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Baa Baa Black Sheep: Season 1 (TV)
R2 - United Kingdom - Fabulous Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (9th August 2016). |
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The Show
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the show from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** The sky’s the limit for high-flying action for the classic Stephen J.Cannell WW2 military series BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP a.k.a BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON. Ride along with the heroic “Black Sheep Squadron”, a group of misfit Marine fighter pilots. Robert Conrad stars as the unconventional squadron leader Major Gregory ‘Pappy’ Boyington, with Simon Oakland, Dana Elcar, John Larroquette, James Whitmore Jr, Dirk Blocker, W.K Stratton and Robert Ginty as the pilots known as the ‘Terrors of the South Pacific’. Discover this fabulous DVD edition with all 36 episodes from Season One & Two, including the feature length pilot episode. Enjoy once again, this classic war series where men were men and the South Pacific was the place for unlimited adventure.
Video
Independent British distributor Fabulous Films have released the seventies World War II show "Baa Baa Black Sheep" on to DVD for the first time in the United Kingdom. This set includes all 36 episodes including the pilot, and they are presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The transfers are adequate. The first thing you'll notice when you load up disc one and start viewing the pilot episodes is that the opening credits are in quite a poor condition, full of dirt and scratches, and very hazy overall. Thankfully, outside of the credits sequences, the show does fare considerably better. The transfers certainly aren't the cleanest, and it is obvious little to no restoration work has been done to Universal's existing dated masters, but the scratches are relatively small, and aren't large enough to distract from the show. There is also repeatedly specks of dirt, but again, whilst noticeable, it isn't overly detrimental to viewing pleasure. Dogfights and other scenes which take place in the air, are of a slightly lower quality than those on the ground. Colours are generally good, if a little washed out. Blacks tend not to be as deep as they should be, but there is no crush and details are as good as other shows of this vintage. Contrast levels are fine and I noticed little edge enhancement or aliasing. Overall, fans of the show will be happy as this is still likely the best the show has ever looked, and with no Blu-ray releases on the cards at time of writing, will likely be the best the show will look for some time to come. The show is uncut and the discs are in PAL format.
Audio
Fabulous Films have provided the show with the original English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track. There really isn't too much to be said about the track other than it is of broadcast quality and without any major issues. There was the occasional little crackle and pop, but nothing bad enough to warrant complaining about. I didn't notice any background hiss, and although the track is quite flat, there are moments with good depth - usually battle scenes and flight scenes. Dialogue is clear at all times, and volume levels are consistent throughout. Optional English subtitles have been provided for the hard of hearing.
Extras
The sole extra in this complete series set can be found on the third disc. From the NBC News Archives: Interviews with Major Gregory Boyington (6:58) features two interviews which play as one. The first features Major Boyington being interviewed on The Today Show where he is joined by the actor who plays him Robert Conrad, whilst the seond is from the fifties during Boyington's book launch. These interviews are a welcome addition, even if not in-depth.
Overall
This is an easy watch for a rainy day. The audio and picture quality is adequate, and although the extras are very light, the interviews are worth a watch. Fans of the show will be happy enough to warrant a purchase.
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