View Poll Results: I intend to watch content from...
Westerns
22
81.48%
War
22
81.48%
Biopics
16
59.26%
Documentaries
18
66.67%
Sports-related
11
40.74%
Period Dramas
15
55.56%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll
June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
#51
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Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
One other thing: It has been suggested that the challenge run from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. I'm not sure about a first-time host encroaching on the calendars of two other challenges. This month's Make-Your-Own challenge is also new, and I think flexible enough to permit the overlap. July's is...what? Sci-Fi? I'll look into it, but I'm not sure what the protocol is.
Seriously, I didn't argue with the first one because April only had 30 days, so I'll be consistent and take the same position for June.
#52
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Thread Starter
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
Hey, it wasn't my idea! I'm just trying to give the people what they want! And what they seem to want is to expand our chronological borders. We need space, breathing room...
#53
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Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I have no problem with you overlapping May 31st. The only problem with including Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) is that it moves around each year, so it's going to really intrude into May down the road. I would suggest maybe including just the 4th of July as an extra day, but that's not my call to make.
#54
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I have no problem with you overlapping May 31st. The only problem with including Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) is that it moves around each year, so it's going to really intrude into May down the road. I would suggest maybe including just the 4th of July as an extra day, but that's not my call to make.
Include May 31st this year only, for now, other years depending on the date. And include July 4th only, not July 1st - 3rd. Maybe add a little rule that you can only include films on july 4th if you watch at least one patriotic film.
#55
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Thread Starter
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
How about this: We'll stake a claim on Memorial Day because Dimension X has graciously permitted it. Assuming we reach an arrangement with Sci-Fi for the Fourth of July, that gives us two more, potentially non-consecutive days for this challenge. Should they be classified as "bonus" days, and their totals distinguished from the month of June, or do we count them part of the challenge proper? I'm fine with counting them as part of the challenge, but I don't want to hear complaints later that participants had a hard time getting themselves to watch something outside of June.
While I'm at it, what are the views on counting? Do you prefer a title-by-title count, or a time-based system? My first instinct says to go title-by-title, but knowing that several participants want to watch TV mini-series and such, I don't want them to be penalized for dedicating the same amount of time as someone who selects a handful of features. I think the standard is to count X amount of hours of TV as 1 unit of features; thoughts?
While I'm at it, what are the views on counting? Do you prefer a title-by-title count, or a time-based system? My first instinct says to go title-by-title, but knowing that several participants want to watch TV mini-series and such, I don't want them to be penalized for dedicating the same amount of time as someone who selects a handful of features. I think the standard is to count X amount of hours of TV as 1 unit of features; thoughts?
#56
DVD Talk Legend
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
Regarding the questions above, I think the obvious answer is to count those 2 extra days as part of the challenge and not as a separate total. And while I don't get wrapped up in totals and such, we've seen enough discussion from folks who really care about it that you have to establish some parameters for counting. Probably as you mention with X number of hours of TV the equivalent of '1'.
#57
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I thinking counting hours is way too complex, and could lead to problems.
The usual in our other challenges, iirc, is that 2 hour long shows equal 1 movie, and 4 thirty minute shows equal 1 movie.
Or we could just eliminate counting.
The usual in our other challenges, iirc, is that 2 hour long shows equal 1 movie, and 4 thirty minute shows equal 1 movie.
Or we could just eliminate counting.
#59
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Thread Starter
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
Or we could just eliminate counting.
#60
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#61
DVD Talk Legend
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
The idea behind eliminating counting is a nice thought, in that it would do away with some of the petty arguing that sometimes takes place about the totals of others. Though even without numbering our lists, those disagreements could still take place.
However it's not real practical to do away with counting completely in that many/most participants set goals for themselves...a certain number of episodes, hours or movies watched.
However it's not real practical to do away with counting completely in that many/most participants set goals for themselves...a certain number of episodes, hours or movies watched.
