"Wonderfalls" and "Carnivale" - blind buys?
 

I'm from Europe, so I haven't got the chance to see these shows, but they seem to be my cup of tea. Some of my favorite TV shows are "Twin Peaks", "Freaks & Geeks", "Arrested Development" (this was a blind buy) and so on. Do you guys think I'll like these shows? The Wonderfalls DVD set is relatively inexpensive, so I'm pretty sure I'll give it a chance.

And please recommend other shows you think would fit my taste (I don't know if that's the right expression). :)

Can't speak to 'Carnivale' but the four episodes of 'Wonderfalls' that were released to the world before FOX cancelled the series were great.
Funny and original along with pretty good production values make this worthy of you time and attention.

Those are my three favorite shows as well, so I am curious about Wonderfalls as well. I have it pre-ordered at Amazon, but I want to make sure it's not melodramatic, as that would kill it for me.

I'm almost finished watching the "Wonderfalls" set; at the risk of speaking prematurely, I have to say that the show starts to go south after a stellar pilot and never really recovers. It's possible and maybe even likely that the series would've grown into something amazing given the chance (the first season of "Buffy" (a series I like a lot), all things considered, is relatively awful), but in its abortive form, it's no "Twin Peaks" and definitely no "Freaks and Geeks". It's more like "Joan of Arcadia" for ironists.

As for "Carnivale", I ploughed through the first season about a month ago and still don't know what to think. The parts are definitely better than the sum; people compare it to "Twin Peaks" a lot (thanks to the presence of Michael "Man from Another Place" Anderson, that's unavoidable, really), but I wonder if any of those people have actually read one of those sprawling Stephen King novels in which some brokedown vessel with mystical powers gravitates towards martyrdom. (Desperation; The Green Mile; Dreamcatcher; Hearts in Atlantis; et al) It's an HBO show, meaning you get some decent nudity and generally unflinching attitudes towards religion and violence, but it still feels curiously like something the USA Network would produce.

I wouldn't recommend blind buys of either (especially "Carnivale", which costs, like, $100), but if this is an either/or proposition, "Wonderfalls" is likely the safer choice, regardless. Its episodes have a higher "repeat factor."

Bill C
filmfreakcentral.net

I reviewed both of these titles, and there's really nothing spoilerific in those reviews if you want to check them out.

<i>Carnivàle</i> is only like <i>Twin Peaks</i> on a superficial level. It's a much different show in many ways. It demands a <i>lot</i>, though. If you don't pay attention you <i>will</i> miss things. I can't tell you how many questions I see people asking about this show that are pretty clearly answered in the episodes (although subtely done) if you've been paying attention. For what it is, it's incredibly well done; however, the style is not going to be something everyone will enjoy, and for that reason (and the price) a blind buy could be risky. Its pacing is very deliberate, but it is not cryptic just for the Hell of it. Everything has a purpose, and it makes quite a bit of sense.

<i>Wonderfalls</i>, first and foremost, is a romantic comedy. People need to understand that when watching the series. I keep seeing people discuss it in the same breath as <i>Arrested Development</i>, and for the life of me, I cannot understand why. These are two completely different types of show. It's also not like <i>Dead Like Me</i>. Whereas <i>Dead Like Me</i> is more of a dark comedy, <i>Wonderfalls</i> is, as I said, a romantic comedy; and while Jaye may seem like George on the surface, they're really quite different. I can tell you it's not brilliant, so don't expect <i>Freaks & Geeks</i> or anything. However, it is very clever and witty, and I found it to be pretty endearing overall. Although there are some elements of drama, with one or two scenes that I thought were very powerfully done, it's far from being melodramatic, so that shouldn't be a concern.

Other things to consider. <i>Carnivàle</i> is the first season and sets the tone and story for later seasons. If you want to get engrossed in something more longterm, this might be something to look at. <i>Wonderfalls</i>, on the other hand, is one complete story. Although there were more stories to be told in this Universe, the DVD set has a beginning and an end and doesn't leave you feeling lost like so many cancelled series can do. You may or may not like the show, but you won't be cheated.

If I had to choose one for myself, I'd probably go with <i>Carnivàle</i>, but I very much enjoyed watching and reviewing both of these sets.

I hope some of that is useful.

das

Carnivàle isn't really much like Twin Peaks at all.

