Batman TV series DVD set in 2014!!

[batsman]

This isn't directed any specific board member, but I'm going to say it :

Hi Diddle Riddle.jpg

There's no way I will buy a transfer that looks like that, with the dark murky look and colors.

The costume yes, looks correct, but there are so many other things that don't look right.

It's wrong.

This isn't what I want to see on a DVD or Blu-Ray set.

If the trailer that was just released is any indication, that frame in question is very, very close to what we're getting. Batman's going to be dark with deeply saturated colors. And you know what? I welcome that. I want to see what the show looked like when it was originally shot, not some washed-out, faded syndication print.

I'm looking forward to seeing the show in it's original glory. It'll be like watching it for the first time all over again.

But is this what the director and producer intended ? The pilot is not supposed to be super dark and saturated, especially when Batman enters the night club.

If the trailer that was just released is any indication, that frame in question is very, very close to what we're getting.

Hope not, the frame in question is too dark and murky. From the looks of the trailer, the final product might be different.

BTW, why no Batusi in the trailer ? There are only three scenes from the pilot in the trailer, but not a frame from the club scene. Maybe in the next trailer.

[batsman]

Comments about the trailer :

Pros :

The remastering looks fabulous in some places. Wow.

Cons :

The trailer is too dark in some places, and the saturation of the colors i.e. Batman's emblem is dark yellow, almost orange, in the final frame when the dynamic duo shake hands. It's supposed to be a light yellow.

Maybe these problems could be fixed before the actual release.

[AndyFish]

I think these will be a disappointment for you batsman.
The TV shows that launched the color movement were all heavily saturated, F-troop, Star Trek, etc, the color sold the shows and they were striking.

Those of us who grew up on reruns are used to the washed out dubs currently being used, so these will be a shock to some folks. The first time I saw what it was supposed to look like was the view master reel. Later when I got the master set the old Batman fan club circulated (the one Billy Mumy and Mark Hamill have) it was like watching the show for the first time.

But yes, since they are taken from the film masters they are exactly as the producer and director and cinematographers intended.

The first season is darker than the rest, but things like Batman's emblem remain orange yellow thru the whole series.

[Lou Szabo]

And that's how I want it. I remember seeing the show in color at a Sears store and it was something special.

[Chuck Williams]

Now I'm excited!!

The colors pop and look pretty familiar!
Love the first seasons shadows and "mystery" direction. Always have.

I am really curious to see what Batgirl and the brightly shot third season will look like.
I'm giddy thinking of how beat the costumes looked later in the run and seeing them clear as a bell.
Dyeing those old tights you always get veining from the wrinkles left by packaging.
I've seen them on Adam in set shots but to see them on film will be great.

It's all so clean I think we are going to have a blast relating what new things we find in the footage.
I'm keeping my eyes peeled for marker/place tape!!

The teaser set just the right tone in my book. KUDOS!
Chuck...

[Lou Szabo]

Yup, I keep watching that teaser too! Adam's tights have that lavender color indoors, and more gray outdoors. Wonder who's Batmobile is used in the intro?

Here's another thought, some shows are being released on Digital formats two to three weeks ahead of the physical media. Could we see this Digital release the first week in November?

I'm thinking Bluray is my first purchase with DVD on my Xmas list or post Xmas buy. Blu ray are rarely discounted. Wonder how they would look in 3D? Biff, Zock and Bam would surely leap off the screen!

[Yellow Oval]

I think these will be a disappointment for you batsman.
The TV shows that launched the color movement were all heavily saturated, F-troop, Star Trek, etc, the color sold the shows and they were striking.

Those of us who grew up on reruns are used to the washed out dubs currently being used, so these will be a shock to some folks. The first time I saw what it was supposed to look like was the view master reel. Later when I got the master set the old Batman fan club circulated (the one Billy Mumy and Mark Hamill have) it was like watching the show for the first time.

I'm with Andy on this one. I first saw an episode of Batman in 1967 and it was Hi Diddle Riddle. I remember being overwhelmed by the deep, rich colors and detailed sets. I recall the darker imagery and, again, Andy's right on with the Viewmaster reels (Catwoman's first episode) depicting the same rich color and dark appearance which actually gives the episodes a 'mystery' atmosphere - not to mention what it adds to the Batcave scenes or the Batmobile's sleek and imposing appearance.

For those of us who watched TV during it's glory years in the late '60s we vividly recall the magic of black & white transitioning into color (remember how awesome it was when George Reeves' Superman went color? Or Lost In Space?). There was nothing like it - and, yes, color TV sets were being sold solely on this basis (Batman being the primary TV show pushing color TV sales) as this ad depicts.

http://www.retroist.com/wp-content/uplo ... -tv-ad.jpg

I, for one, as an original viewer am wholeheartedly glad to watch it again in its original form as it was meant to be. One improvement or change that was made that sits great with me is making Cesar's hair green instead of the original red tint (a pervasive film/lighting problem at the time) that we all had to put up with. That red hair irked me to no end. He was supposed to be doling out fear - not hamburgers!

[BATWINGED HORNET]

The first time I saw what it was supposed to look like was the view master reel.

That's a fine point. In fact, if anyone is curious about how vibrant and sharp any 1960s color series appeared--as shot--look at their View Master treatment (ex. The Green Hornet, Star Trek, The Mod Squad, Mission:Impossible, Lost in Space, etc.).

Beautiful work.

[Yellow Oval]

Those who wish to see the View-Master depiction regarding the original coloring and imaging can do so here:

http://viewmaster3d.blogspot.ca/2010/04 ... -of-2.html

http://viewmaster3d.blogspot.ca/2010/05 ... -of-2.html

For extra credit - check out the same late 60s' lighting and coloring techniques prevalent in other TV series as previously mentioned. In this case, the legendary Dark Shadows TV series. For the record, in my humble opinion, Barnabas Collins is tied with Christopher Lee's Dracula for the title of Ultimate Vampire!

http://viewmaster3d.blogspot.ca/search/ ... %20Shadows

Also feel free to examine the original Star Trek.

http://graeme.50webs.com/trek/viewmaste ... reen01.htm

[AndyFish]

image.jpg (79.94 KiB) Viewed 6559 times

Yup.
The show is supposed to look like this with dark rich colors.
Can't wait for the blu!

[svl]

Hey, it IS BATMAN, not BRIGHTLY-LIT MAN, after all.

Totally psyched for the blu, and also psyched to get 'em on digital so I can dedicate a hard drive to 'em and run 'em 24/7 on my machine while I work.

[batsman]

Thanks for posting the Viewmaster image Andy. If there was a pristine copy available of the reel, it may look even better than this.

Had a look at the trailer again, and the remastering in some places, Wow.

[Phil B]

...and it's not like the colours and brightness can't be adjusted to your own taste, anyway.

[bat lugosi]

I am very excited about this.

The trailer looks great and I was waiting to see how close this might look to the Batman/Catwoman view master reels and it's very close. Can't wait till Christmas!

[John Mack]

Just adjust your contrast. That's the ticket. Btw, how do you know the scene in the disco is not correct?