It had to be done. 0:)
Yep, now that one of our cherished posters have left the forum we need a Fantasy thread so as not too be left in a limbo.
Quote from: erato on August 04, 2009, 10:23:03 AM
Yep, now that one of our cherished posters have left the forum we need a Fantasy thread so as not too be left in a limbo.
Haha. Not that kind of fantasy, if I catch your drift.
I read Childhood's End a few weeks ago, and even if it's a classic I feel that Clark has great ideas but his grasp of plot and characterization are severely lacking.
I also picked up Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis which is same concept but with better characters and um... other things... ;D anyway Clark's story is at least timeless and concise, Butler's is sprawling and dated, it feels too much like a cold war era novel, and I disagree with the premise. I do not think that humanity is genetically predisposed to mass suicide. ::)
I'm going to go back to my comfort zone now: Brian Keene is one of my favorite authors and I haven't read nearly enough by him... make fun of me if you will, but I like him! :D
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 10:31:23 AM
I read Childhood's End a few weeks ago, and even if it's a classic I feel that Clark has great ideas but his grasp of plot and characterization are severely lacking.
I also picked up Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis which is same concept but with better characters and um... other things... ;D anyway Clark's story is at least timeless and concise, Butler's is sprawling and dated, it feels too much like a cold war era novel, and I disagree with the premise. I do not think that humanity is genetically predisposed to mass suicide. ::)
I'm going to go back to my comfort zone now: Brian Keene is one of my favorite authors and I haven't read nearly enough by him... make fun of me if you will, but I like him! :D
Ha. Brian Keene, eh? I know that guy.
David, do you read Laymon too? Ed Lee?
Quote from: MN Dave on August 04, 2009, 10:37:58 AM
David, do you read Laymon too? Ed Lee?
Yes and yes. :)
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 10:51:44 AM
Yes and yes. :)
So, in other words, you read Leisure horror titles. ;D
Quote from: MN Dave on August 04, 2009, 10:33:02 AM
Ha. Brian Keene, eh? I know that guy.
Wait, as in I know of that author, or as in we've had a beer once, he's pretty cool? ;D
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 10:52:31 AM
Wait, as in I know of that author, or as in we've had a beer once, he's pretty cool? ;D
We've chatted on message boards and we had a beer once and he gave me a hug.
Quote from: MN Dave on August 04, 2009, 10:52:25 AM
So, in other words, you read Leisure horror titles. ;D
Indeed. And add to that list Ketchum. ;D
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 10:54:07 AM
Indeed. And add to that list Ketchum. ;D
Oh yeah. Masterton, Garton, Braunbeck... Braunbeck did the intro to that book down there in my sig.
Quote from: MN Dave on August 04, 2009, 10:53:06 AM
We've chatted on message boards and we had a beer once and he gave me a hug.
Cool beans. 8)
Quote from: MN Dave on August 04, 2009, 10:54:56 AM
Oh yeah. Masterton, Garton, Braunbeck... Braunbeck did the intro to that book down there in my sig.
I've read Masterton but not the other two. I'll have to look into them.
I didn't know you were so into horror books. What did you think of The Girl Next Door by Ketchum?
Quote from: MN Dave on August 04, 2009, 11:04:04 AM
I didn't know you were so into horror books. What did you think of The Girl Next Door by Ketchum?
It's really disturbing! :o He's a brilliant writer. He doesn't need crazy demons or anything, just people being well... people. That novel in particular made me think of Lynch's Blue Velvet in the sense that both were showing a seedy underbelly in a faux-utopian community. But what was done to those girls is so disturbing! But that's what I want horror to be, not a romance like Twilight. There are too many romances these days posing as horror novels. :P
I had been into horror before, but was burned out from too much Stephen King and Anne Rice. I recently got back into horror, oh about a couple of years ago. Since I had not been posting that much until now it just never came up. ;D
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 11:17:44 AM
It's really disturbing! :o He's a brilliant writer. He doesn't need crazy demons or anything, just people being well... people. That novel in particular made me think of Lynch's Blue Velvet in the sense that both were showing a seedy underbelly in a faux-utopian community. But what was done to those girls is so disturbing! But that's what I want horror to be, not a romance like Twilight. There are too many romances these days posing as horror novels. :P
I had been into horror before, but was burned out from too much Stephen King and Anne Rice. I recently got back into horror, oh about a couple of years ago. Since I had not been posting that much until now it just never came up. ;D
Yeah, lots of folks say TGND is like a punch in the gut. They made a movie out of it but I'm not sure I'd want to see it. You know it's based on actual events, right?
A writer I like right now is Mike Carey who has a series of urban horror novels. Just received the latest one from the UK the other day: Dead Men's Boots.
Try some Thomas Ligotti, if you can find any.
That's what is really shocking is that it's based on true events. Wow! I've seen the movie too, it can be hard to watch at times.
I have a feeling that I'm going to pick up some invaluable recs from this thread. 8)
You should read some of Lee's early small press stuff. :o Keene's latest, Urban Gothic, is supposed to be a tribute.
Does this thread also included films or just books?
Quote from: Tapkaara on August 04, 2009, 11:30:42 AM
Does this thread also included films or just books?
Films, books, comics...it's all good. :)
I revisited these recently, after a gap of lots and lots of years:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZPQ21NMML._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412VJG2ETFL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
The first one is pretty good - black and white, understated, leaves you not really knowing at the end whether the house is haunted or whether the whole thing was a merely psychological phantasm. Second one is colour - perfectly watchable, but too many psychokinetic special effects. We come dangerously close to meeting the ghost, which will never do.
But the best part of any good ghost story/film is the beginning, and these are no exception - the gathering together in the haunted house - the ordinariness, with an expectation of the imminence of the extraordinary in the air.
Well, since movies are part of this, count me in this discussion!
I am a huge fan of vintage horror and sci-fi films. This comes from my dad who grew up watching these films himself, and it rubbed off on me in a very big way.
Some of my favorite films are: Vampyr (1931), Häxan (1923), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Godzilla (1954), The Phantom of the Opera (1925) and the list can go on and on and on.
I do not care for many horror/sci-fi films past the 1960s, but there are always exceptions. Alien (1979) and The Thing (1982) and The Exorcist (1973) come to mind immediately.
Quote from: Tapkaara on August 04, 2009, 01:56:46 PM
I do not care for many horror/sci-fi films past the 1960s, but there are always exceptions. Alien (1979) and The Thing (1982) and The Exorcist (1973) come to mind immediately.
Oh, Man...I watched this last night on UK ITV4. Classic animatronic movie. I guess I was 12 first time I saw it and at the time it was a WOW movie, a bit like Predator being a WOW movie. Great effects for the time, and a real desolate no win movie.
Quote from: AnthonyAthletic on August 04, 2009, 02:23:28 PM
Oh, Man...I watched this last night on UK ITV4. Classic animatronic movie. I guess I was 12 first time I saw it and at the time it was a WOW movie, a bit like Predator being a WOW movie. Great effects for the time, and a real desolate no win movie.
It's one of my favorites. :) I love that part where they're all tied up and then one of them starts changing and they're all trying to get away BUT THEY'RE ALL TIED UP!! :D And of course there is the spider head... ;D
Quote from: AnthonyAthletic on August 04, 2009, 02:23:28 PM
Oh, Man...I watched this last night on UK ITV4. Classic animatronic movie. I guess I was 12 first time I saw it and at the time it was a WOW movie, a bit like Predator being a WOW movie. Great effects for the time, and a real desolate no win movie.
The Thing has great effects for ANY TIME, if you ask me. It has some of the most shocking gore in any horror film, I think...there really is some nasty stuff going on in this movie!
And it was all done "analogue." While CGI effects are certainly glossy and look great, there's just too damn much of it. I appreciate the sort of talent that goes into making a movie like The Thing, where the effects designers did not have the luxury of computer graphics to accomplish their desired effects.
I'm a huge fan of The Thing, too--might be Carpenter's best film (say, after Halloween). I like the remake even more than the original Thing, which is good, but the remake is just...so...shocking.
--Bruce
Quote from: bhodges on August 04, 2009, 02:33:21 PM
I'm a huge fan of The Thing, too--might be Carpenter's best film (say, after Halloween). I like the remake even more than the original Thing, which is good, but the remake is just...so...shocking.
--Bruce
One of the few films where the remake holds up to the original. Any movie that pits an adversarial alien in an arctic region is tops on my list! ;D
Quote from: Bogey on August 04, 2009, 02:39:49 PM
Any movie that pits an adversarial alien in an arctic region is tops on my list! ;D
"Please name your top ten movies pitting adversarial..."
;D ;D ;D
--Bruce
;D
Favorite sci-fi movie of all time:
Alien (1979)
Favorite horror:
The Mummy (1932)
Favorite fantasy:
Lord of the Rings trilogy
Garry: "I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS F****** COUCH!"
Classic 'Thing' line ;D
Yeah, I take the point that this was every bit as good, nay better than the original. Both excellent movies.
Slightly off topic, I am Legend (as an example)...don't you hate it when the big screen screws about with the storyline. First it was the Omega Man, they were almost there to Matheson's book but how crap were the vampires ::)
And another moan, why is it the big movies of today have to have a 'win' situation. We know the I am Legend ending was different in the movie which really Grinds My Gears. I actually love it when movies end on a shocking bad point and actually end the way the author intended.
I read Denis Lehane's Shutter Island the other week, a really fine read. Now I hear that Di Caprio is doing the movie version (no doubt they will screw around with the ending too)...make sure you read the book before the movie LOL
Quote from: AnthonyAthletic on August 04, 2009, 02:49:45 PM
Garry: "I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS F****** COUCH!"
Classic 'Thing' line ;D
;D ;D ;D
--Bruce
Quote from: Bogey on August 04, 2009, 02:46:48 PM
;D
Favorite horror:
The Mummy (1932)
"I dislike to be touched...an Eastern prejudice..."
Quote from: Tapkaara on August 04, 2009, 02:56:09 PM
"I dislike to be touched...an Eastern prejudice..."
I am a huge Universal fan and haunt another board that discusses these films. The Mummy was always my favorite because you only get to see him barely in his wraps at the start, but the make-up Karloff has going in the rest of the movie is some of Jack Pierce's best work IMO, and many times overshadowed by his other incredible efforts.
(http://www.best-horror-movies.com/images/Mummy-karloff-headshot.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Wq_aJDBFc&feature=PlayList&p=606AE4081DA83FA6&index=0&playnext=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b29GxYlb0o&feature=PlayList&p=606AE4081DA83FA6&index=1
Man I agree Tony, I Am Legend just screwed it up!
Out of all of the movies I think the closest to the spirit of the novel is Last Man on Earth with Vincent Price. He portrays the character beautifully, and only that one captures the true horror of the days surrounding the beginning of the problem. 8)
(http://www.moviesonline.ca/AdvHTML_Upload/lastmanonearth.jpg)
Bill, I had the Mummy on tape... too bad I don't own a vcr anymore! Anyway I love the movie, I have seen several of the others (and they are alright), but only Karloff's mummy casts a spell over the audience imo. :)
Might have to dig out the Vincent Price movie, I haven't heard of that 'Legend' movie.
The old ones are the best ones, look at the upper threads with Karloff and think of the likes of Chaney, Lugosi, Lorre, Cushing, Lee, Price etc.
I always remember Chris Lee describing horror at its most unnerving as 'an open door', 'a door slightly ajar creates more suspense than any visual effect today....especially when you are reluctantly approaching this slightly ajar door' Muhahahahahahaha!!
Quote from: Bogey on August 04, 2009, 03:06:10 PM
I am a huge Universal fan and haunt another board that discusses these films. The Mummy was always my favorite because you only get to see him barely in his wraps at the start, but the make-up Karloff has going in the rest of the movie is some of Jack Pierce's best work IMO, and many times overshadowed by his other incredible efforts.
(http://www.best-horror-movies.com/images/Mummy-karloff-headshot.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Wq_aJDBFc&feature=PlayList&p=606AE4081DA83FA6&index=0&playnext=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b29GxYlb0o&feature=PlayList&p=606AE4081DA83FA6&index=1
I, too, LOVE the Universal horror films...where is this board you mentioned?
The Mummy is certainly on eof my favorites. The scene at the beginning where the young chap goes insanse with fright ("He went for a little walk...you should have seen his face!") is wonderful.
And the great Edward Van Sloan: If I could get my hands on you, I'd break your dry flesh to pieces..."
Quote from: James on August 04, 2009, 04:48:02 PM
I'll have to check out The Thing, I haven't seen it.
a few sci-fi/horror faves...
a clockwork orange (1971)
re-animator (1985)
brazil (1985)
the fly (1986)
robocop (1987)
And there is a remake of The Wolfman that's being released in 2010 that I'm looking forward to.
I'm also looking forward to the new Wolfman, though I'm sure the original version will not be outdone...
Clockwork Orange is great. No one can do seething insanity like Malcolm McDowell. And The Fly (1986)...that's another great "modern" horror film I forgot to mention.
Just got back from the 6th Harry Potter film. That last few have been disappointing to me compared to the books that we just love at this end. However, though it cut out quite a bit from the 6th novel, held up. Nicely paced and great direction, IMO.
Admit it Bill, you cried didn't you? ;D
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 08:08:30 PM
Admit it Bill, you cried didn't you? ;D
When I read the book....of course I did. :) But I did not weep uncontrollably as my wife did when she read it. She is currently reading them with our son. They start book 5 in the fall. He only wants to hear one a year and savor them. Even though he is at the point now where he could read them on his own (11 years), he looks forward to the read aloud each night. I, on the other hand, get to read them to our daughter. I cannot wait, but will probably let her get to mid second grade before unleashing the first one.
I kept hoping that in the final book that well a Gandalf would be pulled if you know what I mean and my code is sufficiently non-spoilerish. Ah too bad.
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 08:25:03 PM
I kept hoping that in the final book that well a Gandalf would be pulled if you know what I mean and my code is sufficiently non-spoilerish. Ah too bad.
Here is how I saw them, David:
Book 1- Nice set up, but not a lot more than this. Enjoyable, but little more.
Book 2- I thought this was the most clever plot of the lot. It gets kind of forgotten by most, but the hinges of the story were nothing short of brilliant.
Book 3- At one point my favorite. Just enough darkness to worry about turning corners, but still some sparkle left. However, after more time, #2 eeks by it.
Book 4- Just a great story. Classic settings with the tournament and some neat visiting characters as well as the Quidditch Cup. The cold splash at the end was a wake up, but still did not get overly dark.
Books 5-7- I lump these all together. Fairly dark reading. The sparkle is gone and JK has your attention because you truly do not know how she is going to play out the story when these were being released. None of them stand out on their own for me. However, at first I thought her wrap up a bit to unfinished in the last book, but now it works over time for me to not know everything that happened to to every single character. In short, she new where to cut it off and not go too far, IMO.
I like that, and I think you are right #5 was when they kind of lumped together as a final trilogy.
For a long time #3 was my favorite, but even though they are dark and not as fun #6 and 7 are my favorite. She really developed the characters and put them in difficult situations, and even when it was bleak it was never maudlin. :)
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 08:43:16 PM
I like that, and I think you are right #5 was when they kind of lumped together as a final trilogy.
For a long time #3 was my favorite, but even though they are dark and not as fun #6 and 7 are my favorite. She really developed the characters and put them in difficult situations, and even when it was bleak it was never maudlin. :)
I really liked how she handled Dumbledore's background/past in the end as well as Harry's parents, especially the dad. She had a knack of making sure none were too high on the pedestals and made them even more believable. Some nice twists I recall. I cannot wait to read them again.
Yeah I can't wait to reread them too! I think there is something to be said for how people of all age groups came to love these novels. :)
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 08:43:16 PM
I like that, and I think you are right #5 was when they kind of lumped together as a final trilogy.
For a long time #3 was my favorite, but even though they are dark and not as fun #6 and 7 are my favorite. She really developed the characters and put them in difficult situations, and even when it was bleak it was never maudlin. :)
Absolutely. I wonder if we will ever see something like this again in our lifetime. We went to a few of the midnight book sellings and they were a lot of fun. Neat to see folks that excited about a release of a book.
Yes. #3 seems to be a favorite of many. Try #2 again some time down the road. How she uses the journal and then ties it in later is really cool.
Quote from: DavidW on August 04, 2009, 02:29:54 PM
It's one of my favorites. :) I love that part where they're all tied up and then one of them starts changing and they're all trying to get away BUT THEY'RE ALL TIED UP!! :D And of course there is the spider head... ;D
0:)
On another positive note about the 6th movie, Michael Gambon finally seemed to nail down the role of Albus Dumbledore. My wife and I thought Richard Harris was perfect in the first two, and did not care for his replacement. Here though, he pulled it off. I guess you could say just in the nick of time. ;)
Quote from: AnthonyAthletic on August 04, 2009, 02:49:45 PM
Garry: "I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS F****** COUCH!"
Classic 'Thing' line ;D
Yeah, I take the point that this was every bit as good, nay better than the original. Both excellent movies.
Slightly off topic, I am Legend (as an example)...don't you hate it when the big screen screws about with the storyline. First it was the Omega Man, they were almost there to Matheson's book but how crap were the vampires ::)
And another moan, why is it the big movies of today have to have a 'win' situation. We know the I am Legend ending was different in the movie which really Grinds My Gears. I actually love it when movies end on a shocking bad point and actually end the way the author intended.
I read Denis Lehane's Shutter Island the other week, a really fine read. Now I hear that Di Caprio is doing the movie version (no doubt they will screw around with the ending too)...make sure you read the book before the movie LOL
You discuss here two books I enjoyed.
Have you seen the Vincent Price version of I Am Legend? What's it called? The Last Man on Earth? Can't remember. Anyway, you should see it. Not perfect, but not bad either.
I enjoyed Shutter Island but many I know hated it for some reason. I think they figured out the twist well before I did. ;D
Quote from: James on August 04, 2009, 04:48:02 PM
I'll have to check out The Thing, I haven't seen it.
a few sci-fi/horror faves...
a clockwork orange (1971)
re-animator (1985)
brazil (1985)
the fly (1986)
robocop (1987)
And there is a remake of The Wolfman that's being released in 2010 that I'm looking forward to.
Excellent list.
Just finished reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Thoroughly enjoyed it, an intelligently written, highly stylized novel sent in Victorian England in which magic is re-introduced into English Society having been lost for 300 years. Highly recommended.
Saw on DVD last week, Children of Men, based upon a PD James novel it tells of a dystopian future world (2027) in which all women are infertile and the human race faces extinction. The plot revolves around a suitably dishevelled Clive Owen who falls in with a group of dissenters who might just have the key to rescue humanity. A critical (but not box office) success at the time and I do not disagree. Superb cinematography and pacing, also highly recommended.
Most of PD James ideas and subtle wit was lost in the movie, but yeah it's still a good adaptation.
Well, dah! ;) I suppose you can guess from my moniker that I'm a Tolkien fan, (if not fanatic). You tell given that while I thought Jackson's Lord of the Rings films were very good, I personally resented the departures from the J.R.R.'s sacred text. Of course "Fëanor" is scarely if mentioned at all in Lord of the Rings, (probably in the Appendices), but rather in The Silmarillion which is compulsory reading if you want to understand the LoTR in its "historical" context.
My next favourite Fantasy is probably The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison.
As for Sci Fi, my hands-down favourite is The Book of the New Sun tetralogy by Gene Wolfe, plus the sequel, Urth of the New Sun. Spoiler alert: definitely read the last last. Like it says, "Best SF novel of the last century" ...
Quote from: Feanor on August 05, 2009, 09:41:03 AM
As for Sci Fi, my hands-down favourite is The Book of the New Sun tetralogy by Gene Wolfe, plus the sequel, Urth of the New Sun. Spoiler alert: definitely read the last last. Like it says, "Best SF novel of the last century" ...
You are my new best friend.
Added to my wish list Feanor (the Gene Wolfe series). :)
Here's an interesting question...which of the great composers do you think would have been particularly adept at writing an effective (and not silly) musical score for a horror film?
Quote from: Tapkaara on August 05, 2009, 11:58:03 AM
Here's an interesting question...which of the great composers do you think would have been particularly adept at writing an effective (and not silly) musical score for a horror film?
R. Strauss
Quote from: Tapkaara on August 05, 2009, 11:58:03 AM
Here's an interesting question...which of the great composers do you think would have been particularly adept at writing an effective (and not silly) musical score for a horror film?
Uhmm ... let me guess: Akira Ifukube (or Godzilla fame). ;D
Quote from: Feanor on August 05, 2009, 12:08:06 PM
Uhmm ... let me guess: Akira Ifukube (or Godzilla fame). ;D
Well, that is a good point, isn't it? Ifukube's original Godzilla score is, in my estimation anyway, a masterpiece and it hasn't aged one bit.
Sibelius I think could write a good score for a horror film. There's an eeeriness in his music that could work very well.
I see Strauss as a good candidate to, but I see him more as an epic sci-fi composer, maybe. And NO, that has nothing to do with 2001!
At the risk of seeming to flip off Christians, I'll mention Michael Moorcock's Behold the Man. A book with a fascinating if provocative premise.
Here a time traveler, provoked by his atheist girlfriend, decides to return to biblical Palestine to find the "historical Jesus". This is he does: turns out the actual Jesus is the deformed, mentally retarded son of Mary, a slut, and Joseph, his natural father or more likely not, an embittered, much older man.
However circumstances propel our time travel to fulfill the role, such as it is, of the "historical Jesus". As much to prove to his girlfriend that there was an historical Jesus as for any other reason, he get Judas to betray him and goes through with the execution.
A physician steals his body because he believes it has magical powers, (fulfilling Jesus' disappearance from the tomb). The physician is disappointed when the body rots as bodies typically do.
Quote from: Feanor on August 05, 2009, 09:41:03 AM
Well, dah! ;) I suppose you can guess from my moniker that I'm a Tolkien fan, (if not fanatic). You tell given that while I thought Jackson's Lord of the Rings films were very good, I personally resented the departures from the J.R.R.'s sacred text. Of course "Fëanor" is scarely if mentioned at all in Lord of the Rings, (probably in the Appendices), but rather in The Silmarillion which is compulsory reading if you want to understand the LoTR in its "historical" context.
" ...
Oh, I agree with your take on the films, especially ROTK and its abysmal ending. Still my favorite fantasy ever done on film though. ;D
Quote from: Feanor on August 05, 2009, 09:41:03 AM
My next favourite Fantasy is probably The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison.
Have you tried William Morris's
The Well at the World's End? For many years it stood alongside
LOTR for me, and they shared top billing in the fantasy stakes; but gradually
LOTR faded for me over the years, leaving Morris standing alone.
I want to join this club!
I'm a major sci-fi junkie, my favourite authors being Isaac Asimov and Iain M. Banks.
Regarding the fantasy and horror genres... despite my hobby of playing fantasy roleplaying games, I have never really enjoyed any fantasy book or movie (including LotR). Somehow, it doesn't agree with me at all. As for horror, not since my father showed me the movie Alien (one of my favourites now) when I was four years old have I been frightened of anything on the screen. I've read a lot of H.P. Lovecraft and some Stephen King, but it does not scare me in the slightest. Am I doing something wrong? Should one be horrified by horror-fiction, or can you enjoy it in any other way?
Quote from: Feanor on August 05, 2009, 09:41:03 AM
As for Sci Fi, my hands-down favourite is The Book of the New Sun tetralogy by Gene Wolfe, plus the sequel, Urth of the New Sun. Spoiler alert: definitely read the last last. Like it says, "Best SF novel of the last century" ...
Loved Book of the New Sun, absolutely loved it. Top draw Sci-Fi but I found the Urth of the New Sun a horrendous tacked on cash in and wish I had never read it. Gene Wolfe has suffered from the same grating disease that affects all truly great fantasy/Sci-Fi writers; they write a single masterpiece within an original and interesting universe that strikes a chord within a broad readership so they go on to milk it for all it's worth for years. I think Robert Holdstocks Mythago Wood is one of the top 5 Fantasy/Sci-Fi of all time but the legacy of this remarkable book has been despoiled by a never ending spiral of prequels/sequels/whateverquels of logarithmically decreasing quality.
