FORKNI-L

FORKNI-L Digest - 21 Oct 2003 to 22 Oct 2003 (#2003-6)

Wed, 22 Oct 2003

There are 22 messages totalling 601 lines in this issue.

Topics of the day:

  1. FK DVD Review (3)
  2. DVD shipped!
  3. DVD Comment by Amazon.com (4)
  4. FINALLY got my ship confirmation!
  5. DVDs (8)
  6. re FK DVD's
  7. Wa-Hoo! DVDs arrived today.
  8. 1-800-missing (2)
  9. Nigel Bennett and Ghost Cat

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Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 16:32:58 -0500
From:    Kristin <kris1228@e.......>
Subject: FK DVD Review

Hi everyone,

Well, I finally have the FK DVD set and unfortunately I have to say I am
disappointed. I mentioned before that this set should have been on 6
discs, but Sony decided to cram it on to 5. This was their biggest
mistake. They also messed up and used some promo shots from the other 2
seasons when they should have been using all season 1 promos. It is
obvious that this set did not get much time spent on enhancing the
quality of the episodes. I'm going to talk about the positives and
negatives...

There are quite a few negatives, sadly, most noticeable the lack of
*quality* and very obvious compression. These are supposed to be DVDs
right? Well, they are very grainy (the scene in "Last Act" at the
precient in the beginning was the most obvious). The pixilation and
grain is the worst on the first 2 DVDs (the ones with 5 episodes crammed
together), although I can still see it on the others. It looks like they
used some dusty old footage for these and didn't even try to clean that
up. This is not as obvious on the TV, but up-close on the computer it is
very apparent. Let's just say I am glad I still have my own set of DVDs
(uncompressed). I'm debating whether or not it's worth remaking images
from season 1. Some scenes might be better than my own DVD set, but a
lot of others aren't. If Sony had used 6 discs (or more), these would
probably have turned out a lot better.

I was also disappointed by the lack of menu-work. The DVDs have a cool
design and color scheme, but no animation leading up to it like fancier
sets have. Again, it's obvious that not a lot of time was spent on this.
There's also no scene access menu by episode. Just a list of the
episodes you can click on. Sony also used a lot of season 2 and 3 promo
shots, which is generally wrong to do. You should always use shots from
only the season featured.

Another huge disappointment was "Dark Knight" part 1. It's only about 40
min - the CBS version. What they did was use the Canadian scenes, but
cut out other parts, such as the scene with Nick and Alyce about Knights
in armor and part of the Nick and Nat scene at the loft. I have no idea
why they did this. It seems pointless to use the CBS logo too. They
should have had a flashy *FK* logo before each episode. At least they
stopped that after "Dark Knight." "Dark Knight" part 2 was ok - Canadian
like all the others.

Now, for some positives... Overall, the design and layout of the DVDs is
very nice. It does fold out like other popular TV show sets (Highlander
and Buffy for example). They have a special glossy coat only on the
parts with the graphics, which gives it a semi 3-D feel. The discs are
pretty simple, just the red with the Toronto skyline and they do blend
in with the background.

Another positive, is that it *is* for certain the Canadian version
(except for "Dark Knight"). The episodes all run at about 48 min (the
credits are over a min long though).

Another thing that pleased me was the color enhancement and sound. Sony
did spend some time making the color more accurate and added more
saturation. The sound appears to be fine. I have not yet watched the
episodes all the way through though.

Overall, I am glad I have these DVDs, but I was disappointed by them. No
new footage, "0" extras, and very grainy episodes. While the design was
cool, that's not the most important thing. I wish Sony would have spent
some time making them clearer and not shove them all on 5 discs. This
set needed at least 6 discs to look good. I've viewed "La Femme Nikita"
and "Highlander" on DVD and noticed that they have only 3 episodes per
disc and are significantly clearer. FK has 5 episodes on 1 disc (shows
you how much more it was compressed). Yes, the FK DVDs are still worth
collecting (especially if you want the other seasons on DVD). They are
uncut (except DK). These will look better than tape recordings (digital
ones are questionable though - some areas it depends on the scenes).
Anyway, these are my thoughts and reactions...

Enjoy your DVDs,
Kristin
http://knightvision.4ever.cc
"When you only have eyes for the Knight..."

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 14:38:06 -0700
From:    Amanda Berendt <debrabant_foundation@y......>
Subject: Re: DVD shipped!

