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DOCTOR STRANGE 1978
Watched this today.... weird stuff! Even by 1970s standards.
Plot is very similar to the theatrical, an all powerful extra-dimensional entity sends an evil sorcerer to kill the Ancient One so it can conquer the Earth. This time the evil sorcerer is a sorceress, Morgana LeFey, played by Jessica Walter (Arrested Development), who I swear must be immortal in real life as she looks exactly the same!!!
And as in the theatrical, the Ancient One is white. This time played by John Mills, giving the role a very Merlin vibe. In fact, the whole production has an Arthurian feel, rather than Eastern mysticism.
Strange is played by Peter Hooten, a charming lady's man psychiatrist. None of the arrogance associated with the comic character is present. Not much logical character development, just lots of plot and exposition. Strange does not appear in costume until the very end of the third act, and again it is very different from the comics.
The production is very plodding, at times feeling like a 70s medical melodrama, since so much time takes place in a hospital setting. Also the soundtrack is very funky. Ranging from synth John Carpenter horror to over the top soapy. It is so wacked. It only makes the soap opera style acting even more cheesy.
At the same time, there is some very dark and demonic imagery. It is such an odd mix of horror, mystery and drama. And it yet, I found it amusing and could see much potential in the set up.
So not terrible. It could have made an interesting tv series. By comparison to other Marvel tv projects from the 70s, it is better than expected. Not Incredible Hulk good, but superior to Captain America, and maybe slightly better or equal to Amazing Spider-Man.
Shout Factory did a good job with the restoration. Overall the picture quality is amazing for a show of this age and there was only one scene with obvious debris.
So if you are curious and enjoy 70s tv, I think it is an enjoyable watch.
Watched this today.... weird stuff! Even by 1970s standards.
Plot is very similar to the theatrical, an all powerful extra-dimensional entity sends an evil sorcerer to kill the Ancient One so it can conquer the Earth. This time the evil sorcerer is a sorceress, Morgana LeFey, played by Jessica Walter (Arrested Development), who I swear must be immortal in real life as she looks exactly the same!!!
And as in the theatrical, the Ancient One is white. This time played by John Mills, giving the role a very Merlin vibe. In fact, the whole production has an Arthurian feel, rather than Eastern mysticism.
Strange is played by Peter Hooten, a charming lady's man psychiatrist. None of the arrogance associated with the comic character is present. Not much logical character development, just lots of plot and exposition. Strange does not appear in costume until the very end of the third act, and again it is very different from the comics.
The production is very plodding, at times feeling like a 70s medical melodrama, since so much time takes place in a hospital setting. Also the soundtrack is very funky. Ranging from synth John Carpenter horror to over the top soapy. It is so wacked. It only makes the soap opera style acting even more cheesy.
At the same time, there is some very dark and demonic imagery. It is such an odd mix of horror, mystery and drama. And it yet, I found it amusing and could see much potential in the set up.
So not terrible. It could have made an interesting tv series. By comparison to other Marvel tv projects from the 70s, it is better than expected. Not Incredible Hulk good, but superior to Captain America, and maybe slightly better or equal to Amazing Spider-Man.
Shout Factory did a good job with the restoration. Overall the picture quality is amazing for a show of this age and there was only one scene with obvious debris.
So if you are curious and enjoy 70s tv, I think it is an enjoyable watch.