Quote from: Daidalos on August 06, 2009, 12:55:44 AM
Am I doing something wrong? Should one be horrified by horror-fiction, or can you enjoy it in any other way?
I sound like a broken record sometimes, but try some Thomas Ligotti. You may even be able to find a story or two online.
Quote from: MN Dave on August 06, 2009, 03:49:41 AM
I sound like a broken record sometimes, but try some Thomas Ligotti. You may even be able to find a story or two online.
On the whole I like Ligotti. Teatro Grottesco is definitely my favorite but for me the hit:miss ratio is about 70:30 (but the hits are out of the park to use your baseballing parlance). Read 'My Work is Not Yet Done' recently, similar themes to Teattro but the writing is weaker and the endings are forced.
Quote from: Il Furioso on August 06, 2009, 03:56:47 AM
On the whole I like Ligotti. Teatro Grottesco is definitely my favorite but for me the hit:miss ratio is about 70:30 (but the hits are out of the park to use your baseballing parlance). Read 'My Work is Not Yet Done' recently, similar themes to Teattro but the writing is weaker and the endings are forced.
Oy. Well, at least you like him 70% of the time.
Quote from: Elgarian on August 06, 2009, 12:03:32 AM
Have you tried William Morris's The Well at the World's End? For many years it stood alongside LOTR for me, and they shared top billing in the fantasy stakes; but gradually LOTR faded for me over the years, leaving Morris standing alone.
Yes, I've read
Well at the World's End and certainly enjoyed it very much. That was many years ago but perhaps I'll read it again; (I'm retiring in less that a year's time and will have a little time on my hands). The tone and sensibility are pretty Victorian as I recall, but it's moot whether that adds or detracts from the charm of the work.
Quote from: Il Furioso on August 06, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Loved Book of the New Sun, absolutely loved it. Top draw Sci-Fi but I found the Urth of the New Sun a horrendous tacked on cash in and wish I had never read it. Gene Wolfe has suffered from the same grating disease that affects all truly great fantasy/Sci-Fi writers ...
I totally see your point about
Urth of the New Sun. I first read the tetralogy a good many (20??) years ago, but
Urth only a couple of years ago. It is absolutely possible to read only the first four books and leave it there, however I'm not sorry I read
Urth. Certainly it ties together and good many threads and explains various bizarre or unexplainable things in the preceeding books.
Perhaps there is a certain parallel with LoTR. Many people read the trilogy and left it there very happily, (my wife for example). While some (like me) read the appendices, the Hobbit, and subsequently
The Silmarillion and are delighted to understand the "historical" background for LoTR itself -- even though
Silmarillion as a standalone is not a really gread read, IMO.
Anyone else see that HBO has greenlighted George RR Martin's Game of Thrones?
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/sean-bean-leads-hbos-game-of-thrones.php
That'll be cool...I hope.
Fantastic! Still waiting on more entries in the series. I feel like the series is kind of getting bogged down.
Hey boy Sean Bean sure gets typecast! :D
Quote from: Feanor on August 06, 2009, 07:11:53 AM
The tone and sensibility are pretty Victorian as I recall, but it's moot whether that adds or detracts from the charm of the work.
It's written in a kind of Morrisian Medievalese, which takes a chapter or two to get used to, but when the culture shock subsides it fits his imaginary medievalised world like a glove. I know the language puts some people off, but for me, it's like having a picture put in exactly the right frame, perfectly designed by the artist himself.
Ah, I'm so jealous. My Horror Movie thread went nowhere. >:( ;D
Quote from: Elgarian on August 06, 2009, 08:50:01 AM
It's written in a kind of Morrisian Medievalese, which takes a chapter or two to get used to, but when the culture shock subsides it fits his imaginary medievalised world like a glove. I know the language puts some people off, but for me, it's like having a picture put in exactly the right frame, perfectly designed by the artist himself.
Yes, you're right ultimately. And incidentally, E.R. Eddison uses a somewhat similar, very elegant pseudo-Elizabethan style to great effect in his
Ouroboros books which I mentioned earlier.
Quote from: Feanor on August 06, 2009, 10:52:33 AM
And incidentally, E.R. Eddison uses a somewhat similar, very elegant pseudo-Elizabethan style to great effect in his Ouroboros books which I mentioned earlier.
I did have a go at reading
Ouroboros a long time ago, and didn't make it through to the end, though for no obvious reason that I can recall. These things often balance on a hair, don't they? And sometimes even the best things don't click with us and we don't really know why.
I got very hooked on Morris for years, and read all his later romances:
The Wood Beyond the World,
The Sundering Flood,
The Water of the Wondrous Isles, and
The Glittering Plain. And fine things they are, too - but
The Well is the masterpiece.
So I checked out The Devil You Know by Mike Carey based on MN Dave's advise, hope it's good, since I finished the Bach bio I'll be starting it soon. :)
Quote from: DavidW on August 09, 2009, 02:30:39 PM
So I checked out The Devil You Know by Mike Carey based on MN Dave's advise, hope it's good, since I finished the Bach bio I'll be starting it soon. :)
It's good. If you don't think so, it's not the book's fault. ;D
I started this:
(http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/c0/c3694.jpg)
Quote from: MN Dave on August 09, 2009, 02:47:56 PM
It's good. If you don't think so, it's not the book's fault. ;D
I started this:
(http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/c0/c3694.jpg)
I used to get really bad morgaines...
nyuk
(http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n55220.jpg)
great book so far, on reviewer said Hamilton is doing for space opera what Martin did for fantasy
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 12, 2009, 08:32:53 AM
(http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n55220.jpg)
great book so far, on reviewer said Hamilton is doing for space opera what Martin did for fantasy
I've only read the Reality Dysfunction trilogy. Way to spin out one idea over nearly 2000 pages! He could have done with a decent editor who would have made him trim it down to a single novel of 500 pages. Having said that, the image of children's corpses rotting in the jungle, having died after being abandoned by their possessed parents, is one that still freaks me out.
Quote from: MN Dave on August 06, 2009, 03:49:41 AM
I sound like a broken record sometimes, but try some Thomas Ligotti. You may even be able to find a story or two online.
I really like Ligotti. I just finished "My Work Is Not Yet Done" -- well the main novella part of it. I haven't read the rest of the book yet. "Teatro Grottesco" was excellent. I'm tempted to re-read it already, even though I just finished it a few months ago. I really wish more of Ligotti's work was in print. :-\
Quote from: MN Dave on August 09, 2009, 02:47:56 PM
It's good. If you don't think so, it's not the book's fault. ;D
Well I finished it, and it was real good. Thumbs up! :)
Quote from: DavidW on August 29, 2009, 09:15:04 AM
Well I finished it, and it was real good. Thumbs up! :)
Good news.
Three to go. Don't get them in hardcover. Get the paperbacks from the UK through Book Depository.
Quote from: MN Dave on August 29, 2009, 09:35:52 AM
Good news.
Three to go. Don't get them in hardcover. Get the paperbacks from the UK through Book Depository.
Due to price? Or is there a difference like US editions are edited for no reason?
Quote from: DavidW on August 29, 2009, 09:58:28 AM
Due to price? Or is there a difference like US editions are edited for no reason?
Oh, sorry. I just saw the next one, Vicious Circles, in paperback at Borders.
The one after that is out in hardcover here, but you can get it, and the fourth one, in paperback from the UK, which is what I did.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V7BEYUd5L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
A fantasy novel of the American West.
Good so far. 8)
Interesting that sci-fi, fantasy and horror would be listed together on this thread. They're three very diffrerent genres. I just finished reading Arthur Clarke's "Song's of Distant Earth." In the instroduction, he distinguishes between sci-fi and fantasy, and he classifies himself as the former, in that nothing in his book is beyind theoretical possibilty, as distinguished from, say, the fantasy time travel and warp speed scenarios in Star Trek.
Every work of science fiction (in Clarke's sense) is eventually overtaken by events. I just started reading War of the Worlds, which was written before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk, and I notice a couple of soon-to-be common technological marvels are missing, because, I think, Wells didn't know of their existence. The first is rocketry: the Martian capsules are shot out of cannons on the home planet. The second is aerodynamics: the shells fall to earth hard like meteorites. An advanced civilization would have found some way to ensure a softer landing, like gliding in. Then again, someone must have been fooling around with gliders when the book was written, wouldn't you think?
Well I think mn-dave lumped them together Joe because he likes all three. :) Certainly they can be quite different, you gave an Arthur C Clarke example, which is pure sci-fi (isn't he also the one that said that sufficiently futuristic technology would be no different than magic to us?), Dave and I talked briefly about Ketchum a horror writer that has no fantasy elements whatsoever.
But then again there is plenty of sci-fi that's really fantasy, and plenty of horror that's really fantasy, so if you consider them all together they form a continuous spectrum from hard sci-fi to psychological horror. Not really three discrete categories but one spectrum. :)
James-- yes! Run don't walk to see that movie, District 9 is superb. :)
Yes, in all three genres, you're usually dealing with subject matter that doesn't exist, or doesn't exist yet; fiction from the wilder parts of our imaginations.
(I still need to see District 9.)
everyone here must read 'a work of art' by james blish.
richard strauss is scientifically raised from the dead in the far future and gets back into compositon.
'farewell to the master' by harry bates is another good one. it's free online and was the basis for the original 'day the earth stood still' flick.
'this island earth' by raymond f. jones is a fun read. it spawned a '50s movie of the same name.
turtledove's alternate history books interest me more than most other modern writers' books.
dj
I've read Farewell to the Master, but not the others Dave, I might check 'em out. I think Ben's got me convinced to read Earth Abides next.
(http://www.sfsite.com/gra/0604/ealg.jpg)
:)
Quote from: Feanor on August 05, 2009, 09:41:03 AM
My next favourite Fantasy is probably The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison.
Why? I have this novel sitting on the shelf for 35 years already (Ballantine edition) and have never come round to reading it. Could you give me a very strong reason for diving in at last?
For those who don't know it yet, I love HPL, Clark Ashton Smith, Tolkien, Lord Dunsany, Thomas Ligotti and Frank Herbert. Gene Wolfe is a writer I'll have to explore (due to some prodding by MN Dave...)
Quote from: Jezetha on September 06, 2009, 02:02:06 PM
Why? I have this novel sitting on the shelf for 35 years already (Ballantine edition) and have never come round to reading it. Could you give me a very strong reason for diving in at last?
For those who don't know it yet, I love HPL, Clark Ashton Smith, Tolkien, Lord Dunsany, Thomas Ligotti and Frank Herbert. Gene Wolfe is a writer I'll have to explore (due to some prodding by MN Dave...)
Why
The Worm Ouroboros, (E.R. Eddison), I'm not sure I can articulate altogether, but in large part it's because of Eddison's luscious pseudo-Elizatbethan English. I recently began to reread his "Zimiamvian" trilogy but couldn't get back into it, so who knows? (This is comprised of
Mistress of Mistresses,
A Fish Dinner in Memison, and
The Menzentian Gate, set in a fantasy universe that overlaps that of
Worm Ouroboros).
Many years ago I read quite a lot of H.P. Lovecraft which I enjoyed, and I have read more or less of the others excepting Ligotti.
Dune was great, but Herbert became tedious after the third Dune book,
Children of Dune, IMO. Gene Wolf is a great sci-fi writer based on the New Sun and Long Sun series that I've read: perhaps I'll read some more of his stuff.
Keep a lookout for Wolfe's THE FIFTH HEAD OF CERBERUS.
Quote from: MN Dave on September 06, 2009, 06:33:46 PM
Keep a lookout for Wolfe's THE FIFTH HEAD OF CERBERUS.
Thanks for that tip, MN. I'll definitely look for that.
By the way, one-and-all, if you looking for a book to
avoid, I heartily recommend
Ender's Game (and presumably its sequels) by Orson Scott Card. This was recommended to me by my son, (age 26). It is boring crap.
Yes, but it's award-winning boring crap. ;)
Ender's Game is not boring crap, it's a good read. I don't even how one would get bored with it, it's not even a long novel.
Quote from: Feanor on September 06, 2009, 06:32:34 PM
Why The Worm Ouroboros, (E.R. Eddison), I'm not sure I can articulate altogether, but in large part it's because of Eddison's luscious pseudo-Elizabethan English. I recently began to reread his "Zimiamvian" trilogy but couldn't get back into it, so who knows? (This is comprised of Mistress of Mistresses, A Fish Dinner in Memison, and The Menzentian Gate, set in a fantasy universe that overlaps that of Worm Ouroboros).
Many years ago I read quite a lot of H.P. Lovecraft which I enjoyed, and I have read more or less of the others excepting Ligotti. Dune was great, but Herbert became tedious after the third Dune book, Children of Dune, IMO. Gene Wolf is a great sci-fi writer based on the New Sun and Long Sun series that I've read: perhaps I'll read some more of his stuff.
I have
Mistress of Mistresses and
A Fish Dinner in Memison, too. I saw
The Mezentian Gate in a bookshop, along with the others, in the 1970s when I was still deep into fantasy, but didn't buy it. But I know that when I see it secondhand somewhere, I'll get it, simply for completeness' sake... Re Ligotti - he is an absolute modern master (thanks again, Dave!) As for the Dune cycle, I don't agree. Yes, Herbert turns ever more philosophical and intricate as the series progresses, but
God Emperor of Dune, part 4, is one of my favourite books. Herbert's sheer
intelligence is an inspiration.
Quote from: DavidW on September 06, 2009, 06:44:16 PM
Ender's Game is not boring crap, it's a good read. I don't even how one would get bored with it, it's not even a long novel.
i enjoyed the short story version that came first.
more reads i recommend -
'the black destroyer' and 'the weapons shop', both by a. e. van vogt.
i do not care for a.c. clarke, but 'the nine billion names of God' was a good read.
dj
Quote from: DavidW on September 06, 2009, 06:44:16 PM
Ender's Game is not boring crap, it's a good read. I don't even how one would get bored with it, it's not even a long novel.
So is the second half better than the first? I found the first 60% but found the progress of the story exceedingly repetitious -- I'm 65 and have too few years left to waste reading interminable repeditions of a basic notion. How many times to you have to tell us how brilliant little Ender is, etc.? And that's apart from the fact that the young genius, Ender, is not at all like a real-world child, exceptionally gifted or not.
Thus perhaps the real problem is that it
is far too long for what it's got to say. This common if sci-fi novels written in the last 20 years or so. I suppose publishers pay by the page.
The "twist" ending is the big payoff.
Quote from: MN Dave on September 07, 2009, 05:54:13 AM
The "twist" ending is the big payoff.
I was just thinking that. Oddly enough knowing the twist doesn't prevent me from enjoying it again on rereads. :)
Quote from: MN Dave on September 07, 2009, 05:54:13 AM
The "twist" ending is the big payoff.
Yeah, well there's a bookmark still where I left off so I could get back to it. You and DavidW will be held to account, though, if it turns out like it started.
I'll stick with my point that far too many sci-fi novels in the last few decades are far too long for their substance.
But, hey, what do I know? I liked
Howard the Duck. ;)
Quote from: Feanor on September 07, 2009, 06:07:30 AM
Yeah, well there's a bookmark still where I left off so I could get back to it. You and DavidW will be held to account, though, if it turns out like it started.
I'll stick with my point that far too many sci-fi novels in the last few decades are far too long for their substance.
Well you can read the short story version instead, but it sounds like you're almost there anyway. :)
Quote from: david johnson on September 06, 2009, 12:20:21 PM
everyone here must read 'a work of art' by james blish.
richard strauss is scientifically raised from the dead in the far future and gets back into compositon.
The horror! The horror!
Quote from: david johnson on September 07, 2009, 01:33:09 AM
i do not care for a.c. clarke, but 'the nine billion names of God' was a good read.
He's the only acience fiction author I read with any regularity. I like that he sticks to the theoretically possible, and his stories aren't space operas or space westerns. (Earthlight was an interesting take on interplanetary war.)
I did have a problem with the sequels to 2001, though. The problem was the character of Dave Bowman, or rather what Bowman became. At the end of 2001 he's deascrobed as master of the world, but later he is demoted to little more than an intergalactic messenger boy. I think Clarke was so grounded in the real, material word that he couldn't imagine how such an angel-like being might live. ;)
Quote from: Dr. Dread on August 04, 2009, 10:18:46 AM
It had to be done. 0:)
I'll leave aside the usual suspects like Asimov, Heinlein, Dick, Stapledon, Sturgeon, Capek, and others, and suggest something off the beaten track:
Charles Williams, The Place of the Lion. It's very philosophical, with some Platonic Ideas or Archetypes appearing on earth and causing a certain amount of havoc. Williams was associated with the Inklings, along with C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, among others.
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Lion-Charles-Williams/dp/1573831085/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252340556&sr=1-1
Started a review blog:
http://grimrictus.blogspot.com/
I read your first entry Dave, sounds like a great novel, I'll probably read it. BTW Spares arrived in the mail today. ;D
Quote from: DavidW on September 15, 2009, 04:24:27 PM
I read your first entry Dave, sounds like a great novel, I'll probably read it. BTW Spares arrived in the mail today. ;D
Cool. Did you see weird code between paragraphs? Some people are mentioning it. :-\
Quote from: MN Dave on September 15, 2009, 04:31:47 PM
Cool. Did you see weird code between paragraphs? Some people are mentioning it. :-\
No I didn't, looked fine to me. :)
Thanks, bud.
Quote from: david johnson on September 06, 2009, 12:20:21 PM
'this island earth' by raymond f. jones is a fun read. it spawned a '50s movie of the same name.
dj
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c0/Interocitor.jpg)
(http://irishgothichorrorjournal.homestead.com/new_20this_20island_20earth_20morrow_20THIS_ISLAND_EARTH-13.jpg)
Quote from: drogulus on September 15, 2009, 07:43:05 PM
...
(http://irishgothichorrorjournal.homestead.com/new_20this_20island_20earth_20morrow_20THIS_ISLAND_EARTH-13.jpg)
Ah, hah! So that's where the inspiration came from for the Martians in
Mars Invades, starring Jack Nicholson,
et al.. :D
Quote from: Feanor on September 16, 2009, 05:45:06 AM
Ah, hah! So that's where the inspiration came from for the Martians in Mars Invades, starring Jack Nicholson, et al.. :D
Maybe indirectly. The direct inspiration was the series of Topps trading cards that came out in the early '60s.
(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars01.gif)(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars02.gif)
(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars03.gif)(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars04.gif)
John Shirley's BLEAK HISTORY
http://grimrictus.blogspot.com/
Quote from: MN Dave on September 22, 2009, 03:10:16 PM
John Shirley's BLEAK HISTORY
http://grimrictus.blogspot.com/
This is totally me--
Quote
Often, those who want a scary adventure tale or a mystery with fantastic elements are disappointed to find flimsy soap operas involving stereotyped creatures of the night with too much graphic sex and not enough heart and guts.
;D Horror section is practically romance now + light fantasy elements. The housewives have taken over the section. :o
Thanks for checking it out, dude. :)
Quote from: drogulus on September 16, 2009, 04:17:25 PM
Maybe indirectly. The direct inspiration was the series of Topps trading cards that came out in the early '60s.
(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars01.gif)(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars02.gif)
(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars03.gif)(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars04.gif)
Which were pricey even 20 years ago due to their banishment. Cool stuff!
Quote from: Bogey on September 22, 2009, 07:31:12 PM
Cool stuff!
Burton had the robot and the burning cattle but he left out the plague of giant insects.
:( (http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars32.gif) (http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars22.gif)
(http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars45.gif) (http://www.marsattacksfan.com/mars30.gif)
I try to come back to SF/Fantasy every now and then, but those writers are generally too abysmal for me to maintain interest for long. One exception has been Jack Vance, who's prosody is actually pretty damn good, relatively speaking. Some of his stories are also quite original. I can't believe he isn't as well know as some of the most popular hacks.
Gene Wolfe, dude. Thomas Ligotti.
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on September 23, 2009, 05:46:16 AM
I try to come back to SF/Fantasy every now and then, but those writers are generally too abysmal for me to maintain interest for long. One exception has been Jack Vance, who's prosody is actually pretty damn good, relatively speaking. Some of his stories are also quite original. I can't believe he isn't as well know as some of the most popular hacks.
My problem is that most of my Sci-fi reading was done 30+ years ago so I'm a bit out of touch with more recent works and authors.
I've read at least a couple by Jack Vance and liked them, e.g.
The Dying Earth. Somewhat similar in tenor, I've enjoyed some works of Roger Zelazny, e.g.
The Lord of Light.
Brian Aldiss comes to mind: I've enjoyed
The Light Dark Years, an oldie from 1964, and the more recent (1982-85)
Helliconia Trilogy.
Also more recent, I totally agree with MN Dave about Gene Wolf, especially the
New Sun series -- my favorite sci-fil of all time.
An unfortunate writing trend of many authors in recent decades has been to excessive length. Don't people believe in editting anymore? One of the first books with the problem from my personal recollection was Robert Heinlein's
Stranger in a Strange Land. Presently I'm struggling through
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (on the recommendation of MN Dave and DavidW) -- this book is 324 pages (in my edition) and it could do with 100+ fewer pages.
The other tendious trend has been endless sequels. The first to mind is mind is Robert Howards'
Arrakis series; I enjoyed
Dune, Dune Messiah, and
Children of Dune. After that it became a bore. The
Arrakis story was take up by others after the author's death with various "prequels" not nearly as well written as Herbert's own work.
Shot me now!Another example is Arthur C. Clarke's
Rendezvous with Rama series, the first book was a great work, the rest not so much -- futhermore they each tended to the excessive length problem.
Yet another example of too, too many words, Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy. I gave up about 1/2 way through
Red Mars -- too many words, too few thoughts. [ Low thought/word ratio :P ]
Well, I've struggles through
Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. This was on the recommendation of my son, MN Dave, and DavidW, not to mention its Hugo and Nebula Awards.
My earlier comment at about this book at 60% of the way through was that it is boring. Unfortunately the last 40% did not redeem the book in my esteem. The "surprise" but unstartling denouement did not make for hundreds of pages of repetitious boredom.
Respectfully to the above, well-meaning individuals and the respective award committees I submit the following criticisms of Ender's Game:
- Not dissimilarly from many sci-fi novels of recent decades, it is far too long for the ideas presented. It would be much less insufferable for being editted down by a hundred pages or so.
- The writing style is primitivist naive -- the writer doesn't have a brilliant way with words that would otherwise have relieved the tedium of having a very excessive number of them.
- The sci-fi ideas themselves, at least for 2009, are pretty déjà vu.
- The notion of an invincible, 11 year-old super genius might appeal to juvenile Play Station enthusiasts but is a puerile fantasy and offensive intself. (It brings to mind Star Wars Episode I wherein a 8 year-old Anakin Skywalker and and 12 year-old Princess Whats-her-name shatter the scant plausibility of the plot in aid of flogging action figures to young children.)
My next read, on MN Dave's recommendation, is Gene Wolfe's
The Fifth Head of Cerebus. My expectation here is much higher.
Enjoy! (I hope.)
Quote from: Feanor on September 25, 2009, 03:50:11 PM
- Not dissimilarly from many sci-fi novels of recent decades, it is far too long for the ideas presented. It would be much less insufferable for being editted down by a hundred pages or so.
Well it's a novel, not an essay. If you want ideas pretending to be stories, turn to Asimov, Clark, Egan etc ;D In fact how you are critiquing this work is inappropriate for a novel. The novel is an expansive tapestry that's not meant to be a lean presentation. It's about as insightful as criticizing an opera for having too many notes. ;D
Quote- The writing style is primitivist naive -- the writer doesn't have a brilliant way with words that would otherwise have relieved the tedium of having a very excessive number of them.
Agreed.
Quote- The sci-fi ideas themselves, at least for 2009, are pretty déjà vu.
I can see your point, I think I might have tossed it aside had I read it now and not when I was a youngling. ;D But then again I liked
The Forever War, and I read that less than a year ago, and it feels cliche simply since it's been ripped off so much.
