Here's a
Mini - Review of
JOHN EN MARSHA Volume 1 ( First two episodes )
I only watched the first two episodes of volume 1 and here's a simple review, for fans and non fans alike
DVD ReviewDisc file size : 4.36 GB (dvd5 single layer)
Average bit rate : 3.84 mbpsAspect ratio : Original fullscreen version
Audio : 2.0 stereo
Picture quality is clean compared to my other "Dolphy" dvds. Grains are not noticeable in our 21 inch CRT TV. However, it gets pixelated in our widescreen 34" TV. Each episode is about 40 minutes so the entire disc is about 2 hours and 40 minutes ( 160 minutes ). Fitting this all in a single layer disc will really bring out problems. A dvd9 would have been more appropriate given the length of each disc. And a double layer disc would have allowed for a higher bit rate recording for better pic and sound. Nonetheless, i'd say it's of very good "VCD" quality. Not bad at all.
Sound is audible but inconsistent. Sometimes it's too loud and at times become soft. Dialogue shifts from the center speaker to the front speakers.
The Menus are okay. You get a Main Menu and an Episode Selection menu. Cool!
I didn't really expect this DVD to come with good technicals. In fact I was expecting a lot worse but it did exceed my expectations. Besides, once you start laughing you'd forget all about the technicals and just marvel at the wit and humor of Dolphy, Nida Blanca, Dely Atay Atayan and the rest of the cast. Which leads me to the Feature review-
Feature ReviewNote : As the other members have pointed out, the episodes are non sequential. So don't expect to start from the very first episode. This jumps from the newer episodes back to the old ones. The first episode shows a much older Dolphy with an 8 year old granddaughter and the second episode shows a leaner Dolphy arranging for the baptism of the same granddaughter who was only 3 months old then.EPISODE 1 :
Synopsis - John and Rollie Puruntong gets seduced by the flirtatious wife of Rollie's Boss. Guest Star : Jean Saburit as the boss's wife. We see a heavy and mature Dolphy here so I guess this is one of the latter episodes. Episode 1 starts out with Dolphy and Nida being Grandparents to an 8 year old girl who is the daughter of Madel and Rollie. Maricel Soriano is nowhere in this episode. We also see a very young Isko Salvador aka "Brod Pete". Having been shown in the latter years of the sitcom, the jokes were somewhat recycled and lesser punchlines were delivered. It's funny but not too much. Entertainment Score is 3 stars out of 5 ( with 5 being the highest ).
EPISODE 2 Synopsis - Rollie and Madel looks for the right Ninong and Ninang for their 3 month old daughterGuest Star : Panchito as the "long lost" rich Kumpare of John Puruntong. Compared to episode 1, this one's a classic! You'll see a leaner, younger Dolphy delivering punchlines after punchlines. And his perfect chemistry with an equally talented actress in Nida. Maricel is here. To top it all, this episode presents the inimitable, classic tandem of Dolphy and Panchito. That restaurant scene literally made me cry with laughter. The duo was so funny that you'll notice the "extras" at the back (as customers) falling off their seats, unable to control their laughter on the antics of Dolphy and Panchito. If you ask why this sitcom successfully ran for 17 years, then here's one reason why. I wish more episodes like these are in store in the other volumes. I look forward to Babalu as one the guests. Entertainment score is 5 out 5!
My wish is that Paragon or some other Video company will come out with a Remastered Special Edition. DVD9, double disc amaray case in a handsome boxset and with special features like interviews with Dolphy, Maricel, Rollie and all those still alive!
But for now, I guess this is the best this classic sitcom will look on DVD. Highly recommended!!!
