I know many fans have blamed the Leviathan storyline for the ultimate demise of DS, but having finally re-viewed (meaning I saw both storylines on TV way back in 1969-1970, and also on VHS some years ago via the MPI tapes) those episodes yet again, this time on the DVD releases (and because of this, I'm behind on viewing DVDs by 4 sets!), I find the 1970 PT shows very boring and difficult to get through due, in part, to the  overused REBECCA and JEKYLL AND HYDE references.  At least the Leviathan story referenced, in part, the weirdness of Lovecraft, whose work was not as well known as DuMaurier and Stevenson, and thus was more fresh.  I've decided that I actually prefer the Leviathan story to 1970 PT, as the PT story now (in hindsite, of course), really comes across as an excuse to take the main actors away while they filmed the movie.

That said, at least the PT story sets up the new character of Roxanne, who would be very important in the 1970 summer and subsequent 1840 stories.

Anyone else have thoughts to share?

Brian 

 

It's quite amazing that anything originally shot on videotape--including DS--survives for us today.  Some recent DVD releases from old shows like THE BELL TELEPHONE HOUR and THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW include segments that were taped in B&W way back in the early 60s, and even some taped in color as early as 1961.  Of course, those were shows that might have historic significance, so it's great that they were saved.  No one ever thought the soaps would see light of day again, so it's no wonder the networks recorded over the tapes--tape must have been very expensive back then.  As for shows I'd like to see, how about THE EDGE OF NIGHT, in the early 70s, when there were haunted mansions and ghosts stories, probably thanks to DS!

Brian

Hannah Stokes used her knowledge of herbs and magic and the tarot to cross over from 1970 PT to 1970 non-PT, and in the process changed herself from a middle-aged woman into a young man named Sebastian Shaw, who would use his (her?) magical talents to write astrology charts for Elizabeth and many others.  Thus, DS would have one of television's first transgenders--not to mention the use of the fountain of youth.

I always thought Petofi escaped the fire by using his powers to go into a parallel band of time, where he stayed until he was ready to come back to this band of time.

Darren, After thinking about it, I wanted to save you some time explaining, so I googled IB Tech and came up with this link.

http://www.powell-pressburger.org/Reviews/Technicolor.html

Brian

Great news, Darren.  Let's hope WB will let us have HODS soon while they decide how to handle NODS.

Brian

My goodness, so much negativity about the "widescreen" presentation of the '91 DS series when no one has even seen it!

There once was a TV show called SOAP that was attacked by the conservative religious element as an assault on Christianity and a jeopardy to the moral fabirc of this great country--BEFORE THE SHOW EVER AIRED--all because of the homosexual character played by Billy Crystal.

My point is--let's not pass judgement until we see the DS widescreen version.  Most likely, the aspect ratio will only be 1.66:1, as opposed to the normal TV ratio of 1.33:1.  Frankly, to the average eye, there isn't much difference.  Now, if MGM uses an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 or 2.35:1, then we might have some issues to discuss.  Further:  Sony/MGM did not have to release this at all!  So let's give them credit for at least acknowledging the franchise.  (WB, are you paying attention?)

BTW, my Amazon copy was shipped today--I'll look for it on Friday.  Meanwhile, my VHS copies are still here and I'll transfer the unaired footage to DVD for supplemental use.

Brian