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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Hope everyone is enjoying their start of the challenge! Enjoy!
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13363634)
This is my first challenge. I don't think I'll get a very high number as this month is very busy with work and Wimbledon, but I'll give it a try.
Things I may watch: 1). the new Doctor Who Season 12 blu ray. It should be arriving tomorrow and I want to start on it but my 8 year old daughter wants to watch it with me and she's not available until Wednesday. I may start on some of the special features but I was disappointed to see that they don't count for the challenge. Are there any objections to my including them under a spoiler tag in my list post? 2). Dark Shadows. I started watching this about ten years ago and hinge on it every now and then. I'm currently bogged down in the Adam storyline. 3). The X-Files. I stalled on my rewatch at the beginning of season 5 a few months back. Possibly Millennium will come in here but I'm surprised that 'fantasy' isn't listed as any of the genres for that show on IMDB. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I kicked things off with First Men in the Moon. A bit slow and long at an hour 40 minutes, but the Harryhausen effects were great.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by Trevor
(Post 13363669)
Welcome aboard Captain! How’d you find us here at DVDTalk? And I expect to see some Trek in your list ;)
Probably won't be doing any Trek. I got burned out on a TNG rewatch and started DS9 but paused quite a while back. I did rewatch The Cage last week though and that still really holds up. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
My major goal for this challenge is to watch all The Outer Limits (well, after episode 7). If I can knock out that and Handmaid's Tale S2, I will be satisfied.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
If anyone is interested, El Rey Network has started their Godzilla marathon that they run every 4th of July weekend.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Catching up on the new Lost In Space, it's essentially Terra Nova done right.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13363697)
I'm not sure really. To be honest I've been lurking for years but never actually posted until now.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13363634)
This is my first challenge. I don't think I'll get a very high number as this month is very busy with work and Wimbledon, but I'll give it a try.
Things I may watch: 1). the new Doctor Who Season 12 blu ray. It should be arriving tomorrow and I want to start on it but my 8 year old daughter wants to watch it with me and she's not available until Wednesday. I may start on some of the special features but I was disappointed to see that they don't count for the challenge. Are there any objections to my including them under a spoiler tag in my list post? 2). Dark Shadows. I started watching this about ten years ago and hinge on it every now and then. I'm currently bogged down in the Adam storyline. 3). The X-Files. I stalled on my rewatch at the beginning of season 5 a few months back. Possibly Millennium will come in here but I'm surprised that 'fantasy' isn't listed as any of the genres for that show on IMDB. Go ahead and count the special features for your watch list...I would not count them for the check list though! You do get 3 wildcards for things without the sci-fi or fantasy tag, don't forget! |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13363634)
T2). Dark Shadows. I started watching this about ten years ago and hinge on it every now and then. I'm currently bogged down in the Adam storyline.
The writers end up with a lot of balls in the air during this storyline. It's a far cry from the "hardly anything ever happens" mode of the early days. But it can be a bit overwhelming. At a certain point, the creative team realized things had gotten out of control and they wrap everything up at breakneck speed over a handful of episodes (pretty much giving the show a fresh start for stories). Once you get past the Adam story, you're introduced to someone who would go on to become once of the most beloved characters of the series: Spoiler:
Spoiler:
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by brainee
(Post 13363967)
Do you know what episode you're up to?
The writers end up with a lot of balls in the air during this storyline. It's a far cry from the "hardly anything ever happens" mode of the early days. But it can be a bit overwhelming. At a certain point, the creative team realized things had gotten out of control and they wrap everything up at breakneck speed over a handful of episodes (pretty much giving the show a fresh start for stories). Once you get past the Adam story, you're introduced to someone who would go on to become once of the most beloved characters of the series: Spoiler:
Spoiler:
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by LJG765
(Post 13363921)
Welcome! Glad you could join us!
Go ahead and count the special features for your watch list...I would not count them for the check list though! You do get 3 wildcards for things without the sci-fi or fantasy tag, don't forget! |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13363975)
Thanks. Would a wildcard count for only one episode of Millennium or would multiple episodes of the same show count as one wildcard?
Watched my first entry a bit go. Trip to the Moon by Melies. Always an entertaing watch for me! On a personal front, went to Gettysburg today and have to admit I had no idea how spread out it was...! |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13363973)
I've just watched the one where Barnabas finally has the dream. I so hope that the dream curse is now over!