Ok, got my dvds from the video store (have another set coming from
amazon).  First I am so amazed by the clarity of the picture and
sound.  I am watching it in stereo with surround sound speakers and
in the very beginning when LC is playing and puts the bow down I
could hear a little twang!
Anyhoo... in watching it... there was no scene in the museum with
Nick walking up the stairs asking Deitrich when Schanke got there (he
used his vamp hearing) then telling Deitrich he could smell Schanke's
cologne.  It just skipped to Schanke at the body bossing the photo
guy around.

-Amanda

=====
"Give me your soul and your heart will take flight
Forevermore in the night, Forever MINE in the night"
http://operacellar.tripod.com/phantomslair.html
http://debrabantfoundation.tripod.com/home.html

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 20:40:54 -0500
From:    Sami Swan Thompson <tsigili@e.......>
Subject: Re: DVD Comment by Amazon.com

Hi, Gang ~

I wrote to Amazon.com re: my FK DVD order, and thought you might
be interested in this part of the response I received:

> Thanks for writing to us at Amazon.com.
>
> "Forever Knight Trilogy: Part 1" has proven to be a very popular
> item.
>
> We have many customer orders for this item, and we've just begun
> receiving copies from our suppliers.  We are filling orders as
> quickly as we can on a first-come, first-served basis.

Good news, yes?  If other retailers feel this way, perhaps
we can look forward to more FK DVDs and merchandise?

Just a positive thought to keep in mind.

Sami

*******
Sami Swan Thompson   tsigili@e.......   SAVOR EVERY DAY!
http://www.geocities.com/samiswan/index.html   http://www.gwdfc.org
Meet the NEW Vamp in Town:   http://www.zrem.com
Helping Writers Put Their Hearts on Paper Since 1956:
   http://www.geocities.com/southwestwriters1956/index.html

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 18:48:24 -0700
From:    Vikki Farra <bast1531@s.......>
Subject: FINALLY got my ship confirmation!

I JUST got my ship confirmation a litle bit ago. I ordered mine from Barnes &
Noble and they honored the lower preorder price too. Sure took them long enough
to ship them out though! I'm so not going to complain! WHOOHOOO!!! :-)

Bast

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 21:53:08 EDT
From:    BKBVA@a.......
Subject: Re: DVD Comment by Amazon.com

I'm thrilled that Sami actually got a response from Amazon about anything
that didn't sound like it was written by an automaton.  Way to go girl!

By the way, I haven't noticed anyone mention this yet, so here goes, and
apologies if I missed it.

In the Sunday newspaper advertisement for Best Buy, the FK DVD's were
included in the new releases advertised, albeit at the ridiculous price of
$69.99.
Better yet, when I swung by the store today to take a look, they actually had
several copies prominently displayed on a table with the other new releases
this week!

Beth

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 22:20:59 -0400
From:    Arletta Asbury <g4akl@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

Has anyone responded to your message -- ie. have you found a copy of
the DVD's yet?

Arletta


At 04:22 PM 10/20/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>> I read over on the Sci Fi board that Moviesunlimited.com is still offering
>> the DVDs for $25.49. They are, but I don't know if they're honoring that
>price.
>
>I just went to http://www.moviesunlimited.com
>& it couldnt find it
>
>Maybe the Sci Fi board has old  info
>
>
>But if anyone else has an extra copy
>I'd be willing to buy it off of you
>DLPH@c.......
>
>

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 22:24:32 -0400
From:    Arletta Asbury <g4akl@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

Oops.  Sorry, that message was supposed to be sent privately.

Arletta

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 19:27:49 -0700
From:    Amanda Berendt <debrabant_foundation@y......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

Just finished the first dvd, wow!  When my dad came into the living
room the first thing he said was "Wow, it's so clear!"  And he isn't
even a fan!
Anyhoo, when I went to the video store I couldn't find it - even
though when I asked a couple of weeks ago, they said they were
getting them in.  So I asked a clerk if they had Forever Knight.  He
said yes and pointed it out to me. (It was in the TV section - I had
been looking under scifi and drama).  After he handed it to me he
asked "This has vampires right?" and I said yes.  Then he said "and
he's a detective right?"
I said I was impressed that he had heard of it.  He said yeah, that
it was a pretty cool show.
Maybe seeing it on shelves at video stores will bring more fans out
of the woodwork.
-Amanda

