DVD : Adventures of Captain Marvel

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Great DVD for a Serial or Cap Fan
The Big Red Cheese never looked better - this DVD release of the 12-episode serial, "The Adventures of Captain Marvel" is truly excellent. While remembering that this is a 1940s-era serial, the overall production values are remarkably high. Much has already been said about the flying effects, which are surprisingly good - a full-size dummy was used in daylight photography to make a truly realistic-looking effect, even with other moving subjects in the frame. The action is strong, and Cap reminds you that (1) this was made in the 40's, and is quite a bit more brutal than the PC adventures of Superman, and (2) he really was a kid, and seemed to actually enjoy the action! The secrecy of the identity of the Scorpion was maintained well throughout the serial, as they constantly tried to redirect suspicion throughout the group of scientists. One final question: just what was Whitey's role in all this? Answer for yourself when viewing this terrific serial!

Rating:

- Very Good
It's been many years since I've seen these and of course that was on video so I have no idea how good the DVD looks. For history, Captain Marvel was Fawcett Comic's answer to Superman. So much so that DC comics eventually sued Fawcett and forced them to stop publishing captain Marvel.

Ironically, in the mid-70s DC would get the rights to the character but would have to title the comic "Shazam" as marvel comics had their own Captain marvel character and owned the rights.

Anyway, the usual cliffhanging episodes ending and better than you'd expect special effects.

Rating:

- Shazam! It's Captain Marvel vs. The Scorpion
Definitely the finest of the old-time movie serials, and the finest live action version of Captain Marvel. This movie was voted by Wizard magazine as the best comics-to-movie adaptation ever.

It has decent special effects and a fine story. A classic desert adventure, including angry horde, offended god, and stalwart hero. The flying sequences are well done. The cliff hangers are appropriately dramatic. The Scorpion is a nice serial villain, complete with hooded face and ultimate weapon, and Captain Marvel remains my favorite hero.

If you like serials or Captain Marvel you really can't go wrong with this.

Rating:

- One of the best comic to film adaptations
THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL is one of the best comic to film adaptations. Tom Tyler is great as Captain Marvel. This video includes these 12 episodes:
1. Curse of the Scorpion
2. The Guillotine
3. Time Bomb
4. Death Takes the Wheel
5. The Scorpion Strikes
6. Lens of Death
7. Human Targets
8. Boomerang
9. Dead Man's Trap
10. Doom Ship
11. Valley of Death
12. Captain Marvel's Secret

Rating:

- Still gives me a thrill
My father bought this serial for me on videotape many years ago. He knew I was a devoted fan of �Shazam,� the now-laughable Saturday morning live-action program that aired on CBS for a few years.

The serial changed my appreciation for Captain Marvel and introduced me to the concept of the cliffhanger. It is, quite simply, the best of the old Matinee Serials. I was thrilled when I found a �fresh� copy on tape through Amazon a few years ago.

The effects for the early 40s are quite good, even after watching them again in 2002, some 22 years after seeing it for the first time. A warning to parents, though: Violence is quite rampant; the Cap'n doesn't think twice about belting the bad guy or even picking up a machine gun to finish the job.

Highly recommended, though, for anyone who's a fan of Shazam, comic books or cinema from the period. Top notch.

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