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Stuck inside due to storms today, so thought it was a good day to binge on sci fi. I started off by listening to an hour long segment of last night’s Coast To Coast AM , in which David Serada was discussing the mysteries of time and space with George Noory. Some of the things he discussed were Einstein’s theories, and do extra terrestrials believe in God.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by shadokitty
(Post 13364467)
Stuck inside due to storms today, so thought it was a good day to binge on sci fi. I started off by listening to an hour long segment of last night’s Coast To Coast AM , in which David Serada was discussing the mysteries of time and space with George Noory. Some of the things he discussed were Einstein’s theories, and do extra terrestrials believe in God.
Thanks. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Saw Avengers Infinity War again, and just in time to count! :dance:
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Peter Capaldi will be visiting a local convention in September, so I figure it's a great time to catch up on his Doctor Who years!
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by captainshatner
(Post 13364584)
I've seen Coast to Coast mentioned here quite a bit but have no idea what it is. Can you give a brief explanation?
Thanks. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I started netflix Iron Fist show. anybody seen it?
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Started with Tobor the Great. A little slow-paced (Republic Pictures; enough said) for a 77 minute kids film, but a fun schlock-fest. Reminded me of The Invisible Boy with Robby the Robot.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Tobor was fun. Even in the 50s, ripping off what was successful was a hollywood norm (think Robby the Robot)
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by numbercrunch
(Post 13364754)
I started netflix Iron Fist show. anybody seen it?
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by shadokitty
(Post 13364689)
It’s a syndicated radio show on late at night. Often times the topics cover sci fi or paranormal subjects. Other topics include conspiracy theories and alternative health. For $6.99 a month you can become a Coast Insider. That gives you access to the last five years of shows, as well as some of the best of the Art Bell episodes. You can listen to it on Android, iPhone and on the website on PC.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I started Saturday night with Logan's Run. I still find it rather cheesy with just average visual effects but it's grown on me over the decades. That was followed by The Omega Man, IMHO the worst adaptation of Matheson's story. Then it was off to Memphis...
Jurassic Quest was incredibly cheesy. Horrible "animatronics" (mostly a moving mouth, ridiculous moving arms, or a wagging tail) in a dimly lit area so you don't notice how travel worn the dinosaurs actually are (I did - some poorly assembled, patched with painted duct tape, ripped rubber bits, and more). It's a huge money grab affair obviously designed to separate parents from their money to make their kids happy "riding" a stuffed, rubber coated, armature affair like you used to see in front of grocery stores (But for ~$.50 there - these were $5 a "ride!"). My grandkids, at least the ones little enough to do the "activities," spent most of their time on the "bounce house" type slides ($5 a time down or use an armband for unlimited). Doing a quick head count I guess the pulled in 20 thousand plus just on gate admissions. At least "smart" parents could purchase a kiddie armband that let them do the expensive junk with no extra outlay (but that was an extra $14). My wife kept saying "It's for the kids - not you" but I felt like the presenters were ripping everyone off in a major way. Best was the Memphis Zoo on Monday. We walked the entire zoo and saw almost every animal they have. It was a fun, but tiring, 5 hour visit. But all the kids (ages 18mo - 15 YO) were well behaved and had a good time. So did we adults (4 of us). It cost less than the fake dinosaurs and was a far superior experience. Got home last night and watched Soylent Green. Outside the "shock" ending I still don't get why this gets such high ratings. Heston and Robinson do very well (of course) but the story is told in a somewhat hamfisted way. Oh well... It's still enjoyable - and just qualifies for the "Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone" checklist item (for those of you doing the checklist). |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by coyoteblue
(Post 13364820)
I liked it well enough. The first season was the least of the Netflix Marvel shows, but there were enough good bits to keep me going and if nothing else it's the lead up to the Defenders. I'm hearing that season 2 should be a big improvement.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I tried watching the first episode of the 2000 remake of Randall and Hopkirk Deceased tonight. I only made it through 20 minutes before switching it off. I didn't remember it as being as bad as it is. The 'humour' is just so bad and Vic and Bob do not make good dramatic actors. Emilia Fox still looked... foxy though. But not enough to keep me watching it any longer.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
i watched Cyborg 2087 tonight. It is a Michael Rennie potboiler about cyborgs from the future. The cyborgs have motor cycle helmets and silver suspenders. plenty of program music, including music used in Night of the Living Dead, lol. Michael Rennie wears an ascot and jump suit. Only Michael Rennie can pull off this look without being totally ridiculous.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I have seen alot of reviews that praise Colossus: The Forbin Project. I guess I am in the minority. Colossus the supercomputer that controls a nuclear arsenal, negotiates on our behalf, makes policy decisions, but doesn't know what a bed is or how to make a gin and tonic?
