The twist is they've decided to replace the original titles with the first season titles, and use Barry Gray's theme rather than Derek Wadsworth's, as well as some of Barry incidental music.
Apart from the novelty value I can't understand why. Personally, I like both versions. Both seasons of Space 1999 are different and have very different tones. The titles and theme reflect this.
Am I in the minority thinking that things should be left as they were originally intended, or is this digital meddling perfectly reasonable?
I'm sure you'll have your opinions. What do you think?
I really don't get that, why fiddle with it? By all means clean up the print but leave it at that. Don't change the aspect ratio either!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this, Kevin.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the aspect ratio too.
I will , of course watch it at Andercon to see if it sways me.
Also as Network are releasing a blu-ray version of the second season later this year I'm wondering whether it's a bit of publicity for that.
I'd enjoy it as a novelty of what could have been if Barry Gray hadn't retired. Sadly, Barry Morse will be missing. I always thought it a shame that he left after the first series, as I liked his character.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I enjoyed the first season better than the second one, because; I felt the scripts and stories were better, the music was better and the opening titles more iconic. The second season used to remind me of "Dallas meets Start Trek"!
Yes , I think most 1999 fans would agree with you there, Bill.
DeleteI certainly prefer first season, and like you enjoyed Bergman's character.
The second season has few redeeming features although I don't really mind the music. The titles being fast paced obviously reflect the music. But at least 1999 got a second series which is, sadly more than UFO got.
It's still my favorite television series ever (Yr 1), any genre.. Period.
ReplyDeleteJust the majestic grandeur of the sets, Sylvia's stylish filming, the classical music, the near-literary, wine-sipping approach of the first yr story-telling, juxtaposing with freaky aliens, primal settings ('Full Circle'), seemingly betrayals ('Collision Course'), what have you.. Just having someone like Barry Morse around to marvel at the vastness of space was beautiful and awe-inspiring.
The second is good for basic adventure story-telling, and even more Eagle action (especially the crashes on the later episodes..). As mentioned, I enjoy both, depending on mood.
Both years had the occasional dumpy episode.., Year 1 was able to hide it better behind it's more solemn mood, music and style. Once you eliminated that in Year 2, it got harder to stomach.
Then 'course, you also had stinkers like 'Brian the Brain', 'The Taybor', and others.
A nice summing up of the series, david b.
ReplyDeleteI think the points you raise are more than valid.
I must admit, although series one will always be better IMO, I have warmed to the second series over the years, especially for the Eagle scenes.