Reviews (1)

Very good western cliffhanger from Mascot
I admit that "very good" is subjective & relative in this case. This was made early in the sound era, and the overacting, especially on the part of child actor, Frankie Darro, is overwhelming, but I find that part of the fun.

Harry Carey portrays a character who is probably the oldest serial hero ever. At least, I don't know of any older. However, he is quite good and quite believable in the role.

Frankie's father is accused of murder, and attempts to clear him lead to seeking the identity of "The Voice" who is the leader of a gang. In 1931, audiences may have been surprised to find out who "The Voice" is, but chances are you'll have him fingered before the end of the first chap;ter.

There are some good chapter endings, for a western serial, and some poor ones, but basically, it's a good action serial. There are a few great photographic effects, and some very good directing.

It's dated, and it's pretty hokey, but it's fun and highly recommended to serial fans who are willing to make allowances for the time it was made. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Worthwhile just to enjoy seeing the legendary Tom Mix
Tom Mix is probably the best known of the early western heroes. Besides his roles, he's also credited for being an early mentor for a hopeful young actor by the name of John Wayne.

This Mascot serial was made at the end of Tom Mix's career. He was one who suffered from the advent of sound.

One interesting facet of the serial is its foreshadowing of events in Europe. The bad guy is mining a powerful explosive for an unnamed European country which is preparing for war. I don't think I'm spoiling the ending by letting you know that Tom Mix, aided by his horse Tony, successfully thwarts the scheme by the final chapter.

Quite recommended for those who enjoy vintage western action.

TOM MIX'S ONLY SERIAL AND HIS LAST MOVIE
One reviewer must've gotten the wrong video, because this is definitely Tom Mix, and Rin Tin Tin is nowhere to be seen in it! Besides Tom Mix, you get Charles Middleton as the villian. He's not nearly as menacing as he is in the Flash Gordon serials, but he's still a notable villian.

This is truly a contemporary western, taking place in 1935 when the movie was made. The bad guy is bent on chasing the indian tribe off their reservation so he can mine it for a secret explosive that he plans to sell to an unnamed European country. In one scene, he mentions the added power this powerful explosive would give a dictator, so if you know enough history to know what was happening in Europe in 1935, you can guess what country was being suggested here.

Tom Mix and Middleton together make this one of the better western serials, and I quite recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Spoilt by transfer
Very interesting to see a serial 70 years old, particularly as
it's shot mostly outdoors. A great pity this is spoilt by tape
2 which has projection shudder (not video shudder) .
Apparently no one was watching when this was being transfered from film. Very poor work. Not customer orientated at all.
Advice give it a miss.

A Mohican Must
If you enjoyed the Randolf Scott movie version of The Last of The Mohicans, then you must own this literate scripted serial version. My own copy is failing from repeated use. Loaning this serial to friends has become a habit. It is surrounded by an almost captivating style of directing which brings , you into the action. This ranks as an early great, and consequently is a must see for the beginning collector. Watch it alone in order to give it your undivided critical attention. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Revisiting the Past
I've just seen the serial film Darkest Africa and I loved it. If you think that it was made in 1936 , with all dificulties then existing, the flying bat man, The Goddes of Jobba and the performance of the main star Clyde Beatt you must consider that the result is excellent. I expected to see something extremely naive ...on the contrary, revisiting my past (because the first time I watched the film I was 10 years old) I was pleasantly surprised with a very well realesed serial motion picture. Last but not least - the copy is excellent. I recomend. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Major disappointment
I'm a longstanding, die-hard PHANTOM fan and collector; so I was praying that this would be a lost gem. Turns out to be more of a lost zircon. Tom Tyler is pretty darn AWFUL as the Phantom--not a single aspect of this film identifies it as a Phantom story, except for the presence of Devil -- who's supposed to be a wolf, not a German shepherd (although I'll admit it's one gorgeous animal they have cast here) -- and the Phantom's father. The bad guys consistently and successfully get the drop on Tyler's Phantom, which is not at all typical of the comic strip character. I mean, the thing about the strip version of the character that's so remarkable is his consistency--he's always smarter, faster, stronger, and cagier than the bad guys. Not Tyler's Phantom. And Tyler's Phantom is a terrible shot to boot; the strip Phantom could hit the sweat off a dung beetle on the back of a rampaging bandicoot at 20 yards.