#62
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I was all excited for this challenge. War movies and westerns are some of the most entertaining films. However, this is really getting confusing. Right now I dont know what kinds of films are being considered for inclusion. I saw mention in the thread that movies that are set in the past should be included as "Historical". Well, I can think of half a dozen films with "war" in the title that take place a long time ago. Should those be not included because they take place in a galaxy far, far away? Do Firefly and Serenity count? IMDB keywords list "Space Western" for both.
Dont get me wrong, I think this is a great idea for a challenge. I just think the scope needs to be narrowed significantly. War (based on actual wars) and westerns are a good start. The historical portion is alot trickier. I just argued myself in circles trying to figure out what I wanted to say, and I realized that I have no good suggestion for that.
Dont get me wrong, I think this is a great idea for a challenge. I just think the scope needs to be narrowed significantly. War (based on actual wars) and westerns are a good start. The historical portion is alot trickier. I just argued myself in circles trying to figure out what I wanted to say, and I realized that I have no good suggestion for that.
#63
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I think pretty much all the Challenges have counted them. Watching a commentary track takes the same amount of time and effort as watching the film, so should count the same imo. And people who have already seen the film but not the commentary could use this as a good opportunity to learn something, and take part in the Challenge.
Criterion, and by definition Make-Your-Own to some degree.
#64
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Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I think most of the folks counting TV shows in the MYOC Challenge are using this method (I think it's the same as Mister Peepers uses for the Sci-Fi Challenge)
#65
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I hate overlap. Most recently with the exploitation/cult and the make your own challenge there was a one day overlap. I ended up focusing on finishing the exploitation that last day which put me out a day for the make your own.
Plus sci-fi and history wouldn't overlap well at all.
edit: I'm speaking from my own point of view in regards to participating in challenges. I don't feel like you'd be stepping on my toes as the person running the sci-fi challenge. I'd feel the same way if it overlapped with the horror challenge.
Plus sci-fi and history wouldn't overlap well at all.
edit: I'm speaking from my own point of view in regards to participating in challenges. I don't feel like you'd be stepping on my toes as the person running the sci-fi challenge. I'd feel the same way if it overlapped with the horror challenge.
Last edited by The Man with the Golden Doujinshi; 05-06-10 at 05:57 PM.
#66
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I'm gonna stick with the war/western challenge. Mostly westerns though. Gonna have some western marathons with a friend!
#67
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
The idea behind eliminating counting is a nice thought, in that it would do away with some of the petty arguing that sometimes takes place about the totals of others. Though even without numbering our lists, those disagreements could still take place.
However it's not real practical to do away with counting completely in that many/most participants set goals for themselves...a certain number of episodes, hours or movies watched.
However it's not real practical to do away with counting completely in that many/most participants set goals for themselves...a certain number of episodes, hours or movies watched.
#68
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
In the spirit of feedback, that wiki link to Historical dramas is exactly the type of films I'm talking about as the basis of this challenge. As long as a film is set in a Historical period, then it would be eligible regardless of whether the event happened or not. Westerns, War Movies, Period films, Bio-pics, documentaries, suitable TV shows, etc. should all be fair game. Plus, you HAVE to include comedies, like 1941 and Blazing Saddles. Overall, it should be fun and allow the participants to choose their movies within a basic guideline. It's a movie challenge, not a doctoral thesis. It just doesn't work if you have movies that are identical in genre and content but some are included or excluded on the pretense of whether something in it may or may not have happened. Pride and Prejudice, Dangerous Liaisons, Barry Lyndon, etc. are all perfect for this challenge.
The Drive-in Challenge overlapped into May 1 because April 30 ended on a Friday and Saturday night is prime viewing time for movies so it made sense to keep it rolling. The last two years, the Horror challenge ended on Weekend nights so we lobbied to keep it going an extra day to finish out the weekend. Next year's will end on April 30 (but it does go unofficially through to Dawn). April 30 doesn't fall on Friday again until 2021, so that was the last time it takes May 1 (other than the "til dawn") until then.
