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Rating the DVD Releases of Sound Serials; Best picture and sound quality available on DVD
Topic Started: Jun 16 2014, 07:30 AM (21,453 Views)
CliffClaven
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Balcony Gang, Foist Class
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Most of the way through Cheezy Flicks "Manhunt on Mystery Island."

Technically decent, but I'm easily pleased. Source film and sound in good shape.

While it's not the worst serial I've seen, it's some distance from the best. Weak acting throughout, and the story comes close to being utterly generic.

No shocks or horselaughs ala "Lost City". I find myself chuckling at fairly small details: Awkward line readings, the heroine loitering on the sidelines during classic Republic fistfights (sometimes unpersuasively "knocked out"), Captain Mephisto's Halloween-grade costume, the henchman constantly in his captain's uniform, etc.

The hero bursts into a room with gun trained on the occupant, just in case. After he lowers his weapon the heroine follows him into the room, nonchalantly and almost unnoticedly carrying a gun herself. For some reason that's funny.
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panzer the great & terrible
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Not one of the good serials. I hate the endlessly repeated transformation scene, which, if you think about it, adds nothing to the story after the first time. It's just padding, like recap chapters. A way to save money.
Edited by panzer the great & terrible, Oct 16 2015, 11:58 AM.
Life is just a bowl of cherries, it's too mysterious, don't take it serious...
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CliffClaven
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Just a reminder that Greenbriar Picture Shows did a good piece on this one -- informative and skilled at picking out the flaws, but he seems to have real nostalgic affection for it.
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Laughing Gravy
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I spot-checked my two recent serial acquisitions this mornin', for ya, Bats (and crew).

Darkest Africa was good, a 7.5. No bonus material and a DVD-R (it's from Grapevine Video) on two discs with colorful labels and packaging. Watching various sequences, I was enjoying them so much I think this is going to be our FNF serial to kick off Season 30.

The Vigilantes are Coming
(VCI Entertainment), no bonuses and a true DVD (one disc). A little disappointed with this one, maybe a 6.5 or 7, tops. They used too much digital scrubbing on it and it looks too soft. Not terrible, but not great.
"I'm glad that this question came up, because there are so many ways to answer it that one of them is bound to be right." - Robert Benchley
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The Batman
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Thanks, LG, I'll apply those updates to the list.

Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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rodney
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The Invisible Monster on Blu from Olive is a solid 9.75.
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The Batman
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Nice to hear. I am not adding Blu-Ray ratings to this list, as there are only a couple out there. If someone wants to start a Blu-Ray version of the list, please feel free.


Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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Laughing Gravy
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I imagine some of you will pick up the DVD version. Please report what you think!
"I'm glad that this question came up, because there are so many ways to answer it that one of them is bound to be right." - Robert Benchley
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AndyFish
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Have I missed the Roan version of SOS COASTGUARD on the list-- I'd rate it just slightly higher than VCI's release, but it is a bit sharper. Maybe a 9.0. The Boxart on the VCI is better if that makes a difference to you (it does to me).
www.andytfish.com
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The Batman
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Thanks, Andy. If I can get a couple of more testimonials on the Roan version, I'll upgrade the listing from the VCI one.

Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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rodney
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About halfway through Mandrake the Magician, and I agree with the general consensus regarding quality.

We all know about the missing soundtrack to chapter one, but apparently the full elements for this chapter exist. Fred Shay just didn't have him on his copy that VCI used. My understanding (from Jack Theakston on another board) is that either the Library of Congress transfer (which is what Shay has) either is missing that part of the soundtrack, or there was a problem when running a copy for Fred. Either way, better elements exist.

There's also too much digital scrubbing (as VCI occasionally does), yet there are still glitches from the VHS tape present.

It's all perfectly viewable, but not one of their finer efforts.
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The Batman
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Thanks, Rodney, appreciate the input.


Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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Laughing Gravy
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I asked Jason Hardy of Grapevine about the quality of Jungle Menace. His response follows.

The serial is from a dark print, and some of the night scenes are pretty dark. Still I feel it was both watchable and enjoyable. We wish we had access to a better transfer and print however considering the rarity of this serial we wanted to make this Frank Buck serial available. Remember however your satisfaction is guaranteed, so if you do decide to give this DVD a try and don’t find the quality satisfactory you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

"I'm glad that this question came up, because there are so many ways to answer it that one of them is bound to be right." - Robert Benchley
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The Batman
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Thanks, LG. Jason is always very accommodating when I inquire about print quality. Ordered this serial from them last week.


Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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The Batman
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I've upgraded the BURN 'EM UP BARNES listing from Alpha's 6, to the new Grapevine release, which I consider a 7.5. Any other opinions on the Grapevine version are definitely welcome.

Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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