Number 96 - The Pantyhose Strangler (1972/Umbrella Entertainment/Region Zero/0/PAL)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: C Episodes: B-
PLEASE NOTE: This DVD can only be operated on
machines capable of playing back DVDs that can handle Region Zero/0 PAL format software and can be ordered
from our friends at Umbrella Entertainment at the website address provided at
the end of the review.
There is
much underrated Australian TV few in the U.S. have had a chance to see and from
their last golden age, Number 96 - The
Pantyhose Strangler (1972) is a gem of a series that is longer than a
mini-series and ran three years and 32 half-hours that caused a sensation. A killer is on the loose in an apartment
building that is the residence of a cross-section of all kinds of people. As the killer picks and chooses who to kill
next, every one is a suspect and the mix of humor, intelligence and suspense is
very impressive.
Also
amazing is the cast of extremely talented, distinctive actors rarely heard
about outside of Down Under including Chantal Contouri, Andrew Mercado, Elaine
Lee, Sheila Kennelly, Wendy Blacklock, Lyn Rainbow, Deborah Gray, David Sale
and so many others who deserve international rediscovery. If you like terrific TV and this kind of
fiction, you’ll enjoy Number 96. Even when it dips into some soap opera
styles, it quickly pocks up before you know it and gets better as it goes
along.
The 1.33
X 1 image can be colorful, but has consistently poor detail and stability
issues since it is some of the oldest PAL analog videotaping form the time
Australia finally saw color TV arrive.
Fortunately, the sets and the way it is shot and edited are very
effective. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono is
also on the weak side, suggesting the surviving material is second-generation,
but it becomes very involving once you start watching. Extras include stills, Ten News Reunion
special with the cast and audio commentary on select episodes.
As noted above, you can order this impressive PAL DVD import
exclusively from Umbrella at:
http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/
- Nicholas Sheffo