Quote- The notion of an invincible, 11 year-old super genius might appeal to juvenile Play Station enthusiasts but is a puerile fantasy and offensive intself. (It brings to mind Star Wars Episode I wherein a 8 year-old Anakin Skywalker and and 12 year-old Princess Whats-her-name shatter the scant plausibility of the plot in aid of flogging action figures to young children.)
I read it when I was a kid, so I can see your point. However, the comparison to Ep I doesn't work because Ender's Game is in essence of coming of age story, and Ep I is not. Ender's Game wasn't written to sell toys (unlike Ep I), and it might seem like a clever analogy to you, but it flat out doesn't work.
Quote from: DavidW on September 25, 2009, 05:34:14 PM
...
I read it {Ender's Game} when I was a kid, so I can see your point. However, the comparison to Ep I doesn't work because Ender's Game is in essence of coming of age story, and Ep I is not. Ender's Game wasn't written to sell toys (unlike Ep I), and it might seem like a clever analogy to you, but it flat out doesn't work.
I conceed your point here, although Episode 1 did come to mind for me.
Hey this is for you dude. ;D
(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/locke_and_demosthenes.png)
Quote from: TitleDear Peter Wiggin: This letter is to inform you that you have received enough upvotes on your reddit comments to become president of the world. Please be at the UN tomorrow at 8:00 sharp.
Quote from: DavidW on September 28, 2009, 11:42:29 AM
Hey this is for you dude. ;D
(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/locke_and_demosthenes.png)
Quote
...from Title:
Dear Peter Wiggin: This letter is to inform you that you have received enough upvotes on your reddit comments to become president of the world. Please be at the UN tomorrow at 8:00 sharp.
Cool. And of course, very consonant with the novel.
Quote from: Feanor on September 28, 2009, 11:50:43 AM
Cool. And of course, very consonant with the novel.
Yeah well maybe criticism isn't that far off, now that I think about it... :-\
It does seem kind of absurd! :D
Earlier this year:
Dracula (1931)
(http://loonwizard.fatcow.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Dracula1931.jpg)
Obviously the role that defined Bela Lugosi, of which he only played the role of Dracula one more time in Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). (I believe he played a vampire at least a couple(?) more times.) Though I enjoyed Stoker's novel much more, I believe this is must see monster stuff. I noticed while viewing that the character of Dracula never shows his fangs. In fact, I do not recall him ever being filmed actually biting a neck, but rather just heading that way. Such was 1931 where the power of suggestion took care of a "show everything" type filming that recent monster films are notorious for. Lastly, if you do not care for the type of acting that these older monster films provided, at least watch it for the sets. Truly incredible. As a bit of trivia: He was buried in the cape he wore in this film.
Today:
Drácula (1931 Spanish)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3944668677_fda72df604.jpg)
It was not Lugosi, but it's too bad that the director, George Melford, did not do both of them. This had better shots and just developed more fully with its extra half hour of filming.
Next up, Dracula's Daughter.
UNIVERSAL DRACULA RUN:
Dracula (1931)
Drácula (193I Spanish)
Dracula's Daughter (1936)
Son of Dracula (1943)
House of Frankenstein (1944)
House of Dracula (1945)
Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Universal Studios 1931 Dracula is to this day one of my favorite films. I have always been a horror film fan (especially about Dracula and vampires in general) and for me Lugosi is my favorite Count. He was handsome and he had the perfect accent for the part. It was as if he was destined to play Dracula. Way back in the early 1970s at Universal Studios Ampitheater they had a horror film festival where they showed all of their classic Universal horror films from the 1930s and 1940s. We attended the night when they were showing Dracula and Frankenstein. This was an evening I would never forget, watching my favorite film at the studio where it was originally filmed.
Shortly after this event I became a member of the Count Dracula Society where I was able to meet actors who were in other Dracula or vampire/horror films like Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, William Marshall, Darrin McGavin, Elsa Lanchester and Fay Wray. I even met Bela Lugosi Jr. who was very nice and understanding when I asked him for an autograph. At that time he told me that no one had ever asked him for an autograph so he was a bit taken by surprise when I approached him for one. I then had to tell him how I was a huge fan of his father and his films. I also had to tell him that my grandfather had met his father a few times back in the 1950s and how he enjoyed being able to speak Hungarian with him about life back in the old country.
So needless to say the 1931 Dracula is a very special favorite of mine and I will never grow tired of watching it (I have seen it about 50 times). As you can see from my profile signature below, this is my favorite Count Dracula line from this film. It's also one of my all time movie lines ever.
(http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/5/4/l542188989.jpg) There are far worse things awaiting man than death.
Ah, what a great evening that must of been. What year was it specifically, if you recall? I have always been a huge Dwight Frye fan, especially as his role of Fritz in Frankenstein, but he also nails it as Renfield!
I'm very out of touch with recent works and authors if the sci-fi genre. I'm still working y way through Clarke. Have finished Songs of sdistant Earth and just picked up Rendezvous with Rama.
Over the weekend I read Heinlein's Podkayne of Mars, which I tried to read as a boy but couldn't finish. It might have been too old for me then. In any event, it made me absolutely sick. What starts out as a charming portriat of a young girl in space end as a sadomasochistic pseudo-James Bond fantasy --- a disconcerrting combination of futuristic technology and retarded social attitudes. I was spitting out the curdled-milk taste all afternoon.
Shocking! Usually Heinlein jumps to his sexual perversions by page 2! ;D Actually I'm kind of not joking. :-\
Quote from: DavidW on September 29, 2009, 09:09:41 AM
Shocking! Usually Heinlein jumps to his sexual perversions by page 2! ;D Actually I'm kind of not joking. :-\
Well, there were some disturbing erotic undertones throughout the book. Podkayne is eight-plus in Mars years, which makes her not quite 16 in earth years. (The conversion figure is provided.) She makes a point of saying she sleeps naked on the spaceliner to Venus, and in one epsiode, in need of comfort, she sits on her uncle's lap and asks him to tell her the story he used to tell her when she was a little girl. (Whether the uncle got an erection is not stated.) I wouldn't have minded more of the same, but the the last two chapters turn violent --- implausibly --- and finally she's almost killed in an atomic blast. It's said she'll survive, though she's still unconscious at the end of the book. What isn't said is that she'll probably be permanently disfigured, and somehow we're supposed to believe it's all because her mother, a professional engineer, wasn't there for her when she was growing up. Building spaceports is all very well, we're told, but the most important thing a woman can do is raise her children. (This according to the horny old uncle.) It's as though poor Poddy is being punished for her dream of becoming a space captain, and she doesn't even have that dream by the end. She changes her mind about halfway through the book when she finds it's easier and more fun to take care of the babies in the ship's nursery, and she decides she can have a career in space and still do the nurturing thing. Kee-rist.
My ex-wife, who was more into sci-fi than I am, once told me she liked Heinlein but found he was a bit of an MCP. She vastly understated the case.
Quote from: Joe Barron on September 29, 2009, 10:31:23 AM
...
My ex-wife, who was more into sci-fi than I am, once told me she liked Heinlein but foind he was a bit of an MCP. She vastly understated the case.
... or dirty old man might be closer.
Thanks for the synopsis. On account of it I won't be reading the book -- not that there was much chance of that anyway.
The only Heinlein I sort of liked was
Star Ship Toopers. (Classic quote: in a mechanical voice, "I'm 30 second bomb: 30, 29, 28 ...".) The 1997 movie is a travesty to be avoided at all costs.
I knew I was done with Heinlein after struggling through
Stranger in Strange Land. Another example of an acclaimed book that I hated, contrarian that I am. It thoroughly reflected Heinlein's attitude toward sex and woman's role therein as I recall, (it was 35 years ago).
Quote from: Feanor on September 29, 2009, 10:53:32 AM
... or dirty old man might be closer.
That too, but brutally punishing a female character for her independence I think qualifies him as an oinker.
Oh, and I left out the best part. The atomic bomb is planted and armed, as part of an escape plan, by Pod's 12-year-old (in earth time) brother, Clark, who is a genius but, it turns out, an emotionless sociopath. This, too, is the mother's fault.
New review up: John Shirley's LIVING SHADOWS
http://grimrictus.blogspot.com/
Quote from: Bogey on September 29, 2009, 02:55:44 AM
Ah, what a great evening that must of been. What year was it specifically, if you recall? I have always been a huge Dwight Frye fan, especially as his role of Fritz in Frankenstein, but he also nails it as Renfield!
The Count Dracula Society was founded in 1962 by Dr. Donald A. Reed for the serious study of horror films and gothic literature. It is closely associated with the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, dedicated to honoring films and filmmakers in the several genres. The society hosts regular screenings of vampire and horror films and also sponsors an annual gathering at which the Ann Radcliffe Award is given at its annual banquet.
I was a member of the Count Dracula Society in the 1970s for a total of 7 years. I attended the Ann Radcliffe Award dinners in the years 1971 to 1976. As I mentioned in my earlier post I was so lucky to have met many actors, directors, writers, etc. who were all involved in some way or another with horror, sci-fi and fantasy films and books. In 1975 I received a call from the society president Dr. Donald A. Reed who asked me if I would be interested in taking over Rod Serling's position on the Board of Govenors to vote on the nominees for that year's Ann Radcliffe Awards. This was a short time before Rod Serling's death in June 1975. Needless to say I was honored and thrilled to death to have been chosen to replace Mr. Serling on the board. I believe that it was also at that year's banquet that while I was busy going around getting autographs that I was approached by the famous cartoonist Bob Clampett (the creator of Beany and Cecil, one of my favorite cartoons as a child). He told me that he just had to tell me how pretty he thought I was. Now that I look back at that I think that he wanted to get to know me better, but since I was still a bit naive at 18 yrs. his words just pretty much went over my head.
Here you can read a bit of what took place at two of the Ann Radcliffe Awards banquet back in 1972 and 1973 (which I also attended):
http://www.insroland.org/CountDrac
Last week I finished reading a sci-fi book I enjoyed very much ...
Gene Wolfe: The Fifth Head of Cerberus
I owe thanks to MN Dave for recommending it to me quite recently. I wanted Gene Wolfe recommendations, and I must say that Fifth Head of Cerberus is of comparable quality to, (though much shorter than), perhaps my all-time sci-fi favorite, Wolfe's New Sun tetrology. Fifth Head is officially a set of three "novellas" although it is certainly one work in three sections.
Gene Wolfe's writing styles is sophisticated and delightful, and though his sci-fi ideas are intriguing, it can't be said that his novels are more about the ideas than the story, (as many would say of Asimov or Clarke for example).
Perhaps the real earmark of Wolfe's writing style is his ability to evoke mystery in all most every paragraph; the sense of relevant things unknown or untold. In the case of Fifth Head, in the 3rd section, Wolfe cultivates mystery using the blatant device of a minor character, a prison officer, reading a set of documents in random order, so that we can bits and snatches of information and insight such that the mysteries are both compounded and elucidated at once as author sees fit without following the underlying plot in a chronological way. But indeed the whole structure of the three novellas or sections uses displacement not only of chronological time but of characters to great effect.
In the Fifth Head, the only the first section is a first-person narrative; this is unlike the New Sun where that whole story is strictly first person. Wolfe uses the "unreliable witness" as another device to heighten mysteries. That is, the first-person narrator tells the story from his personal perspective, replete with his personal biases and perhaps imperfect recollection of events. It is up to the reader to sort out the real truth and import of the narration sometime much later in the story.
Yet Fifth Head of Cerebus is a novel without a denouement. The central mystery is hinted at in the first section and revealed gradually throughout the work, though its certainty is mainly confirmed in the final section. However there is no single event or revelation of facts that fully or suddenly exposes the strange truth, in fact it could be missed by a careless reader.
Needless to say I strongly recommend this book
(http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/514677TJHYL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU15_.jpg)
[Edit]
The thing I neglected was to mention earlier about Gene Wolfe's style is his ability to deliver quite profound insights into the human character and condition in a way that is seemingly off-handed and rarely necessary to the main story line. These asides are delivered by Wolfe's "unreliable" first-person narrators, and greatly enrich the reader's enjoyment of the story. Of course this method is less often used in Fifth Head of Cerberus than in the New Sun tetralogy which is much long and entirely in the first-person.
[/Edit]
Nice review. Makes me want to read it again.
Lately, I've been diving into classic horror stories. The writing was so much better back then.
I'm reading another Mike Carey novel. :) I also got my mother to start reading the series too. ;D
Quote from: DavidW on October 20, 2009, 08:19:45 AM
I'm reading another Mike Carey novel. :) I also got my mother to start reading the series too. ;D
Cool! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I have a couple I have to get to myself.
In fact, I think I'll review the next one for the blog. Thanks for the reminder. :)
Stephen King's UNDER THE DOME is out today.
What's better than robots?
Giant robots! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dadPWhEhVk)
Quote from: MN Dave on November 10, 2009, 06:34:19 PM
What's better than robots?
Giant robots! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dadPWhEhVk)
Not much!
(http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/iron_giant.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on November 10, 2009, 07:47:59 PM
(http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/iron_giant.jpg)
Great movie that one. Much better then all that over-rated tripe they make this days.
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on November 10, 2009, 08:24:17 PM
Great movie that one. Much better then all that over-rated tripe they make this days.
Absolutely!
Yep.
Read or see anything good lately?
Quote from: MN Dave on November 10, 2009, 06:34:19 PM
What's better than robots?
Giant robots!
Then for those of us who are old enough to remember this particular giant robot:
(http://www.animated-cartoons.net/gigantor_thumb.jpg)
Go Gigantor!
Quote from: MN Dave on December 14, 2009, 05:36:19 AM
Read or see anything good lately?
As I mentioned elsewhere on GMG, I'm currently reading
Asimov's "Foundation" and really enjoying it. In my younger years I read mostly fantasy and mainstream horror (Stephen King,
et al.), a notable exception being Harlan Ellison's short stories. It is only in the past few years that I've begun reading science fiction "classics" such as this. I've also started reading older horror writers like H.P. Lovecraft and M. R. James, and a more obscure author, Thomas Ligotti.
Very cool, Keemun.
You mean you didn't know I was a Ligotti fan? I must have mentioned him a dozen times in this forum. ;D
Quote from: MN Dave on December 15, 2009, 01:19:10 PM
Very cool, Keemun.
You mean you didn't know I was a Ligotti fan? I must have mentioned him a dozen times in this forum. ;D
Of course I knew you were a Ligotti fan. ;D
Yeah, baby!
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/ironman/
Aw, hell yeah!
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/clashofthetitans/
Never heard of the bum.
Ellison. What a nut.
http://stanley-wiater.com/wiater.html
A new Connie Willis book on the way.
http://www.amazon.com/Blackout-Connie-Willis/dp/0553803190
If you're new to her, I recommend Passage.
Bump
Just ran through this....still GREAT stuff! The original X-Files, IMO.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6BYSSR8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on June 04, 2010, 03:36:09 PM
Bump
Just ran through this....still GREAT stuff! The original X-Files, IMO.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6BYSSR8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Good call. I love me some Kolchak.
I may have to rent the tv series, Dave.
Old school alert:
Caught Mysterious Island (1929) on TCM tonight. My first viewing. Very cool. The retro deep sea suits and the model of the Roman ship were highlights!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jrwrIFGpS8Y/Rr92s62mSBI/AAAAAAAACn4/3x83fBLjrvM/s200/mys6.JPG)
For me you can't beat the original TV series The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits.
(http://goremasterfx.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/rod-serling-twilight-zone.jpg)
(http://followthereader.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/outer-limits-screen-capture.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on June 04, 2010, 06:33:10 PM
I may have to rent the tv series, Dave.
I own the DVDs. :)
I've been reading this relatively "highbrow" horror, from Joyce Carol Oates:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FM6G8SJZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
I'm liking it a lot so far.
I should read more Oates. I always mean to.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Lx0QeVATL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Anyone been enjoying the Blu Ray release of Star Trek original series..........
The picture quality is really great now plus new modern special effects have been added (you can switch between old and new special efects)
The DVD versions are very expensive so might as well get the Blu Ray versions
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 06, 2010, 06:24:44 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Lx0QeVATL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Anyone been enjoying the Blu Ray release of Star Trek original series..........
The picture quality is really great now plus new modern special effects have been added (you can switch between old and new special efects)
The DVD versions are very expensive so might as well get the Blu Ray versions
I recall someone commenting that the resolution is too high, and now you can clearly see that the sets are plywood and styrofoam, etc? But I'd imagine Ohura looks good in bluray. :P
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 06, 2010, 06:24:44 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Lx0QeVATL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Anyone been enjoying the Blu Ray release of Star Trek original series..........
The picture quality is really great now plus new modern special effects have been added (you can switch between old and new special efects)
The DVD versions are very expensive so might as well get the Blu Ray versions
I have the last installment without the Blue and the alternate versions already. Doubt if I buy this set as the ones I have are how I remembered them as a kid, and this nostalgia remains important. Enjoy them DA! :)
Quote from: Scarpia on June 06, 2010, 06:28:44 AM
I recall someone commenting that the resolution is too high, and now you can clearly see that the sets are plywood and styrofoam, etc? But I'd imagine Ohura looks good in bluray. :P
No problems for me with higher resolution, I like the modern special effects, the overall appearance and vivid rich colors make for a very striking presentation, and yes the women of Star Trek have never looked better!
The format has been locked in 4:3 with black bars on the side to preserve original TV picture......wish it was widescreen
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 06, 2010, 06:50:54 AM
No problems for me with higher resolution, I like the modern special effects, the overall appearance and vivid rich colors make for a very striking presentation, and yes the women of Star Trek have never looked better!
The format has been locked in 4:3 with black bars on the side to preserve original TV picture......wish it was widescreen
Sound's like it is worth renting.
DA, I've seen season 1 on blu-ray and agree that it looks stunning! I have the dvd set for season 2 (because I couldn't wait for the bd release) and it is more expensive than the blu-ray set!
Quote from: DavidW on June 06, 2010, 08:33:22 AM
DA, I've seen season 1 on blu-ray and agree that it looks stunning!
I have the dvd set for season 2 (because I couldn't wait for the bd release) and it is more expensive than the blu-ray set!
Indeed!
DVD is same price as Blu Ray, plus you get the modern special effects on Blu Ray
I wish Star Trek TNG (the next generation) set would get the same Blu Ray remaster, the current DVD picture qulaity and color could be much better
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 06, 2010, 09:00:52 AM
Indeed!
DVD is same price as Blu Ray, plus you get the modern special effects on Blu Ray
I wish Star Trek TNG (the next generation) set would get the same Blu Ray remaster, the current DVD picture qulaity and color could be much better
Absolutely.
I've heard that TNG will but it will take along time due to the show having been mastered on sd, and it won't actually have as much potential to shine as TOS since TOS had better quality film stock.
Quote from: DavidW on June 06, 2010, 12:41:34 PM
I've heard that TNG will but it will take along time due to the show having been mastered on sd, and it won't actually have as much potential to shine as TOS since TOS had better quality film stock.
What is sd?
Standard definition. :)
Anyway the thing is that if there is a master on film they can digitally scan it (usually at 4k resolution) and then use software to restore, remaster it and then prepare a downconverted blu-ray.
With next gen, they will have to carefully restore and remaster the film before scanning and doing their software magic. It's a much more expensive and time consuming task. If they had 35 mm masters like they did with TOS the TNG ones would probably be out by now.
To compound the problem, many blu-ray watchers are extremely fussy with pq and if doesn't meet their exacting standards they won't buy. That makes the studios reluctant to put the money in for these clean up jobs on archive titles as it is.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516D6fC9mzL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
We have Battlestar Galactica in Blu Ray now...........but since the DVD version is already high quality, upscaled DVD set comes "close" to Blu Ray quality at much lower price
The older series like Star Trek TNG, Star Trek DS9, and Stargate SG1 would benefit most from Blu Ray remasters, I would definitely buy them!
The battlestar blu-rays look very grainy anyway. I don't know if you're a pro-grain videophile DA, but excessive grain gets on my nerves.
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 06, 2010, 02:11:40 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516D6fC9mzL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
We have Battlestar Galactica in Blu Ray now...........but since the DVD version is already high quality, upscaled DVD set comes "close" to Blu Ray quality at much lower price
Maybe I should resume watching it. I sort of drifted off when it seemed to turn into more of a soap opera than a space adventure show.
Quote from: Scarpia on June 07, 2010, 08:44:19 AM
Maybe I should resume watching it. I sort of drifted off when it seemed to turn into more of a soap opera than a space adventure show.
I started the series, but it did not hold my attention enough. However, my wife and I did enjoy:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515NJKZ1XKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Scarpia on June 07, 2010, 08:44:19 AM
Maybe I should resume watching it. I sort of drifted off when it seemed to turn into more of a soap opera than a space adventure show.
Some cool concepts in new Battlestar Galactica, but the introspective brooding comander Adama character never worked for me.......compared to the high level set by Jean Luc Picard of Star Trek TNG, this became a glaring weak spot as the series progressed
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 07, 2010, 01:44:45 PM
Some cool concepts in new Battlestar Galactica, but the introspective brooding comander Adama character never worked for me.......
Yup. Not much better than Pa Cartwright at the helm. ;)
(http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/large_images/761/40223761.jpg)
Started this series last night:
(http://images.appshopper.com/screenshots/339/766689.jpg)
Have not read King since the mid 80's, but thought I would give this a try since I have heard only positive reviews.
Quote from: Bogey on June 07, 2010, 11:08:18 AM
I started the series, but it did not hold my attention enough. However, my wife and I did enjoy:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515NJKZ1XKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
My wife liked that one and we have the series on DVD. But I haven't sampled it yet: should I?
Quote from: Feanor on June 08, 2010, 07:59:26 AM
My wife liked that one and we have the series on DVD. But I haven't sampled it yet: should I?
I was surprised that I enjoyed it so much. Fun stuff.
I liked it when the show was on the air, but given that it was only on for a few months it surprises me how much people still talk about it several years after it was canceled.
Quote from: DavidW on June 08, 2010, 09:01:06 AM
I liked it when the show was on the air, but given that it was only on for a few months it surprises me how much people still talk about it several years after it was canceled.
FOX and their wisdom. Cancellation made no sense whatsoever.
Fox does that so often that I won't watch a show on their network unless it has been on for over a year. Firefly was the very last time I took a chance with them.
Quote from: DavidW on June 08, 2010, 09:31:51 AM
Fox does that so often that I won't watch a show on their network unless it has been on for over a year. Firefly was the very last time I took a chance with them.
At least Fox allowed the series
X Files to run for seven seasons..........
I am currently enjoying Fox show
Fringe and hope a 3rd season will follow
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 08, 2010, 09:40:19 AM
At least Fox allowed the series X Files to run for seven seasons..........
I am currently enjoying Fox show Fringe and hope a 3rd season will follow
The cancellation of Arrested Development by Fox was also widely lamented. I loved the show (saw it on DVD, never on broadcast TV) but think it was probably played out by the end of the 3rd season in any case.
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 08, 2010, 09:40:19 AM
At least Fox allowed the series X Files to run for seven seasons..........
1 season too many? I was a big fan, but the wrap up was fairly painful, IMO.
Quote from: Bogey on June 08, 2010, 12:12:14 PM
1 season too many? I was a big fan, but the wrap up was fairly painful, IMO.
Agreed.
But while X-Files was popular (all of the replies missed what I was talking, I have no problem with a show being canceled after a few seasons and it loses steam), there were half a dozen shows Chris Carter tried that didn't even make it for a season. Some of them had potential to be good, but like Firefly they need time to develop, at least one season. For those type of serial shows they were not given a fair chance to capture their audience. Fox is so notorious for canceling shows before the first season is out that there are not only literally dozens, but when Family Guy was brought back on the air they actually listed them all, it was pretty funny.
Even though I love Joss Whedon's shows including Buffy, Angel, Firefly, and heck the Dr. Horrible's Sing-along-Blog was awesome! I still gave Dollhouse a complete pass because I know how Fox works and I was right. Whether the show was good or bad at least that one had a complete first season though, I'll give them that much credit. But then again a save the show petition started before the first episode even aired!
next
New topic:
Remember this add in old comic books and monster mags?
