Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader | Drums of Fu Manchu (1940) Republic Serial #19 VCI DVD Review @DamnFoolIdealisticCrusader | Uploaded June 2023 | Updated October 2024, 23 hours ago.
#cliffhangerserials #republicserials #dvdreview

A review of the only official dvd release of Republic’s DRUMS OF FU MANCHU serial. Directed by the legendary team of William Witney and a John English this is for my money the best overall adaptation of the Fu Manchu character and a fantastic serial loaded with an impressive amount of mysterious atmosphere. A bit longer at 15 chapters, this is a super serial with more resources thrown at it. A major influence on James Bond and Indiana Jones, this is a prime example of the Republic style and one of the great serials from the best directing team of the entire genre. Witney revolutionized the action sequence and this serial is no exception.
Unfortunately VCI’s DVD is from a VHS master and is utter crud for the picture and audio quality.
Here is the same master uploaded here on YouTube on two parts: youtu.be/JAJm0YQQlng
youtu.be/6VVoJtaoFPg

00:00 Serial discussion
33:25 DVD package and artwork
35:41 Picture and Audio Quality
41:57 Supplemental Features
45:01 Summary