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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 (21,472 Views)
Laughing Gravy
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Well, then, they have color-tinted sequences that match the original idea of the release back in 1951, then, there, that.
"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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Barcroft
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Bats,
The Roan Group also released S-O-S Coast Guard as a full DVD and again picture quality is excellent. I like the serial and would rate it a solid 8 only for good old Bela.
Barcroft
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Pa Stark
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At least on my TV, I thought the tinting was way too bright, I wanted to go turn the color off.

I have Roan's THREE MUSKETEERS and it is very good quality, only thing is one of the flashback sequences was edited out. Not a biggie.
Honest and Lovable Pa Stark
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The Batman
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Thanks, Barcroft, I'll add that.

Well, I think I've caught all the updates posted so far, thanks everyone. If anyone has thoughts about what's been posted so far, please let us know.

This is a communal list, I don't have final say, I'm just the guy editing the chart.


Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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Laughing Gravy
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I'd say 9 is way too high for the Serial Squadron release of Zorro's Fighting Legion; I got this PD serial from several companies in one set or another and they all looked better, so I gave the Squadron's away. I'd say a 7 is more like it. He spelled Sheila Darcy's name wrong on the packaging, but I won't penalize him for THAT. Anyway, that's my humble opinion. What do I know? I like 42nd Street.

Blackhawk note says: "DVD-R version of the Republic VHS" but I think you meant Sony/Columbia VHS.

I bought Cap'n Marvel recently for my grandson, a real DVD with a colorful packaging with comic book art on it. Not sure where it was from (I think I got it from Amazon.com, or maybe Dimple Records) and I'll check with my son when I can and ask him. The quality was similar to the Republic release. A very good, professional release, though.



"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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Laughing Gravy
Jun 19 2014, 12:08 PM

Blackhawk note says: "DVD-R version of the Republic VHS" but I think you meant Sony/Columbia VHS.





I cut and pasted it from AC Comics description on their website, but I should have read more carefully, thanks.

Can I get some more feedback on the ZFL DVD releases? Do I have the SS version too high?


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rodney
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I'm kind of curious about Zorro's Black Whip, since I may be watching that sooner than later.
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Frank Hale
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More on VCI's Jungle Girl:

Print is from British National Film Archive, but with a few missing scenes presumably due to censorship.

Picture quality 8 (using Gravy's system).


Zorro's Fighting Legion (Serial Squadron):

Agree with Gravy on the "7". Frankly, I think it was stolen from the laser, because there is an identical splice in, I think, Chapter 1.


The Phantom Creeps (VCI):

Commonwealth Pictures re-issue print, quality 6.

Extra: Dismal PD print of Looney Tunes "Porky's Midnite Matinee" quality 4.


The Phantom (VCI):

7; recreated soundtrack on Chapter 11.

Extras: Commentary on Chapter 1 by Max Allan Collins; comicbook arts stills; photo stills gallery; bios.

Has a particularly irritating menu, and on disc 1 there is no chapter index.
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williejg
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LG~ I can't help but think that your grading system is just a tad harsh. Just my own personal thought and not meant to be insulting.

Barcroft~ I can't understand why you give a beautiful print like THE 3 MUSKETEERS such a low rating. I see it as a solid 9-9.5.

My comments aren't meant to offend. But there is definitely going to be controversy over some of these titles which we'll have to iron out if we're going to come up with a good listing.

willie
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Laughing Gravy
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Well, my feeling is, if we give a serial a 10, what do we give something that looks a little better? So I leave space.

In school, 70% was a C or average, 80% was above average, 90 was excellent and 100 is perfect. I go by that. Sort of.
"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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Frank Hale
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Gravy is actually about a point more forgiving than I would be.

I think a lot of you are being generous just because you like serials.

I assume Gravy and I are coming from an absolutist's viewpoint. As I implied earlier, show me a serial that matches The Ten Commandments or Lawrence of Arabia in Blu-Ray, and I'll agree that they are 10's.

Hey, speaking of that, what's up with Bo Derek these days?
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The Batman
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If I ever thought I wouldn't hear serials, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and Bo Derek all mentioned in the same post, then I never thought about this place. Continues to surprise and I appreciate it.

Thanks for all the feedback Frank, LG, I will add those to the chart. And I will lower ZFL to a 7. If there is a superior edition available, I'm open to updating the entry entirely.

Willie, I love your enthusiasm for the best print, but maybe you are being too generous (which shocks me to say, I always considered you a hard grader of quality). I think the Roan release of THE 3 MUSKETEERS is excellent, especially for a Mascot, but I think an 8 is a more than generous rating.

As for consolidating the ratings, I agree it is something we need, but how to do it? Suggestions more than welcome.



Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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Laughing Gravy
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Thanks for all your hard work, Bats. You've given us all a reason to live again.
"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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Barcroft
Jun 19 2014, 11:01 AM
Bats,
The Roan Group also released S-O-S Coast Guard as a full DVD and again picture quality is excellent. I like the serial and would rate it a solid 8 only for good old Bela.
Barcroft

Thanks, Bart. I have the recent VCI release of SOS COAST GUARD, but haven't watched it yet. Does anyone know if the Roan is superior to the VCI, or vice versa?


Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman!
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The Batman
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Laughing Gravy
Jun 19 2014, 03:56 PM
Thanks for all your hard work, Bats. You've given us all a reason to live again.

Thanks, LG, nice of you to say. To be honest, I'm enjoying this, I look forward to any and all input into this effort. A true Balcony Gang team project.


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