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2989132936_0dfce387e3.jpg)
Almost made my avatar after picking up a custom figure for my monster nook based on this mask.
That would be a cool avatar Bill. Which reminds me I'd been watching some of the old Hammer Dracula movies with Christopher Lee. He's a real good vampire.
Quote from: DavidW on June 07, 2010, 08:39:30 AM
The battlestar blu-rays look very grainy anyway. I don't know if you're a pro-grain videophile DA, but excessive grain gets on my nerves.
DavidI have
Battlestar Galactica series in DVD but have the new misc collection of inside info called "the plan" in Blu ray and you are right that there is a slight grain intentionally built into picture by series creators......even in Blu Ray version
So I don't plan on getting Blu Ray complete set just so I can have even clearer view of the visual grain :(
I did pay up to get TV series
Lost seasons 1-5 in Blu Ray :)
Awesome DA the Lost bds look exceptional! :)
Jumping on this thread late-- it was great to see so much love for Carpenter's version of The Thing.
Are any of you familiar with Dan Simmon's novel The Terror? It's based about the ill-fated Franklin Expedition in the 1840s that tried (unsuccessfully) to find the "NorthWest Passage" above Canada, and it seems that the crew fell victim to lead poisoning, scurvy, starvation and cannibalism. What Simmons did was start with that, and then add an "alien" stalking the crews of the icebound ships as well. Although the novel has some flaws (the pacing slows down in the last 100 pages (out of 700), it's some great, gritty historical fiction that would have been effectively without the supernatural element. For its flaws, its one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in the fantasy/horror genre.
This is the review that got me to read it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/18/AR2007011802346.html
In terms of authors-- I'm not the biggest sci-fi reader, but I love Phillip K. Dick when he gets philosophical-- I just finished Counter-Clock World, which was pretty cool, although it doesn't get as much respect. I'm also a big fan of Shirley Jackon's Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
Quote from: jowcol on June 10, 2010, 09:23:34 AM
l
In terms of authors-- I'm not the biggest sci-fi reader, but I love Phillip K. Dick
One of the best!
Quote from: Scarpia on June 08, 2010, 12:11:25 PM
The cancellation of Arrested Development by Fox was also widely lamented. I loved the show (saw it on DVD, never on broadcast TV) but think it was probably played out by the end of the 3rd season in any case.
Indeed. The cancellation of the show was actually a blessing in disguise. It had a substantially good and long run.
Just received this custom figure in the mail. 1 of 13 made. Goes with the shock mask above.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd71/actionplus/masks083.jpg)
Shopping for my birthday so early?
Quote from: MN Dave on June 12, 2010, 06:47:34 PM
Shopping for my birthday so early?
Man, I wish. Only 13 of these babies made for a fundraiser for a monster forum I haunt. He is going to be producing some more, but they will be based on another vintage monster mask.
Quote from: Bogey on June 12, 2010, 10:02:00 AM
Just received this custom figure in the mail. 1 of 13 made. Goes with the shock mask above.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd71/actionplus/masks083.jpg)
Why is he dressed up like the Fonz?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512Kb3ix8VL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
What do people think about the mega blockbuster fantasy / sci-fi movie Avatar?
Watched Blu Ray from Netflix......this is real workout for your Blu Ray player, I had to download latest firmware from Oppo to get movie to play, internet has many stories about frustrated people trying to get thier players to work with this release.
The fantasy scenery and animals of planet Pandora bears very close resemblance to artwork of Roger Dean (from Yes albums fame) hope he was compensated :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/612EqP4eboL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RbAhAaYgL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B1TYSFHNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 13, 2010, 08:02:49 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512Kb3ix8VL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
What do people think about the mega blockbuster fantasy / sci-fi movie Avatar?
Nutshell: Weak story, weak acting, and the effects were over-hyped. Just barely watchable, IMO, as the first 10 minutes or so were really cool. Then it turned into a Cameron self-indulgence fest. Just my take, as many loved it.
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 13, 2010, 08:02:49 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512Kb3ix8VL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
What do people think about the mega blockbuster fantasy / sci-fi movie Avatar?
This is a very long movie at close to 3 hours, the special effects and picture quality are mostly spectacular but the story is rather simplistic good vs evil and misses many opportunities, some parts become very cartoonish. Only question is will humans controlling Avatars side with Navi or fellow humans in final battle........but you knew the answer early in the movie by the sinister portrayal of human military/corporation vs the sweet innocent cat like Navi natives.
Should have explored more the complexity of Navi life both good and bad.......one of best parts for me was Navi search and submission of flying reptilian creature and bonding that takes place, the flying scenes were the highlight of the movie.........
Will probably buy a copy for my Sci-Fi library, but will wait for the final directors cut version with all the goodies.......there are surely tons of featurettes about making of the movie etc
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 13, 2010, 08:02:49 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512Kb3ix8VL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
What do people think about the mega blockbuster fantasy / sci-fi movie Avatar?
...
I bought the Blu-ray disc for my new system, giving in to family demand. Is it a great flick? Well, I agree with the consensus that plot and characters are a series of cliches. A combination of
Dances with Wolves, Pocahontas, and FernGully (if you remember that kids' film). Notwithstanding, it's a must-see film, a techincal leap forward at the least. However the way to see it is in 3D on a big theatre screen; even Blu-ray can't do it justice.
You know DA I think that's a sign that you're a collector...
You're collector if... you buy a movie that you don't like.
You're collector if... you buy a special edition of movie that you don't like.
...
;D
QuoteShould have explored more the complexity of Navi life both good and bad
*cough* District 9 *cough*
:D
Quote from: Feanor on June 13, 2010, 06:15:17 PM
However the way to see it is in 3D on a big theatre screen; even Blu-ray can't do it justice.
I had the exact opposite response. It was the most impressive 3d effects I've seen, but it didn't really add anything. If that's the best, well I decided that I'm done with the 3d fad this pass. And I like it better in 2d because it's brighter. :)
Quote from: DavidW on June 13, 2010, 06:16:20 PM
You know DA I think that's a sign that you're a collector...
You're collector if... you buy a movie that you don't like.
You're collector if... you buy a special edition of movie that you don't like.
...
*cough* District 9 *cough*
bloody prawns......I'm not going that far ::)
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 13, 2010, 06:25:45 PM
bloody prawns......I'm not going that far ::)
Puts down the cat food carefully and walks away.... ;D
Quote from: Bogey on June 13, 2010, 09:46:21 AM
Old school. ;D
(http://scott.club365.net/uploaded_images/fonzie-703699.jpg)
Quote from: Hollywood on June 13, 2010, 10:00:26 PM
(http://scott.club365.net/uploaded_images/fonzie-703699.jpg)
:D
So I read the Tawny Man trilogy by Robin Hobb, and it was a very good followup to the Farseer Trilogy... but... the ending was not really right for the character, it came off as fake and though I think Fitz should receive something better than what he got at the end of the first trilogy, I don't think that this was it. Still thumbs up. :)
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 13, 2010, 10:00:14 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512Kb3ix8VL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
This is a very long movie at close to 3 hours, the special effects and picture quality are mostly spectacular but the story is rather simplistic good vs evil and misses many opportunities, some parts become very cartoonish. Only question is will humans controlling Avatars side with Navi or fellow humans in final battle........but you knew the answer early in the movie by the sinister portrayal of human military/corporation vs the sweet innocent cat like Navi natives.
Should have explored more the complexity of Navi life both good and bad.......one of best parts for me was Navi search and submission of flying reptilian creature and bonding that takes place, the flying scenes were the highlight of the movie.........
Will probably buy a copy for my Sci-Fi library, but will wait for the final directors cut version with all the goodies.......there are surely tons of featurettes about making of the movie etc
I want directors cut because......... I will be interested in seeing documentaries/featurettes on how the Navi characters were created and filmed, did they use human actors wired up and then just generate skins for them or are many of the charatcers pure computer animations.......also interested in seeing how the flying lizard bird scences were made, these are spectacular visuals
Also I suspect there are more Navi interaction scences cut out of final release, perhaps 30+ minutes worth would not surprise me
Here's the hot, new horror thriller of the moment. My wife is reading our copy.
http://www.amazon.com/Passage-Justin-Cronin/dp/0345504968
Is this author on your radar, Dave?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51v%2BS%2BQOWuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on June 16, 2010, 10:03:24 AM
Is this author on your radar, Dave?
I'm not a huge Laymon fan.
I am a fan of the original King Kong film. So much so, that I refuse to see Peter Jackson's version.....my little petty protest. However, his may be sheer genius compared to this:
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38070/banglar-king-kong-ready-rampage
PS: Anyone making it through the full 5 minutes wins a prize!
Quote from: Bogey on June 17, 2010, 11:14:07 AM
I am a fan of the original King Kong film. So much so, that I refuse to see Peter Jackson's version.....my little petty protest. However, his may be sheer genius compared to this:
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38070/banglar-king-kong-ready-rampage
PS: Anyone making it through the full 5 minutes wins a prize!
One of the good outcomes of the Peter Jackson King Kong is the material they generated regarding the original King Kong. I have the deluxe edition of the origin King Kong, which has a bonus disc in which they demonstrate the special effects that were used to make the original film and even recreate the lost "spider pit" footage that was cut from the original using HIF (historically informed filmography) and PE (period equipment). :)
Jackson's Kong was way too long but provided some amusement.
Quote from: MN Dave on June 17, 2010, 12:33:21 PM
Jackson's Kong was way too long but provided some amusement.
That is a perfect review, my thoughts exactly. :)
Quote from: DavidW on June 17, 2010, 12:43:04 PM
That is a perfect review, my thoughts exactly. :)
Great minds...
Or is that twisted minds...? ???
Quote from: Scarpia on June 17, 2010, 12:28:00 PM
One of the good outcomes of the Peter Jackson King Kong is the material they generated regarding the original King Kong. I have the deluxe edition of the origin King Kong, which has a bonus disc in which they demonstrate the special effects that were used to make the original film and even recreate the lost "spider pit" footage that was cut from the original using HIF (historically informed filmography) and PE (period equipment). :)
I will have to see if this is on my double Kong disc set. I always love HIFPE material. :D
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61umJdJlxuL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51w94d2g5-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Had to update my Pinhead collection........
Ordered the Blu Ray remaster of original film Hellraiser and the even better sequel Hellbound (unrated version of course) now with 60 minutes of featurettes for 20th anniverary release
The only other Pinhead movie worthy of repeat viewings is 4th movie Bloodlines......
Love the historical flashbacks to creation of the puzzle box and the final deception of Pinhead in outer space is classic
I think that #4 directed by the notorious Alan Smithee ;) is worth viewing only once DA, it was pretty bad. :P
By far I like #1 and 2 the best, #3 was alright (well okay I might only like it because it had the girl from DS9 and Becker) and the rest were bad. #1 on blu-ray is AMAZING pq btw (well as compared to the vhs that I was used to!
That one guy in #2 is really nightmarish I think you know what I'm talking about, oh man...
Quote from: DavidW on June 18, 2010, 05:40:20 PM
I think that #4 directed by the notorious Alan Smithee ;) is worth viewing only once DA, it was pretty bad.
Didn't you like the endgame in
Bloodlines where the future toymaker sets the ultimate trap in space for Pinhead?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kC6-Id1Rjk&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kC6-Id1Rjk&feature=related)
Well um... yeah... that's pretty... interesting... ;D
Quote from: Bogey on June 17, 2010, 04:25:25 PM
I will have to see if this is on my double Kong disc set. I always love HIFPE material. :D
Some very inventive special effects. In the scenes where Kong is seen moving while one of the human actors is acting in another part of the screen, they had a small rear projection screen on the set where they would project a movie of the human actor, advancing one frame at a time as the animation of Kong was done. For the scenes of Kong moving through the jungle they had multiple layers of glass with foliage painted on with Kong in between, creating the illusion of depth. Very clever.
Quote from: DavidW on June 18, 2010, 05:40:20 PM
I think that #4 directed by the notorious Alan Smithee ;) is worth viewing only once DA, it was pretty bad. :P
By far I like #1 and 2 the best, #3 was alright (well okay I might only like it because it had the girl from DS9 and Becker) and the rest were bad. #1 on blu-ray is AMAZING pq btw (well as compared to the vhs that I was used to!
That one guy in #2 is really nightmarish I think you know what I'm talking about, oh man...
I almost went for the puzzle box set with deluxe package........
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KfWzy7aqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Anyone get a horror masterpiece that has been remastered in Blu ray that they are really impressed with?
I just ordered these two to see if they deliver the goods........
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51u5sGqoYqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cfkl3w%2BCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I don't do blu-ray but DotD is one of my fave movies.
Quote from: MN Dave on June 19, 2010, 12:28:56 PM
I don't do blu-ray but DotD is one of my fave movies.
Some of these 1970-80s horror movie classics were filmed with such low budgets that I suspect it will be hard to squeeze too much more picture quality out of them......but I have read that Nightmare on Elm Street looks great for instance
as for
Dawn of the Dead..........
mindless zombies at a shopping mall, a stroke of ironic genius!
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 19, 2010, 12:54:33 PM
as for Dawn of the Dead..........
mindless zombies at a shopping mall, a stroke of ironic genius!
Indeed. :)
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 19, 2010, 12:54:33 PM
Some of these 1970-80s horror movie classics were filmed with such low budgets that I suspect it will be hard to squeeze too much more picture quality out of them......but I have read that Nightmare on Elm Street looks great for instance
The original "Halloween" looks no better on Blu-Ray than it did on standard DVD.
Quote from: Scarpia on June 19, 2010, 02:07:18 PM
The original "Halloween" looks no better on Blu-Ray than it did on standard DVD.
For Halloween I have settled on the 25th anniverary 2 disc DVD version......there are so many versions now hard to keep track of them all
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDAY3B9JL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 19, 2010, 03:20:12 PM
For Halloween I have settled on the 25th anniverary 2 disc DVD version......there are so many versions now hard to keep track of them all
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDAY3B9JL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
What does that edition have beyond the movie itself?
It's a pity, in those days they did not envision DVDs. When the ratings board told them to take something out to keep the R rating, they just cut it out didn't bother to save the materials. As a result there is no "directors cut" of those old films. Some striking special effects were cut from those films (according to what various people claim on various web sites) particularly Friday the 13th, and are lost. Maybe not a loss on the order of Sibelius' 8th, but still.
Quote from: Scarpia on June 19, 2010, 02:07:18 PM
The original "Halloween" looks no better on Blu-Ray than it did on standard DVD.
Yeah it's very soft, but even worse than that it is the highly incorrect color timing. It was filmed in summer and then they filtered it to make it look like fall, very orange look in the day, and then very blue at night. The blu-ray doesn't preserve that color timing, nor does the dvd mentioned on this thread. Only the Cundey masters do it right. They also didn't crop it right for the bd, too many shocks are not shocking because you see Michael enter the scene before you were supposed to. :-X
That still isn't the worse blu-ray I've seen though-- that honor goes to Black Christmas, which came out almost at the same time that Halloween did. The difference is that these Canadians had even a lower budget, and it showed the film is extremely grainy and the movie itself is very, very soft even softer than Halloween and showing absolutely no extra detail over the dvd, and in fact both look like vhs.
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 19, 2010, 12:14:30 PM
Anyone get a horror masterpiece that has been remastered in Blu ray that they are really impressed with?
I just ordered these two to see if they deliver the goods........
The newer ones tend to look great, but as for the older ones I was surprised with how vibrant Friday the 13th looked on bd. Of course the surprise was probably due to how poor the dvd looked. Ditto Dune (I know not horror), the dvd looks wretched but the blu-ray is one of the best I've seen.
Quote from: DavidW on June 19, 2010, 04:26:07 PM
The newer ones tend to look great, but as for the older ones I was surprised with how vibrant Friday the 13th looked on bd. Of course the surprise was probably due to how poor the dvd looked. Ditto Dune (I know not horror), the dvd looks wretched but the blu-ray is one of the best I've seen.
There is talk that they may be given the BR treatment to the old Universal Horror films.....not sure about this as they are my favorite horror flicks of all time.....but you knew that, David. ;)
Quote from: Bogey on June 19, 2010, 06:15:27 PM
There is talk that they may be given the BR treatment to the old Universal Horror films.....not sure about this as they are my favorite horror flicks of all time.....but you knew that, David. ;)
Yeah they are great, especially the Mummy. What were they 30s though? That might be old enough to not expect that much, even though they were high budget. :-\
Quote from: DavidW on June 06, 2010, 12:41:34 PM
I've heard that TNG will but it will take along time due to the show having been mastered on sd, and it won't actually have as much potential to shine as TOS since TOS had better quality film stock.
Just watched a TNG (season 1) on our Blu-Ray player.....about the worst looking disc we have viewed as far a picture quality goes. Mainly when the showed the ship or a planet. Really fuzzy.
(http://files.posterous.com/wednesdayshaul/gHTwMTUpOzRq6WVCUfKt0hjasE579Sn1yIR5WtlgBTn5uBJr07hTnRtbdEhc/replay.gif?AWSAccessKeyId=1C9REJR1EMRZ83Q7QRG2&Expires=1277017779&Signature=m3iRCgVtcaeRfqcWXzrOoKGwZLw%3D)
A novel with a simple premise that unfolds elegantly.
Quote from: -abe- on June 19, 2010, 11:13:47 PM
(http://files.posterous.com/wednesdayshaul/gHTwMTUpOzRq6WVCUfKt0hjasE579Sn1yIR5WtlgBTn5uBJr07hTnRtbdEhc/replay.gif?AWSAccessKeyId=1C9REJR1EMRZ83Q7QRG2&Expires=1277017779&Signature=m3iRCgVtcaeRfqcWXzrOoKGwZLw%3D)
A novel with a simple premise that unfolds elegantly.
No image.
Quote from: MN Dave on June 20, 2010, 03:26:14 AM
No image.
(http://unrealityshout.com/files/imagecache/image_460/Ken-Grimwood-Replay.jpg)
I've read that novel! It is good, isn't it? :)
Quote from: DavidW on June 19, 2010, 04:19:54 PM
Yeah it's very soft, but even worse than that it is the highly incorrect color timing. It was filmed in summer and then they filtered it to make it look like fall, very orange look in the day, and then very blue at night. The blu-ray doesn't preserve that color timing, nor does the dvd mentioned on this thread. Only the Cundey masters do it right. They also didn't crop it right for the bd, too many shocks are not shocking because you see Michael enter the scene before you were supposed to.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712YWBBQR0L._SL500_AA300_.gif) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDAY3B9JL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Cundey color can be found in the 1999 2 disc set that has the extended TV minutes version, 12 extra minutes of footage added to make movie better fit a 2 HR timeslot on TV (first image)
H25 version is 2 disc 2003 release with new remaster having slightly brighter colors and less blue tint, does not have extended TV minutes but does have more complete list of extras including full 87 minute documentary about making the move (2nd image) Used copies are so cheap might as well get both and see what color you prefer......(I have both but no Blu ray)
Movie was shot in Pasadena California not Haddonfield IL, veteran viewers will notice during the daytime walking and driving scences several
palm trees can be spotted......not something you would usually find in Illinois ::)
Quote from: DavidW on June 20, 2010, 09:21:31 AM
I've read that novel! It is good, isn't it? :)
A friend recommended it to me back in high school when I said I couldn't find any more decent sci-fi to read (which was funny since at the time because I had only read Asimov/Clarke/Card/Hebert.) It's a somewhat overlooked gem. It's due for a re-read.
Never heard of it. Thanks for the tip.
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 20, 2010, 09:24:21 AMCundey color can be found in the 1999 2 disc set that has the extended TV minutes version, 12 extra minutes of footage added to make movie better fit a 2 HR timeslot on TV (first image)
12 extra minutes? The pacing of the movie is slow as it is.
Quote from: Bogey on June 19, 2010, 07:40:18 PM
Just watched a TNG (season 1) on our Blu-Ray player.....about the worst looking disc we have viewed as far a picture quality goes. Mainly when the showed the ship or a planet. Really fuzzy.
Pretty weak picture quality for Star Trek TNG even with very best upscaling players........
DS9 which started while TNG was also still running for last couple seasons has better picture that upscales better. Fortunately I didn't pay too much for complete TNG set at eBay, am waiting to see improved quality version in the future become available and I will be a buyer and get rid of current set
I am now watching Enterprise and the picture is very good, just recently purchased entire 4 season DVD set at eBay
I agree that Enterprise has the best PQ, I never liked it that much though. :-\
My favorites are TOS, TNG and DS9. I think that Enterprise is actually better than Voyager, but by that time I didn't really care that much anymore, and I haven't actually seen every episode of Enterprise, just some episodes.
btw I started rewatching Stargate SG1, and boy I can't believe how super grainy and crummy the pq is on season 1! :'(
Quote from: DavidW on June 20, 2010, 03:35:42 PM
I agree that Enterprise has the best PQ, I never liked it that much though. :-\
My favorites are TOS, TNG and DS9. I think that Enterprise is actually better than Voyager, but by that time I didn't really care that much anymore, and I haven't actually seen every episode of Enterprise, just some episodes.
btw I started rewatching Stargate SG1, and boy I can't believe how super grainy and crummy the pq is on season 1!
I agree.......last year I did the complete Stargate cycle watched Stargate SG1 1-10 and Atlantis 1-5,
picture gets much better for SG1 around seasons 4-5 then looks good 6-10, early seasons do have some grain and artifacts. I have new respect for the Stargate series, didn't realize it was that good just catching random episodes and being broken up by commercial breaks, big fan now
So, we were not seeing things when it came to the planets looking like fuzz balls?
The poster Martin Lind who created the languages thread inspired this post!
Back in 2002, I bought these two books at a sale at my library:
(http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n0/n373.jpg)
(http://www.philipkdick.com/images-smallcovers/cov-ubik-v-200.jpg)
They were these editions too and in excellent condition (I somewhat judge books by their covers/condition -- sowee!). These books were great. What I like about Philip K. Dick's stories is that, at least in these books, he follows through on his strange premises. The plots progress logically from the trippy foundations. His characters tend to be smart and aware of the paradoxes they find themselves engulfed in. The reader doesn't get ahead of them. Anyway, out of Dick's many books, these two were selected for this collection:
http://www.amazon.com/Philip-K-Dick-Stigmata-Androids/dp/1598530097
I recently reread "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" and it was every bit as good as I remembered. Not mentioning the plots on purpose...
Philip K. Dick influenced screenwriter Charlie Kauffman (I think I remember Kauffman saying so in an interview). The films Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in particular are reminiscent of Dick's Escher-esque storytelling.
Also, I currently have this at home from Netflix:
(http://www.bluraywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/minorityreportblurayart.jpg)
(some people think this is an awful cover.)
When I found out the film was coming out in 2002 I visited the local Barnes & Nobles and read the short story by Philip K. Dick on which the film is based. I enjoyed the story and thought it would make a great premise for a film. Well, I was disappointed with the film because it strayed so much from Dick's story. In the story, Anderton, an old man, protects Precrime and undertakes a drastic action to uphold its legitimacy. Anderton was an anti-hero. In Spielberg's film, the foundations of Precrime are morally suspect. Its Anderton isn't as much of a bad-ass, and I really didn't like the "tragic" story they gave him (his son being kidnapped/possibly murdered.) I thought it was so horrible that it took me out of the film. Nonetheless, over the years I've come to love Spielberg's film and came to consider my original reaction as mostly juvenile (I was 15...but I'm right about the abducted son angle.) I love these things about this movie: the direction, the cinematography, the predictions of future technology (Spielberg really took this seriously and consulted with technology experts) and the various thrilling sequences -- like the tiny robot spiders in the apartment and the scene in the mall where Agatha is guiding Anderton. Good movie, this one is.
Polishing off this fun book. I'm on the final novel: THE PNUME.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AQSYGY51L.jpg)
Quote from: -abe- on June 20, 2010, 10:18:12 PM
The poster Martin Lind who created the languages thread inspired this post!
