer because it packs so much weirdness in!
Is there ANY legal way to watch Tales From The Far Side online?
Right now? No official streaming or download option exists anywhere. Libraries don't have it digitally. Your only legal bets are finding the original VHS or the rare Laserdisc secondhand. Trust me, I've looked everywhere. This is the biggest pain point for fans.
What's the difference between Tales From The Far Side I and II?
Both are anthology specials adapting Larson comics. Volume I (1994) is purely visual/sound based, no dialogue. Volume II (1997) introduces some voice acting (though still minimal) and feels slightly more narrative-driven in parts. Both share the same surreal DNA and won Emmys. Finding II is also difficult, almost as bad as the first one!
Why is Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side so hard to find?
Several factors: Larson's well-known reluctance for digital distribution/commercialization beyond books, the age of the special (pre-DVD boom!), rights complexities (CBS aired it, Republic released VHS), and likely, niche appeal compared to mainstream animation. It just fell through the cracks. Frustrating for sure.
The Legacy & Why It Still Matters
Beyond the Emmy, Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I is important. It proved Larson's humor could translate to animation without losing its edge. Its experimental, dialogue-free approach influenced later adult animation (think Robot Chicken's dark vignettes). It captured the essence of the comic – that feeling of looking at the world sideways.
For fans, it's a rare glimpse of Larson's world moving. Seeing the cow tools animated? Priceless. That unsettling "Necro-Nom-Nom-Nom" segment? Hauntingly funny. It preserves a specific, weird moment in animation history.
Essential Tips for the Hunt
If you're determined to watch Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I:
- eBay Alerts: Set up saved searches for "Tales From The Far Side VHS" AND "Gary Larson Tales Far Side VHS." Include "Volume 1" or "I." Check daily!
- Thrift Stores & Flea Markets: Long shot, but VHS sections still exist. I found a "Far Side" book once, never the tape, but hope springs eternal.
- Specialized Forums: Animation collector forums (like Animation Nation) sometimes have sale/trade sections. Be polite, state your search clearly.
- Verify Before Buying: Ask sellers for pictures of the actual tape/case. Ensure it says "Volume I" or "I" and mentions CBS/Republic/Emmy. Avoid blurry photos.
- Manage Expectations: VHS quality won't be HD. Embrace the grain! It's part of the 90s charm.
Honestly, the scarcity adds mystique, but it shouldn't. This piece deserves to be seen. Maybe with the official Far Side website relaunch a few years back, there's a glimmer of hope for digital release? We can dream. Until then, the hunt continues.
Preserving the Weirdness
If you're lucky enough to own a copy of Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I:
- VHS Care: Rewind fully after watching. Store upright, away from heat/magnets. Consider digitizing it for personal use (complex, but possible).
- Laserdisc Care: Handle carefully by the edges. Keep discs clean. LD players are aging, so handle yours gently!
- Share Responsibly: Introducing someone to this? Gauge their sense of humor first! It's an acquired taste.
Ultimately, Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side I remains a bizarre, brilliant, frustratingly elusive gem. It’s the purest translation of Larson’s mind into motion. Finding it is a quest, watching it is an experience. Here's hoping it eventually gets the accessible re-release it deserves. Until then, keep those VCRs humming.
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