Review of Jamie And The Magic Torch Complete Series One

7 / 10

Introduction

Jamie!

Jamie!

Jamie and the magic torch!

So begins the 1970s prog-rock style theme tune to yet another classic piece of TV for children which has found its way on to DVD. I`ve said it before and I`ll say it again, those evil marketing types certainly know who the DVD buying public are, with twenty and thirtysomethings making up a large part of that public. The same twenty and thirtysomethings who grew up with classics like this...

Here we see the first ever series, featuring episodes such as "Mr Boo Loses a Mountain", "The Runaway Trombonium", "The House of Wellibob" and "National Wellibob Day".

Video

As with many other shows of a similar age, this one is presented in 4:3 and actually looks surprisingly good for its age. There are plenty of minor defects on show, with flecks and specks of black and white popping up along the way, but thankfully no major damage on show.

Perhaps it could have been remastered and cleaned up, but that would just push the price up, and severely dent sales, so I think that this sort of standard will be viewed as acceptable. It`s certainly very watchable.

Audio

A DD2.0 stereo soundtrack, which is the original mono track replayed over both channels. Again, as with other releases from this period, the sound quality can be a bit variable. Perhaps most noticable at various times are crackling and popping sounds that make you think that you`re listening to a scratched old LP.

It doesn`t distract you too much though, and dialogue is still audible.

Features

I`m afraid not.

Conclusion

Another classic series on DVD at a reasonable price. Thirteen episodes, running for over two hours, and far better than modern rubbish like Teletubbies, Tweenies and Yo Ho Ahoy.

Video and sound quality are reasonable given the age and the fact that this is a budget title. Interviews with those involved might have made a nice extra, but we aren`t treated to any. This is still another must have for all fans of TV for younger viewers from this golden period.