Could they have possibly found a better actor to play the Phantom? Easily. Tyler should have stuck with the 'oaters' and said thanks a heap but heck no to this serial.

One of Columbia's best, fun for serial fans, great print
Most Columbia cliffhangers were made by independent producers, but in 1938-39 and 1943-44 Columbia made its own serials, using the studio's many sets, facilities, and contract players. Columbia's home-grown serials are very efficient, and THE PHANTOM is no exception.

It's a jungle serial, so this writer expected a lot of pedestrian dialogue scenes embellished with old wild-animal footage. It's true that the first chapter falls into this pattern while the story is being set up, but from there it's a lot of fun, almost all of it staged for this production, with Tom Tyler an ideal Phantom. For some reason the supporting cast was not credited, but fans of Columbia will easily recognize Kenneth MacDonald (terrific as the suave villain), Dick Curtis (great to see him play a benign role, for once), Ernie Adams (in a bigger-than-usual role as the Phantom's pal), and some familiar faces in the goon squad (George Chesebro, Wade Crosby, Kermit Maynard, I. Stanford Jolley, Al Hill). Good stuntwork and brisk direction (by B. Reeves Eason) keep this one moving, with Tom Tyler in there punching through 15 chapters. Ace, the Phantom's handsome dog, later became "Rusty" the German shepherd in Columbia's family series.

THE PHANTOM has two pleasant surprises for the Columbia serial fan. The recap narration is exceptionally brief (even though the recap footage is lengthy). And each closing "teaser" of next week's episode does NOT spoil the suspense by showing the imperiled hero out of danger. Every cliffhanger in THE PHANTOM keeps the viewer guessing, for a welcome change.

The print is excellent, with fine picture and sound. Only Chapter 11 has soundtrack trouble for a few minutes, and the video producers have remedied it as best they could. The DVD release also includes commentary by Max Allan Collins of "Dick Tracy" fame. Definitely of interest to serial collectors, and fans of Columbia's "B" movies and short subjects will especially enjoy this.

Long lost Phantom 1940's serial found & restored now on DVD!
...These Saturday morning matinee serials are great fun (before television).

Well "The Phantom" 1943 serial was once one of these long lost films rediscovered, digitally remastered and thanks to VCI Entertainment is now on DVD. This 2 DVD set gives us 15 action packed chapters introduces us to this mysterious character. This is fun stuff.

Summary: Tom Tyler plays "The Phantom" and this serial introduces us to this mysterious family who for generations has played "The Phantom" the man who never dies. It seems that a descendent male member must perpetuate the "Phantoms" existence. Why, because the "Phantom" is the law of the African jungle & keeps the peace among more than 50 native tribes. In 15 chapters the Phantom is poisoned to death,(because he knows of the Lost city of Zolov). His son replaces him before he actually dies. (therefore keeping the legend of the man who never dies going.) Privateers want the hidden treasure of Zolov. Mysterious nation wants to build secret air field at Zolov. Phantom is in the middle. Everyone tries to kill the man who never dies. For 15 exciting chapters we see how the "Phantom" eludes death and escapes periless traps.

The extras include; a One Chapter commentary by famous comic strip writer Max Allan Collins, Biographies, and comic book art.

This is a great secret serial rediscovered for us to watch once again. Enjoy.

can't even watch the tape
My tape was so bad that I can't even watch it to decide if I like the movie or not. Constant scrolling of film that we just cannot adjust. Makes the film unwatchable. Probably too late to return for replacement or credit.

