Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
#1
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Thread Starter
Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
Believe it or not, folks, but this is the fifth year of the Historical Appreciation Challenge. I've pored over the 2013 Discussion Thread, and have made the following adjustments for this year. Any other modification suggestions are welcomed right up until the beginning of the challenge, so go ahead and toss out your ideas!
In a nutshell, here are the basics:
Is TV Content Allowed?
Certainly! Just make sure that it's as consistent with the spirit of the challenge as the movies you might watch. We used to allow anything on The History Channel carte blanche but with the proliferation of reality TV shows there, try to remember that no matter how dangerous driving a semi across ice is, it isn't "historical"...yet!
Counting
Many of the films at the heart of this challenge have considerable run times, so even though there's always a sort of de facto goal of hitting 100 movies watched, it's not really expected here. We'd much rather you take this opportunity to finally see Lawrence of Arabia than to squeeze in two shorter films.
Since there are no prizes for this challenge, feel free to count using whichever method best suits you. The standard is that 2 TV broadcast hours or short films is equivalent to 1 movie. Some members prefer to count each episode or short as a single entry. Others tally their cumulative viewing time. Whatever floats your boat. It's your list!
Why Aren't Documentaries on the Checklist?
It's up to each participant to decide what mix of dramatizations and documentaries best suits him or her. If you want to watch documentaries exclusively, you're welcome to do that. If you don't want to watch any, that's fine, too. Some checkmarks will be easier to attain with docs, though!
Hey, What About...?
I'm the host and my BA was earned in history, but I haven't seen every movie ever made and I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of every historical figure, event and period. Regarding specific films, I would suggest--and this goes for any questions--that you ask about a specific film in the discussion thread and see what feedback you get from others who have seen it. If you don't get anything helpful, my rule of thumb is that if you feel that you have a sufficient reason to believe that it's an appropriate selection then go ahead and watch it. If it turns out not to really fit the nature of this challenge, still count it as a viewing but please share your thoughts with us.
CHECKLIST
In a nutshell, here are the basics:
- This challenge will run from dusk on 31 May until dawn on 1 July 2014.
- Movies and TV content specifically about a historical figure, event or period are eligible.
- Tangential content (i.e., fantasy, time travel, movies merely set in a generic "past" where the time period is not emphasized as important) is to be excluded, except...
- The final night of the challenge, from dusk on 30 June until dawn on 1 July, you may watch Time Travel films to count double with your Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge list. However, the setting(s) must have already taken place, so you can't watch a movie set in the future that travels to a different point in the future.
Is TV Content Allowed?
Certainly! Just make sure that it's as consistent with the spirit of the challenge as the movies you might watch. We used to allow anything on The History Channel carte blanche but with the proliferation of reality TV shows there, try to remember that no matter how dangerous driving a semi across ice is, it isn't "historical"...yet!
Counting
Many of the films at the heart of this challenge have considerable run times, so even though there's always a sort of de facto goal of hitting 100 movies watched, it's not really expected here. We'd much rather you take this opportunity to finally see Lawrence of Arabia than to squeeze in two shorter films.
Since there are no prizes for this challenge, feel free to count using whichever method best suits you. The standard is that 2 TV broadcast hours or short films is equivalent to 1 movie. Some members prefer to count each episode or short as a single entry. Others tally their cumulative viewing time. Whatever floats your boat. It's your list!
Why Aren't Documentaries on the Checklist?
It's up to each participant to decide what mix of dramatizations and documentaries best suits him or her. If you want to watch documentaries exclusively, you're welcome to do that. If you don't want to watch any, that's fine, too. Some checkmarks will be easier to attain with docs, though!
Hey, What About...?
I'm the host and my BA was earned in history, but I haven't seen every movie ever made and I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of every historical figure, event and period. Regarding specific films, I would suggest--and this goes for any questions--that you ask about a specific film in the discussion thread and see what feedback you get from others who have seen it. If you don't get anything helpful, my rule of thumb is that if you feel that you have a sufficient reason to believe that it's an appropriate selection then go ahead and watch it. If it turns out not to really fit the nature of this challenge, still count it as a viewing but please share your thoughts with us.
CHECKLIST
Spoiler:
Last edited by Travis McClain; 05-09-14 at 07:52 PM.
#2
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Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
It's been 5 years already. WOW. Count me in for this year. Don't know how much I can watch. Summer things going on, plus work. But this has always been fun and i'm looking forward to it. I'm a big Calvary vs Indians kind of guy. So i'm expecting to do a bunch on that. But i'm also open to other things, the 300 series for one.
#4
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
I still have tons of stuff in the unopened pile left over from last year and have added to it as well. I *really* want to finally watch all those BBC documentaries I've purchased but a large war movie set is also calling my name, not to mention enough westerns to choke a horse!