Back in 2002, I bought these two books at a sale at my library:
(http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n0/n373.jpg)
(http://www.philipkdick.com/images-smallcovers/cov-ubik-v-200.jpg)
They were these editions too and in excellent condition (I somewhat judge books by their covers/condition -- sowee!). These books were great. What I like about Philip K. Dick's stories is that, at least in these books, he follows through on his strange premises. The plots progress logically from the trippy foundations. His characters tend to be smart and aware of the paradoxes they find themselves engulfed in. The reader doesn't get ahead of them. Anyway, out of Dick's many books, these two were selected for this collection:
http://www.amazon.com/Philip-K-Dick-Stigmata-Androids/dp/1598530097
I recently reread "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" and it was every bit as good as I remembered. Not mentioning the plots on purpose...
Is the "Unteleported Man" by Dick still out of print? It is one of his very best "alternate reality" novels, but I understand that has been confusion about which is the authoritative draft.
Ubik may be Dick's masterpiece-- although there are so many great ones-- Valis would also get my vote.
Vampires + Classical!?
Mozart's Blood (http://www.amazon.com/Mozarts-Blood-Louise-Marley/dp/0758242123/ref=tmm_pap_title_0)
No, I have not read it. ::)
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 20, 2010, 09:24:21 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712YWBBQR0L._SL500_AA300_.gif) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDAY3B9JL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Cundey color can be found in the 1999 2 disc set that has the extended TV minutes version, 12 extra minutes of footage added to make movie better fit a 2 HR timeslot on TV (first image)
H25 version is 2 disc 2003 release with new remaster having slightly brighter colors and less blue tint, does not have extended TV minutes but does have more complete list of extras including full 87 minute documentary about making the move (2nd image) Used copies are so cheap might as well get both and see what color you prefer......(I have both but no Blu ray)
Compared both of these versions last night. The 1999 Cundey remaster is darker with more pronouned dark shadows, the famous blue tint is easily seen at night with outside views of white homes which have a very noticeable blue tint, gives an artifcial ghastly surreal feel to things which is kinda neat. The downside is picture is less sharp and has noticeable grain on large screen compared to newer H25 release.
H25 is cleaned up with sharper detail and less grain, shadows are lighter with more detail visible. The blue tint of white houses at night is gone and now just appear normal color correct white. If I could keep only one I take the H25 version, but they are so cheap no reason not to have both.
The extended minutes TV version does not add any important insights, just a few more minutes early showing Dr Loomis at mental institute before Michael escapes and some more interaction between Jamie lee Curtis and her friends during daytime when they suspect they are being watched/followed.....this TV version is bonus disc with 1999 2CD set
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51I-6F39%2BXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gDGNA7AzL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Purchased these two DVD boxsets very cheap used at Amazon:
Nightmare on Elmstreet (8 DVDs 1999) - $17
Friday the 13th (5 DVDs with 8 movies 2004) - $22
At these bargain prices don't have to worry about each movie being great, just interesting to see the evolution of each series over long period of time
Also just received this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cfkl3w%2BCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Thanks DA for the Stargate pq info and the careful comparison of Halloween transfers. :)
My thoughts on the dvds you ordered-- the Nightmare ones look consistently good (but not great even by dvd standards), and most of the Fridays look absolutely terrible! :D But... the first friday on bd looks very good. :)
I'm still rewatching the nightmare movies, almost done but though I strongly like the first one the best, the third is pretty darned good, and I think that people malign the second one too much.
As for Friday the 13th movies: well I'm biased, I like 'em more than I should, classic 80s cheese. ;D
I love the good old Universal Studios famous monsters films which include Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein and The Mummy. I remember going to a special "Universal Studios Famous Monsters Movie Night" that was being shown in the studios amphitheater way back in the 1970s. It was great watching these very movies that were actually filmed on the Universal Studios back lots back in the 1930s.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/df/Dracula1931poster.jpg) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Frankenstein13.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/Brideoffrankposter.jpg) (http://www.filmposters.it/imgposter/grandi/mummy.jpg)
Quote from: DavidW on June 26, 2010, 07:43:52 PM
Thanks DA for the Stargate pq info and the careful comparison of Halloween transfers. :)
My thoughts on the dvds you ordered-- the Nightmare ones look consistently good (but not great even by dvd standards), and most of the Fridays look absolutely terrible! :D But... the first friday on bd looks very good. :)
I'm still rewatching the nightmare movies, almost done but though I strongly like the first one the best, the third is pretty darned good, and I think that people malign the second one too much.
As for Friday the 13th movies: well I'm biased, I like 'em more than I should, classic 80s cheese. ;D
Dave
My system for watching large quantities of horror flix and not taking 90+ minutes each.......I watch at 2x speed until something worth seeing happens then watch normal speed or even slow motion, you can still see in detail all that happens but not waste time during ponderous set-up background footage.
Black ChristmasJust watched this "classic" slasher flick because everyone rates it so high,
very overrated for me. No way this should be rated R, no graphic violence, no nudity, never felt scared or uncomfortable, a silly PG mystery murder.....no real violent evil lives here and not tense enough to rise to Hitchcock murder. There is no way this can be mentioned in the same breath as Halloween as many people do claiming it to be milestone in horror genre.....top 10 list of all time horror movies etc
Early minutes picture quality is poor as was mentioned here, I can verify that :(
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 27, 2010, 05:55:32 AM
Dave
My system for watching large quantities of horror flix and not taking 90+ minutes each.......
I watch at 2x speed until something worth seeing happens then watch normal speed or even slow motion, you can still see in detail all that happens but not waste time during ponderous set-up background footage.
But isn't the suspenseful buildup the entire point of those movies?
Quote from: Scarpia on June 27, 2010, 05:57:47 AM
But isn't the suspenseful buildup the entire point of those movies?
In theory yes, but
Majority of horror movies are very formulaic and predictable if you have seen enough of them (especially teen slasher genre), at 2X speed you can still see in detail all the action and atmosphere........you can condense a typical 90 minute horror flix into 45 very good minutes and 45 less important minutes, even Halloween has filler that can be scanned through without missing much
Quote from: Hollywood on June 26, 2010, 10:52:16 PM
I love the good old Universal Studios famous monsters films which include Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein and The Mummy. I remember going to a special "Universal Studios Famous Monsters Movie Night" that was being shown in the studios amphitheater way back in the 1970s. It was great watching these very movies that were actually filmed on the Universal Studios back lots back in the 1930s.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/df/Dracula1931poster.jpg) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Frankenstein13.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/Brideoffrankposter.jpg) (http://www.filmposters.it/imgposter/grandi/mummy.jpg)
I don't have the patience to watch all the old versions of Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman again today but I definitely appreciate the artistic quality that is very evident in these early classics.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TJYXBG5VL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5146DCK1JWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I did buy the
Frankenstein Legacy Collection as these are my favorite of the early classics, especially Bride of Frankenstein.
Also to get a brief overview of very old and newer lesser known horror movies I don't have time to actually watch I just received the 5 DVD collection narrated by Christopher Lee giving overview with scences of many horror movies.........anyone have this by chance?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61UuM4DakzL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EV5YSTCTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I just received the 5 disc Blu Ray edition of Blade Runner........
I just had to see how you could fill 5 discs of info about this one movie. It is not one of my very favorite top three Sci Fi flix, but there is no denying the artistic skill used in its delivery by Ridley Scott
If I could keep only 1 Sci Fi movie it would most definitely be the Alien Quadrilogy set, a masterpiece
I patiently await release of a future Blu ray version....even though DVD set is pretty good quality
(http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/11375_front.jpg)
New remaster released today not getting good reviews for picture quality...........unfortunately :(
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Predator-Blu-ray/11375/#Review (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Predator-Blu-ray/11375/#Review)
That is unfortunate. I have Total Recall sitting here to watch on Blu-Ray. How is the quality on that one?
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 27, 2010, 08:51:41 AM
If I could keep only 1 Sci Fi movie it would most definitely be the Alien Quadrilogy set, a masterpiece
I patiently await release of a future Blu ray version....even though DVD set is pretty good quality
I disagree, the first one looks great, the second and third look bad and I'll never rewatch the fourth! ;D You can tell that the first had a much more impressive remaster than the second and third. :-\
Quote from: Bogey on June 29, 2010, 08:36:41 AM
That is unfortunate. I have Total Recall sitting here to watch on Blu-Ray. How is the quality on that one?
Not reference quality apparently, but pretty good (I haven't seen it on bd only vhs lol!)
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/48/totalrecall.html#Section3 (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/48/totalrecall.html#Section3)
Quote from: DavidW on June 29, 2010, 11:50:50 AM
Not reference quality apparently, but pretty good (I haven't seen it on bd only vhs lol!)
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/48/totalrecall.html#Section3 (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/48/totalrecall.html#Section3)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kM8MADcjL._SCLZZZZZZZ_AA250_Total-Recall-Bluray.jpg)
I enjoyed this one again. A bit of a so-so wrap up to the film, but still it worked for being 20 years old.
Quick blu-ray player question: Can the disc drive on these machines be a bit more noisy than what I am used to? I did find this about my machine:
http://www.best-blu-ray.com/reviews/samsung-bd-c6500-review
Dang audiophile tendencies of mine! ;D Maybe I should buy more expensive cables.....*runs out of the door* ;D ;D
Quote from: Bogey on June 29, 2010, 10:01:15 PM
Quick blu-ray player question: Can the disc drive on these machines be a bit more noisy than what I am used to? I did find this about my machine:
http://www.best-blu-ray.com/reviews/samsung-bd-c6500-review (http://www.best-blu-ray.com/reviews/samsung-bd-c6500-review)
Dang audiophile tendencies of mine! ;D Maybe I should buy more expensive cables.....*runs out of the door
I have never had a Blu Ray or DVD player where I could hear noise from its disc drive operation......but even the loudest models should not be audible from seating position let alone when movie sound starts so shouldn't be an issue to be concerned with.
Xbox 360 however sounds like a small jet engine with its fans going, this definitely can be a problem during quiet movie sections, fortunately newest Xbox 360 model just released is now much quieter
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 20, 2010, 09:24:21 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712YWBBQR0L._SL500_AA300_.gif) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDAY3B9JL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Cundey color can be found in the 1999 2 disc set that has the extended TV minutes version, 12 extra minutes of footage added to make movie better fit a 2 HR timeslot on TV (first image)
H25 version is 2 disc 2003 release with new remaster having slightly brighter colors and less blue tint, does not have extended TV minutes but does have more complete list of extras including full 87 minute documentary about making the move (2nd image) Used copies are so cheap might as well get both and see what color you prefer......(I have both but no Blu ray)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yehpZfx7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I have to give Rob Zombie the highest praise........I just purchased this used and think it is a modern horror masterpiece, a truely fitting modern update of one of the greatest horror films of all time.
This is a long film at 2 hrs, the first hour adds new storyline for Michael Myers showing problems at school and his growing rage at the mental institute, the climax breakout from mental institute showing rednecks sex scence with masks in Michael's holding cell is horror masterwork by Rob Zombie
The 2nd hour closely follows original Halloween story with nice expanded original touches by Zombie, the original tense scence of Laurie in closet with Micheal breaking through slats with knife is now expanded to 10-15 minutes of Micheal tearing down walls and ceiling of original Meyers old home chasing Laurie very tense, and the final scence of the movie with killshot and photo is again a masterwork by Rob Zombie.......
Anyone else impressed with this
Quote from: DarkAngel on June 30, 2010, 05:34:47 AM
I have never had a Blu Ray or DVD player where I could hear noise from its disc drive operation......
but even the loudest models should not be audible from seating position let alone when movie sound starts so shouldn't be an issue to be concerned with.
Xbox 360 however sounds like a small jet engine with its fans going, this definitely can be a problem during quiet movie sections, fortunately newest Xbox 360 model just released is now much quieter
Well the 360 is not a blu-ray player. I have had one player that was noisy-- the ps3, not that noisy, but audible. I've heard that the slim model is quieter. But I've ran through several standalone players and they've all been quiet. :)
Wow DA I thought I was the only one that liked the Rob Zombie remake! :)
Even though his sequel doesn't get high marks from me, if you watch it, watch the director's cut which restore the parts where it is explained what the heck is going on. ;D
Quote from: DavidW on June 30, 2010, 08:03:17 AM
Wow DA I thought I was the only one that liked the Rob Zombie remake!
It is too violent and sadistic to have the mass appeal of original Carpenter Halloween, but Rob Zombie has great imaginative style for this genre without crossing the line into a silly parody, this is intense scary stuff that can be very disturbing
Quote from: DavidW on June 29, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
I disagree, the first one looks great, the second and third look bad and I'll never rewatch the fourth! ;D You can tell that the first had a much more impressive remaster than the second and third. :-\
Agreed. Plus the new editing of the third film is absurdly sloppy. There's quite a few extra scenes which are well filmed and actually add to the film in a way restored scenes usually never do, and then they ruined the whole thing by adding unfinished scrap floor footage (including a scene with no sound, wtf?) and replacing the entire dog/birth sequence with a scraped, workshop variation which uses a cow instead. Horrible, just plain horrible. I was forced to rip the film and use my own editing just to make the whole thing watchable.
I absolutely hated that scrap footage! >:( I would prefer rewatching my ep mode vhs record off of hbo instead. Blech!
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on June 30, 2010, 12:31:47 PM
Agreed. Plus the new editing of the third film is absurdly sloppy. There's quite a few extra scenes which are well filmed and actually add to the film in a way restored scenes usually never do, and then they ruined the whole thing by adding unfinished scrap floor footage (including a scene with no sound, wtf?) and replacing the entire dog/birth sequence with a scraped, workshop variation which uses a cow instead. Horrible, just plain horrible. I was forced to rip the film and use my own editing just to make the whole thing watchable.
I thought the expanded version of Alien 3 was better watch......except the final cruciform plunge by Ripley into the furnace causing the subsequent abortion of infant alien bursting out, added effects not as good as the simplier dramatic original footage me thinks
As far as the escape pod wreckage footage in scrap junk area and subsequent alien face hugger implanting on dog (or calf) I will have to watch that again and see what the fuss is all about, I don't remember being concerned with this previously in expanded version
I also definitely don't recall Alien (1) having better upscaled picture compared to Aliens or Alien 3
will have the revisit this in near future. I have three releases of first three movies:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EV5YSTCTL._SL160_AA115_.jpg) 2003 all 4 movies, 9 discs total
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M4VMPX5JL._SL160_AA115_.jpg) 2004 collectors edition of first three movies, 2 discs each
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GJ1orHwvL._SL160_AA115_.jpg) 2008 unrated 3 disc set first three movies
The first one was very carefully restored for the theatrical rerelease and it shows. Watch again, you'll see it is MUCH BETTER than 2 or 3. :)
Quote from: DavidW on July 01, 2010, 10:02:19 AM
The first one was very carefully restored for the theatrical rerelease and it shows. Watch again, you'll see it is MUCH BETTER than 2 or 3. :)
All due to that Goldsmith score, David. ;)
Amazing the Alien series and Jaws (celebrating it's 35th aniversary) are not available on brd yet. :(
Quote from: Scarpia on July 01, 2010, 03:23:20 PM
Amazing the Alien series and Jaws (celebrating it's 35th aniversary) are not available on brd yet. :(
Yes must be some contract snag these would be huge money makers, also add to the missing in action list
Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park series.....no Blu Ray yet :(
We can look forward to
Aliens prequel which will be directed by Ridley Scott himself, movie is in pre-production, it is definitely a done deal.......possibly two prequels will be filmed at the same time. Sigourney Weaver will not be in these since they occur before her Ripley character was born, but the lead character will be a woman according to RS, this could be a masterwork with large budget for RS to work from!
Will trace the origins of Alien creature and the indentity of strange looking pilot of wrecked spacecraft where Alien eggs were first found in Alien debut movie
Wow talk about a totally unnecessary prequel! Yes we really need that pointless backstory filled in. ::)
Quote from: DavidW on July 02, 2010, 07:42:42 AM
Wow talk about a totally unnecessary prequel! Yes we really need that pointless backstory filled in. ::)
I have high hopes.......
Gives Ridley Scott almost a clean slate to work from using Alien creature before human contact (I am assuming that Ripley and Nostromo crew were first human contact), many many possible storylines as RS can invent different worlds and civilizations and how they battled the Alien.
Also almost certainly we will explore the origins of Alien race, home world etc
Quote from: DarkAngel on July 02, 2010, 09:21:29 AM
I have high hopes.......
Gives Ridley Scott almost a clean slate to work from using Alien creature before human contact (I am assuming that Ripley and Nostromo crew were first human contact), many many possible storylines as RS can invent different worlds and civilizations and how they battled the Alien.
Also almost certainly we will explore the origins of Alien race, home world etc
Just hope he can recapture that"look" and "feel". The first one just may be my all time favorite sci-fi flick with a nod to the first Planet of the Apes.
Currently reading 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King. Only about 40 pages in, so nothing too scary yet.
This was the first movie I had ever seen by Stephen King. I might have been 5 or 6 years old at the time (made for TV movie).
The only other Stephen King novel I've ever read so far is 'The Shining'.
I wanted to check out 'IT' from the library, but it wasn't available, so went with 'Salem's... instead. :)
Quote from: Brahmsian on July 02, 2010, 09:48:32 AM
Currently reading 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King. Only about 40 pages in, so nothing too scary yet.
This was the first movie I had ever seen by Stephen King. I might have been 5 or 6 years old at the time (made for TV movie).
The only other Stephen King novel I've ever read so far is 'The Shining'.
I wanted to check out 'IT' from the library, but it wasn't available, so went with 'Salem's... instead. :)
Pet Symatary is easily his best, IMO. Also enjoyed The Stand, Ray.
Quote from: Bogey on July 02, 2010, 09:52:35 AM
Pet Symatary is easily his best, IMO. Also enjoyed The Stand, Ray.
I've heard those are great, Bill! I will keep those in mind.
Quote from: Bogey on July 02, 2010, 09:44:41 AM
Just hope he can recapture that"look" and "feel". The first one just may be my all time favorite sci-fi flick with a nod to the first Planet of the Apes.
Yes artist
HR Giger was heavily involved with design of original Alien creature, face hugger and enviroments......won acadamy award Oscar in 1979
He is still alive and Ridley Scott said he is consulting him on new movie(s)
Quote from: Brahmsian on July 02, 2010, 09:48:32 AM
Currently reading 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King. Only about 40 pages in, so nothing too scary yet.
This was the first movie I had ever seen by Stephen King. I might have been 5 or 6 years old at the time (made for TV movie).
The only other Stephen King novel I've ever read so far is 'The Shining'.
I wanted to check out 'IT' from the library, but it wasn't available, so went with 'Salem's... instead. :)
You are reading my favorite King novel Ray (Salem's Lot). :) I was recently reading IT, but I stopped when I read some reviews that pointed at something that I really don't like that happens close to the end... let's just say that it's not usual for King. :-\
I like PET SEMATARY best and anything before that one is damn good too.
One of my favorite TV series back in the 1960s was the gothic soap opera-like series Dark Shadows. I was quite a Barnabas Collins fan but then I have always loved vampires since I was a kid. Then when MGM came out with the movie version called House of Dark Shadows needless to say I couldn't wait to see it. As soon as it came out on video I had to have a copy but unfortunately it hasn't been released on dvd yet. You would think after 30 years MGM would get around to releasing a dvd version especially since nowadays with the success of Twlight vampires are in again. I did just read that Tim Burton is going to make his version of Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp playing Barnabas Collins to be released sometime in 2011. That should be interesting...
(http://art.murmanout.ru/files/attachments/1900-2000/1928/dark_shadows_cast_large.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VC5ZNMVGL.jpg)
I read the Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon. It is a story told from the perspective of someone with autism, set in the near future where an experimental treatment is found... it is a very good read, I rec that novel. :)
I've been watching Star Trek, the original series, on blu-ray. It's probably for the first time since I've seen these episodes since watching them on broadcast television on an old color TV in my parents basement. I guess the episodes were produced on film, so the picture is generally quite good, except when they cut away to graphics which were originally done on video tape (assuming I don't look at the replacement graphics). On bluray it is astonishing how colorful the sets were, and it also shocking how tied the show is to a kinky 60's mindset about how men and women should interact. Kirk has to have an overpowering sexual vibe with every female who walks on the set. It is also remarkable how much the show relies on campy 50's style Sci-fi imagery including nubile females (often robots) in skimpy outfits whose boobs seem to be in constant danger of popping out of their tops.
(http://www.denofgeek.com/siteimage/scale/800/600/70671.png)
And is that "Lurch" from the Adams Family?
Quote from: Scarpia on July 04, 2010, 04:44:01 PM
I've been watching Star Trek, the original series, on blu-ray. It's probably for the first time since I've seen these episodes since watching them on broadcast television on an old color TV in my parents basement. I guess the episodes were produced on film, so the picture is generally quite good, except when they cut away to graphics which were originally done on video tape (assuming I don't look at the replacement graphics). On bluray it is astonishing how colorful the sets were, and it also shocking how tied the show is to a kinky 60's mindset about how men and women should interact. Kirk has to have an overpowering sexual vibe with every female who walks on the set. It is also remarkable how much the show relies on campy 50's style Sci-fi imagery including nubile females (often robots) in skimpy outfits whose boobs seem to be in constant danger of popping out of their tops.
(http://www.denofgeek.com/siteimage/scale/800/600/70671.png)
And is that "Lurch" from the Adams Family?
I have no problem using
new updated special effects.......colors are very vivid, beautiful picture overall.
I remember that episode very well with Brock (Lurch), he takes a dive into a deep chasm later in this episode
I don't like the decision to
crop the picture in 4:3 format to preserve original 1960s TV broadcast for Star Trek TOS Blu ray sets :(
Quote from: DarkAngel on July 04, 2010, 06:26:09 PMI remember that episode very well with Brock (Lurch), he takes a dive into a deep chasm later in this episode
Actually he tosses two of Kirk's security officers into the chasm (according to the rule, any extras that beam down to the planet with Kirk or Spock will die). Lurch gets done in by miss green-and-brown, as I recall, zapped with a phaser-like weapon.
Famous Monsters Magazine Returns! (Each link below has a preview of the issue 251, which includes some vintage stuff!)
http://drunkenseveredhead.blogspot.com/2010/07/preview-of-famous-monsters-251.html
http://drunkenseveredhead.blogspot.com/2010/07/preview-of-fm-251-part-2.html
Night of the Living Dead family by George Romero
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M-RauP6ML._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Zp9Q0YjHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CG1C6QR7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51662P8VMQL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Just watched all these again recently and was surprised how indifferent I was to original picture, how simplistic and tame it all seems now in retrospect of the ultraviolent movies that followed. The only part that really seems cool today is the basement scence with little girl zombie and her parents. Historical importance is immense with the vast number of films it influence, so a must have just for reference I suppose
The next film Dawn of the Dead was a big step up in both violence and black humor of zombies in a mall, perfect background for some memorable kill sequences, overall this has to be Romero's masterwork and seems fresh even today, over the top in the best sense
Next film Day of the Dead was pretty good but nothing great here, doctors are dumb enough to experiment on Zombies and round them up in pens like cattle, zombie "Bub" gets special training to act more human.....needless to say things do not go as planned, Bub is a bad bad boy.......
Also just recently got around to seeing Land of the Dead and enjoyed things here very much, a worthy addition to the family......sorta combines Mad Max and the Thunderdome story with ultra violent Night of the Living Dead
To rank them today
Dawn.......4
Land........3.5
Day.........3
Night.......2.5
Quote from: Bogey on July 07, 2010, 04:04:25 AM
Famous Monsters Magazine Returns!
I love Famous Monsters Mag.! I had quite a collection back when I was a kid. I had the privilege of meeting Forrest J. Ackerman back in the early 1970s and was invited a few times to his wonderful house in the Los Feliz hills. He was a lovely, kind and very interesting man who took great pride in showing me and my best friend around his horror/sci-fi memorabilia filled house. This is something I will never forget.
Quote from: Hollywood on July 08, 2010, 11:30:51 PM
I love Famous Monsters Mag.! I had quite a collection back when I was a kid. I had the privilege of meeting Forrest J. Ackerman back in the early 1970s and was invited a few times to his wonderful house in the Los Feliz hills. He was a lovely, kind and very interesting man who took great pride in showing me and my best friend around his horror/sci-fi memorabilia filled house. This is something I will never forget.