One of Columbia's Better Serials
Columbia Pictures never produced a movie serial comparable to the best Republic cliffhangers. However, "The Phantom" (1943) survives as one of the studio's better efforts, thanks to Tom Tyler's memorable presence in the title role and the assured direction of B. Reeves Eason. Unlike Republic, the Columbia serials were more faithful in terms of comic-strip adaptations. "The Phantom" is no exception. Unfortunately, Columbia lacked the solid production values and crisp pacing of the Republic serials -- further hindered by the studio's excessive 15-chapter length. Still, "The Phantom" makes the most of Columbia's low-budget shortcomings with its effective jungle setting and above-average cliffhanging exploits. As "The Ghost Who Walks," Tyler is a terrific action hero and does not rely on a stunt double during the fight scenes. Fans of Lee Falk's comic-strip creation will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Best Western Serial, Maybe the Best Serial ever Made
Ken Maynard, the star of this serial, took a hand in both the producing and directing of "Mystery Mountain". He rounded up every available cowboy actor he could find to staff it. Even Gene Autry and superstar comedy-singing-sidekick Smiley Burnett have small roles. If you fancy yourself an expert on the old black & white matinee westerns, I'll bet you can identify 20 to 30 of the men who played the bad men, stage drivers, and cowhands in hundreds of the wonderful old films.

A few of the good guys are good guys include Jim Carey, Al Bridge, Hal Telifino, Jack Rockwell, Gene Autry, and Smiley Burnett. The homely outlaws include Bob Kortman, Lou Meehan, Tom London, George Chesebro, and many more.

Ken Maynard combined the charm and good looks of John Wayne with the stunt riding ability of Yakima Canutt (the best ever cowboy stuntman). Maynard was a professional stunt rider before becoming a silent movie star, and easily made the transition to talkies. Only Maynard was able to compete on equal terms with both Tom Mix in the silents and John Wayne in the talkies. Ken was so muscular and bowlegged, and had such damaged knees that he could hardly run.

The beautiful Verna Hille plays second fiddle to Ken Maynard's only true love, his horse Tarzan. Modern movie goers remember Trigger, but Tarzan was certainly the most talented horse in the movies and the most loved by his owner, Ken Maynard.

This was the highest grossing western serial ever released. It was meant for matinee audiences, which were mostly kids. So expect a kids' film.

I see than Amazon also carries "Six Shootin' Sheriff." It was one of Ken's last pictures and a favorite of mine. Ken has to clean out 3 tough outlaw gangs and makes the supreme sacrifice. He has to pass of a piece of pie made by his girl, Miss Mollie. He's afraid it'll slow him down too much, because bad man Earl Dwire is waiting to gun him down in front of the saloon.

"Two Gun Man" is another great Maynard movie. If you're a handgun shooter, you'll love the insane way Ken's partner teaches some cowhands how to shoot. Don't miss this one.

"In Old Santa Fe." is also not only real good but real famous. Maynard is teamed with Gabbie Hayes; and Gene Autry and Smiley Burnett make their first singing appearance in the movies. This wasn't the first western with a song or two but it was the western that paved the way for Gene, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, and all the rest

AMAZON.COM HASN'T NOTICED THAT I ALREADY REVIEWED THIS
HOPEFULLY, THEY'LL READ THIS BEFORE POSTING AND THERE NOT POST IT

Not a good serial...read my more detailed review. I'm just writing this to clear it off the list of items they don't think I've reviewed.

Just toooo much comedy relief here.
Actually, I shoulda known better than to buy a serial after seeing a trailer for it that started with HEY, BOY & GIRLS! This was very obviously aimed at kids with little attempt to entertain their parents. The mystery element (Who's the mysterious and sinister "Rattler"?) is rather ho-hum. The element where the bad guy is successfully disguising himself as other characters using rubber masks is laughable. The continuing antics of Ken Maynard's sidekick are rather tiring. The chapter endings are nothing to write home about. Mascot has done better western serials such as "The Vanishing Legion" and "The Lightening Warrior". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Kane Richmond gets 3rd billing here....
I don 't think there'll be any argument about who the co-stars of this serial are. Kane Richmond has to settle for 3rd billing, and the leading lady, the comic sidekick, the villian, all are strictly supporting actors to Rex, the wonder horse and his pal, Rin Tin Tin.

