The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
06-18-23, 06:09 PM
#1
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Guess what time of the year it is! That's right, it's the 16th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge!
List Thread for 2023 will be HERE.
Dates: Dusk June 30-Dawn August 1st
Rules
Movies/TV shows should be labeled sci-fi or fantasy from either imdb.com or allmovie.com. Other labels don't matter as long as there is at least a sci-fi or fantasy label from one of those sites. Action/Sci-fi would be fine.
If anyone has a problem with something someone watches or just wants an opinion on if it's sci-fi or fantasy or not, ask here.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy documentaries are allowed but not DVD featurettes/interviews. Documentaries include UFO and alien abduction type shows.
As with the other challenges, the lists must be numbered or it won't count.
Use any counting method you prefer, as prize determination does not depend on number of items watched.
3 wild cards for all. Use for those shows you want to watch but know they really don't count but they're pretty close or borderline to counting.
Watching the movie with the commentary will count as an entry.
Watching multiple versions (theatrical and director's cut) of the same movie will also count.
Audio:
Sci-fi/Fantasy Radio
I'm treating audio harshly since this is primarily a movie/tv challenge. That being said, one episode, 4 hours with commercials, of Coast to Coast counts as one entry. It's the same format for TV, only doubled. The topic of the show has to be sci-fi/fantasy related, so it shouldn't be that much of a problem with Coast to Coast.
If you're listening to something without commercials, or can skip them, you're looking at 3 hours of audio for one entry.
1/4 entry = 45 minutes without commercials and 60 with commercials.
1/2 entry = 90 minutes without commercials and 120 with commercials.
3/4 entry = 135 minutes without commercials and 180 with commercials.
1 entry = 180 minutes without commercials and 240 with commercials.
*Exceptions:*
1: The Tarzan films are eligible to watch and count for the watch list, but not for the check list.
2. Superhero films. If they do not have a sci-fi/fantasy tag, they count for the watch list, but not for the check list. If it really has sci-fi/fantasy elements without the tag but you want to use it for the check list, feel free to ask here and I'll look into it.
2023's Finalized Checklist:
Suggestions for the "takes place in the future that has already passed" check:
2022's Discussion thread here.
Suggestions for next year, 2024:
Actor list here.
List Thread for 2023 will be HERE.
Dates: Dusk June 30-Dawn August 1st
Rules
Movies/TV shows should be labeled sci-fi or fantasy from either imdb.com or allmovie.com. Other labels don't matter as long as there is at least a sci-fi or fantasy label from one of those sites. Action/Sci-fi would be fine.
If anyone has a problem with something someone watches or just wants an opinion on if it's sci-fi or fantasy or not, ask here.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy documentaries are allowed but not DVD featurettes/interviews. Documentaries include UFO and alien abduction type shows.
As with the other challenges, the lists must be numbered or it won't count.
Use any counting method you prefer, as prize determination does not depend on number of items watched.
3 wild cards for all. Use for those shows you want to watch but know they really don't count but they're pretty close or borderline to counting.
Watching the movie with the commentary will count as an entry.
Watching multiple versions (theatrical and director's cut) of the same movie will also count.
Audio:
Sci-fi/Fantasy Radio
I'm treating audio harshly since this is primarily a movie/tv challenge. That being said, one episode, 4 hours with commercials, of Coast to Coast counts as one entry. It's the same format for TV, only doubled. The topic of the show has to be sci-fi/fantasy related, so it shouldn't be that much of a problem with Coast to Coast.
If you're listening to something without commercials, or can skip them, you're looking at 3 hours of audio for one entry.
1/4 entry = 45 minutes without commercials and 60 with commercials.
1/2 entry = 90 minutes without commercials and 120 with commercials.
3/4 entry = 135 minutes without commercials and 180 with commercials.
1 entry = 180 minutes without commercials and 240 with commercials.
*Exceptions:*
1: The Tarzan films are eligible to watch and count for the watch list, but not for the check list.
2. Superhero films. If they do not have a sci-fi/fantasy tag, they count for the watch list, but not for the check list. If it really has sci-fi/fantasy elements without the tag but you want to use it for the check list, feel free to ask here and I'll look into it.
2023's Finalized Checklist:
Spoiler:
Suggestions for the "takes place in the future that has already passed" check:
Spoiler:
2022's Discussion thread here.
Suggestions for next year, 2024:
Actor list here.
Spoiler:
Last edited by LJG765; 08-01-23 at 12:19 AM.
06-18-23, 06:15 PM
#2
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I have not worked on the check list as I want people to chime in on any actor names that you think would be good additions even if they've been on the list before. I would like to try the large pool of names suggestion, and then pick 20/25 of them (needing to watch at least 10) for the list. I'm not sure I want to keep track of who is on the list each year to remove the next year, but I think we could get a large enough pool of names that it should be pretty randomized and switch up enough year-to-year. There is a start in the post above.