It's kind of hard to compare it to another TV show because there's really never been anything quite like it. Offhand, I'd say that it's like Stephen King's novel The Stand crossed with Ray Bradbury and John Steinbeck. There is a lot of mystical/religous/occult symbolism scattered throughout, so it would probably help if the viewer has at least a passing knowledge of such things. (It's also the first time I've ever seen a television show or movie use Tarot cards accurately.)

The first season moves at a very slow, deliberate pace. Much more novelistic than anything I've ever seen on episodic television before; even Babylon 5, which was often described as a "five year novel for television."

Wonderfalls is a very different creature. It's heavy on cynicism and sarcasm, and the lead character is an underachiever. She has a philosophy degree, works in a gift shop, and is guided to help people (in complex, bizarre, Rube Goldbergish ways) by a number of inanimate animal totems like a deformed wax lion toy and a monkey bookend. Delightfully played by newcomer Caroline Dhavernas. If that description appeals to you, then go for it.

I can't speak for wonderfall. But i am also from europe and i bought carnviale blind, and i will say that it is the best blind buy of my life. The acting is superb as is the story. And it is the only show where i watch the intro song thing. It is a superb show in every aspect, and i did enjoy it more than i enjoyed twin peaks. And Clancy Brown is out of this world, he has the most powerfull voice in the world. The show is worth it just for his story, and all the other people are also so interesting.

I agree with what das and Josh said about <i>Carnivàle</i>. It's really not like TP, but then people seem to say that any show that doesn't lay its cards on the table in the first couple of episodes is like TP.

I bought <i>Carnivàle</i> blind after reading das' review, and I'm very glad I did. Thought I haven't seen it all yet, the show has a lot of layers to it, and there is a lot to think about.

I strongly disagree with the statement that this feels like a USA Network show. There is more to it than an occasional tit and a little violence. It's a very interesting show that's worth checking out.

Thanks a lot guys!
I never hoped for such good and thorough answers. It seems like the DVD Talk Forum is one of the last places on the Internet where you can get serious answers without the flaming and bad behaviour you often get elsewhere.

Michael Anderson was a big part of Twin Peaks's atmosphere and mystique, so I can see how some people immediately starts comparing "Carnivale" to TP. I'm not a huge fan of the supernatural, I tend to prefer surrealism, so "Carnivale" is probably a risky buy.

filmfreakcentral:
Not only does "Carnivale" cost $100, I would also have to pay taxes for it. I think I'll pass on this one for now, but I hope it starts airing in Europe soon.

illenium:
We probably have the same taste in the visual art, because I think ESotSM was the best movie in 2004, and I'm dying to see The Life Aquatic. Wes Anderson is a genius! :)

das Monkey:
I rarely read reviews of movies and TV shows I haven't seen, because I'm afraid I'll spoil the "newborn experience" of watching something without a lot of background information. However, I do read the conclutions and check out the scores. I actually use DVD Talk frequently to find new DVD's to buy.

videophile
You had me on "occasional tit"! ;)

sdk
Hvor befinner du deg i Norge? Litt merkelig at en nordmann svarte under dette emnet. Det er kanskje flere her inne enn vi tror.

I've now ordered "Wonderfalls", and I'm really looking forward to seing it. My last blind buy was unfortunately a little dissapointing. I read some good stuff about "Greg the Bunny", but I didn't like it very much. I'm not sure why, but it just didn't appeal to me. Some jokes were ok, but I think it was mediocre at it's best. Corey Feldman was a blast, though.

Thanks again for all your help!

Jeg befinner meg på geilo, du? Og hvis du vil slippe toll på store boks sets så bestill på www.dv-depot.com velg dhl shipping og premium pakking hvor de legger disckene i beskyttende etuier. De skriver da at det er brukte dvder og prisre den til 24 can dollar.

Can't speak for Wonderfalls, but Carnivale is a good choice for a blind buy.

We're always glad to help. Just make sure you stop by this thread after watching the show and let us know what you think. :)

<i>Carnivàle</i> is very atmospheric, but it is not surreal, so you're probably right.

das

sdk:
Jeg holder til i Nordland, like utenfor Bodø. Takk for tipset! Jeg har faktisk aldri handlet fra DV-Depot, men jag har hørt rykter om at de "fikser" det slik at man slipper å betale moms. De gangene jeg har kjøpt dyre DVD-bokser, så har jeg brukt EBay. Det har til nå funket helt glimrende, men man kan jo være uheldig å møte på en useriøs selger. Jeg skal helt klart vurdere DV-Depot i fremtiden.

das Monkey:
I will definitely drop by and write some words when I've watched a few episodes.