=====
"Give me your soul and your heart will take flight
Forevermore in the night, Forever MINE in the night"
http://operacellar.tripod.com/phantomslair.html
http://debrabantfoundation.tripod.com/home.html

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 21:29:29 -0500
From:    DLPH <DLPH@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

Nope
I'm willing to buy one if you have any


----- Original Message -----
From: "Arletta Asbury" <g4akl@c.......>
To: <FORKNI-L@l.......>
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 9:20 PM
Subject: Re: DVDs


> Has anyone responded to your message -- ie. have you found a copy of
> the DVD's yet?
>
> Arletta

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 21:32:05 -0500
From:    DLPH <DLPH@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

My OOPS too
I probabally shouldn't of hit reply so fast

----- Original Message -----
From: "Arletta Asbury" <g4akl@c.......>
To: <FORKNI-L@l.......>
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 9:24 PM
Subject: Re: DVDs


> Oops.  Sorry, that message was supposed to be sent privately.
>
> Arletta
>

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 12:44:54 +1000
From:    Taliesyn <Taliesyn@c.......>
Subject: re FK DVD's

    My Forever Knight DVD's have arrived YAWHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!



-- Alexander J. Braun -- ICQ 12610993 -  Taliesyn55@h....... --
"You know, I used to think it was awful that life was so unfair. Then I
thought, wouldn't it be much worse if life were fair, and all the
terrible things that happen to us come because we actually deserve them?
So, now I take great comfort in the general hostility and unfairness of the
universe". Marcus, B5

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 22:07:35 -0500
From:    DLPH <DLPH@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

> I read over on the Sci Fi board that Moviesunlimited.com is still offering
> the DVDs for $25.49. They are, but I don't know if they're honoring that
price.

I just checked,  Moviesunlimited now has FK listed

Forever Knight: The Trilogy, Part One [DVD] (1992)
Was $79.99    $71.99  DVD   #D41802

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 20:36:57 -0700
From:    "Jan J." <jan1228@a.......>
Subject: Wa-Hoo! DVDs arrived today.

Wa-Hoo! Mine came in the mail today.  Only I'm
to pooped to watch them tonight.  Come friday/saturday night
watch out for a 22 hour marathon!

<<Happy dancing... dancing... dancing....>>

Jan (a.k.a. Dark Knightie Jan, Jan1228, & Ja'niece)
DK, UFfer, FK-XSer, FK-Harem Wife #7, FK-Spiked
WebMistress of:
'A Stitch In Thyme'- http://www.alpinemeadow.com/stitchery/index.html
List Assistant to: fkxs * Forever Knight Cross Stitchers

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 22:38:02 -0500
From:    Nancy Kaminski <nancykam@c.......>
Subject: Re: FK DVD Review

Kristin wrote:

> Well, I finally have the FK DVD set and unfortunately I have
> to say I am disappointed.

It's important to keep all this in perspective. We're lucky to get
these DVDs in the first place. The market for them is tiny in
comparison to other shows (Buffy, for example). Sony's not going to
expend any more energy on them than absolutely necessary.

My reaction? Yay! The quality is certainly adequate, and much better
than the various sets of tapes I've played over and over  since I
became a fan. No commercials! No annoying news lead-ins ("Story at
11!"). No logos in the lower righthand corner of the screen. No
miniaturized credits so you can't find out who that guest star was. No
more ten linear feet of FK tapes on the shelf---it's down to two
inches.

I for one didn't expect anything except the episodes. This is
obviously bare bones, and I don't mind. The packaging is nice, the
DVDs work, and they won't degrade like my tapes.

in short---happy happy!

Nancy Kaminski
enjoying the DVDs

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 21 Oct 2003 23:49:59 EDT
From:    Gaelin Wade <GaelinWade@a.......>
Subject: Re: FK DVD Review

Yeah. What she said.

My favorite season is 2. And I'd beg, borrow and steal to get it.  Sure the
bells and whistles would be great. But I'll take what I can get.

