International Laurel & Hardy's THE FLYING DEUCES - Network On Air Blu-ray & DVD Available For Preorder (1 Viewer)

[Tony Bensley]

Last month, VCI Entertainment Released what is in my opinion, currently the best version of THE FLYING DEUCES to heretofore, exist on any Home Video Format, especially in Region 1/A, the latter of which is its designation on the Disc label. Thus, I cannot guarantee its playability on Region B and C Blu-ray Players.

With that said, shortly after it's May 19 Release, Network uploaded a sample excerpt from their own upcoming June 15, 2015 Blu-ray Release. In my opinion, the visual quality from this sample is superior to anything on the VCI version. However, I also believe it makes sense to reserve final judgement until either an advance review based on viewing the entire Film surfaces or, as it appears to be the far more likely scenario, after the Release Date, once the Technical Reviews start surfacing!

Network On Air is issuing THE FLYING DEUCES separately on both Blu-ray and DVD Formats. Here is a breakdown on each version:

Blu-ray Release:

Format: Universal (Should play on appropriate North American Playback Equipment!)
Region: ABC
Running Time: Approximately 68 Minutes
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00T6LQHOM?tag=skim0x95940-21&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00


DVD Release:

Format: PAL (Won't play on some appropriate North American Playback Equipment!)
Region: 0
Running Time: Approximately 65 Minutes (The shorter running time is due to the 4% Speedup that's typically associated with PAL Formatting.)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flying-Deuces-DVD-Stan-Laurel/dp/B00T6LQGT8/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1433538124&sr=1-1&keywords=the+flying+deuces+dvd


Both versions contain these Bonus Features:


SPECIAL FEATURES
[] German version: Dick und Doof in der Fremdenlegion
[] Image Gallery
[] Promotional Material PDF


Network On Air Promotional Video:

 

[AnthonyClarke]

I have it on order

Now please, Way Out West, if anyone can sort out rights issues......

 

[Tony Bensley]

I've preordered this on the strength of the Network Promo's stunning (In my opinion!) Visual quality. It is my hope that this level of quality will be consistent throughout, and that it'll be complete with the original RKO Logo/Titles/Credits, and also include the proper Music for the End Credits (Rather than Music taken from the opening, and sloppily overdubbed, as has been typical with previous FD Releases!), as does the recently issued VCI Blu-ray.


8 days until Release Day!


CHEERS!

 

[Tony Bensley]

I have it on order

Now please, Way Out West, if anyone can sort out rights issues......

Hi Anthony!


Now, with possibly 2 high quality Blu-ray releases of THE FLYING DEUCES, my Laurel & Hardy selection for a better quality version is SONS OF THE DESERT! In my opinion, this was easily the worst presentation on the otherwise marvelous LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION 10 DVD set! Like FD had been for so long, the best SOTD Digital Transfers are PAL Based, and thus are affected by the 4% speedup, not to mention also being slightly marred by pixelation, particularly during the Parade sequence.


CHEERS!


Tony

 

[Tony Bensley]

My UK Amazon Blu-ray order of THE FLYING DEUCES by Network On Air has shipped today. Once I receive this (Probably within the next 2 weeks, or so.), I plan to post my observations of this version, and how it compares with the recent VCI Entertainment Blu-ray Release!


However, I'm undecided about viewing the German dubbed version that is also included as an extra? I may just check it for general visual quality.


CHEERS!

 

[John Hodson]

Review with 'grabs/comparisons

 

[Mark-P]

Review with 'grabs/comparisons

Well that sort of clinches it that the Network version is better.

According to Network's website the disc is region ABC. So it is apparently safe to import, though I would like a confirmation from an actual end-user that it is region-free.

 

[Tony Bensley]

Review with 'grabs/comparisons

Well that sort of clinches it that the Network version is better.

According to Network's website the disc is region ABC. So it is apparently safe to import, though I would like a confirmation from an actual end-user that it is region-free.

John & Mark:


Thank you very much John for sharing the link to these beautiful looking Screenshots of the Network On Air Release! This would appear to answer my main question regarding the Visual quality being consistent throughout!


Thank you Mark, for the link for the Network On Air page! I was aware of its existence, although I somehow didn't get it posted on this page.


As a Region A end user who will be receiving this Blu-ray, I'll hopefully be able to confirm Region free usability. I have seen some inconsistency regarding this Title's Region listing. I suspect this may at least be in part, due to the vast majority of Network On Air's Blu-rays actually being playable in Region B only. However, based on their own Region ABC listing of THE FLYING DEUCES, I'm at least 99% confident that this represents a most fortuitous exception!


Of course, the proof is in the Pudding, as the saying goes! As I've previously indicated above, I will be posting my findings regarding this Title once I've received it in my Mailbox.


CHEERS!


Tony

 

[Tony Bensley]

A Reviewer, who has an advance test copy of the Network On Air Blu-ray has in fact, confirmed that this is a Region ABC Disc!


