Search - Best of Password on DVD

A disappointing experience, due to video issues...

Kevin Segura | Portland, OR USA | 12/30/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There is no substitute for "Password" in the Goodson-Todman archive when it comes to "star power". It was the first show to pair "civilians" with celebrities, and was one of the most challenging (and entertaining) game shows that ever aired. So it's particularly painful to have to give this set such a low mark, particularly when it's based on easily avoidable technical concerns in the presentation.

The worst problem with this DVD set is in the conversion for tape to disc-- although "Password" was preserved on beautifully crisp quad videotapes (particularly the black-and-white episodes), you'd never know it to watch this set. Unfortunately, the tapes have been transferred as 30 fps progressive images, instead of their original interlaced format. This unnecessary de-interlacing not only has the abysmal consequence of softening the image, but also results in any sudden motion causing a flickery, "flutter" in the moving parts of the image, which thoroughly robs the program of its live "video look". While still highly enjoyable in terms of content, the visual presentation is now noticeably degraded.

The disc authoring also leaves much to be desired... on my players, the video is stuttery for the first minute of each episode, and then slowly settles down and corrects itself as the episode unwinds.

So caveat emptor, "Password" fans-- with the recent shutdown of BCI (the company that issued this set) the problems in this set are never going to be fixed... but if you don't mind the quality compromises, there is still a lot to like. It **is** "Password", after all...!!"

THE PASSWORD IS "GREAT"

Christopher R. Angel | 12/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so glad that this is out. I have most of these episodes on tape but to see them in great quality is super! What I am curious about is if we are going to get a big surprise if a second volume comes out called "The ABC Years 1971-1975" This would be a great release but the ABC episodes are presumed to be lost. The UCLA TV archive has about 10 episodes and GSN has ran 1 episode from the 1973 season with Jack Klugman and Brett Somers. There is also an episode from 1972 with Sheila MacCrae and Martin Milner that exists as well. Let's keep our fingers crossed and if you love classic game shows, this is a keeper!"

A must for game show fans!

feltonfan | Blackwood, NJ USA | 12/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was dissapointed by the release of Family Feud as they didn't give you complete shows or all of the stars listed. So imagine my suprise when The Best of Password came out. I've only looked at 2 of the 4 discs so far, but they appear to be complete shows in excellent quality with loads of great guest stars. Kudos to BCI! I'm already looking forward to volume two!"

Outstanding Fun!

R. D. Packer | Pasadena, CA | 02/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I highly recommend Password to everyone to watch! Password remains my favorite game show . It is such a treat to once again watch Allen Ludden be the outstanding host he was. It is as if he never left us. And how marvelous to see once again so many wonderful celebrities many of whom are no longer with us. It is so much fun as a viewer to play along as well. This is a must see for anyone who longs for good old fashioned entertainment. They don't make them like this show anymore. I am transported back to my childhood watching these classic episodes of Password."