This serial really strikes at the heart of the 12 year old within each of us, regardless of our true age. The only downer is the obligatory cliff hanger end of the chapter which generally shows one of the two starring animals in frightful peril.

Oh yes, the humans are important too. Unfortunately, Kane Richmond's usual hero status is greatly diminished by the canine and equine actors. However, Harry Woods shines as a nasty villian, and Smiley Burnette comes off as a likeable, good natured, if not overly bright, comic sidekick.

And keep your eyes open for a very minor character, a forest ranger portrayed by Ralph Byrd two years before his first Dick Tracy role. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Best Western Serial, Maybe the Best Serial ever Made
Ken Maynard, the star of this serial, took a hand in both the producing and directing of "Mystery Mountain". He rounded up every available cowboy actor he could find to staff it. Even Gene Autry and superstar comedy-singing-sidekick Smiley Burnett have small roles. If you fancy yourself an expert on the old black & white matinee westerns, I'll bet you can identify 20 to 30 of the men who played the bad men, stage drivers, and cowhands in hundreds of the wonderful old films.

A few of the good guys are good guys include Jim Carey, Al Bridge, Hal Telifino, Jack Rockwell, Gene Autry, and Smiley Burnett. The homely outlaws include Bob Kortman, Lou Meehan, Tom London, George Chesebro, and many more.

Ken Maynard combined the charm and good looks of John Wayne with the stunt riding ability of Yakima Canutt (the best ever cowboy stuntman). Maynard was a professional stunt rider before becoming a silent movie star, and easily made the transition to talkies. Only Maynard was able to compete on equal terms with both Tom Mix in the silents and John Wayne in the talkies. Ken was so muscular and bowlegged, and had such damaged knees that he could hardly run.

The beautiful Verna Hille plays second fiddle to Ken Maynard's only true love, his horse Tarzan. Modern movie goers remember Trigger, but Tarzan was certainly the most talented horse in the movies and the most loved by his owner, Ken Maynard.

This was the highest grossing western serial ever released. It was meant for matinee audiences, which were mostly kids. So expect a kids' film.

I see than Amazon also carries "Six Shootin' Sheriff." It was one of Ken's last pictures and a favorite of mine. Ken has to clean out 3 tough outlaw gangs and makes the supreme sacrifice. He has to pass of a piece of pie made by his girl, Miss Mollie. He's afraid it'll slow him down too much, because bad man Earl Dwire is waiting to gun him down in front of the saloon.

"Two Gun Man" is another great Maynard movie. If you're a handgun shooter, you'll love the insane way Ken's partner teaches some cowhands how to shoot. Don't miss this one.

"In Old Santa Fe." is also not only real good but real famous. Maynard is teamed with Gabbie Hayes; and Gene Autry and Smiley Burnett make their first singing appearance in the movies. This wasn't the first western with a song or two but it was the western that paved the way for Gene, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, and all the rest

AMAZON.COM HASN'T NOTICED THAT I ALREADY REVIEWED THIS
HOPEFULLY, THEY'LL READ THIS BEFORE POSTING AND THERE NOT POST IT

Not a good serial...read my more detailed review. I'm just writing this to clear it off the list of items they don't think I've reviewed.

Just toooo much comedy relief here.
Actually, I shoulda known better than to buy a serial after seeing a trailer for it that started with HEY, BOY & GIRLS! This was very obviously aimed at kids with little attempt to entertain their parents. The mystery element (Who's the mysterious and sinister "Rattler"?) is rather ho-hum. The element where the bad guy is successfully disguising himself as other characters using rubber masks is laughable. The continuing antics of Ken Maynard's sidekick are rather tiring. The chapter endings are nothing to write home about. Mascot has done better western serials such as "The Vanishing Legion" and "The Lightening Warrior". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best sci fi serials, whatever the name on it
Actuallly, I've already reviewed this under it's original title, THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM. This is one of the greatest with "Crash" Corrigan as the hero, Lon Chaney Jr. as a secondary villain, and Lee Van Atta. I would've given it five stars if the cheating in the most spectacular chapter ending in the serial weren't so flagrant.