I think it would be cool for its inaugural challenge to start unofficially on Memorial Day, since it is on the 31 this year. That doesn't happen again until 2121. The participant can choose if he wants to conclude his MYOC or start the History challenge early. Think of it like an Early Bird special. I believe in counting for the tally's sake, but you don't need a "100" goal with this challenge. These films tend to be more epic and over 2 hours into the 3 hour range, unlike Horror and Drive-in (less so with Sci-Fi) where the films are short. Plus, it IS the beginning of Summer, so it has to encompass a more casual viewing plan than the other challenges. It's competing with swimming and picnics and the Summer theatrical movie season. You can have it "Officially" end on June 30, but allow watching until July 4th for those who want to keep on watching and aren't participating in the Sci-Fi challenge. I never get close on the Sci-Fi challenge, anyway, since it IS summer, plus I'm at a disadvantage on the Sci-Fi in that I want to watch those films on my big TV with nice sound whereas I can watch a Horror or Schlock movie on my computer.
Those are my ideas, anyway.
The Drive-in Challenge overlapped into May 1 because April 30 ended on a Friday and Saturday night is prime viewing time for movies so it made sense to keep it rolling. The last two years, the Horror challenge ended on Weekend nights so we lobbied to keep it going an extra day to finish out the weekend. Next year's will end on April 30 (but it does go unofficially through to Dawn). April 30 doesn't fall on Friday again until 2021, so that was the last time it takes May 1 (other than the "til dawn") until then.
I think it would be cool for its inaugural challenge to start unofficially on Memorial Day, since it is on the 31 this year. That doesn't happen again until 2121. The participant can choose if he wants to conclude his MYOC or start the History challenge early. Think of it like an Early Bird special. I believe in counting for the tally's sake, but you don't need a "100" goal with this challenge. These films tend to be more epic and over 2 hours into the 3 hour range, unlike Horror and Drive-in (less so with Sci-Fi) where the films are short. Plus, it IS the beginning of Summer, so it has to encompass a more casual viewing plan than the other challenges. It's competing with swimming and picnics and the Summer theatrical movie season. You can have it "Officially" end on June 30, but allow watching until July 4th for those who want to keep on watching and aren't participating in the Sci-Fi challenge. I never get close on the Sci-Fi challenge, anyway, since it IS summer, plus I'm at a disadvantage on the Sci-Fi in that I want to watch those films on my big TV with nice sound whereas I can watch a Horror or Schlock movie on my computer.
Those are my ideas, anyway.
Last edited by caligulathegod; 05-23-17 at 04:25 PM.
#70
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Thread Starter
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
Tell you guys what. This year, for our inaugural, let's just take Memorial Day. If this thing flies, next year we can look into appropriating the Fourth of July somehow. I think one major holiday is sufficient. So, we'll do this 31 May-30 June this year and see what everyone thinks about it. Since the MYO challenge is pretty flexible, I don't see any reason that participants can't watch something on Memorial Day that would count for both, anyway.
So far we've agreed to:
Using the lists provided by BuddaWake for our "safe" content
Using the 2 hrs.: 1 feature conversion for counting TV content
Period films are in
Anything that is eligible for the Sci-Fi challenge is out
Sports biopics and documentaries are in; sporting games are out
I feel like we're making a lot of progress in a short amount of time so far. Still looking for some more suggestions and requests for the checklist, so if you have some thoughts I'd love to hear 'em.
So far we've agreed to:
Using the lists provided by BuddaWake for our "safe" content
Using the 2 hrs.: 1 feature conversion for counting TV content
Period films are in
Anything that is eligible for the Sci-Fi challenge is out
Sports biopics and documentaries are in; sporting games are out
I feel like we're making a lot of progress in a short amount of time so far. Still looking for some more suggestions and requests for the checklist, so if you have some thoughts I'd love to hear 'em.
#71
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
So far we've agreed to:
Using the lists provided by BuddaWake for our "safe" content
Using the 2 hrs.: 1 feature conversion for counting TV content
Period films are in
Anything that is eligible for the Sci-Fi challenge is out
Sports biopics and documentaries are in; sporting games are out...
Using the lists provided by BuddaWake for our "safe" content
Using the 2 hrs.: 1 feature conversion for counting TV content
Period films are in
Anything that is eligible for the Sci-Fi challenge is out
Sports biopics and documentaries are in; sporting games are out...