Also, please let me know of any actors who have passed that might fit in the "He's Dead, Jim" list. We have a few already listed, but I'm sure there have been others since last summer.
I do like the shorts suggestion so unless there any objections, those will be going in the checklist.
Thanks for the feedback/suggestions!
Also, please let me know of any actors who have passed that might fit in the "He's Dead, Jim" list. We have a few already listed, but I'm sure there have been others since last summer.
I do like the shorts suggestion so unless there any objections, those will be going in the checklist.
Thanks for the feedback/suggestions!
06-18-23, 11:06 PM
#3
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Possible additions for actors/directors that have passed away: Ray Stevenson, Michael Lerner, Bert Gordon, Stella Stevens and Treat Williams.
06-19-23, 10:32 PM
#4
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I've done some work on the potential actors that we have. I took everyone that has been on the list since 2017 and added the new people suggested and I came up with 92 names. Then I broke them down by movies, tv movies, and animation movies. I also listed the number of movies that they had that were in a series. I had a breakdown of 2 people for 30+ movies, 15 for 20-29 movies, 50 for 10-19 movies and 25 for less than 10 movies. IMDB has a new way of breaking the shows down that really helps. I broke out tv movies because they can be hard to get copies/streaming versions of. I broke out animation because not everyone likes animation choices. Of course, many of the older actors are in the less than 10 movies, and that can be a problem for some of the actresses also so I hope we wouldn't automatically remove them but this is the informaion. If you want a further breakdown by actor I can try to get it to you. If not, I had a blast doing this breakdown. It was fascining. This new way of preparing the list each year should be quite fun. There are a lot of really good names on the list, and I'm sure there are a lot more we could add each year to the list.
06-20-23, 12:21 PM
#5
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I've done some work on the potential actors that we have. I took everyone that has been on the list since 2017 and added the new people suggested and I came up with 92 names. Then I broke them down by movies, tv movies, and animation movies. I also listed the number of movies that they had that were in a series. I had a breakdown of 2 people for 30+ movies, 15 for 20-29 movies, 50 for 10-19 movies and 25 for less than 10 movies. IMDB has a new way of breaking the shows down that really helps. I broke out tv movies because they can be hard to get copies/streaming versions of. I broke out animation because not everyone likes animation choices. Of course, many of the older actors are in the less than 10 movies, and that can be a problem for some of the actresses also so I hope we wouldn't automatically remove them but this is the informaion. If you want a further breakdown by actor I can try to get it to you. If not, I had a blast doing this breakdown. It was fascining. This new way of preparing the list each year should be quite fun. There are a lot of really good names on the list, and I'm sure there are a lot more we could add each year to the list.
I still plan on having plenty of names on each list where you need to watch 10 out of 20 or whatever I end up with. So if there are people with fewer credits or harder to find ones, it's definitely an optional thing where there will be other people to chose from. I don't want to take away older actors/actresses from the list because they can be a good gateway into something you'd never have watched before.
06-20-23, 06:02 PM
#6
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I would be glad to share the list but I can't figure out how to copy it over to the quick reply or private message with proper formatting. I've managed to copy it to a word document file but I also don't see any way to attach it to quick reply or private message. I would be glad to send it to your e-mail if you want. If you are interested in that send me your e-mail address through private message and I will send it tonight.
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LJG765 (06-20-23)
06-20-23, 06:55 PM
#7
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I would be glad to share the list but I can't figure out how to copy it over to the quick reply or private message with proper formatting. I've managed to copy it to a word document file but I also don't see any way to attach it to quick reply or private message. I would be glad to send it to your e-mail if you want. If you are interested in that send me your e-mail address through private message and I will send it tonight.
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LJG765 (06-20-23)
06-20-23, 10:04 PM
#8
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
First, thank you to orlmac who saved me a lot of typing/work tonight!
Second, I have created a spreadsheet with all the actors/actresses who have ever appeared in the challenge checklist, all the way back to the first year, 2008. If you're interested in seeing it, I have put it here for viewing, though I am not allowing editing on it. Please if you see something I missed or an error, let me know so I can update it.
While it's possible I missed someone or a year someone was on the list, there are 132 names on it over the 15 years. (I have included the names to be added for this year as well.)
Taking a look over the spreadsheet, two ideas on how to handle this section of the checklist come to mind. The first, like already mentioned, I throw all 132 names into a random generator, take the top 20-30 and that's our list every year. Anybody new comes along that would work well (I generally look for a good selection in their filmography that qualify for the challenge-at least 5ish titles) would be added to the list. Perhaps I can keep 2-5 slots open every year for brand new names, then the rest are picked by the random generator. Then, the next year, those new names will be in regular selection.
