"Spitfire Ace" on DVD???

Who do they need to pay copyright to? Imperial War Museum? Music companies?

Well, there’s a reason at last then, and one that makes sense, however much of a shame it is.

Update on Spitfire Ace

I’ve contacted RDF Media, and they confirmed that Channel 4 still hold the rights to the series, but have no plans to release it because the amount of archive footage and the consequent copyright issues and costs of acquiring DVD/video release rights make it unfeasible (too expensive) to produce on DVD.

Oh well – at least I tried!

The question then asked would be “Why make it up??”

ML407 and the D-Day myth

Wow! The silence is deafening. I think I’ve just discovered how to kill a thread.

I have watched the whole series on you tube, but its such a shame there isnt a DVD!

ML407 and D Day myth

I have recently caught up the Spitfire Ace series in this part of the world. Overall it was a well written and presented programme. I especially enjoyed seeing two men I’ve had contact with over the years. The Kiwi Edward Wells, better known as Bill or Hawkeye Wells and Joe Roddis who went on to 485 (NZ) Sqdn as a Sgt in charge of the Merlins. Both contributed to my book Spitfire – The New Zealand Story. Sir Keith Park’s role was also well received here.
I conducted some 40-50 hours research concerning ML407s service with 485 Sqdn, have seen Johnnie Houlton’s logbook, read his biography and studied 485 Sqdn’s Operations Record Book. I also discussed it with his fellow pilots and read their accounts of D Day.
ML407/OU-V did not fly operationally on D Day. It was damaged prior to take off and Houlton swapped planes. He flew an engine test at the end of the day only. This is also well documented in Hugh Smallwood’s books 2nd TAF Spitifre (both editions). Carolyn Grace should have copies of Hugh’s books, maybe even mine, so why is this myth allowed to continue?
There is no disputing this is a wonderful aircraft and all New Zealanders who know its history are proud to see its life continue in British skies paid for and grandly supported by our friendly Brits. And a special thank you to Carolyn.
But please don’t revise history.

ML407 and DDay myth

I have recently caught up the Spitfire Ace series in this part of the world. Overall it was a well written and presented programme. I especially enjoyed seeing two men I’ve had contact with over the years. The Kiwi Edward Wells, better known as Bill or Hawkeye Wells and Joe Roddis who went on to 485 (NZ) Sqdn as a Sgt in charge of the Merlins. Both contributed to my book Spitfire – The New Zealand Story. Sir Keith Park’s role was also well received here.
I conducted some 40-50 hours research concerning ML407s service with 485 Sqdn, have seen Johnnie Houlton’s logbook, read his biography and studied 485 Sqdn’s Operations Record Book. I also discussed it with his fellow pilots and read their accounts of D Day.
ML407/OU-V did not fly operationally on D Day. It was damaged prior to take off and Houlton swapped planes. He flew an engine test at the end of the day only. This is also well documented in Hugh Smallwood’s books 2nd TAF Spitifre (both editions). Carolyn Grace should have copies of Hugh’s books, maybe even mine, so why is this myth allowed to continue?
There is no disputing this is a wonderful aircraft and all New Zealanders who know its history are proud to see its life continue in British skies paid for and grandly supported by our friendly Brits. And a special thank you to Carolyn.
But please don’t revise history.

Hi guys

I’ve been trying to get hold of a legitimate recording of the Spitfire Ace series for ages, ever since it came out on TV – thought it would make excellent xmas pressies for various relatives, etc. Unfortunately I’ve drawn a blank so far. I contacted Channel 4 and RDF Media (who own the rights) a couple of years ago, but got brushed off with a “no plans to release” response. Discovery Wings broadcast it a few times, but would never say when they planned to show it, so I always seemed to catch it half way through.

However, I’ve just been in touch with the director, who suggested that I contact RDF again. So, watch this space!

It might be useful to know how many people out there want the DVD. The Google video version has had about 17,500 hits to date, but not sure how that translates to people willing to pay for the DVD.

Spitfire Fan

The series now and forever dubbed “Spitfire Ears” due to the way continuity announcer Marcus pronounced “ace”

😀 😀 😀 😀

and that Geordie announcer talking over the end credits

The series now and forever dubbed “Spitfire Ears” due to the way continuity announcer Marcus pronounced “ace”

I found the ‘Bomber Crew’ follow up to be rather disappointing. 😮

Great work Lancman !

Now that is taking matters into your own hands Lancman… yes the series has run here the the USA several times on our History International Channel and The History Channel. I work in the television news business and do understand the copy rights issues but just don’t understand why the good folks at Channel 4 or its production company that produced this truly first class production ..can’t see the world wide interest in this being released to the DVD Market. It would be a great way to help cover the cost of the production from sales alone for them and of course give all of us a great Christmas present. Just go in your local video store and see all the junk that is released into the market place…… why not add this first class historical production out for all to enjoy….in 5.1 audio of course to hear that lovely Merlin sound. A note to any of you out there who worked on this project… great job…well done ………….the photography, music , editing and historical commentary were super and of course thanks to Carolyn Grace for the use of her wonderful Spitfire !!!! Would love to just have all the raw footage of her Spitfire in aciton with the sound alone….. a nice extra to add to the dvd when someone wakes up and gets this project going ! The series BOMBER has also aired here as well.. good historical concept for each program! What is the young man up to these days who won the contest in Spitfire… Dave Mallen I believe ( sorry if the last name is not spelled correctly Dave) ! ?

A truly great series !!!

BlueNoser352!

I’m getting a few requests off-forum for a copy of the DVD- sorry folks, but upon further investigation, my older DVD player is kaput, and I no longer have the off-air VHS to work from. Sorry all!

That’s a nice idea, but 1, the copyright etc would be with Channel 4/the original production company and 2, really, my DVD is only put together from my own taping of the TV broadcast- with adverts roughly edited out and that Geordie announcer talking over the end credits, etc!

Spifire Ace program

Hi Lancman, as a supporter of the Grace Spitfire I know that many members have enquired about a DVD, but Channel 4 do not seem interested in releasing one.
Could I suggest that you contact Carolyn Grace on the website to find out if your DVD could be produced in large numbers?
The site is at www.ml407.co.uk
Regards from
Geoff.Charge

Cheers, thanks!

Nice work, LM! 🙂

I’ve given up waiting and when I got a DVD recorder, I simply made my own from my original off-air VHS; better than nothing, I thought. Made myself a simple cover for it and everything;

Just saw it tonight !

Thanks .. I have been off the forum for a while and saw it today..will send you a pm and see how I can help you. Thanks for your interest in the 352nd FG.

All The Best !

TC