Baa Baa Black Sheep - Volume 1 (1976)

A likable mix of WWII action and light comedy, the first 10 episodes of the NBC series Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976-78) wing their way onto DVD in this double-sided two-disc set. Based on the adventures of Marine Corps pilot Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington (played in the series by the always dependable Robert Conrad) and his squadron of roguish ace fliers in the South Pacific Theater, Baa Baa Black Sheep benefited from an excellent cast (which included such TV and film vets as Simon Oakland and Dana Elcar, as well as up-and-comers like John Larroquette and Larry Manetti of Magnum, P.I.) and scripts from series creator Stephen J. Cannell (as well as long-time TV scribes like Philip De Guere and Milt Rosen) that offered a enjoyable balance of humor and combat. The blend gets an excellent showcase in the 1976 two-hour pilot, Flying Misfits, which kicks off volume 1; the remaining 10 adventures pit Pappy and the Black Sheep boys against the Axis Japanese in a secret squadron of captured planes ("The Meatball Circus," episode 8), a brainwashed American captain ("Presumed Dead," episode 7), and a tough major (Charles Napier) with designs on commanding the squadron ("Best Three out of Five," episode 3). Fans of the series may question the decision to include only half of the first season's episodes in this set (the 1976-77 season ran for an additional 12 episodes before being dropped by NBC; the series was revived in late 1977, rechristened Black Sheep Squadron, and ran for an additional 13 episodes before being canceled in 1978), but the inclusion of the two-part pilot and interviews with the real Pappy Boyington (who served as the show's consultant and even cameos in the pilot) should appease any concerns. --Paul Gaita Amazon.com

Outstanding Entertainment

While only loosely based on the true story of the Black Sheep Squadron, the series is highly entertaining. Well written and acted, it has just the right balance of drama, action, pathos, and humor. It beats anything on TV today by a wide margin. It's my hope that they release the remaining episodes on DVD soon. August 30, 2008

Just Not Worth It!

Amazon really needs to add a ZERO STARS option. Even one star is too much for this show.

Back in the '70s, I used to love this program. But from the day it went off the air, I slowly began to realize that is was completely fabricated. Except for a pilot named Pappy Boyington and a Marine Squadron 214, everything about this show was not only made up, but a complete farce, featuring drunks with a complete lack of discipline who somehow manage to defeat the enemy. Knowing all of this, I bought this DVD anyway, but I just can't bring myself to watch it again and again. Time to move on. I donated it to a Church yard sale and it didn't even sell there!

With all of the remakes being done, I hope someday somebody does an accurate, intelligent version of the story of the real Black Sheep squadron. August 29, 2008

VMF-214

A big fan of this series as a kid, I have always been a fan of the VMF-214 exploits. Even though the real Maj. Boyington was a consultant on the series, from what I know now, I'm afraid it is a bit far fetched. But the stories are still good entertainment. Furthermore, the Marine Corps that I served in was alot different. So young folks shouldn't base there image of the Corps from what see here, as I did. Still love those Corsairs. August 7, 2008

Aces

It was as I remembered when it was first on television. This irreverant look at life as a marine pilot, was a roitious adventure. Greg 'Pappy' Boyington bent, broke, shattered the naval regulations every chance he could. although far fetched at times, the series held true to the spirit of the book.

The ONLY complaint is that it takes 2 purchases to recieve ALL of season one. (who are these guys? Columbia House??)

When is the second season going to draw its' sights on the populas?? June 1, 2008

Baa Baa Black Sheep-Volume 1

We have really enjoyed this dvd. It arrived quickly and in really great condition. Thanks !! May 1, 2008

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