CARNIVALE was a good blind Netflix*, just finished it this weekend, it was awesome! Like a cross between Stephen King and David Lynch. It sux that I'll probably have to wait until mid-year or later for Season 2.

* the MSRP is waaay to high for this series, I rented it and will buy when the price is cut.

I just picked up Wonderfalls around midnight. I'm a real sucker for shows that never make it on the air for long and buying these shows is kinda my personal protest against the reality tv crap that litters my cable feed.

I've watched 2 episodes of the show so far and it's not too bad. It's not off to the quick start I had hoped. I'm sure I'll be entertained enough to make my 25.00 feel like it was worth it but this far into a series like Tru Calling hooked like an addict.

Carnivale is on my Netflix list because I can't find a decent price on it locally and there are just so many other season sets coming out right now that I HAVE to get.

I watch very little TV (especially Amercian TV) & Carnivale is one of the best TV shows I've ever seen. My all-time favorite series is Twin Peaks, & while I wouldn't compare the two, I will say if you like off-beat, original programming then you will love Carnivale.

Wonderfalls I've never seen, or heard of really but it doesn't seem like something I would like.

I will be shocked if HBO starts reducing their MSRPs on their box sets......

not sure if it makes much of a difference to you or not, but Carnivale Season 1 is being released in R2 on March 7th.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0006GVK0M/
I'm not sure if you'd have to pay customs form another country in the EU or not....I always assumed not...but I really have no clue....
Also, I am unsure of all the countries that have their own Amazon sites...so possibly your country does and you could get the UK set from there? or some other comparable site?

Bookhouseboy,
I like your user name by the way....

No. Probably not. "From the Earth to the Moon" still has an MSRP of $100 despite being released six years ago.

As such, I wouldn't expect any significant price drops on any HBO shows like "Carnivale" or "The Sopranos."

I'm 10 episodes in on Wonderfalls and I gotta say I'm less than impressed. It's still way better than any reality show crap on the air but it just hasn't showed me anything great yet. I actually fell asleep last night watching an episode and I very rarely do that when I'm watching something I've never seen before. It was worth the price I paid to have something so off the wall and weird....but I'm glad it is the whole series so I don't have to buy another set down the road. It sucks being so anal about my DVD habit.

garmonbozia:
Thanks, and I like yours too! ;)

Norway is not a member of the EU, so I would have to pay taxes. I'll probably pick up "Carnivale" on EBay at some point.

I don't know if anybody cares, but I've now watched two episodes of "Wonderfalls", and here's my initial thoughts.

The main character Jaye is interesting enough, and Caroline Dhavernas does a great job expressing the different sides of the character; frustration, vulnerability, sarcasm, eccentricity, sense of humor and so on.

The fantasy aspect of the show caught me off guard, but I must say that the visual effects are nice and not too flashy. What gives the show it's edge, is the fact that the main character can be quite mean and cynical. It's refreshing to see a character that's not all likeable, and I also like the direct language.

Todd Holland, the creator, has worked on "Twin peaks" and "Malcolm in the Middle", and it's not hard to see that he's been inspired by the weirdness and dark humor of these shows. That's positive in my book.

The thing I'm not so fond of, is the premise of the story lines. It definitely reminds me of "Joan of Arcadia", even though I have only read about it, and I feel that this creates a distance between the viewer and the drama that unfolds on the screen.

Having only watched two episodes, I have to say that I'm pretty happy with my blind buy. "Wonderfalls" combines lighthearted drama and quirky comedy in a more or less successfull way. The characters have depth, and the style of the show is cool, but the premise of the show could make or break it, and it obviously did the latter.

I'm thinking about getting the $23 deal on Wonderfalls at Target before it ends. I just watched the first episode, Wax Lion, today and thought it was great. Is that episode a pretty good way to tell if I'll like the rest of the series? I'm not too sure from a couple of the posts on here.

Probably. That episode is one of the better ones from the series, and it's a little more fast-paced and packed with Rube Goldberg style occurrences than the average episode, but for the most part, the rest of the series is similar in style and tone.

das