Very cool. If you enjoy sci-fi folks, you should know this gentlemen's history a bit more:
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1864854,00.html
DA you completely missed Diary of the Dead! One of my favs.
I would go:
Tier 1: Night, Dawn, Diary
Tier 2: Day, Land
Quote from: DavidW on July 09, 2010, 06:27:05 AM
DA you completely missed Diary of the Dead! One of my favs.
I would go:
Tier 1: Night, Dawn, Diary
Tier 2: Day, Land
Yes I am losing interest in the ongoing Romero series.........
Diary of Dead got pretty mixed reviews at Amazon for instance (perhaps they are wrong), also next month we have 6th movie in the Romero Zombie series being released, but I have little interest now:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512t-CJJD2L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Oh I don't like amazon reviews, I go with rotten tomatoes and imdb. Anyway it's documentary camcorder style, it either works for you or it doesn't. That style consistently works for me, and I especially liked it in REC and Blair Witch Project. :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M-RauP6ML._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/711G33EH8AL._SL500_AA300_.gif) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00000K3TO/sr=1-1/qid=1278769269/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1278769269&sr=1-1)
I know it is blasphemous to not bow at the altar of the original NOTLD but the 1990 remake by Tony Savini is superior in every respect. Savini worked with Romero on original version but in this remake that closely follows original story we have major improvements:
-far better picture quality (color) and sound
-better acting
-much more intense violence and extreme gore
-more frightening moments
-statirical black humor intact, rednecks run wild etc
-creative plot twists, especially final surprise kill "one more for the fire" .........heh heh
I haven't seen that remake, I'll have to look out for it. :)
Quote from: DarkAngel on July 10, 2010, 05:52:13 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M-RauP6ML._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/711G33EH8AL._SL500_AA300_.gif) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00000K3TO/sr=1-1/qid=1278769269/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1278769269&sr=1-1)
I know it is blasphemous to not bow at the altar of the original NOTLD but the 1990 remake by Tony Savini is superior in every respect. Savini worked with Romero on original version but in this remake that closely follows original story we have major improvements:
-far better picture quality (color) and sound
-better acting
-much more intense violence and extreme gore
-more frightening moments
-statirical black humor intact, rednecks run wild etc
-creative plot twists, especially final surprise kill "one more for the fire" .........heh heh
Also noteable modern remake of Romero original: (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Zp9Q0YjHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0001611DI/sr=1-5/qid=1278806362/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1278806362&sr=1-5) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BSLdOgNDL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0002ABURA/sr=1-2/qid=1278806362/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1278806362&sr=1-2)
The new 2004 remake is actually very good with great picture quality and some decent acting from Ving Rhames and crew, violence is abundant and graphic but the original Dawn still has a slight edge with its mastery of morbid black satire humor........the arrival of the motor cycle gang in shopping mall and carnage that follows in original version is just classic stuff that horror zombie legends are made of
Today for younger viewer some of the cynical message is lost since no one hangs out at the mall anymore like they all did in the 1980s..... ::)
I'm glad to see that someone else likes the recent remake! :)
Quote from: DarkAngel on July 10, 2010, 04:10:23 PM
Today for younger viewer some of the cynical message is lost since no one hangs out at the mall anymore like they all did in the 1980s..... ::)
That's why Romero made Diary of the Dead. It was to indict the internet culture of these days, his statement for this time. :)
Getting ready for fall 2010 release of Blu Ray Alien Anthology set............
Has everything that Quadrillogy set has plus more, like a 90 second segment from Aliens of Ripley finding Burke cocooned, priceless......
To get in the mood purchased these three huge sized HR Giger art books (17 x 12) Amazon:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71C899R8BCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.gif) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0962344729/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jJPTnZ-mL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0962344761/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LiCUhxWUL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1883398088/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link)
Nice! Good to hear that a date is set. :)
Babara Steele fans........
Just picked up these three 1960s horror flix with the above mention scream queen, remastered and not rated:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yzFJtgWPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001SGEUFQ/sr=1-1/qid=1279226154/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1279226154&sr=1-1)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XZUYxNcDL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000UVV238/sr=1-3/qid=1279226178/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1279226178&sr=1-3)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y6DPC43TL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000067DCX/sr=1-1/qid=1279226178/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1279226178&sr=1-1)
Black Sunday is the best of her 1960s classics, but by todays standards these are pretty tame and slow moving, more noteable for thier gothic mood and artful photography
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bkTFKfA5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Blu Ray Alien Anthology
Amazon just listed this as pre order item available October 26..........it will be mine
(http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/5090_front.jpg)
More details from Blu-ray.com, no stone unturned.........
Unlike the recent Lord of the Rings Blu Ray we get original theatrical and extened directors cut versions in this boxset plus over 60 hours of special material some new to this set (Burke cocooned, screen tests etc)
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=4881 (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=4881)
Now reading:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Yre-SoIqCsQ/S7DIwD0v9zI/AAAAAAAADF4/Q0fPxskf4EY/s1600/airman.jpg)
Favorite horror films (in no particular order):
(http://culturemagazine.ca/joyentsite/images/White/hellraiser.jpg)
(http://www.impawards.com/1988/posters/hellbound_hellraiser_ii_ver2.jpg)
(http://www.happyhorror.com/wp-content/uploads/nightmare3poster.jpg)
(http://popzara.com/assets/2010/05/03/nightmare_box_05.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8s91qfxmJLU/TDnky8jBwqI/AAAAAAAAByY/Vzfb6tMh75E/s1600/magic.jpg)
(http://www.impawards.com/1973/posters/exorcist.jpg)
(http://www.impawards.com/1986/posters/fly.jpg)
Why are we stuck on films? ;D
Now listening to:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Yf9YvrebL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: DarkAngel on July 19, 2010, 06:44:11 AM
(http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/5090_front.jpg)
More details from Blu-ray.com, no stone unturned.........
Unlike the recent Lord of the Rings Blu Ray we get original theatrical and extened directors cut versions in this boxset plus over 60 hours of special material some new to this set (Burke cocooned, screen tests etc)
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=4881 (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=4881)
I am having second thoughts about $100 for a 4 movie boxset..............
Will probably wait to see if movies are released individually as blu ray versions, then just buy first two movies and use Quadrillogy set for other two.......unless I get a better deal on complete blu ray boxset
(http://goldenageofsciencefiction.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/theskylarkeospace.jpg)
Just started the above. I was going to read Smith's Lensmen series, but could not find the first book in the used shops or the library. Thought I would give this series a try. I guess it was originally serialized starting in 1928 in Amazing Stories.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Amazbuck.jpg)
More on its history here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylark_(series)
finished re-reading the first 8 books of Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen in anticipation of The Crippled God coming out early next year
Hoorah! Books! :)
I haven't read any of those yet. :-\
Quote from: MN Dave on August 22, 2010, 05:11:31 AM
Hoorah! Books! :)
I haven't read any of those yet. :-\
David, as I posted on another forum, the one I am reading is very pulpy, but I enjoy that genre as well, at least from time to time. There are some passages already that are a "hoot" due to this. For example, when describing the main character, Dick Seaton, after a discovery of "solution X",
Concentrating all the power of his mind-deaf, dumb, and blind to every external thing-he sat motionless with his forgottenpipe clinched between his teeth.
He sat there while most of his fellow chemists finished the days work and went home; sat there with the room slowly darkened with the coming of night.Classic stuff! (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Sweet. I'll have to get me some of that. :)
Well, just grabbed this to tote my lunch back and forth to school each day:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ztyYMOOSL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
There should be a few of my kiddos that will enjoy it. :)
Just received these books:
THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN, VOL. 5
THE SIXTH BLACK BOOK OF HORROR
DWELLERS IN THE MIRAGE - A. Merritt
I've stopped fighting it. I'm always going to enjoy reading and writing pulp fiction.
Quote from: MN Dave on August 24, 2010, 05:31:33 AM
Just received these books:
THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN, VOL. 5
THE SIXTH BLACK BOOK OF HORROR
DWELLERS IN THE MIRAGE - A. Merritt
I've stopped fighting it. I'm always going to enjoy reading and writing pulp fiction.
Absolutely! The '28 novel I am reading above is pulpier than a FL orange on a sunny day. Great stuff!...and very cool avatar. Bruce Wayne from the 40's or 50's?
Quote from: Bogey on August 24, 2010, 06:26:42 PM
Great stuff!...and very cool avatar. Bruce Wayne from the 40's or 50's?
Very good!
I just took a peep in here, but it's far too scary for me. And why are you all sitting around in a circle with the lights out?
...join us... >:D ...join us... >:D ...
I'm sorry Tarantino called a movie PULP FICTION, especially when I'm googling for the real deal.
Brought this over from the movie thread as I will post my futre "B" sci-fi watching here:
As some of you know, we are big Disney geeks in our family. When we hit Disney World, we always make it point to eat at the Sci-Fi Diner at the Hollywood Studios. It is a kick eating out of a booth shaped like a car while we watch B sci-fi/horror trailers. Well, started something new here at the homestead. Each weekend I am featuring a different "B" sci-fi or horror film that the whole family sits down and watches. Commnentary during the film is encouraged and "big" prizes were given out during the viewing. (This way, the rest of my family will actually show up for the flick.) This weeks Sci-Fi Diner film (stole this name from Disney World) was The Monster That Challenged the World from 1957.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HN3ldWkEJUE/SlgJVlHYZSI/AAAAAAAAAN8/VZm_l7_4Pgw/s400/monster+challenged.jpg)
What a hoot. We had a grand time as I passed out gummy eyeballs, gummy lizards, and Pop Rocks (the really big prize) during the film. Add to this buttered popcorn and my seven year old daughter telling one of the actors, "Don't go in there!" and you have a perfect "drive-in" evening at home.
On a trivia note, it starred Tim Holt, the character Curtain from The Treasure of Sierra Madre.
Next week:
(http://www.dukelabs.com/Sci-Fi/It_The_Terror_From_Beyond_Space03.jpg)
Does anyone else here enjoy these "oldies" with low level effects?
You are a good dad. 0:)
:D
:D
Following up on some earlier discussion, I've been watching some X-files on Netflix streaming and do find them very good (3rd season). The "main story" episodes are usually a drag but the miscellaneous ones are very engaging.
Quote from: Scarpia on August 29, 2010, 12:37:00 PM
Following up on some earlier discussion, I've been watching some X-files on Netflix streaming and do find them very good (3rd season). The "main story" episodes are usually a drag but the miscellaneous ones are very engaging.
The series "maintains" for a number of seasons and the "monster-one-shot" episodes are a treat. Almost "Night Stalker" like in their stories. I plan on re-watching the whole run a few years down the road. They will be interesting to revisit and were must see tv for me when they were coming out.
Quote from: Scarpia on August 29, 2010, 12:37:00 PM
The "main story" episodes are usually a drag but the miscellaneous ones are very engaging.
You got that right.
Quote from: Scarpia on August 29, 2010, 12:37:00 PM
Following up on some earlier discussion, I've been watching some X-files on Netflix streaming and do find them very good (3rd season). The "main story" episodes are usually a drag but the miscellaneous ones are very engaging.
I totally agree. The 1st and 2nd series were great with their pure freak of the week concept. Series 3 begins to add "mythology" stuff but still has plenty of fun. If I didn't own all the DVDs already by picking them up cheaply one by one, I would fantasise about a compilation of all the stand-alone episodes of post-series 3. I think they would fill well under half the remaining discs that series 4-9 occupy :(
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mDiCUSHFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Here is a partial synopsis:
A review by Victoria Strauss
In the far future universe of Richard K. Morgan's debut novel Altered Carbon, human consciousness has been digitized. Every human being is implanted at birth with a cortical stack, which records every second, every thought, every experience. If you have the money (or purchase the right insurance policy), you can be brought back to life after you die by the simple expedient of implanting your stack into a new body, a process known as sleeving. The penal system no longer stores live criminals, but only their digital selves. Travelers beam their minds across space via needlecast, and wake up in new sleeves. Wars are fought by troops whose minds are downloaded into bodies on-site -- troops like the Envoy Corps, the enforcement arm of the despotic UN Protectorate, which rules Earth and its colony worlds with an iron fist.
Takeshi Kovacs is a former Envoy. Envoys' specialized training and neurochemical enhancements, designed to make them perfect long-distance warriors and flawless investigators, also place them just this side of psychopathic. Many Envoys, when discharged from the Corps, turn to crime, and Kovacs is no exception. Sentenced on his home planet to more than a century of storage for his part in a brutal heist, Kovacs wakes to find himself in Bay City, Earth, housed in an unfamiliar sleeve. He's been retrieved and hired by industrialist Laurens Bancroft, whose fabulous wealth allows him, among other things, to maintain a clone facility that renders him and his family effectively immortal. Kovacs' assignment: to investigate Bancroft's death in a previous body, which the police have ruled a suicide but which Bancroft is certain was attempted murder.
Sounds kind of Blade Runner-ish, so I am in!
I finally happened upon this hilarious Swedish sci-fi movie from 1958, terror in the Midnight Sun.
ahhh, if yer looking for a really good ole time, just go to YOUTUBE AND PUNCH IT UP.
(Caps?) \\
It's full ov yer foony accents, and a very silly 20 foot snowman.
Get the popcorn and yer hunny!
I expects me some raving replies!
Anyone else seen Calvaire (Ordeal), the French horror movie?
This scene is classic:
http://www.youtube.com/v/1owrlQlLExY
I didn't know about this, it seems a really cute idea:
The Baen Free Library is a digital library of the science fiction and fantasy publishing house Baen Books where (as of December 2008) 112 full books can be downloaded free in a number of formats, without copy protection. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baen_Free_Library)
I knew about it but haven't downloaded anything yet.
I do have my doubts about quality - it includes a sizable series which takes bits of Lord Nelson's biography and applies them to a female space captain (David Weber's Honor Harrington character) ;D The good attitude of the publishers and authors do make me want to give them a try, though.
Quote from: Lethe on September 07, 2010, 03:24:46 PM
I do have my doubts about quality - it includes a sizable series which takes bits of Lord Nelson's biography and applies them to a female space captain (David Weber's Honor Harrington character) ;D The good attitude of the publishers and authors do make me want to give them a try, though.
I tried one of those novels. Meh. Just not my thing, I guess.
Quote from: DarkAngel on July 19, 2010, 06:44:11 AM
(http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/5090_front.jpg)
Looks like I "must" buy the blu ray Aliens.......Cameron promises an impressive complete remaster for blu ray, grain removed resolution increased!
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=5007 (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=5007)
No mention yet how other three films will be treated for blu ray release
Just came back from a yard sale, and got 7 Stephen King books. Just recently had finished reading 'Salem's Lot and Night Shift, and in the mood for more macabre!
The 7 we got are:
Carrie
IT
Skeleton Crew
Different Seasons
The Bachman Books (Rage, The Long Walk, Roadwork, The Running Man)
The Dark Half
Pet Semetary
You haven't read those titles yet?
Quote from: MN Dave on September 18, 2010, 10:02:56 AM
You haven't read those titles yet?
Nope, I've only read The Shining, 'Salem's Lot and Night Shift.
Quote from: ChamberNut on September 18, 2010, 02:57:24 PM
Nope, I've only read The Shining, 'Salem's Lot and Night Shift.
Let us know what you think. PET SEMATARY is my favorite King. 8)
Quote from: MN Dave on September 18, 2010, 03:47:30 PM
Let us know what you think. PET SEMATARY is my favorite King. 8)
Same.
I'm reading:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pa%2BlFLIXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
;D
Quote from: DarkAngel on September 08, 2010, 11:57:41 AM
Looks like I "must" buy the blu ray Aliens.......
Cameron promises an impressive complete remaster for blu ray, grain removed resolution increased!
No mention yet how other three films will be treated for blu ray release
Video-philes will flip out in a bad way, still I'm psyched. :)
Quote from: Bogey on August 21, 2010, 08:15:44 PM
Just started the above. I was going to read Smith's Lensmen series,
I read the first of the Lensmen series (since it is free) and it was really cheesy, like it reads like a radio serial from that era would sound. Fun, but it was a bit too much for me.
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 21, 2010, 08:49:31 PM
finished re-reading the first 8 books of Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen in anticipation of The Crippled God coming out early next year
I want to read Erickson, but I have a rule now that I won't read any series until it is finished. Don't want another repeat of what happened with Wheel of Time.
Bill did you ever finish Altered Carbon? That was on my to read list (at the top actually) before I moved, so I'll probably be reading sometimes in the next month. :)
Quote from: DavidW on September 30, 2010, 07:13:30 AM
I read the first of the Lensmen series (since it is free) and it was really cheesy, like it reads like a radio serial from that era would sound. Fun, but it was a bit too much for me.
Have to admit that it got a bit painful at the end....but got through it.
As for Altered Carbon, I stopped about a third of the way through. The author seemed to pull too many "shock" events to try and spice his story which was just fine on its own. He also did not have that "Chandler" touch when it came to noir settings and mood....he tried, but just did not develop either enough for my taste. Give it aa try and let me know what you think buddy.
If you compare any noir novel to Chandler you are bound to be disappointed 99% of the time Bill! :D After watching several seasons of Lost and 24, I am very tired of twist after twist so I'll approach this now with trepidation... :-\
(http://images2.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/14206_front.jpg)
Deluxe package shown for Alien blu ray set........thats not gonna fit on my shelf
Wow DA... that's uh... uh... well tacky. ;D I never got the obsession with gaudy packaging that look like toys instead of movies. >:D I would rather have a slim box.
Anyway I don't know the price is close to a $100 and the more I think about it the more I realize that I really just want the first two, the second of which is so monochrome and grainy that I can't see high def treatment improving the presentation much. The price gap is so painful. I can't believe that I have the movies 1-3 on dvd for 1/10th the price. Why should I rebuy those movies at more than full price? This is the highest priced blu-ray box set (per movie) that I've seen in the last two years. :-\
Quote from: DavidW on October 09, 2010, 07:07:22 PM
Wow DA... that's uh... uh... well tacky. ;D I never got the obsession with gaudy packaging that look like toys instead of movies. >:D I would rather have a slim box.
Anyway I don't know the price is close to a $100 and the more I think about it the more I realize that I really just want the first two, the second of which is so monochrome and grainy that I can't see high def treatment improving the presentation much. The price gap is so painful. I can't believe that I have the movies 1-3 on dvd for 1/10th the price. Why should I rebuy those movies at more than full price? This is the highest priced blu-ray box set (per movie) that I've seen in the last two years.
I also won't be buying "the egg" Alien deluxe package either.....but have to marvel at the marketing machine at work
The normal blu ray Anthology set will sell for around $90 new on various websites ($139 retail) in a couple weeks and is pricey for 4 movies, but they have completely emptied the vaults with bonus material using 6 blu ray discs. James Cameron seemed pretty confident the remaster for Aliens is fabulous, we shall see.......
In the meantime the comprehensive DVD Alien Quadrilogy set now sells for $20 new and $15 used at Amazon sellers, a feast for bargain hunters
Instead wasting money on that stupid egg edition they could have put a lot more work on the actual films. The remaster of Aliens leaves a lot to be desired and the new edits are a fraud. They claim to have added all this extra footage but in the end it was mostly unfinished or discarded scenes that had no place making it into a final cut.
I have a zombie/alien novel coming out next month. Here's the cover:
(http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b412/dtwilbanks/DeadEarthVengeanceRoadfullcoverdraft.jpg)
Quote from: DarkAngel on October 10, 2010, 05:20:01 AM
In the meantime the comprehensive DVD Alien Quadrilogy set now sells for $20 new and $15 used at Amazon sellers, a feast for bargain hunters
I used to have that set, huge amount of special features, choose your cut for each movie, really awesome. I only sold it because a couple of years ago I sold nearly my entire dvd/bd collection to pay off medical bills. So when I rebought the movies, I went for the triple pack which is $10 no special features (because I don't watch those anyway).
I think that this aliens bd set (though timed for halloween) is timed wrong because the interest will be up for it after the new movie is out. As it stands now interest must be at an all time low since those bargain priced triple packs were just selling this summer. The some (like you!) have been drooling over the bd set for awhile now, many fight feel sated with dvd and not really attached to the movies right now anyway.
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on October 10, 2010, 05:30:07 AM
Instead wasting money on that stupid egg edition they could have put a lot more work on the actual films. The remaster of Aliens leaves a lot to be desired and the new edits are a fraud. They claim to have added all this extra footage but in the end it was mostly unfinished or discarded scenes that had no place making it into a final cut.
If these were the same cuts that were on the quadrilogy set then--
(1) Alien-- Ridley Scott said in the intro that it wasn't his cut, he doesn't want it, the studios wanted it, and the theatrical cut is his cut but either cut is good
(2) Aliens-- Cameron wanted the extra scenes back in, and it is typical 80s Cameron studios forced him to cut the extra footage, but it matches pq wise the rest of the movie and enhances it (more backstory)
(3) Alien 3-- extra footage is really bad, the whole director's cut here feels like a painfully unfinished product thumbs down
Congrats Dave! :)
It's not on amazon, I thought it was going to be. :'( Would you so kindly consider a kindle edition? ;D
I have a kindle now, and I've heard that they offer huge royalties to self-publishing authors. Like 70%, if you believe that. :)
Quote from: DavidW on October 10, 2010, 06:30:38 AM
Congrats Dave! :)
It's not on amazon, I thought it was going to be. :'( Would you so kindly consider a kindle edition? ;D
I have a kindle now, and I've heard that they offer huge royalties to self-publishing authors. Like 70%, if you believe that. :)
I believe it but this one isn't self-published. Yes, it will be available for Kindle. They tell me in November so watch for it (please)! :)
Quote from: MN Dave on October 10, 2010, 08:06:54 AM
I believe it but this one isn't self-published. Yes, it will be available for Kindle. They tell me in November so watch for it (please)! :)
Awesome! Keep your avatar= your cover and I'll remember it and order it in November. Too bad they don't already have a page on amazon because then I can pre-order it and the forget it until I turn on my kindle and go "wtf is this book doing on here?" :D
Quote from: DavidW on October 10, 2010, 08:22:02 AM
Awesome! Keep your avatar= your cover and I'll remember it and order it in November. Too bad they don't already have a page on amazon because then I can pre-order it and the forget it until I turn on my kindle and go "wtf is this book doing on here?" :D
They just released this cover last night so it won't be long now... I'll keep you updated.
Quote from: MN Dave on October 10, 2010, 06:08:04 AM
I have a zombie/alien novel coming out next month. Here's the cover:
(http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b412/dtwilbanks/DeadEarthVengeanceRoadfullcoverdraft.jpg)
Let's bring this bad boy over to the next page....very nice, Dave!
Thank you kindly, Bill. :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pa%2BdQfl9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
The Avatar deluxe blu ray package arrives (just in time for Xmas) 11/16/2010
Monster package with 3 BDs, directors cut adds 16 minutes, web price @ $35
Avatar (http://www.amazon.com/Three-Disc-Extended-Collectors-BD-Live-Blu-ray/dp/B0044XV3QY/ref=reg_hu-wl_gen-recs)
Quote from: DarkAngel on October 12, 2010, 07:26:08 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pa%2BdQfl9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
The Avatar deluxe blu ray package arrives (just in time for Xmas) 11/16/2010
Monster package with 3 BDs, directors cut adds 16 minutes, web price @ $35
Avatar (http://www.amazon.com/Three-Disc-Extended-Collectors-BD-Live-Blu-ray/dp/B0044XV3QY/ref=reg_hu-wl_gen-recs)
Can't say that I'm a fan of amazon merging reviews since the most helpful review is telling to wait for the better edition... and this is the better edition. Amazon please stop the merging!! Seriously!
Quote from: DavidW on October 12, 2010, 07:36:13 AM
Can't say that I'm a fan of amazon merging reviews since the most helpful review is telling to wait for the better edition... and this is the better edition. Amazon please stop the merging!! Seriously!
