Posted: Sun 25 Nov 2007 16:04 pm Post subject: Dad's Army - The Movie on DVD: quality?
I know that there is a DVD version of the 1971 Dad's Army film, released in 2004 by some company called Uca Catalogue.
As I've never seen the film, I'd love to purchase a copy, but only if the quality is good. I was unable to find any in-depth reviews online, so if anyone here has the DVD and wants to answer my questions, I'd be most grateful:
- Does the transfer have its original aspect ratio (widescreen, not 4:3 pan & scan like the TV series?
- Is it complete?
- What is the picture/audio quality like? Stability of the picture, sharpness, damage,...
- What are the DVD menus like?
- Are there any extras?
- Are there any subtitles (even English for the hard of hearing would be good)?
I can't speak for the Uca release, but the copy I have seems OK and is in widescreen, certainly not Pan & Scan or 4:3.
No extras - might be the trailer, come to think of it.
I'm sure there are subtitles - could be wrong, it'a a while since I've watched it.
Picture quiality is OK
All the above should have no bearing on the decision to buy, as it should be in any Dad's Army followers collection.
Saw it a the cinema a few years ago at a special showing and it was superb - so much better seeing everything on the big screen! _________________ We're all dead, but alive for a very short time...
Don't hesitate I guarantee that this will be the best £3.98 you will ever spend. I know some of the officiados may disagree. Columbia Pictures involvement, the director, speed of filming, Chalfont St Peter/Giles? rather than Thetford & the casting of Liz Fraser as Mrs Pike! Don't worry about the quality, the content of the film will soon win you over.
Quality: Fine although as with a lot of British comedy series of the time, the transfer to the big screen takes a bit of getting used to. Not quite as up close and personal as the series.
Missing bits: None that I am aware of
Format: Letterbox 1.85:1
Subtitles: Yes
Extras: Nil
Menu: Basic with options to Play Movie or select Subtitles
I'll be picking up the DVD shortly. A pity that it's a letterbox transfer and not anamorphic (resulting in a loss of picture detail, though not much), but I'll take your word for it that it's otherwise fine. I was worried that, which such a cheap release, the quality would be dreadful, and am happy to know this is not the case.
The inclusion of subtitles is very nice. Not that I desperately need them, but they're handy to have as a reference with slang or muffled oars... I mean, words. By the way, what exactly are... muffled oars?
In another thread concerning the Christmas Specials DVD, I posted a question regarding the inclusion of the 'Monty on the Bonty' sketch on 'The Very Best of Morecambe & Wise'. Do you happen to know if it's including in full, including credits? Otherwise, I'll wait for the release of series 5 of the M&W Show, which should be out somewhere in 2008.
Well, this week I received the DVD of the Dad's Army film and have just finished watching it. I enjoyed it overall, and Liz Fraser as Mrs Pike didn't bother me too much, as she was only in it very briefly.
It is kind of strange to see the platoon getting formed and getting their act together, which they had already done in 1968. But I guess by this time (1971), most people had already forgotten how the TV started, so Jimmy Perry and David Croft rehashed their first scripts, but this time adding a little bit more typical touches to the character, which hadn't developed yet when the show began.
The best part for me is right at the end, where the platoon disarm the German pilots and Capt. Mainwaring shows how brave he really is (in addition to silly).
No, it isn't on quite the same level as the TV series, but still makes for pleasant viewing. But whatever happened the accents of the Germans in the film? I expected them to talk 'Allo 'Allo! English (as Pike did in 'Ring Dem Bells'), but they didn't.
Merry Christmas to all forum members and Dad's Army fans!
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Don't hesitate I guarantee that this will be the best £3.98 you will ever spend. I know some of the officiados may disagree. Columbia Pictures involvement, the director, speed of filming, Chalfont St Peter/Giles? rather than Thetford & the casting of Liz Fraser as Mrs Pike! Don't worry about the quality, the content of the film will soon win you over.
By the way, what exactly are... muffled oars? 