A Blast From the Movie Serial Past
"Undersea Kingdom" was one of Republic's first serials and it's still a lot of fun. Though an underwater version of Universal's "Flash Gordon," this 1936 chapterplay moves at a brisk pace and Ray "Crash" Corrigan is an engaging action hero -- even when he has to utter lines such as "Go ahead and ram!" It's also nice to see Lon Chaney Jr. as a slimy villain in one of his early films. "Undersea Kingdom" may seem a bit hokey by today's standards, but it's the kind of nostalgic escapism that's impossible to resist.

Swords, Submarines and Silly Hats
"Undersea Kingdom" is an all-time classic, and one of the most consistantly enjoyable serials ever made. Ray "Crash" Corrigan plays his athletic self, joining a little party of explorers who travel by submarine hundreds of leagues beneath the sea to find the source of mysterious seismic waves causing earthquakes on the surface. The waves come from the lost Atlantis, which, contrary to popular opinion, sunk so slowly that the inhabitants had plenty of time to construct a giant glass dome over the submerged continent. It is this scientific genius that allows them to threaten the surface, as well as to invent television, robots, and armoured cars. However, for the most part, they ride horses, fight with swords, and wear tunics topped by some of the silliest looking hats ever seen on film. B. Reeves Eason was the primary director for "Undersea Kingdom," and it bears many similarities to his earlier "Phantom Empire" (for Mascot) and "Darkest Africa." As in these earlier serials, "Undersea Kingdom" features a power struggle within the leadership of a distant and xenophobic city, in which the balance of power is affected by the entry of a small party of Americans led by a movie star playing himself. Here, the wise priests are beleagured by the rebellion of the odious Unga Khan (yes, they had Khans in ancient Greece). Like all of Eason's serials, there is lots of comedy mixed in with the thrills (Eason is remembered as an action guru, but his sense of character and slapstick were equally noteable). Other members of the party include a female reporter, the stowaway child of the submarine's developer, and the always problematic presence of Smiley Burnette, here even dumber than usual. But Republic gave their second production a real working budget: the sets are marvels of intricate hodge-podge, the costumes are florid and frilly, and the effects are noteable, albeit more for their conception than their execution. There are several great cliffhangers. "Flash Gordon" is the best-remembered serial of 1936, but in its own way, "Undersea Kingdom" is as enjoyable to watch today. It's funnier, it's more melodramatic, and Crash Corrigan (who also starred in Republic's "The Painted Stallion" and zillions of B-Westerns) compares favorably with Buster Crabbe in a similar role. The print is beautiful and clear as a bell. In short, Undersea Kingdom has oodles of everything which a serial fan in this modern age could wish for; if you don't like this, you're not a serial fan: go rent a musical. 1936 may have been the best serial year ever: "Undersea Kingdom" is a big part of the reason. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

DVD set 2 stars lousey xfer - VHS set 4 stars good copy!!!
This review is strickly comparing this newly released 2 DVD set from ALPHA VIDEO to the 2 VHS set from VCI Home Video.

First "The Phantom Empire" (1935) starring Gene Autry the singing cowboy was the first Western/Sci-fi Saturday matinee action serial. A very elaborate and fun story of an underground hidden empire of "Murania" lying 12000 feet below Gene Autry's ranch. This is some fun stuff. 12 cliffhanging chapters originally produced by Mascot Pictures. This preceded the later serials like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. The Phantom Empire runs for 216 minutes total is Black and White and is presented in Standard Format.

Compared:

Alpha Video 2 DVD set - This is a non-restored direct transfer DVD. The results are horrible, grainy, dark and some times blurry picture. The sound is erractic and sometimes difficult to understand the dialog. The worst thing is the chapters are incomplete. Each serial ending or beginning are chopped resulting in the absense of the cliffhanger thrill of the story. If you must see this classic on DVD, Rent only!!!!!