Yes that is very confusing and misleading practice by Amazon
Hmmmm, looks like DVD deluxe version fits on 3 DVDs......therefore I suspect the BD version could have been 2 BD but used 3 to get higher price :(
Quote from: DarkAngel on October 12, 2010, 09:19:35 AM
Yes that is very confusing and misleading practice by Amazon
Hmmmm, looks like DVD deluxe version fits on 3 DVDs......therefore I suspect the BD version could have been 2 BD but used 3 to get higher price :(
You should be pleased, by using 1 more bd they've probably improved the compression and thus the picture quality. Not apparent on medium sized tvs, but apparently but there were a few instances of artificating in the previous edition noticeable to the 120+ inch front projector crowd.
I rewatched one of my favorite horror movies last night-- The Exorcist. :)
It's on netflix watch instantly in hd btw. :) So who needs to buy a blu-ray? >:D
Quote from: DavidW on October 16, 2010, 07:59:36 AM
I rewatched one of my favorite horror movies last night-- The Exorcist. :)
David, this one still chills me to the bone when I watch it.
Quote from: ChamberNut on October 16, 2010, 08:00:39 AM
David, this one still chills me to the bone when I watch it.
Skip the second one but see #3.
Quote from: MN Dave on October 16, 2010, 08:23:31 AM
Skip the second one but see #3.
Agreed! The second was a major bust.
Quote from: ChamberNut on October 16, 2010, 08:26:18 AM
Agreed! The second was a major bust.
Also, read LEGION by Blatty. Very spooky shit and what movie #3 is based on (loosely).
Quote from: MN Dave on October 16, 2010, 08:38:01 AM
Also, read LEGION by Blatty. Very spooky shit and what movie #3 is based on (loosely).
I have read Legion. I actually was disappointed by that book Dave. :( I did however very much like the movie.
I also really like #3. I've seen them all and #1 and 3 are great, #2 is awful and I liked (but not loved) #4, haven't seen #5.
Edit: hilarious "I've seen then all" and before the next line "haven't seen #5." I think I just pulled a Paulb. ;D
Here's a very boring fantasy book...a waste of time and money...I don't know why he has so many fans, but I just don't like it at all.
(http://www.bookswim.com/images_books/large/Reapers_Gale_Book_Seven_of_The_Malazan_Book_of_the_Fallen-121204960628604.jpg)
One day only. Super-cheap. Normally over 100 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=pe_36550_16915390_pe_00_head
Quote from: Saul on October 16, 2010, 09:48:54 PM
Here's a very boring fantasy book...a waste of time and money...I don't know why he has so many fans, but I just don't like it at all.
I've read similar complaints Saul about that series. That the author has a poor grasp of character development and can't prioritize plot threads, and that it ends up being boring and disengaging. That is one of the two reasons that I've avoided the series, the other being that it is not finished yet.
Quote from: DavidW on October 17, 2010, 06:34:18 AM
I've read similar complaints Saul about that series. That the author has a poor grasp of character development and can't prioritize plot threads, and that it ends up being boring and disengaging. That is one of the two reasons that I've avoided the series, the other being that it is not finished yet.
Its like reading something that has no begining or end.
Quote from: Saul on October 17, 2010, 01:22:21 PM
Its like reading something that has no begining or end.
Alot of fantasy epics feel that way. Are they paid by the word? Could they possibly stop trying to write huge multi-volume thousand page 12 volume door stoppers and try writing a short, character driven story? Would it kill them?
Quote from: DavidW on October 17, 2010, 02:12:16 PM
Alot of fantasy epics feel that way. Are they paid by the word? Could they possibly stop trying to write huge multi-volume thousand page 12 volume door stoppers and try writing a short, character driven story? Would it kill them?
Tolkien started that shit.
Quote from: DavidW on October 17, 2010, 02:12:16 PM
Alot of fantasy epics feel that way. Are they paid by the word? Could they possibly stop trying to write huge multi-volume thousand page 12 volume door stoppers and try writing a short, character driven story? Would it kill them?
Freaking reviews full of hype, they even made him better then Tolkien, just to make a sell.
This dude is galaxies far from Tolkien.
Quote from: Saul on October 17, 2010, 02:14:14 PM
Freaking reviews full of hype, they even made him better then Tolkien, just to make a sell.
This dude is galaxies far from Tolkien.
I think that alot of people don't get what makes Tolkien so interesting. I have to quote myself passionately defending LoTR on another site (this was due to the reviewer putting many series above LoTR):
QuoteTolkien thought through genealogies of all principle characters, and there is a story behind every song, every statue, every creature. When you read the Silmarillion and the Unfinished Tales you have a sense of a world unfolding and marvel at how Tolkien chronicled an entire history. You will not find that in Martin, Jordan, or Hobb.
It's not just that we have a great story reflecting mythologies from many cultures in Hobbit and Lord of the Rings but we have this fully formed universe with amazing back story in every way from languages to calendars to histories to family trees... and you really don't get that in the other epics. :)
Quote from: DavidW on October 17, 2010, 06:34:18 AM
I've read similar complaints Saul about that series. That the author has a poor grasp of character development and can't prioritize plot threads, and that it ends up being boring and disengaging. That is one of the two reasons that I've avoided the series, the other being that it is not finished yet.
Don't let that stop you, I am a huge fan of the series. The Malazan books are the only series other than LOTR that I have read more than once. The character development is as good as Martin or Tolkien or anything else in the genre. With 100s of characters, it is only a few and the development is not always in a positive direction. I wonder if what is called "lack of character development" is that the typical genre cliches are avoided - there are no farm-boys with a great destiny or many of the other typical plot devices.
The prioritizing plot criticism is unwarranted. The first 9 books (the final 10th is due early next year) are tied together in an almost uncanny way, with flashes in earlier books of events that are important in later ones. The plot is is very complex and multi-faceted, which is its great strength - it reads much more like real history where you have a bunch of competing tribes and empires with no grand narrative to tie them together (although Erikson is using a couple of very large events to tie his together which only begins to happen in the last couple of books).
The greatest strength is the depth of the world and the backstory - no one comes close to Erikson here. The different people groups seem to have evolved naturally from their environments rather than the contrived hybrids of historical stereotypes that populate most fantasy books. The world functions very logically from the underlying premise that magic and gods exist and despite their existence, the books are brutally naturalistic with the complex outcomes one would expect from dozens of players each pursuing their own ends rather than a binary struggle against some sauron-clone.
also Saul hates it - what better endorsement could you have?
That sounds very tempting, that's a good sale! :) Perhaps when the final volume is out there, or at least there is a specific date in the near future and the author has no known medical conditions... I might start 'em.
Quote from: DavidW on October 16, 2010, 10:59:21 AM
Edit: hilarious "I've seen then all" and before the next line "haven't seen #5." I think I just pulled a Paulb. ;D
Oh i'm all nostalgic.
Memories, like the corners of my mind... ;D
Quote from: Benji on October 18, 2010, 04:14:07 PM
Oh i'm all nostalgic. Memories, like the corners of my mind... ;D
Yeah I can't help but remember Paulb now that I'm into Pettersson! :D
Quote from: bwv 1080 on October 18, 2010, 01:27:16 PM
Don't let that stop you, I am a huge fan of the series. The Malazan books are the only series other than LOTR that I have read more than once. The character development is as good as Martin or Tolkien or anything else in the genre. With 100s of characters, it is only a few and the development is not always in a positive direction. I wonder if what is called "lack of character development" is that the typical genre cliches are avoided - there are no farm-boys with a great destiny or many of the other typical plot devices.
The prioritizing plot criticism is unwarranted. The first 9 books (the final 10th is due early next year) are tied together in an almost uncanny way, with flashes in earlier books of events that are important in later ones. The plot is is very complex and multi-faceted, which is its great strength - it reads much more like real history where you have a bunch of competing tribes and empires with no grand narrative to tie them together (although Erikson is using a couple of very large events to tie his together which only begins to happen in the last couple of books).
The greatest strength is the depth of the world and the backstory - no one comes close to Erikson here. The different people groups seem to have evolved naturally from their environments rather than the contrived hybrids of historical stereotypes that populate most fantasy books. The world functions very logically from the underlying premise that magic and gods exist and despite their existence, the books are brutally naturalistic with the complex outcomes one would expect from dozens of players each pursuing their own ends rather than a binary struggle against some sauron-clone.
also Saul hates it - what better endorsement could you have?
I read that Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea Quartet is the next best thing in fantasy writing to LOTR. Any thoughts on this? I'm ashamed to say I've not read it, even though I bought it for my best friend and told him exactly the above as fact :o
I have; however, seen the Studio Ghibli animation
Tales from Earthsea....so I know there's a magician called Sparrowhawk and that when I do read the book it will be Timothy Dalton's voice. 8)
Truth be told, I love the idea of reading fantasy, but it's never taken me like sci-fi has, the main reason being that fantasy lends itself to epic yarns and multiple book series (as can sci-fi I know) but my love is for sci-fi short stories. Recs for fantasy short stories would be gratefully received!
And this year i've branched out into horror short story - I received the Call of Cthulu as a gift so i'm working my way through that. So far I <3 Lovecraft! The writing is so chillingly descriptive it gives me goosebumps - Lovecraft is well-deserving of his name becoming an adjective. The first story, Dagon, still haunts me, especially this passage:
Plainly visible across the intervening water on account of their enormous size was an array of bas-reliefs whose subjects would have excited the envy of a Dore. I think that these things were supposed to depict men -- at least, a certain sort of men; though the creatures were shown disporting like fishes in the waters of some marine grotto, or paying homage at some monolithic shrine which appeared to be under the waves as well. Of their faces and forms I dare not speak in detail, for the mere remembrance makes me grow faint. Grotesque beyond the imagination of a Poe or a Bulwer, they were damnably human in general outline despite webbed hands and feet, shockingly wide and flabby lips, glassy, bulging eyes, and other features less pleasant to recall. Curiously enough, they seemed to have been chiselled badly out of proportion with their scenic background; for one of the creatures was shown in the act of killing a whale represented as but little larger than himself. I remarked, as I say, their grotesqueness and strange size; but in a moment decided that they were merely the imaginary gods of some primitive fishing or seafaring tribe; some tribe whose last descendant had perished eras before the first ancestor of the Piltdown or Neanderthal Man was born.
Awestruck at this unexpected glimpse into a past beyond the conception of the most daring anthropologist, I stood musing whilst the moon cast queer reflections on the silent channel before me. Then suddenly I saw it. With only a slight churning to mark its rise to the surface, the thing slid into view above the dark waters. Vast, Polyphemus-like, and loathsome, it darted like a stupendous monster of nightmares to the monolith, about which it flung its gigantic scaly arms, the while it bowed its hideous head and gave vent to certain measured sounds. I think I went mad then.
http://www.dagonbytes.com/thelibrary/lovecraft/dagon.htm (http://www.dagonbytes.com/thelibrary/lovecraft/dagon.htm)
Full story here.
Now you'll have to watch Dagon Ben! :)
(http://www.beyondhollywood.com/uploads/2008/05/dagon-movie.jpg)
This summer I read At the Mountain of Madness, always very interesting visualization of monsters in both more detail and strangeness than most stuff out there, but the whole cold, detailed narrative left me struggling to focus. The short stories are easier on my ADD mind. ;D
Quote from: DavidW on October 18, 2010, 05:23:12 PM
Now you'll have to watch Dagon Ben! :)
(http://www.beyondhollywood.com/uploads/2008/05/dagon-movie.jpg)
This summer I read At the Mountain of Madness, always very interesting visualization of monsters in both more detail and strangeness than most stuff out there, but the whole cold, detailed narrative left me struggling to focus. The short stories are easier on my ADD mind. ;D
I saw that pop up on IMDB in my Google results when I was looking for the text above. Dare I ask....is the film any good?
Is the Mountains of Madness a novel then? It is on my wishlist - I thought it was another short story collection.
Quote from: Benji on October 18, 2010, 05:25:57 PM
I saw that pop up on IMDB in my Google results when I was looking for the text above. Dare I ask....is the film any good?
I liked it! But my favorite Lovecraft movie is still The Dunwich Horror. :)
QuoteIs the Mountains of Madness a novel then? It is on my wishlist - I thought it was another short story collection.
Yup or novella. It's about 100 pages long. I never know when you stop saying novella or novellette and when you say novel.
Benji, try to find the oop anthologies DARK DESCENT and FOUNDATIONS OF FEAR ed. by Hartwell. Also, try to find a Thomas Ligotti collection.
Quote from: DavidW on October 18, 2010, 07:08:24 PM
I liked it! But my favorite Lovecraft movie is still The Dunwich Horror. :)
Yup or novella. It's about 100 pages long. I never know when you stop saying novella or novellette and when you say novel.
When the story loses its novelty?......
(http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/tumbleweed_119.jpg)
Quote from: MN Dave on October 19, 2010, 05:02:59 AM
Benji, try to find the oop anthologies DARK DESCENT and FOUNDATIONS OF FEAR ed. by Hartwell. Also, try to find a Thomas Ligotti collection.
Cheers bud. Those are all quite cheap on Amazon UK so i'll treat myself next time I do a book order.
Quote from: Benji on October 19, 2010, 12:02:54 PM
Cheers bud. Those are all quite cheap on Amazon UK so i'll treat myself next time I do a book order.
And this comes out each year:
http://www.amazon.com/Mammoth-Book-Best-New-Horror/dp/0762439971/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287518742&sr=1-1
Quote from: MN Dave on October 19, 2010, 12:06:32 PM
And this comes out each year:
http://www.amazon.com/Mammoth-Book-Best-New-Horror/dp/0762439971/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287518742&sr=1-1
Ahhhh. I have a load of those mammoth books on my wishlist (Apocalyptic Sci-fi, Mind-blowing Sci-fi - very excited to order those). And, I actually own this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mHbHpoT2L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg)
So far so good - I read a story last night after posting - it was quite entertaining. Something about a house buried in a crater full of snow, that happens to be on an infinitely deep lake of ice and two explorers get trapped as the house as it melts its way through the ice. Then it turns out one of the characters is the Devil... extreme indeed.
What I don't own:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Kr2kR93sL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg)
Who buys this? I don't know if I should be surprised that there are even enough special ops romance short stories to fill a
mammoth book? ???
Oooo! I might look for that Extreme Fantasy tome.
Quote from: MN Dave on October 19, 2010, 12:17:54 PM
Oooo! I might look for that Extreme Fantasy tome.
I got it in a charity shop for a pound. Bargain! None of the stories yet have been amazing but there have been a few solid ones. The best one by far is only 6 or 7 pages but it lingers in the mind somewhat. I won't spoil it in case you do buy the book.
Quote from: Benji on October 19, 2010, 12:29:13 PM
I got it in a charity shop for a pound. Bargain! None of the stories yet have been amazing but there have been a few solid ones. The best one by far is only 6 or 7 pages but it lingers in the mind somewhat. I won't spoil it in case you do buy the book.
Who's the author?
Quote from: MN Dave on October 19, 2010, 12:30:25 PM
Who's the author?
John Niendorff. He's now editing some kind of divine poetry magazine it seems.
Quote from: Benji on October 19, 2010, 12:35:11 PM
John Niendorff. He's now editing some kind of divine poetry magazine it seems.
Thanks. I've never heard of him before.
Just giving a shout out to the Phil Hardy Encyclopedia of Horror Films.
I'm watching the Scream Awards 2010 ( :o :o),...oy,...has anyone seen my life??? :P
(http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n2/n13033.jpg)
Considering this series....worth my time?
The Walking Dead premieres on Sunday! Halloween. Boo! ;D
btw I think Mark Kermode hit the nail on Paranormal 2 when he described it as "zzzzzzzz boo! zzzzzzzzzz boo!" ;D
Also read a kickass novel about zombies in San Antonio called Dead City by Joe McKinney. And now reading about vikings vs monsters, who will win? sadly... ;D
And in addition to seeing the Exorcist in netflix in hd instantly, netflix also has American Werewolf in London plan on a rewatch on that tonight. PS3 has an update so that the streaming is in full hd now and not 720p. :)
Never have read those, Bill. Read George R.R. Martin first. :)
I got this for under $12 over the weekend: The Carpenter Collection (The Thing/They Live/Prince Of Darkness/Village Of The Damned)
Haha Dave I actually told Bill the same thing! Go for Martin first. :D
I have that collection, it's a great bargain. :)
I've read some good scifi novels of late, but I'll share one in particular:
House of Suns by Alistair Reynolds. It has an epic scale traveling over thousands of light years with people that live for millions of years, yet it has an intimate story. Absolutely amazing, it's like Farscape on crack with wonderful characters. One of the best sf novels I've read! I need to read more by that author.
Wouldn't "Farscape on crack" just be Farscape?
Quote from: eyeresist on April 20, 2011, 03:31:31 PM
Wouldn't "Farscape on crack" just be Farscape?
Haha good point! It is the totally insane wacky singularity! :D :D
I suddenly find myself completely tired of the pulp horror that I usually enjoy-- Graham Masterton, Bentley Little, Brian Keene etc they are just so over the top that I can't take them seriously and the characters are so flat that I just don't care. I'm in a funk.
I've been so into that type of horror that I don't know where to start with something that might be more to my current taste.
I want character driven, more psychological, with a more subtle use of the supernatural kind of novel... can anyone help me out here?
http://www.firstshowing.net/2011/first-real-teaser-poster-for-universals-the-thing-prequel-unearthed/
I am so there!
Quote from: Bogey on July 11, 2011, 08:18:26 PM
http://www.firstshowing.net/2011/first-real-teaser-poster-for-universals-the-thing-prequel-unearthed/
I am so there!
prequel?,... oh, I guess, the 'Norwegian' intro with the dog?
My best friend back in Los Angeles sent me this book which I will get to as soon as I finish the current book I am reading. I am a big Dracula fan (read Stocker's Dracula twice) and I'm curious to see how this version from Renfield's point of view will turn out.
(http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/ebooks/product/400/000/000/000/000/070/959/400000000000000070959_s4.jpg)
Quote from: Hollywood on July 11, 2011, 10:48:04 PM
My best friend back in Los Angeles sent me this book which I will get to as soon as I finish the current book I am reading. I am a big Dracula fan (read Stocker's Dracula twice) and I'm curious to see how this version from Renfield's point of view will turn out.
(http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/ebooks/product/400/000/000/000/000/070/959/400000000000000070959_s4.jpg)
I used to read that author quite a bit when she first started - a bit of a blast from the past for me. Hope you enjoy.
Quote from: Hollywood on July 11, 2011, 10:48:04 PM
My best friend back in Los Angeles sent me this book which I will get to as soon as I finish the current book I am reading. I am a big Dracula fan (read Stocker's Dracula twice) and I'm curious to see how this version from Renfield's point of view will turn out.
(http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/ebooks/product/400/000/000/000/000/070/959/400000000000000070959_s4.jpg)
(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkncreVjyv1qal3v4o1_400.jpg)
Dwight Frye who played Renfield in the original Dracula is one of my all time favorite characters in a horror setting (enjoyed him as Fritz in Frankenstein a bit more). Will look forward to your review.
Erikson's fantasy series... I read book 1 and was ok with it, had to slog through it but reading Deadhouse Gates (book 2) much, much better. Wow I think I'm finally hooked again in another fantasy epic! :)
John Carter trailer. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rf55GTEZ_E&feature=player_embedded#at=16)
Tarzan on Mars! Works for me! ;D
John Carter was first so it may be Carter of the Jungle. ;D
DUI? Dealing Drugs? Better Call Saul! (http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bettercallsaul.com/&sa=U&ei=TuBCTpDvNuSysALd3ojGCQ&ved=0CBEQFjAA&sig2=zNA_qez7uEab1psks6LLuA&usg=AFQjCNGxWIc4PqBk1bJpF6M2o5IK7t-wtg)
That's gotta be working out better than flogging Mendelssohn . . . .
Quote from: Bogey on October 24, 2010, 01:28:48 PM
(http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n2/n13033.jpg)
Considering this series....worth my time?
Somehow I missed this. I read that book, but did not like it enough to read further. It's been too long for me to remember why.
Found this from 2003. Was I on GMG back then?
DTW's 2003 List of Scaaary (Dark) Books
Lovecraft, H.P. [Various Collections] - Collection
Machen, Arthur [Various Collections] - Collection
Poe, Edgar Allan Complete Works - Collection
Stoker, Bram Dracula 1897 Novel
Kafka, Frank The Trial 1925 Novel
Thompson, Jim The Killer Inside Me 1952 Novel
Matheson, Richard I Am Legend 1954 Novel
Bradbury, Ray Something Wicked This Way Comes 1962Novel
Burgess, Anthony A Clockwork Orange 1962 Novel
Thompson, Jim Pop. 1280 1964 Novel
Blatty, William Peter The Exorcist 1971 Novel
Marasco, Robert Burnt Offerings 1973 Novel
King, Stephen Salem's Lot 1975 Novel
Masterton, Graham The Manitou 1975 Novel
Rice, Anne Interview With The Vampire 1976 Novel
King, Stephen The Shining 1977 Novel
King, Stephen The Stand 1978 Novel
Campbell, Ramsey The Face That Must Die 1979 Novel
King, Stephen The Dead Zone 1979 Novel
Stevens, Shane By Reason of Insanity 1979 Novel
Koontz, Dean Whispers 1980 Novel
Harris, Thomas Red Dragon 1981 Novel
King, Stephen Cujo 1981 Novel
Wilson, F. Paul The Keep 1981 Novel
King, Stephen Different Seasons 1982 Collection
Blatty, William Peter Legion 1983 Novel
Campbell, Ramsey Incarnate 1983 Novel
King, Stephen Christine 1983 Novel
King, Stephen Pet Sematary 1983 Novel
Lansdale, Joe The Night Runners 1983 Novel
McCammon, Robert Mystery Walk 1983 Novel
Banks, Ian The Wasp Factory 1984 Novel
Barker, Clive Books of Blood 1984 Collection
Koontz, Dean The Servants of Twilight 1984 Novel
Wilson, F. Paul The Tomb 1984 Novel
Simmons, Dan Song of Kali 1985 Novel
Masterton, Graham Night Warriors 1986 Novel
King, Stephen Misery 1987 Novel
Koontz, Dean Watchers 1987 Novel
McCammon, Robert Swan Song 1987 Novel
Miller, Rex Slob 1987 Novel
Slade, Michael Ghoul 1987 Novel
Campbell, Ramsey The Influence 1988 Novel
Harris, Thomas Silence of the Lambs 1988 Novel
Koontz, Dean Lightning 1988 Novel
Laymon, Richard Midnight's Lair 1988 Novel
McCammon, Robert Stinger 1988 Novel
Koontz, Dean Midnight 1989 Novel
Lansdale, Joe Cold In July 1989 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas Songs of a Dead Dreamer 1989 Collection
Sandford, John Rules of Prey 1989 Novel
Sandford, John Shadow Prey 1990 Novel
Strieber, Whitley Billy 1990 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas Grimscribe 1991 Collection
Masterton, Graham Master of Lies 1991 Novel
Sandford, John Eyes of Prey 1991 Novel
Wilson, F. Paul Sibs 1991 Novel
Wright, T.M. The Last Vampire 1991 Novel
Koontz, Dean Hideaway 1992 Novel
Masterton, Graham Prey 1992 Novel
Strieber, Whitley Unholy Fire 1992 Novel
Lee, Edward Creekers 1994 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas Noctuary 1994 Collection
Oates, Joyce Carol Zombie 1995 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas The Nightmare Factory 1996 Collection
Straub, Peter The Hellfire Club 1996 Novel
Douglas Clegg (as Andrew Harper) Bad Karma 1997 Novel
Jacob, Charlee This Symbiotic Fascination 1997 Novel
Koontz, Dean Fear Nothing 1997 Novel
Masterton, Graham The Chosen Child 1997 Novel
Clegg, Douglas The Nightmare Chronicles 1998 Collection
Hayder, Mo The Birdman 1999 Novel
O'Nan, Stewart A Prayer for the Dying 1999 Novel
Piccirilli, Tom Hexes 1999 Novel
Teran, Boston God is a Bullet 1999 Novel
Danielewski, Mark Z. House of Leaves 2000 Novel
Hayder, Mo The Treatment 2001 Novel
Piccirilli, Tom A Lower Deep 2001 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas My Work Is Not Yet Done 2002 Collection
Marshall, Michael The Straw Men 2002 Novel
Piccirilli, Tom The Night Class 2002 Novel
Simmons, Dan A Winter Haunting 2002 Novel
Burke, Kealan Patrick Ravenous Ghosts 2003 Collection
Piccirilli, Tom A Choir of Ill Children 2003 Novel
I've very disappointed to hear that Underworld 4 is a sequel to the messy, underachieving Evolution, instead of a prequel connecting Rise of the Lycans (surprisingly good) with the first film.