Gaelin

nancykam@c....... writes:

> My reaction? Yay! The quality is certainly adequate, and much better than
> the various sets of tapes I've played over and over  since I became a fan. No
> commercials! No annoying news lead-ins ("Story at 11!"). No logos in the
> lower righthand corner of the screen. No miniaturized credits so you can't  find
> out who that guest star was. No more ten linear feet of FK tapes on the
> shelf---it's down to two inches.
>

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 00:32:22 EDT
From:    Shenandora DeWynst <Shenandora@a.......>
Subject: Re: 1-800-missing

Hi Cheryl,

I didn't know that Ger will be in 1 episode of 1-800-Missing  ;-) One of the
producers of that show is Lee Goldberg. I know him from an other show and he
was so kind to answer me your question, so I hope this helps:

Lee Goldberg wrote:
He's appearing in episode 12 entitled "Victoria." He plays a psychiatrist in
an episode written by Phil Bedard & Larry LaLonde, who were producers on
"Forever Knight."

Heike

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 01:22:19 -0400
From:    "S. Babbitt" <sbabbitt@b.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

At 10:07 PM -0500 10/21/03, DLPH wrote:
>I just checked,  Moviesunlimited now has FK listed
>
>Forever Knight: The Trilogy, Part One [DVD] (1992)
>Was $79.99    $71.99  DVD   #D41802


That's better than last night, when it read:
WAS $29.99    SALE $71.99

Sounds like an ad LaCroix would write. ;-)

--
--------------
Stephanie Babbitt (sbabbitt@b.......), XXXXXXX, GA
Vaquera (Because I Can), MadNatter, N&NPacker
Nobody Dies. Nobody Ever Died.

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 01:07:54 -0500
From:    Becky Hinson <bayoubecky@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVDs

*hastily sends a memo to Uncle noting his plot has been foiled and that plan
B should be put into effect immediately*

Muahahahahahaha!

:)
~Cousin Becky


> That's better than last night, when it read:
> WAS $29.99    SALE $71.99
>
> Sounds like an ad LaCroix would write. ;-)

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 03:02:48 -0400
From:    Don Fasig <argent@c.......>
Subject: Re: DVD Comment by Amazon.com

On 21 Oct 2003  BKBVA@a....... wrote:
> In the Sunday newspaper advertisement for Best Buy, the FK DVD's were
> included in the new releases advertised

Tonight I saw the set at WalMart - $59 and change.  It was in the case next to
Angel and just below Dark Angel.

L8r

Don  ----,-'<@
argent@c.......

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 03:31:12 -0700
From:    Amanda Berendt <debrabant_foundation@y......>
Subject: Re: 1-800-missing

--- Shenandora DeWynst <Shenandora@a.......> wrote:

> an episode written by Phil Bedard & Larry LaLonde, who were
> producers on  "Forever Knight."


Wonder if they asked for him specifically?
-Amanda


=====
"Give me your soul and your heart will take flight
Forevermore in the night, Forever MINE in the night"
http://operacellar.tripod.com/phantomslair.html
http://debrabantfoundation.tripod.com/home.html

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 07:11:43 -0400
From:    Annmarie <wenchs@c.......>
Subject: Nigel Bennett and Ghost Cat

Animal Planet premieres its original movie Ghost Cat, Sunday October 26,
8p.  Ghost Cat tells the story of 15 year old Natalie Merritt who moves,
with her father, to the town where her recently deceased mother grew
up.  On their first visit to the town in search of a house Natalie and her
dad meet Mrs. Ashboro and Margaret a wise and curious old cat.  Turns out
Mrs. Ashboro was both the town librarian and a friend to Natalie's
mother.  Upon Natalie's return to town, still with no house, she and her
father learn that both Mrs. Ashboro and her cat have passed away.  Natalie
and her father purchase the old lady's home and that is where the story of
the Ghost Cat really unfolds.  Ghost Cat is produced for Animal Planet by
Shaftesbury Films Production in association with Lee Distribution, Inc.

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 22 Oct 2003 11:18:53 EDT
From:    Libratsie@a.......
Subject: Re: DVD Comment by Amazon.com

In a message dated 10/22/03 2:03:37 AM Central Daylight Time,
argent@c....... writes:


> Tonight I saw the set at WalMart - $59 and change.  It was in the case next
> to
> Angel and just below Dark Angel.

By the way Walmart has lay-away so the credit cardless could put a small
amount down and pay a little a week. It gets a little hectic this time of year
due to Christmas approaching, but a good way to get those DVDs <g>

Libs

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End of FORKNI-L Digest - 21 Oct 2003 to 22 Oct 2003 (#2003-6)
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