I'm planning on starting with The Pacific to finally get that one off my plate.
I'm planning on starting with The Pacific to finally get that one off my plate.
#5
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
I can't wait. This is one of my favorite challenges, as documentaries are one of my favorite genres, as can be seen by my doing a Documentary/Sports challenge this year for the Make Your Own Challenge.
For those that remember, I am still working on going back to school. I did find a school that interested me, I just ran into a stumbling block as far as the references, as I've been out of school, for years, and retired for quite a few years too.
For those that remember, I am still working on going back to school. I did find a school that interested me, I just ran into a stumbling block as far as the references, as I've been out of school, for years, and retired for quite a few years too.
#6
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Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
I've gotten more Documentaries in the mail today. So, including ones I am perfectly willing to rewatch that I watched this month for my challenge, I have Blue Planet, Life, Africa, Meerkat Manor Season 1, North America, Frozen Planet, Galapagos, Planet Earth, Dogfights, Ancient Aliens, Victory at Sea, and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. On top of that I have a lot of documentary channels on my Roku.
I also have a question, I know current, live played news wouldn't count, but I have some news channels that have replays of older news specials, like Fox News Reporting. Would those count?
I also have a question, I know current, live played news wouldn't count, but I have some news channels that have replays of older news specials, like Fox News Reporting. Would those count?
#7
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
Well, I have to admit, I may be skipping this one this year. Last year's was my first, but I kind of struggled at times. But, I reserve the right to change my mind!
#8
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Thread Starter
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
As I recall, your struggle was primarily because you were committed to the checklist and that required you to watch some things that didn't interest you, as well as several longer movies. Scrap the checklist, watch eligible content that interests you, and join the discussion. You know you wanna. All the cool kids are doing it.
#9
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
As I recall, your struggle was primarily because you were committed to the checklist and that required you to watch some things that didn't interest you, as well as several longer movies. Scrap the checklist, watch eligible content that interests you, and join the discussion. You know you wanna. All the cool kids are doing it.
#10
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
As I recall, your struggle was primarily because you were committed to the checklist and that required you to watch some things that didn't interest you, as well as several longer movies. Scrap the checklist, watch eligible content that interests you, and join the discussion. You know you wanna. All the cool kids are doing it.
I decided sometime last year to ignore the checklists for most challenges to better concentrate on my unopened piles. So far it's worked, has been far easier, and I find myself enjoying more of what I watch because I'm not worrying about finding that next checklist title.
#11
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
Shouldn't that make you a "non-traditional student?" At the local university here a "non-traditional student" has a easier time registering (depending on your age and time out of HS certain registration requirements may be waived with only a simple "entrance exam" required). If you are over 60 in my home state you can attend classes and work on a degree at all state colleges and universities tuition free. Of course you said "...find a school that interested me..." so such amenities may not apply there...
#13
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Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
Shouldn't that make you a "non-traditional student?" At the local university here a "non-traditional student" has a easier time registering (depending on your age and time out of HS certain registration requirements may be waived with only a simple "entrance exam" required). If you are over 60 in my home state you can attend classes and work on a degree at all state colleges and universities tuition free. Of course you said "...find a school that interested me..." so such amenities may not apply there...
#14
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
As I recall, your struggle was primarily because you were committed to the checklist and that required you to watch some things that didn't interest you, as well as several longer movies. Scrap the checklist, watch eligible content that interests you, and join the discussion. You know you wanna. All the cool kids are doing it.
And, I'm watching Walt Disney Treasures: On the Front Lines right now. I almost saved it, but I bought it used and want to make sure the discs play before I leave feedback.
#15
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
Hmm, I honestly don't remember-but I know you have a good memory so I'll take your word on it! Yeah, I'll def. not do the checklist if I do participate. Unfortunately, I watched "Little House" s. 1 this month, not thinking that it would qualify. I also wanted to see how much I liked it as s. 2 just came out and wanted to get it if I liked it. (I did, but not enough to jump on s. 2 right now).
And, I'm watching Walt Disney Treasures: On the Front Lines right now. I almost saved it, but I bought it used and want to make sure the discs play before I leave feedback.
And, I'm watching Walt Disney Treasures: On the Front Lines right now. I almost saved it, but I bought it used and want to make sure the discs play before I leave feedback.
#16
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
That's pretty cool that you're related. I live in WI and when I was a kid, someone gave me the set of books. My copies are now so worn, there are no covers on some of them! My parents were big into that kind of thing too, so I've been to the historical sites (we live fairly close) as well. Though, I haven't gotten to the ones in the Dakotas.
#17
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
Re: Laura Ingalls Wilder: I'm ashamed to admit I never read any of her books, even though my sisters all read them when we were growing up and my daughter read them when she was growing up. I was too busy reading science fiction and Marvel Comics. Worse, I never watched a complete episode of the TV series either, even though other siblings did.