As for the timing, I'm for limiting it to June only. It's just cleaner. The Holiday and Oscar challenges have to straddle different months, but this one really doesn't need to. Once July starts, it's Sci-Fi challenge for me.
#72
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I've got lots of ideas for checklists.
Watch 5 movies that take place during different wars. Like WW1, WW2, Viet Nam, the Anglo-Zulu wars, etc.
Watch 5 movies about historical times of different countries. Like a French Revolution film, a Genghis Khan film, a Roman Empire film, Easter Island film, etc.
Watch a film that takes place during the following centuries:
19th
18th
17th
16th
15th
Beyond that gets fuzzy, so you can lump together centuries
10th-14th (Dark Ages )
5th-11th (Norse and Dark Ages)
1st-4th (early Christian and Roman Empire films)
11th BCE- 1st BCE (would encompass most Biblical epics after King David and Egyptian period)
10th BCE- Beginning of Civilization (Solomon on back to "Creation")
"Pre-History" Like Quest for Fire or Clan of the Cave Bear or other Caveman movies. Here, you could allow leeway and allow in fantastical things like Dinosaurs living alongside man, like One Million Years BC with Raquel Welch.
Watch a religious film (like 10 Commandments, Samson and Delilah, Greatest Story Ever Told, etc.)
Watch 5 "true" stories.
Watch 5 Bio Pics
Watch 5 Westerns
Watch a John Ford Western
Watch a John Wayne Western
Watch a "Singing Cowboy" Western
Watch a Clint Eastwood Western
Watch a Spaghetti Western (not starring Clint Eastwood)
Watch 5 Sports films (like Slap Shot, Bad News Bears, Pride of the Yankees, Rudy, etc.)
That's off the top of my head
Watch 5 movies that take place during different wars. Like WW1, WW2, Viet Nam, the Anglo-Zulu wars, etc.
Watch 5 movies about historical times of different countries. Like a French Revolution film, a Genghis Khan film, a Roman Empire film, Easter Island film, etc.
Watch a film that takes place during the following centuries:
19th
18th
17th
16th
15th
Beyond that gets fuzzy, so you can lump together centuries
10th-14th (Dark Ages )
5th-11th (Norse and Dark Ages)
1st-4th (early Christian and Roman Empire films)
11th BCE- 1st BCE (would encompass most Biblical epics after King David and Egyptian period)
10th BCE- Beginning of Civilization (Solomon on back to "Creation")
"Pre-History" Like Quest for Fire or Clan of the Cave Bear or other Caveman movies. Here, you could allow leeway and allow in fantastical things like Dinosaurs living alongside man, like One Million Years BC with Raquel Welch.
Watch a religious film (like 10 Commandments, Samson and Delilah, Greatest Story Ever Told, etc.)
Watch 5 "true" stories.
Watch 5 Bio Pics
Watch 5 Westerns
Watch a John Ford Western
Watch a John Wayne Western
Watch a "Singing Cowboy" Western
Watch a Clint Eastwood Western
Watch a Spaghetti Western (not starring Clint Eastwood)
Watch 5 Sports films (like Slap Shot, Bad News Bears, Pride of the Yankees, Rudy, etc.)
That's off the top of my head
Last edited by caligulathegod; 05-07-10 at 02:33 AM.
#74
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
Fantasy yes, but I wouldn't be so hasty on disallowing Horror. There is a bit of an overlap here, but I can see allowing in a film about Jack the Ripper or Brotherhood of the Wolf, or a Gothic horror film like Hammer, as long as they are period films. As long as the horror is not Science Fiction oriented like Frankenstein, but ghosts, werewolves, vampires are all part of the folklore traditions of different cultures and fair play.
#75
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Re: June 2010 History Film Challenge Discussion Thread
I'd think Brotherhood of the Wolf and most Jack the Ripper movies would be considered "reality-based" films, so I don't see a problem with them. But if you're going to open it up to allow ghosts, werewolves, and vampires, you'd have to include Fantasy films too since many of those stories (fire-breathing dragons, wizards, magic swords, etc.) are also part of folklore traditions.