VCI 2 VHS set - This is "The Phantom Empire" as it was ment to be seen. It is only VHS quality but so much better than the DVD set. The sound is much better and ALL 12 CHAPTERS are complete and the cliffhanging thrill is there to drive you on to next chapter. This is a fun experience and maybe a purchase but definitely a rental!!!!

This 1935 serial is a one of a kind and if you are a Gene Autry fan this could be for you. Enjoy.

terrible transfer to DVD
I agree with the first reviewer. I was looking forward to watching this serial but the transfer to DVD is so poor that I gave up after the 2nd chapter.

Gene Autry sings to defeat evil!
I mistakenly purchased this DVD (PHANTOM EMPIRE: Part 2) thinking I'd get the entire serial, but all in all, this is a pretty fun viewing. Gene Autry falls into a subterranian city named Murania, and must fight to stay alive against the wicked queen that rules there. Very silly robots about in this story, with short-brimmed cowboy hats on top of their box-like features. A rebellion is being planned, as on the surface of the earth evil scientists plot to steal radium from the Radio Ranch. On top of all this, Radio Ranch is endangered by Gene Autry's inability to make it to perform on his radio show!
Complete with horse chases, sword fights, and deadly technology, this is a fun serial to watch. The print isn't great, but it is watchable and costs little for the entire collection. A very rare entry into the science fiction/western genre and a lot of fun!

great serial lousy copy
Yes, I too have fond memories of this serial,but this is a poor quality transfer, inferior even to vhs copies I have come across in the past. 'Nuff said.

First Western Science Fiction
This is the first film that Gene Autry made after his guest star role in Old Santa Fe with Ken Maynard. By all accounts his guest appearance wound up taking star billing over Maynard. He was then offered the role playing himself in this first western science fiction serial cliffhanger. You will see a young radio singer who he himself felt that he could not act, make a movie that set his career on fire. He is a radio star on Radio Ranch, which is a dude ranch as well. Evil scientist visit there and Gene find there is an entire world beneath the surface of the earth, called the City Of Murania. Great action and great cliff hangers. I can imagine the suspense theater goers experienced years ago as they waited from week to week to see how Gene got out of each and every dangerous ending. Autry was just learning how to act but did a terrific job of wowing the audience inspite of it all!!! He was on the way to the Top of the B western ratings and once he got there he stayed there!!! What a cowboy!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Spoilt by transfer
Very interesting to see a serial 70 years old, particularly as
it's shot mostly outdoors. A great pity this is spoilt by tape
2 which has projection shudder (not video shudder) .
Apparently no one was watching when this was being transfered from film. Very poor work. Not customer orientated at all.
Advice give it a miss.

A Mohican Must
If you enjoyed the Randolf Scott movie version of The Last of The Mohicans, then you must own this literate scripted serial version. My own copy is failing from repeated use. Loaning this serial to friends has become a habit. It is surrounded by an almost captivating style of directing which brings , you into the action. This ranks as an early great, and consequently is a must see for the beginning collector. Watch it alone in order to give it your undivided critical attention. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A classic John Wayne
It is great to see John Wayne in the early years . It was both funny and action packed and comsidering it was 70 years ago it was of a great quality .

A collecter of John Wayne films on VHS ( PAL )
This 1932 12 chapter film is a very good for the year it was made.The thing that appeals to me is that these types of films never had to put up with sensorship.

private collector of all john wayne filme on VHS ( PAL )
This 1932 12 chapter film is very good for its time.The thing that appeals to to me is there was no sensorship in those days.That means (in my view ) they are more entertaining to watch.

Not the serial
If you are a true serial fanatic you won't like this DVD. It's the feature version. I was surprised because there is a full 12 chapter VHS version.

some second thoughts
After getting in touch with Marengo they explained to me that more viewers prefer the featurized-versions. That's why they've done it that way. But by mistake they forgot to mention it on the cover. A correct serial-version is in consideration for sometimes in the future. So my anger is calmed down - especially after checking my old tape of this serial - it has all the cliffhangers but picture and sound are far below that of the Marengo-DVD. So until a definitive versions turns up let's say: better than nothing. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A classic John Wayne
It is great to see John Wayne in the early years . It was both funny and action packed and comsidering it was 70 years ago it was of a great quality .