Last edited by Ash Ketchum; 05-13-14 at 03:07 PM.
#18
Moderator
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
of all the challenges this one is in my top three (+ the animation challenge and the action/thriller)
#19
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
That's a great set. I watched it for the Animation Challenge two years ago.
Re: Laura Ingalls Wilder: I'm ashamed to admit I never read any of her books, even though my sisters all read them when we were growing up and my daughter read them when she was growing up. I was too busy reading science fiction and Marvel Comics. Worse, I never watched a complete episode of the TV series either, even though other siblings did.
Re: Laura Ingalls Wilder: I'm ashamed to admit I never read any of her books, even though my sisters all read them when we were growing up and my daughter read them when she was growing up. I was too busy reading science fiction and Marvel Comics. Worse, I never watched a complete episode of the TV series either, even though other siblings did.
Shame on you on the Little House books! But, honestly, I can see why. Since they are from a girl's point of view, they can be viewed as girlie-and it kind of is. Still, they're pretty fast reading and interesting as well if you want to pick them up now.
#21
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Thread Starter
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
I've given it a lot of thought since we first started this challenge, and after much consideration I'm proposing the following amendment to the checklist. In an attempt to pin down what "zeitgeist" means for the purpose of this challenge, it would now be a formal - but OPTIONAL - category.
ZEITGEIST WILD CARDS
Watch at least five of the following subcategories:
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
What say ye?
ZEITGEIST WILD CARDS
Watch at least five of the following subcategories:
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
What say ye?
#22
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
I usually enjoy checklists so I say "aye" however, I may not have a horse in this race...so yeah. I'm very helpful!
#24
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
I've given it a lot of thought since we first started this challenge, and after much consideration I'm proposing the following amendment to the checklist. In an attempt to pin down what "zeitgeist" means for the purpose of this challenge, it would now be a formal - but OPTIONAL - category.
ZEITGEIST WILD CARDS
Watch at least five of the following subcategories:
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
What say ye?
ZEITGEIST WILD CARDS
Watch at least five of the following subcategories:
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
What say ye?
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
SAN FRANCISCO (1936) -SF Earthquake 1906
IN OLD CHICAGO (1937) - Chicago Fire 1871
KRAKATOA EAST OF JAVA - Krakatoa volcano eruption 1883
THE CHINA SYNDROME (1979) - foreshadowed Three-Mile Island by a month or so
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
COMPULSION (1959) - Leopold and Loeb trial
INHERIT THE WIND (1960) - the Scopes Monkey Trial
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
THE STORY OF LOUIS PASTEUR (1936)
MADAME CURIE (1943)
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
Any film about Abraham Lincoln
Or: 1776 (1972) - the Fourth of July
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND (1978) - about Beatlemania
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) - about early talkies, could qualify as well
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
DR. EHRLICH'S MAGIC BULLET (1940) Edward G. Robinson plays the doctor who discovered a cure for syphilis
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
EDISON THE MAN (1940)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
LIVES OF A BENGAL LANCER (1935)
GUNGA DIN (1939)
GANDHI (1982)
THE MISSION (1986)
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
Oliver Stone's JFK (1991), a film about a coup d'etat
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
Any film about Al Capone, e.g. AL CAPONE (1959) or THE ST. VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE (1967)
Or Roger Corman's Civil Rights masterpiece, THE INTRUDER (1962), starring William Shatner as a paid rabble-rouser, which came out the same year as another Civil Rights-themed film, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
#25
Moderator
Re: Historical Appreciation Challenge: The Gift of Wood Year Discussion Thread
this year I am determined to watch 'The Pacific' which has been sitting in my 'to watch' pile - for like, forever it seems.
I approve!
I've given it a lot of thought since we first started this challenge, and after much consideration I'm proposing the following amendment to the checklist. In an attempt to pin down what "zeitgeist" means for the purpose of this challenge, it would now be a formal - but OPTIONAL - category.
ZEITGEIST WILD CARDS
Watch at least five of the following subcategories:
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
What say ye?
ZEITGEIST WILD CARDS
Watch at least five of the following subcategories:
--- Watch a film about a disaster (natural or man made such as Chernobyl)
--- Watch a film about a landmark or sensational trial (i.e., "true crime")
--- Watch a film about a scientific discovery
--- Watch a film about a person or an event for which there is now a holiday
--- Watch a film about a pop culture craze
--- Watch a film about a medical condition (effects, treatment discoveries, etc.)
--- Watch a film about an invention of something that changed an industry (and/or its inventor)
--- Watch a film about colonialism
--- Watch a film about the transfer of power of a government (election, coup, or other)
--- Watch a film set in an era defined by a specific law (Prohibition, Jim Crow, etc.)
What say ye?