The second idea is more just for this year. I'll look at those names we've only used 1-3/4 times (and the new names for this year) and pick from those for our list so they are fairly fresh. Ex: Elijah Wood. He was only on the list once, for 2010. For next year, I'd switch to the first suggestion. Mainly, this would give some actors a better chance to be on the list that haven't been on it either for quite a long time or were only on it once or twice versus being a completely randomly created list.
So, what do you think? Would love to hear feedback on it!
Second, I have created a spreadsheet with all the actors/actresses who have ever appeared in the challenge checklist, all the way back to the first year, 2008. If you're interested in seeing it, I have put it here for viewing, though I am not allowing editing on it. Please if you see something I missed or an error, let me know so I can update it.
While it's possible I missed someone or a year someone was on the list, there are 132 names on it over the 15 years. (I have included the names to be added for this year as well.)
Taking a look over the spreadsheet, two ideas on how to handle this section of the checklist come to mind. The first, like already mentioned, I throw all 132 names into a random generator, take the top 20-30 and that's our list every year. Anybody new comes along that would work well (I generally look for a good selection in their filmography that qualify for the challenge-at least 5ish titles) would be added to the list. Perhaps I can keep 2-5 slots open every year for brand new names, then the rest are picked by the random generator. Then, the next year, those new names will be in regular selection.
The second idea is more just for this year. I'll look at those names we've only used 1-3/4 times (and the new names for this year) and pick from those for our list so they are fairly fresh. Ex: Elijah Wood. He was only on the list once, for 2010. For next year, I'd switch to the first suggestion. Mainly, this would give some actors a better chance to be on the list that haven't been on it either for quite a long time or were only on it once or twice versus being a completely randomly created list.
So, what do you think? Would love to hear feedback on it!
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mrcellophane (06-20-23)
06-20-23, 11:25 PM
#9
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
06-20-23, 11:52 PM
#10
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I could definitely see trends where names were concerned! As I went through each checklist, I could see how a lot of the names were chosen (LotRs actors, popular film franchises) but as time went on, there were a lot of lesser known ones too that I've learned about by seeing them on the checklists.
06-21-23, 11:05 PM
#11
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
That is a really impressive checklist that you worked up for the lifetime of the challenge. It is amazing how many really good actors/actresses were only on the list for one year. You asked for input on the checklist for these and I'm really torn on it. When the random choices was first suggested I wasn't a really big fan of the idea but I have really warmed up to it. I think it would be fascinating to do that. I think that is my favorite approach but I do see the wisdom of cherrypicking the people the first year and then switching to the random approach. Either way, I like the idea of giving more choices each year just because it can be hard to find a lot of the movies on these lists. I also love the idea of keeping some slots for new additions each year. With the eleven people suggested for this year we won't really have a lot of other choices to consider but these actors/actresses deserve a chance on the list. So I guess I like both approaches. I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide and seeing the names that are chosen! Only nine days to go!
06-22-23, 11:56 AM
#12
Senior Member
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Great List Orlmac and LJG765. I like the suggestions for the duration of the challenge. I like the idea of having different names each years instead of the same names over and over. I also feel that some of the names should be on the list every year, like Karloff, Lee, Cushing, etc as they are all integral to what horror/science fiction is.
All that being said, I think what ever you come up with for this year is fine with me.
All that being said, I think what ever you come up with for this year is fine with me.
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orlmac (06-22-23)
06-22-23, 12:48 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
What if I split the actor list into two? Maybe just for this year, maybe for the years following depending on feedback.
The first list would be fairly stable going forward if we keep it. It would be some classic actors like Karloff, Domergue, Price. Probably containing 10-15 names or less. I'm not looking to add a ton of movies to people's list to finish the checklist here. It would also contain first time to the list names. The "classic" names would stay from year-to-year, but the new names would rotate to the main actor list after the first year.
The second list would be constantly changing from year to year but be created out of names we've used in the past. Samuel L. Jackson, for example, or Sir Ian McKellen. For this year only, I'd probably devote about half of the names to ones that have not been on our lists for than 2 or 3 times (Bruce Campbell). I'd say, between 20-30 names, needing 10ish to complete the checklist.
The first list would be fairly stable going forward if we keep it. It would be some classic actors like Karloff, Domergue, Price. Probably containing 10-15 names or less. I'm not looking to add a ton of movies to people's list to finish the checklist here. It would also contain first time to the list names. The "classic" names would stay from year-to-year, but the new names would rotate to the main actor list after the first year.