A collecter of John Wayne films on VHS ( PAL )
This 1932 12 chapter film is a very good for the year it was made.The thing that appeals to me is that these types of films never had to put up with sensorship.

private collector of all john wayne filme on VHS ( PAL )
This 1932 12 chapter film is very good for its time.The thing that appeals to to me is there was no sensorship in those days.That means (in my view ) they are more entertaining to watch.

Not the serial
If you are a true serial fanatic you won't like this DVD. It's the feature version. I was surprised because there is a full 12 chapter VHS version.

some second thoughts
After getting in touch with Marengo they explained to me that more viewers prefer the featurized-versions. That's why they've done it that way. But by mistake they forgot to mention it on the cover. A correct serial-version is in consideration for sometimes in the future. So my anger is calmed down - especially after checking my old tape of this serial - it has all the cliffhangers but picture and sound are far below that of the Marengo-DVD. So until a definitive versions turns up let's say: better than nothing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not up to par - DVD wise.
This movie is the original of the re-released version known as Red River Valley, a VHS copy of which I have. This DVD is of medium quality as it appears to have been made not from a film print but from a VHS tape. The double shadows and ghost effects are obvious. MY Goodtimes EP mode VHS copy was far better than this.

Man Of The Frontier
Another title for this movie was Man Of The Frontier. Gene delivers cattle to a small town which is having a struggle keeping swindlers from shutting down the dam that supplied water to the valley...Smiley Burnette is his sidekick and at his funniest best! Lot's of action from this early movie made in the late 1930's. You will see a rising star really doing a dangerous stunt himself. Autry did alot of his own stunts and in this one almost got sweep down the river because of slippery moss as he was wading across the dam according his film biography. So watch this and see him progressing on his way to the top!! What can you say!! He was a HERO!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

DVD set 2 stars lousey xfer - VHS set 4 stars good copy!!!
This review is strickly comparing this newly released 2 DVD set from ALPHA VIDEO to the 2 VHS set from VCI Home Video.

First "The Phantom Empire" (1935) starring Gene Autry the singing cowboy was the first Western/Sci-fi Saturday matinee action serial. A very elaborate and fun story of an underground hidden empire of "Murania" lying 12000 feet below Gene Autry's ranch. This is some fun stuff. 12 cliffhanging chapters originally produced by Mascot Pictures. This preceded the later serials like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. The Phantom Empire runs for 216 minutes total is Black and White and is presented in Standard Format.

Compared:

Alpha Video 2 DVD set - This is a non-restored direct transfer DVD. The results are horrible, grainy, dark and some times blurry picture. The sound is erractic and sometimes difficult to understand the dialog. The worst thing is the chapters are incomplete. Each serial ending or beginning are chopped resulting in the absense of the cliffhanger thrill of the story. If you must see this classic on DVD, Rent only!!!!!

VCI 2 VHS set - This is "The Phantom Empire" as it was ment to be seen. It is only VHS quality but so much better than the DVD set. The sound is much better and ALL 12 CHAPTERS are complete and the cliffhanging thrill is there to drive you on to next chapter. This is a fun experience and maybe a purchase but definitely a rental!!!!

This 1935 serial is a one of a kind and if you are a Gene Autry fan this could be for you. Enjoy.

terrible transfer to DVD
I agree with the first reviewer. I was looking forward to watching this serial but the transfer to DVD is so poor that I gave up after the 2nd chapter.