The computer decides to redirect all missiles to countries not under it's control , like africa and denmark. when did africa become a military superpower threat? china isn't on the list. silly stuff |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
It sounds like there are some good watches going on! I had planned on watching more at night but I have been too tired once I hit the hotel. I will have to catch up when I get home!
Has anyone seen the new Jurassic World movie yet? Was waiting till this challenge started to see it and was curious how it was. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by numbercrunch
(Post 13365687)
I have seen alot of reviews that praise Colossus: The Forbin Project. I guess I am in the minority. Colossus the supercomputer that controls a nuclear arsenal, negotiates on our behalf, makes policy decisions, but doesn't know what a bed is or how to make a gin and tonic?
The computer decides to redirect all missiles to countries not under it's control , like africa and denmark. when did africa become a military superpower threat? china isn't on the list. silly stuff That's one reason I dislike most of Michael Creighton's works (books and/or movies based on them). I refuse to watch Showtime's Westworld due to how I feel about the movie. Did you know Jurassic Park is essentially just a Westworld re-skin? Computers gone amuck. Too cliche', highly predictable, and truly illogical. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
BobO'Link - I'm with you. I'm quite hard on movies featuring "computers that take over" anything.
I agree Bob, but it might be that you and I are just getting old! I am 53. Seriously, I do believe that Science Fiction films that are presented as a serious intellectual story have a much higher bar to jump then say your average slasher, horror or comedy. |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I spent most of the day immersed in the world of Pushing Daisies and completely forgot that it was July 4th. Time to begin my annual Independence Day viewing.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by numbercrunch
(Post 13365799)
BobO'Link - I'm with you. I'm quite hard on movies featuring "computers that take over" anything.
I agree Bob, but it might be that you and I are just getting old! I am 53. Seriously, I do believe that Science Fiction films that are presented as a serious intellectual story have a much higher bar to jump then say your average slasher, horror or comedy. I'm much harder on and critical of SF films than any other genre. Surprisingly it somewhat depends on just *when* the film was made. I absolutely love the SF films of the 50s with little reservation. It's only movies made after 2001: A Space Odyssey that I truly became super critical, mostly about the story itself and not so much the visual effects, but it really depends on the movie. If the story's done well I can forgive sub-par visuals but slap sloppy visuals on a sloppy story... It's truly a rare thing for me to rate any SF film produced after 1969 higher than 6 and most struggle to get a 5. I often feel guilty putting low ratings on films others think highly of and wonder just what they see that I do not. Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) is one of those. I find it horribly written, sloppy, and illogical. I've seen it several times and don't like it any better now than when it came out. I found Disney's Tron to be a horribly cliche', laughable, movie with terrible visual effects. The "person sucked into a computer game" premise just doesn't work for me at all. It's all silly buzz word terminology worded to sound "cool." Maybe if you were 13 at the time it was. I wasn't, it wasn't, and still isn't to me. For me, both Spielberg and Disney have a horrible track record with SF. The only SF film from Spielberg I'll willingly watch is Minority Report which IMHO is one of his best. I've yet to see a SF film from Disney I find worth a 2nd viewing (I don't count the Marvel or Lucasfilms products as being "Disney." I'm strictly speaking about films Disney made prior to those acquisitions). |
Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by LJG765
(Post 13365688)
Has anyone seen the new Jurassic World movie yet? Was waiting till this challenge started to see it and was curious how it was.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
K
Originally Posted by davidh777
(Post 13365887)
I saw the last one in theaters and liked it fine, but am not feeling this one. I'll probably wait for video. Heck, I haven't even seen the Han Solo movie yet!
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
So I have a question about audio entries. I just listened to "LeVar Burton Reads" and he reads Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Fliers of Gy." Can I count this? It was a nice fantasy story and the episode lasts for 1 hour.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by lisadoris
(Post 13366146)
So I have a question about audio entries. I just listened to "LeVar Burton Reads" and he reads Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Fliers of Gy." Can I count this? It was a nice fantasy story and the episode lasts for 1 hour.
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by LJG765
(Post 13366151)
Sure, go for it! Audio counts. :)
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Re: 11th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by shadokitty
(Post 13366155)
That’s good to know about audiobooks. I knew Coast To Coast AM counted, but I never thought about audiobooks. I have some audiobooks of the Dragonlance series.
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