Review of Airwolf

Introduction

What can I say? I used to love watching Airwolf and rarely missed an episode when it was originally broadcast. This is classic 80s techno-action stuff, with a helicopter armed to the teeth used to the greater good of mankind!

The other discs in the Playback series start with the pilot episode and have two normal episodes, unfortunately this is not the case with Airwolf. The pilot used to be available separately on video, so it may get a stand-alone DVD release in the future.

This DVD features three episodes (as detailed above), originally broadcast in America on 28th September, 4th October and 3rd October 1984 (yes, it is odd that the DVD doesn’t hold them in their original transmission order!).

Video

Video comes in full-frame and is surprisingly good given age of the series, and presentation that old TV programmes often receive on DVD.

In general the visuals are clear and crisp, showing far more resolution that we ever saw on TV, and grain free, although there is some dirt evidence on some shots. The only visual problems come on “stock shots” of military aircraft etc that are inserted into the dog-fight scenes, these are often grainy and in some case noticeably lower resolution that the proper footage.

Another thing that you’ll notice is the use of “stock shots” of Airwolf. For example, a “UFO” effect used in the first episodes is repeated in the third, and there are several flypast shots that are reused.

Audio

The sound comes in Dolby Digital 2.0 (mono repeated in both left and right channels), and is perfectly acceptable throughout. One of Airwolf’s standout features for many was the theme tune, one of the most memorable TV themes, and it sounds great on this DVD. When the tune starts blasting out of the speakers and Airwolf appears for a shootout, try to stop yourself grinning :)

There are plenty of effects, including the infamous Airwolf “howl” – and it all sounds pretty good – certainly not detracting from my enjoyment of the programs.

Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.

Features

Extras consist of some text-based information on the series.

The menus caused me a slight problem (and plenty of others on uk.media.dvd). There is break-up on the Playback Logo, which leads to a sound dropout on the menu music. A small problem, but annoying.

The disc is packaged in a black Amaray case, which contains a single sheet insert with some interesting information on the series and the three episodes on the disc.

Conclusion

I sat and watched all three episodes last night and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Airwolf again. As with most of these type of programmes, the plots are very silly, but the action sequences are great fun, and very entertaining.

The first two episodes on the DVD are good, but the third is a little weak – there were better much episodes that could have been provided.

The DVD features good video and sound considering the TV origin and age, and at £12.99 is good value – any Airwolf fans should rush out and buy it straight away!