The second list would be constantly changing from year to year but be created out of names we've used in the past. Samuel L. Jackson, for example, or Sir Ian McKellen. For this year only, I'd probably devote about half of the names to ones that have not been on our lists for than 2 or 3 times (Bruce Campbell). I'd say, between 20-30 names, needing 10ish to complete the checklist.
06-22-23, 01:10 PM
#14
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I have been looking at what's available for the new names that are being added this year (the suggested ones) and I have found a number of really good movies for this challenge. That being said, I now fully support the idea of new names for this year being picked by LJG. You have done a great job on working up this name pool and I look forward to having different names to work with. The idea of having two lists is a really good one and I am glad that you are looking out for the people that try to complete every name on the list. You put a lot of time and thought into the lists each year and it is appreciated! I just hope you can work this list up quickly (everybody has been in favor of that idea) so we can work on that portion of the checklist.
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LJG765 (06-22-23)
06-22-23, 01:32 PM
#15
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Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I have been looking at what's available for the new names that are being added this year (the suggested ones) and I have found a number of really good movies for this challenge. That being said, I now fully support the idea of new names for this year being picked by LJG. You have done a great job on working up this name pool and I look forward to having different names to work with. The idea of having two lists is a really good one and I am glad that you are looking out for the people that try to complete every name on the list. You put a lot of time and thought into the lists each year and it is appreciated! I just hope you can work this list up quickly (everybody has been in favor of that idea) so we can work on that portion of the checklist.
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LJG765 (06-22-23)
06-23-23, 10:35 PM
#17
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Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Here is the tentative 2023 checklist. I put the changes in bold and in a brownish color. Basically, added the short check, added 3 directors, changed up the He's Dead, Jim, list and totally redid the actor list, which is now 2 lists.
Full disclosure, after going through the list for those who have only been on the list once or twice, I had plenty of names, so did not randomly pick people. I can definitely do so this time, but felt the lists were getting long. Also, I have no intention of picking names next year like this--it would fully go to a random name generator.
So what do you think? I'll finalize it tomorrow or Sunday depending on feedback.
Full disclosure, after going through the list for those who have only been on the list once or twice, I had plenty of names, so did not randomly pick people. I can definitely do so this time, but felt the lists were getting long. Also, I have no intention of picking names next year like this--it would fully go to a random name generator.
So what do you think? I'll finalize it tomorrow or Sunday depending on feedback.
Spoiler:
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06-24-23, 05:05 AM
#18
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
The checklist looks great. And I already have something for Ernest Borgnine. Since I have a digital copy of The Black Hole.
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LJG765 (06-24-23)
06-25-23, 05:52 AM
#19
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Everything looks great! I have worked up my list based on the new checklist (I know it can change) and there is a lot of good movies using the list. It looks like a good plan to me.
Last edited by orlmac; 06-25-23 at 10:40 AM. Reason: misspelled word
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LJG765 (06-26-23)
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mrcellophane (06-26-23)
06-28-23, 12:11 PM
#21
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Pluto just announced a 24 hour Godzilla channel starting July 1st. it'll be the classic movies, the late 90s cartoons, and 6 exclusive to Pluto films.
06-29-23, 09:42 PM
#22
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
Since I don't have the patience to wait for the Animation Challenge, I'll be starting this Challenge with Nimona (2023), after watching the last episode of Unicorn: Warriors Eternal for season 1.
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06-29-23, 10:37 PM
#23
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Thread Starter
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I can't believe how fast this month has flown by! The challenge officially starts tomorrow at Dusk. I hope everyone has at least a few things lined up!
I have a small stack of films I've bought over the last year to get through, one of my most anticipated is Everything Everywhere All At Once. I've been saving it for the challenge.
I hadn't heard of Nimona before. It sounds interesting. Please let us know if it's worth a watch!
I have a small stack of films I've bought over the last year to get through, one of my most anticipated is Everything Everywhere All At Once. I've been saving it for the challenge.
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mrcellophane (06-30-23)
06-30-23, 12:00 AM
#24
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I'm so excited for Nimona! I'm going to be visiting friends for the first couple of days of July, and they've said they will watch it with me. I read ND Stevenson's graphic novel last year and thought it was absolutely fantastic!
06-30-23, 12:02 AM
#25
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 16th Annual Sci-fi/Fantasy Challenge Discussion Thread
I can't believe how fast this month has flown by! The challenge officially starts tomorrow at Dusk. I hope everyone has at least a few things lined up!
I have a small stack of films I've bought over the last year to get through, one of my most anticipated is Everything Everywhere All At Once. I've been saving it for the challenge.
I have a small stack of films I've bought over the last year to get through, one of my most anticipated is Everything Everywhere All At Once. I've been saving it for the challenge.
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LJG765 (06-30-23)
