This show is definitely mired in the era it was created in, chauvinistic themes and all.
"Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" isn´t for everyone. If you´re looking for something akin to more contemporary production values of shows like "Firefly" or the quality writing of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," you´ll be disappointed. This show is definitely mired in the era it was created in, chauvinistic themes and all. That having been said, I didn´t mind revisiting a long-gone piece of my childhood. It´s almost ironic that I was discussing this very program in a van on the way to Chicago on the weekend before it arrived at my doorstep. The first thing he said, when I said the name "Buck Rogers" was, of course, "I loved Twiki." Allow me to proudly say, in response, "Biddy Biddy Biddy."
Video:
As you would expect of a television product from the mid-70s, this show is in a 4:3 aspect ratio and looks pretty solid. There are copious amounts of grain that cover the transfer that are, it appears, from the source material and the black levels aren´t particularly solid. Specks and flecks and scattered scratches dot the prints, though none that are overtly distracting. I don´t see any sorts of edge enhancement and the definition of the video is good, considering the decades of age that is found on the show. It looks as good or better than it ever did on the SciFi Channel.
Audio:
The only audio option available for the DVDs is a 2.0 Dolby Digital Mono track that sounds very flat and lacks substantial definition. The tracks themselves are clean and accurately represent the original broadcast standard, and will sound better here than they ever did over the air. It sounds like they used a digital filter to remove the film hiss, and in the process flattened out the audio, but it´s not so bad that you will even notice if you´re not listening closely for it. The only problem is that they didn´t get rid of that horrible, horrible disco soundtrack.
Extras:
Inside the handsome slipcase you´ll find five dual-sided discs that house all 31 episodes in the series´ run, including the "original theatrical premiere." A fold-out sheet lists all the episodes and their location in the set. I give this set a rating of "1" only because of this map.
I´ve heard that a large amount of material was created for this DVD set featuring Gil Gerard and Erin Gray that was excised before this set came out, and it would have been nice to have that included as this group is bereft of anything resembling an extra. Zilch. Not a retrospective, not a commentary, not even a documentary. It would have been nice to have something, but I guess beggars can´t be choosers. It looks like your money will be going toward the excellent audio/video restoration that was done for "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."
Film Value:
On par, the A/V of this set is excellent, almost better than could be asked for, considering the age of the material. The episodes haven´t aged well and a new audience might not find the program as exciting and fun as those who grew up with Buck. However if you´re familiar with the program and know what you´re getting into, you won´t be disappointed by these DVDs.
Video:
As you would expect of a television product from the mid-70s, this show is in a 4:3 aspect ratio and looks pretty solid. There are copious amounts of grain that cover the transfer that are, it appears, from the source material and the black levels aren´t particularly solid. Specks and flecks and scattered scratches dot the prints, though none that are overtly distracting. I don´t see any sorts of edge enhancement and the definition of the video is good, considering the decades of age that is found on the show. It looks as good or better than it ever did on the SciFi Channel.
Audio:
The only audio option available for the DVDs is a 2.0 Dolby Digital Mono track that sounds very flat and lacks substantial definition. The tracks themselves are clean and accurately represent the original broadcast standard, and will sound better here than they ever did over the air. It sounds like they used a digital filter to remove the film hiss, and in the process flattened out the audio, but it´s not so bad that you will even notice if you´re not listening closely for it. The only problem is that they didn´t get rid of that horrible, horrible disco soundtrack.
Extras:
Inside the handsome slipcase you´ll find five dual-sided discs that house all 31 episodes in the series´ run, including the "original theatrical premiere." A fold-out sheet lists all the episodes and their location in the set. I give this set a rating of "1" only because of this map.
I´ve heard that a large amount of material was created for this DVD set featuring Gil Gerard and Erin Gray that was excised before this set came out, and it would have been nice to have that included as this group is bereft of anything resembling an extra. Zilch. Not a retrospective, not a commentary, not even a documentary. It would have been nice to have something, but I guess beggars can´t be choosers. It looks like your money will be going toward the excellent audio/video restoration that was done for "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."
Film Value:
On par, the A/V of this set is excellent, almost better than could be asked for, considering the age of the material. The episodes haven´t aged well and a new audience might not find the program as exciting and fun as those who grew up with Buck. However if you´re familiar with the program and know what you´re getting into, you won´t be disappointed by these DVDs.
Average user rating (1-5):
Not yet rated.
Not yet rated.
[release]14007[/release]