Gene Autry sings to defeat evil!
I mistakenly purchased this DVD (PHANTOM EMPIRE: Part 2) thinking I'd get the entire serial, but all in all, this is a pretty fun viewing. Gene Autry falls into a subterranian city named Murania, and must fight to stay alive against the wicked queen that rules there. Very silly robots about in this story, with short-brimmed cowboy hats on top of their box-like features. A rebellion is being planned, as on the surface of the earth evil scientists plot to steal radium from the Radio Ranch. On top of all this, Radio Ranch is endangered by Gene Autry's inability to make it to perform on his radio show!
Complete with horse chases, sword fights, and deadly technology, this is a fun serial to watch. The print isn't great, but it is watchable and costs little for the entire collection. A very rare entry into the science fiction/western genre and a lot of fun!

great serial lousy copy
Yes, I too have fond memories of this serial,but this is a poor quality transfer, inferior even to vhs copies I have come across in the past. 'Nuff said.

First Western Science Fiction
This is the first film that Gene Autry made after his guest star role in Old Santa Fe with Ken Maynard. By all accounts his guest appearance wound up taking star billing over Maynard. He was then offered the role playing himself in this first western science fiction serial cliffhanger. You will see a young radio singer who he himself felt that he could not act, make a movie that set his career on fire. He is a radio star on Radio Ranch, which is a dude ranch as well. Evil scientist visit there and Gene find there is an entire world beneath the surface of the earth, called the City Of Murania. Great action and great cliff hangers. I can imagine the suspense theater goers experienced years ago as they waited from week to week to see how Gene got out of each and every dangerous ending. Autry was just learning how to act but did a terrific job of wowing the audience inspite of it all!!! He was on the way to the Top of the B western ratings and once he got there he stayed there!!! What a cowboy!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Worthwhile just to enjoy seeing the legendary Tom Mix
Tom Mix is probably the best known of the early western heroes. Besides his roles, he's also credited for being an early mentor for a hopeful young actor by the name of John Wayne.

This Mascot serial was made at the end of Tom Mix's career. He was one who suffered from the advent of sound.

One interesting facet of the serial is its foreshadowing of events in Europe. The bad guy is mining a powerful explosive for an unnamed European country which is preparing for war. I don't think I'm spoiling the ending by letting you know that Tom Mix, aided by his horse Tony, successfully thwarts the scheme by the final chapter.

Quite recommended for those who enjoy vintage western action.

TOM MIX'S ONLY SERIAL AND HIS LAST MOVIE
One reviewer must've gotten the wrong video, because this is definitely Tom Mix, and Rin Tin Tin is nowhere to be seen in it! Besides Tom Mix, you get Charles Middleton as the villian. He's not nearly as menacing as he is in the Flash Gordon serials, but he's still a notable villian.

This is truly a contemporary western, taking place in 1935 when the movie was made. The bad guy is bent on chasing the indian tribe off their reservation so he can mine it for a secret explosive that he plans to sell to an unnamed European country. In one scene, he mentions the added power this powerful explosive would give a dictator, so if you know enough history to know what was happening in Europe in 1935, you can guess what country was being suggested here.

Tom Mix and Middleton together make this one of the better western serials, and I quite recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A classic John Wayne
It is great to see John Wayne in the early years . It was both funny and action packed and comsidering it was 70 years ago it was of a great quality .

A collecter of John Wayne films on VHS ( PAL )
This 1932 12 chapter film is a very good for the year it was made.The thing that appeals to me is that these types of films never had to put up with sensorship.

private collector of all john wayne filme on VHS ( PAL )
This 1932 12 chapter film is very good for its time.The thing that appeals to to me is there was no sensorship in those days.That means (in my view ) they are more entertaining to watch.

Not the serial
If you are a true serial fanatic you won't like this DVD. It's the feature version. I was surprised because there is a full 12 chapter VHS version.

some second thoughts
After getting in touch with Marengo they explained to me that more viewers prefer the featurized-versions. That's why they've done it that way. But by mistake they forgot to mention it on the cover. A correct serial-version is in consideration for sometimes in the future. So my anger is calmed down - especially after checking my old tape of this serial - it has all the cliffhangers but picture and sound are far below that of the Marengo-DVD. So until a definitive versions turns up let's say: better than nothing. ... Read more