Though there is a link for this Review a few posts up, I've reposted this, as the review has been revised with the aforementioned Region Code listing.


From the Archive: A British Television Blog - Blu-ray Review: The Flying Deuces

http://www.from-the-archive.co.uk/2015/06/blu-ray-review-flying-deuces.html


CHEERS!

 

[retroman]

Another review with more screencaps...


http://www.dvdcompare.net/review.php?rid=3718

 

[Douglas R]

Bought this today from HMV during my Saturday shopping. Very impressive restoration with excellent picture quality - better than I would ever have expected. It does include the original RKO logo.

 

[Tony Bensley]

Bought this today from HMV during my Saturday shopping. Very impressive restoration with excellent picture quality - better than I would ever have expected. It does include the original RKO logo.

Hi Doug!


It seems that somebody finally got it right with THE FLYING DEUCES! For those who don't have Blu-ray, Network On Air has also issued a Region 0 PAL DVD version (Subject to the 4% speedup.). Between these, and the not quite as good (Though still better than the others!) VCI Entertainment Blu-ray, I honestly think the other previous standalone versions could find their way to landfills! Who wants re-fried Corned Beef when there's nice juicy Steak to be had?


CHEERS!


Tony

 

[revgen]

Looks like I'll be getting this the next time I shop at Amazon UK.

 

[Tony Bensley]

Se my Review of the Network On Air Blu-ray at Amazon UK:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B00T6LQHOM/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#R2Q7O7W6PGWQLE


CHEERS!

 

[Tony Bensley]

I was finally able to do some "Prt Scn" Screen Captures from THE FLYING DEUCES' Network On Air Blu-ray. While its overall visual quality is, in my opinion, superior to the VCI Entertainment Blu-ray, I've also noticed that the former isn't entirely without its own visual anomalies. The one that especially stood out for me is posted below:


THE FLYING DEUCES - Network On Air Blu-ray:

THE FLYING DEUCES - VCI Entertainment Blu-ray:

CHEERS!

 

[bluirv]

I received my copy today and was totally delighted with the restoration. I've never seen this title look better. Contrast is great with deep blacks.


For Laurel & Hardy fans this title is a no-brainer.


So when will we get the Hal Roach L&H titles on Blu-ray that will look this good?

 

[Tony Bensley]

I received my copy today and was totally delighted with the restoration. I've never seen this title look better. Contrast is great with deep blacks.


For Laurel & Hardy fans this title is a no-brainer.


So when will we get the Hal Roach L&H titles on Blu-ray that will look this good?

Hi bluirv!


Unfortunately, to my knowledge, any Blu-ray release of the Hal Roach Laurel & Hardy Titles that appear on "The Essential Collection" is NOT imminent!


A few months back, on "The Laurel & Hardy Forum," I did read that their Hal Roach Talkies were to be released in the form of HD Digital Downloads. They are now available on iTunes in true HD, though my understanding is these are only accessible in the U.S.


Regarding THE FLYING DEUCES' Network On Air Blu-ray, I agree that this is the best overall version yet to be issued to Home Video. We may be hard pressed to ever see anything better for this Title, and I, for one can live with that, especially after the many substandard Releases that have proliferated the Home Video landscape through the decades!


CHEERS!


Tony


**********************************************UPDATE**********************************************


Richard W. Bann posted in The Hal Roach Studio


Since the Vivendi Essential L&H Boxed Set, fans have been asking about a possible Blu-Ray release. At this time, there is yet no plan for any such product. We can announce, however, that these same remastered titles are now available to own in true HD from iTunes here (and there will be another related announcement forthcoming in the months ahead):
https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMultiRoom?cc=us&fcId=481125149

 

[brynmill]

I understand that UCLA Film and Television Archive is still doing the Roach titles - I don't know how many titles have been restored by them at present.


I have the Network Flying Deuces BD - looks nice, but the German version.......what a complete utter waste of time/space on the disc. Pity they couldn't have done some sort of deal to get Legend's colorised version instead as a bonus.

 

[Tony Bensley]

I understand that UCLA Film and Television Archive is still doing the Roach titles - I don't know how many titles have been restored by them at present.


I have the Network Flying Deuces BD - looks nice, but the German version.......what a complete utter waste of time/space on the disc. Pity they couldn't have done some sort of deal to get Legend's colorised version instead as a bonus.

Hi brynmill!


I disagree insofar as any inclusion of Legend Film's heavily edited FD mess, which I would consider a gross insult to what I think is the best version of this oft issued Film, to date! The German version I could take or leave, though in my opinion, the voice over for Ollie matches up pretty nicely.


What I wish could have been included is an original Trailer of THE FLYING DEUCES, as that's one thing that seems to be missing from it's many Home Video incarnations!


CHEERS!


Tony

 

[Tony Bensley]

See my slightly revised Review of THE FLYING DEUCES Network On Air Blu-ray at Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R7LAGZHEX5C3G/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00T6LQHOM&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=2625373011&store=movies-tv


CHEERS!