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Doc Savage DVD
Topic Started: Apr 7 2009, 11:04 AM (332 Views)
cinemalover May 29 2009, 09:39 AM Post #16
Balcony Gang, Foist Class
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 Well my package from WB arrived last night and I decided to watch Doc Savage immediately to test my memories of it. It was a mixed bag. The quality oif the print is fairly good, and is presented in its proper 1.85:1 ratio. I was watching it on a 50" plasma, so any blemishes would really stick out, and there weren't any major issues to speak of. If your eyes have been spoiled by watching HD images than this will seem a little soft, but overall very watchable.

The film itself was decent and true to the spirit of the pulps. Ron Ely made a very capable Doc but at least three of the Fabulous Five were poorly cast. The worst of the lot was Michael Miller as Monk, who was always my favorite assistant from the novels. Here he comes across as little more than a chubby buffoon. The best of the group was Eldon Quick as Johnny, who seemed the closest to the character as written. The interplay (i.e. teasing) that was the foundation of the friendship between Ham and Monk is present, though in a mostly childish form. These two must have been the inspiration for the relationship that Stan Lee borrowed for Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (the Thing) in the Fantastic Four.

Overall the movie was enjoyable if not terrific. They use some nice vintage vehicles to try to set the tone of the times. Doc ends up in his iconic tattered shirt pose on several occasions. The biggest disappointment was the way in which the "green death" was brought to the screen via some very cartoonish animation that screamed "hokey" more than danger. The use of the Sousa themes was an interesting approach that wore out its welcome rather quickly.
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The Batman May 29 2009, 09:45 AM Post #17
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CL, thanks for the memory review, which was actually more fun to read than the movie was to watch, for me.

But I am glad that this viewing has not tarnished your fond memories of the film.
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cinemalover May 29 2009, 09:51 AM Post #18
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 Thanks, Batman.

Next up is wading my way through the 5 Lex Barker Tarzan's. I don't have much memory of these films though I know I've seen them all on TV many years ago.

I should mention that these are all barebones editions, though Doc Savage did include a trailer.
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