Vampires and werewolves in futuristic settings never really work, because it's their history that makes them interesting. Plus, the directors would have to do some pretty amazing casting to make up for the absence of Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BJdSU4LBL.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/Underworld-Lycans-Poster-Michael-Mackintosh/dp/B004UNO2F2/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1314332439&sr=1-6)
Quote from: eyeresist on August 25, 2011, 08:28:49 PM
Vampires and werewolves in futuristic settings never really work, because it's their history that makes them interesting.
I don't quite agree with this but, yeah, this movie will blow most likely. ;D
Rise of the Lycans isn't really a good movie. The first movie is a blatant rip-off of the matrix that works because it has Kate Beckinsale. The second movie is way over the top violence and gore that well works because it has Kate Beckinsale. The third movie was a completely unnecessary prequel filling in back story that we already know, and doesn't star Kate Beckinsale.
If the fourth movie has Beckinsale, I'll watch it. It's a formula that works. At least if it is set after Underworld 2 it won't be filling in back story! ;D
Quote from: MN Dave on August 25, 2011, 04:52:14 PM
Found this from 2003. Was I on GMG back then?
DTW's 2003 List of Scaaary (Dark) Books
Lovecraft, H.P. [Various Collections] - Collection
Machen, Arthur [Various Collections] - Collection
Poe, Edgar Allan Complete Works - Collection
Stoker, Bram Dracula 1897 Novel
Kafka, Frank The Trial 1925 Novel
Thompson, Jim The Killer Inside Me 1952 Novel
Matheson, Richard I Am Legend 1954 Novel
Bradbury, Ray Something Wicked This Way Comes 1962Novel
Burgess, Anthony A Clockwork Orange 1962 Novel
Thompson, Jim Pop. 1280 1964 Novel
Blatty, William Peter The Exorcist 1971 Novel
Marasco, Robert Burnt Offerings 1973 Novel
King, Stephen Salem's Lot 1975 Novel
Masterton, Graham The Manitou 1975 Novel
Rice, Anne Interview With The Vampire 1976 Novel
King, Stephen The Shining 1977 Novel
King, Stephen The Stand 1978 Novel
Campbell, Ramsey The Face That Must Die 1979 Novel
King, Stephen The Dead Zone 1979 Novel
Stevens, Shane By Reason of Insanity 1979 Novel
Koontz, Dean Whispers 1980 Novel
Harris, Thomas Red Dragon 1981 Novel
King, Stephen Cujo 1981 Novel
Wilson, F. Paul The Keep 1981 Novel
King, Stephen Different Seasons 1982 Collection
Blatty, William Peter Legion 1983 Novel
Campbell, Ramsey Incarnate 1983 Novel
King, Stephen Christine 1983 Novel
King, Stephen Pet Sematary 1983 Novel
Lansdale, Joe The Night Runners 1983 Novel
McCammon, Robert Mystery Walk 1983 Novel
Banks, Ian The Wasp Factory 1984 Novel
Barker, Clive Books of Blood 1984 Collection
Koontz, Dean The Servants of Twilight 1984 Novel
Wilson, F. Paul The Tomb 1984 Novel
Simmons, Dan Song of Kali 1985 Novel
Masterton, Graham Night Warriors 1986 Novel
King, Stephen Misery 1987 Novel
Koontz, Dean Watchers 1987 Novel
McCammon, Robert Swan Song 1987 Novel
Miller, Rex Slob 1987 Novel
Slade, Michael Ghoul 1987 Novel
Campbell, Ramsey The Influence 1988 Novel
Harris, Thomas Silence of the Lambs 1988 Novel
Koontz, Dean Lightning 1988 Novel
Laymon, Richard Midnight's Lair 1988 Novel
McCammon, Robert Stinger 1988 Novel
Koontz, Dean Midnight 1989 Novel
Lansdale, Joe Cold In July 1989 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas Songs of a Dead Dreamer 1989 Collection
Sandford, John Rules of Prey 1989 Novel
Sandford, John Shadow Prey 1990 Novel
Strieber, Whitley Billy 1990 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas Grimscribe 1991 Collection
Masterton, Graham Master of Lies 1991 Novel
Sandford, John Eyes of Prey 1991 Novel
Wilson, F. Paul Sibs 1991 Novel
Wright, T.M. The Last Vampire 1991 Novel
Koontz, Dean Hideaway 1992 Novel
Masterton, Graham Prey 1992 Novel
Strieber, Whitley Unholy Fire 1992 Novel
Lee, Edward Creekers 1994 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas Noctuary 1994 Collection
Oates, Joyce Carol Zombie 1995 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas The Nightmare Factory 1996 Collection
Straub, Peter The Hellfire Club 1996 Novel
Douglas Clegg (as Andrew Harper) Bad Karma 1997 Novel
Jacob, Charlee This Symbiotic Fascination 1997 Novel
Koontz, Dean Fear Nothing 1997 Novel
Masterton, Graham The Chosen Child 1997 Novel
Clegg, Douglas The Nightmare Chronicles 1998 Collection
Hayder, Mo The Birdman 1999 Novel
O'Nan, Stewart A Prayer for the Dying 1999 Novel
Piccirilli, Tom Hexes 1999 Novel
Teran, Boston God is a Bullet 1999 Novel
Danielewski, Mark Z. House of Leaves 2000 Novel
Hayder, Mo The Treatment 2001 Novel
Piccirilli, Tom A Lower Deep 2001 Novel
Ligotti, Thomas My Work Is Not Yet Done 2002 Collection
Marshall, Michael The Straw Men 2002 Novel
Piccirilli, Tom The Night Class 2002 Novel
Simmons, Dan A Winter Haunting 2002 Novel
Burke, Kealan Patrick Ravenous Ghosts 2003 Collection
Piccirilli, Tom A Choir of Ill Children 2003 Novel
Nice list
Quote from: DavidW on August 26, 2011, 10:18:49 AM
Rise of the Lycans isn't really a good movie. The first movie is a blatant rip-off of the matrix that works because it has Kate Beckinsale. The second movie is way over the top violence and gore that well works because it has Kate Beckinsale. The third movie was a completely unnecessary prequel filling in back story that we already know, and doesn't star Kate Beckinsale.
Glad to see you've put a lot of thought into this! The first movie cribs its slow-motion gunfights and long leather coats from the Matrix, this is true, but the characters and story are quite different.
I don't understand the supposedly devastating fanboy criticism that the prequel "dealt with back story we already know". In that case, why watch any movie twice? I thought it was a tightly directed, well acted and wonderfully grim and claustrophobic retelling of the Romeo & Juliet story. My only real criticism of the film is the ridiculous love-making scene near the beginning, including one moment which is laugh-out-loud funny.
I'm starting to read ...
On Blue's Waters: Volume One of 'The Book of the Short Sun' ~ Gene Wolfe
The 'Short Sun' series, it seems, is a continuation of the 'Long Sun' series that I read 10-12 years ago. I'm not a huge fan of endless sci-fi/fantasy series, but from what I've read, Gene Wolfe is the finest writer in the sci-fi genre ever, so I'm going for it.
(http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51bJvw7E6YL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU15_.jpg)
Quote from: Fëanor on August 31, 2011, 04:18:22 AM
Gene Wolfe is the finest writer in the sci-fi genre ever
8)
Dave in da house!
I was going to read Wolfe, but now maybe not. Not only is "best ever" way over the top, but it's so demeaning to other fine scifi writers that it can only be made by somebody that either doesn't like scifi or has an ax to grind.
Quote from: DavidW on August 31, 2011, 06:27:02 AM
...that it can only be made by somebody that either doesn't like scifi or has an ax to grind.
False.
Quote from: DavidW on August 31, 2011, 06:27:02 AM
I was going to read Wolfe, but now maybe not. Not only is "best ever" way over the top, but it's so demeaning to other fine scifi writers that it can only be made by somebody that either doesn't like scifi or has an ax to grind.
However I'm not alone in this opinion -- check out Wolfe's Wikipedia item, (here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Wolfe)); see under 'Importance'.
I have read one or more books by most of the prominent sci-fi writers, (in some cases many), and IMHO, Gene Wolfe is the best though not the only fine writer. You 'don't have to agree but you ought to read a couple of his works first. I suggest you start with
The Fifth Head of Cerberus and follow that up with
The Book of the New Sun tetralogy.
Bumping because I'm reading about zombies and a planet that went ape but not in the same book.
The Walking Dead TV series is back, Sunday night on AMC.
Quote from: Mn Dave on October 13, 2011, 02:35:03 PM
The Walking Dead TV series is back, Sunday night on AMC.
Hey anyone here unimpressed with season 2.0? I was. :-\
I just finished the third novel in the Malazan series,
Memories of Ice. Erikson's characterization is significantly better, and the beginning and the end were amazing.
Also started Stephen King's Gunslinger series, the first entry is very atypical King, his first novel is quite different from his mature writing style.
Quote from: DavidW on January 12, 2012, 02:47:23 PM
Hey anyone here unimpressed with season 2.0? I was. :-\
It didn't bother me like it does some people but I've read the comics and it's a pretty similar vibe.
Oh that's you MN Dave! :D
Quote from: Ataraxia on January 12, 2012, 02:53:17 PM
It didn't bother me like it does some people but I've read the comics and it's a pretty similar vibe.
Some people went way over the top with the hate. I thought it could have been better, but I still thought it was good and I enjoyed the twist at the end. Actually I felt stupid for not seeing it that coming, I should have! :D
I kep on mixing this thread up with the thread on Republican candidates for the presidential election. My bad.
Quote from: The new erato on January 13, 2012, 09:43:15 AM
I kep on mixing this thread up with the thread on Republican candidates for the presidential election. My bad.
:D
If you enjoy horror and own a Kindle, this novel is free this weekend only, published by my e-press, Acid Grave:
http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Juju-Novel-Terror-ebook/dp/B006WPZPRA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327155700&sr=8-2
Thanks. I don't know when I'll get to it but I "bought" it. ;D
Thanks, David! I hope you enjoy it. I did.
WALKING DEAD has two episodes left this season.
You are still watching, right? ;D
Already? I haven't watched any of the new half season yet, still sitting in my amazon vod library. One of my students was just griping today that there was something he thought just ruined everything in the recent ep... but thankfully didn't spoil it for me.
Hm, it didn't ruin anything for me. ;D
But I'm easy. :-*
Maybe relevant?
QuoteSFWA is redirecting Amazon.com links (http://www.sfwa.org/2012/02/sfwa-is-redirecting-amazon-com-links/)
In recent days, Amazon.com decided to remove more than 4000 e-books from its website after a pricing dispute with IPG (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/amazon-pulls-thousands-of-e-books-in-dispute/). The Independent Publishing Group is one of the largest independent distributors in the United States.
While Amazon has the right to decide with what company it does business, its removal of many of our authors' books from its ordering system will have an economic impact on them. Our authors depend on people buying their books and a significant percentage of them have books distributed through IPG. Therefore, SFWA is redirecting Amazon.com links from the organization's website to other booksellers because we would prefer to send traffic to stores where the books can actually be purchased.
To that end, our volunteers are in the process of redirecting book links to indiebound.org (http://www.indiebound.org/), Powell's (http://www.powells.com/), and Barnes and Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/).
Many authors will be hit hard by this, so we encourage you to seek out new places to find their books.
It is worth noting, that if a book is only available on Amazon, we are leaving the link in place. Our goal is to make sure that it is possible to order our members' fiction. Hurting authors to make a point about a publishing model is not a good practice, for anyone.
Quote from: eyeresist on March 05, 2012, 05:20:19 PM
Maybe relevant?
Well, I I hope it was not because they thought Amazon was not charging enough. May of the Kindle downloads are no less expensive (or very close to the hard copy price). At least for the newer books that I have looked into.
I remember amazon doing that to Macmillan. Publishers won that fight by grouping together and demanding the agent model pricing. Amazon is awesome from a customer perspective, but really they know that they monopolize the market and use it to bully everyone else so that no one can make the profit they've earned. Amazon knows that both them and the authors will profit more by eliminating these middle men (distributors and large publishers)... but it's just not fair business practice.
It's easy to hate on the big six because they act like huge jerks... but indy distributors and publishers? That's like kicking a puppy!
Quote from: MN Dave on January 13, 2012, 09:40:11 AM
We do try.
Bubby... from
Day of the Dead.
Where's my prize? >:D I want my prize!!!
I'm looking for some good Horror Movie Books, with only stuff from the '80s on.
Quote from: snyprrr on March 05, 2012, 08:18:07 PM
Bubby... from Day of the Dead.
Where's my prize? >:D I want my prize!!!
That was like eighty avatars back, dude.
Quote from: snyprrr on March 05, 2012, 08:19:02 PM
I'm looking for some good Horror Movie Books, with only stuff from the '80s on.
On what now?
Quote from: MN Dave on
Today at 09:57:06 AM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg607811#msg607811)
That was like eighty avatars back, dude.
(* chortle *)
Anyone ever read Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time?
Dude, my schoolteacher turned me onto that, back in something like fourth grade. I still love it.
Quote from: karlhenning on March 06, 2012, 05:10:47 AM
Dude, my schoolteacher turned me onto that, back in something like fourth grade. I still love it.
They were discussing it on NPR yesterday. It sounds interesting.
Yes; much later I read the sequels, they're quite good, too.
Quote from: karlhenning on March 06, 2012, 05:13:33 AM
Yes; much later I read the sequels, they're quite good, too.
Excellent. Just ordered the first one.
Just re-read (for the upteenth time) Asimov's Foundation Trilogy, Foundation's Edge and Foundation and Earth - along with D.F. Jones' Colossus trilogy. First read the Asimov trilogy in 1968.
You still like it? I read the Foundation trilogy when I was a teenager, and much enjoyed it . . . but I have a feeling that I should not think so well of it, if I were to return to it, now . . . .
I read it too, way back when, and remember being mindblown.
Quote from: karlhenning on March 06, 2012, 09:18:57 AM
You still like it? I read the Foundation trilogy when I was a teenager, and much enjoyed it . . . but I have a feeling that I should not think so well of it, if I were to return to it, now . . . .
I read that when I was in junior high and I remember after that wanting to become a mathematician! ;D
Hah!
Quote from: MN Dave on March 06, 2012, 09:25:45 AM
I read it too, way back when, and remember being mindblown.
And the rest is heavy-metal history!
Quote from: karlhenning on March 06, 2012, 09:55:19 AM
And the rest is heavy-metal history!
I didn't get into heavy stuff until around 1997, believe it or not. I rather did that one backwards as most metal guys start as teenagers (not that I consider myself a true "metalhead").
Quote from: MN Dave on March 06, 2012, 05:07:51 AM
Anyone ever read Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time?
Just like Karl, read it in elementary school. Used to have it in hardcover, absolutely loved it then read it multiple times.
You two obviously attended cooler schools. 8)
Friday: JOHN CARTER
Quote from: MN Dave on
Today at 09:50:36 AM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg608050#msg608050)
You two obviously attended cooler schools. 8)
Hey! On the way home yesterday I caught just a bit of that NPR piece, the voice of Madame L'Engle herself! Very nice.
Quote from: MN Dave on March 07, 2012, 04:50:36 AM
You two obviously attended cooler schools. 8)
Didn't actually read those in school, it was pleasure reading. :)
I read Wrinkle In Time as a kid. I think I enjoyed it but it left no great impression.
The movie John Carter is supposed to be rather lame.
I will see it anyway. ;D
I can't help it. :-\
We can still be mates.
Well, that's good news. Someone has to put up with me.
Quote from: MN Dave on March 20, 2012, 05:44:52 AM
Well, that's good news. Someone has to put up with me.
The reviews aren't THAT bad though. The only real problem is they spend $250 million on it - which is a stupid amount of money to let anyone play with unless there is a hobbit or a wookie in the movie!
Quote from: mc ukrneal on March 20, 2012, 05:50:16 AM
The reviews aren't THAT bad though. The only real problem is they spend $250 million on it - which is a stupid amount of money to let anyone play with unless there is a hobbit or a wookie in the movie!
We could start the "There would be no Star Wars without ERB's John Carter" discussion.
Or not. :)
I'd actually like to read more about this comparison. I heard recently that a director passed on John Carter at some point because he felt that George Lucas had already mined that vein with his movies.
Quote from: MN Dave on March 20, 2012, 08:36:52 AM
go for it!
Ah. Is that a Romita? I was a fan of the Barry Windsor Smith work.
Quote from: Bogey on March 20, 2012, 08:51:01 AM
Ah. Is that a Romita? I was a fan of the Barry Windsor Smith work.
Buscema! My Conan artist. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I2g8C6uOjE
Vampyr (1931)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gBzNioJROI
Carnival of Souls (1962)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exUFpSFblaw
Somewhere Over the Rainbeaux :'(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4MTImdL0u0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7ywYlcLhNE
If any of you have ereaders, Anathem is only $2 right now as an ebook (kindle, nook, kobo, sony etc)
[asin]B0015DPXKI[/asin]
Anyone watching Game of Thrones, season two? A little over the top with the porn last night. ::)
Otherwise, good show.
I've cut the cable. If I give into the dark side, I might watch season 2... but in the meantime I've started Once Upon A Time which I'm liking so far. Before that I watched and enjoyed The River (not the best, but I thought pretty good).
For reading:
Redemption Ark by Reynolds-- not as good as the first two in the series but still good, the inhibitors are the coolest machine race ever!
some random Edward Lee novel that was just ok
Drawing of the Three by King-- awesome! The Dark Tower series still impresses me with a quick read over the weekend. Watch out for lobstrocities!
Oh no comic books! I started reading Dark Empire, the star wars graphic novel that is now in massive violation of canon due to the prequel trilogy (it was written in the 80s) in other words it's awesome. >:D
Speaking of comic books, I'm reading a KISS bio. ;D
Also reading some fantasy. I posted this in the reading thread. It's TIGANA.
I haven't read horror in a while because I got real burnt out on it. I haven't even written anything in a couple months but I'll have to put a stop to that here pretty soon because our editor is waiting for the book. :P
You'll have to tell me what you think, I like the author alot and that novel has been on my wish list for awhile.
Quote from: DavidW on April 09, 2012, 08:34:22 AM
You'll have to tell me what you think, I like the author alot and that novel has been on my wish list for awhile.
The writing is very good but it's rather slow-going. That just means I'm being impatient in this case.
Quote from: Ataraxia on April 09, 2012, 08:35:43 AM
The writing is very good but it's rather slow-going. That just means I'm being impatient in this case.
That's how he writes. Just get used to it. ;D
Quote from: Ataraxia on April 09, 2012, 08:35:43 AM
The writing is very good but it's rather slow-going. That just means I'm being impatient in this case.
You reading on your iPhone? ; )
KISS bio: Kindle
Brahms bio and Tigana: hard copy
Quote from: DavidW on April 09, 2012, 09:11:47 AM
That's how he writes. Just get used to it. ;D
Ha! Okay. :)
I watch this rental last night; great flick ...
Brazil ~ writer/dir. Terry Gilliam
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eecnNdZnL.jpg)
Saw that one in the '80s. :)
Don't remember much. Maybe I should see it again sometime.
I love Brazil, seen it several times. Biting satire, alternating between funny and depressing Orwellian vision of the future.
Have you got a 27B-6?
Quote from: Fëanor on April 18, 2012, 05:57:27 AMBrazil ~ writer/dir. Terry Gilliam
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eecnNdZnL.jpg)
I didn't know Fred Astaire was in that movie.
(http://cup2013.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/fred-astaire.jpg)
And why isn't this in What Movie Did You Last Watch?
I watched Grave Encounters. I was expecting yet another Paranormal Activity-esque movie. But it was way more awesome than that! They were far more adventurous and I really liked it.
Quote from: eyeresist on 2012-04-19, 22:02:32 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg621902#msg621902)
I didn't know Fred Astaire was in that movie.
>(http://cup2013.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/fred-astaire.jpg)
And why isn't this in What Movie Did You Last Watch?
Wow! It really does look like Fred Astaire!
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eecnNdZnL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I guess I could have put it either place. No rules says The GMG SF/Fantasy/Horror Club is only about
books, right? Anyway, not much interest here it seems.
Anyone seen Cabin In the Woods yet?
Quote from: Fëanor on April 18, 2012, 05:57:27 AM
I watch this rental last night; great flick ...
Brazil ~ writer/dir. Terry Gilliam
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eecnNdZnL.jpg)
Much interest, very good film, might be Gilliams best. I truly love Jim Broadbent's small role as the plastic surgeon.
It's also one of the great studio vs. filmmaker stories in film history.
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 27, 2012, 07:11:18 PMMuch interest, very good film, might be Gilliam's best. I truly love Jim Broadbent's small role as the plastic surgeon.
When my co-worker had a defreckling procedure with long-lasting effects (now subsided, thankfully), I kept thinking of that line: "My little complication's had a little complication."
(Not the correct quote, according to Google, but how I remember it.)
Dave,
Cabin in the Woods is definitely on my watchlist.
I just noticed that 23 Fangs the final novel in David Wellington's vampire series is out now. I thought that the first three novels in the series were awesome, the fourth was weaker (but still good) because instead of wrapping up the story he left it hanging for this final novel.
(http://get.unshelved.com/blog/32FangsBig.jpg)
My favorite Wellington novels are his Werewolf novels.
Doesn't anyone around here crave vintage cheese like Frankenstein vs the Space Monster, or Zontar?
Brad Pitt no less recalls War of the Gargantuas as his first. I remember the bathtub 'o' blood from The Tingler,...wooo, scary! :-X
Reportedly, Andy Warhol's favourite film was Creation of the Humanoids (http://www.amazon.com/Drive-In-Double-Feature-Creation-Humanoids/dp/B000E991S4/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1336365575&sr=1-1).
The cover of the DVD available through Amazon isn't nearly as cool as this poster:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/The_Creation_of_the_Humanoids_FilmPoster.jpeg) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_of_the_Humanoids)
One of the actors had the awesome manly name of Dudley Manlove (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudley_Manlove)! (also known to fans of Ed Wood)
Has anyone had a chance to see The Avengers yet? I heard it was quite good.
Yes both Abe and I posted about it on the movie thread. It is very good, check it out! :)
Quote from: DavidW on May 07, 2012, 03:46:29 AM
Yes both Abe and I posted about it on the movie thread. It is very good, check it out! :)
I need to get off the damn internet so much, read this morning about the after credits scene :-\
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 07, 2012, 05:15:16 AM
I need to get off the damn internet so much, read this morning about the after credits scene :-\
Which one? There were two. I didn't stay to watch them, that's just sitting around for the sake of advertising. But the other scene is a nice touch, wouldn't mind having seen that.
Quote from: DavidW on May 07, 2012, 06:40:54 AM
Which one? There were two. I didn't stay to watch them, that's just sitting around for the sake of advertising. But the other scene is a nice touch, wouldn't mind having seen that.
Don't want to spoil it too much, but it revealed a new certain someone to the mix.
Wasn't aware another one.
The other scene is them eating dinner together in a wrecked diner, specifically the place Iron Man mentioned having a craving for during the fight. :D
Quote from: eyeresist on May 06, 2012, 08:45:15 PM
Reportedly, Andy Warhol's favourite film was Creation of the Humanoids (http://www.amazon.com/Drive-In-Double-Feature-Creation-Humanoids/dp/B000E991S4/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1336365575&sr=1-1).
The cover of the DVD available through Amazon isn't nearly as cool as this poster:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/The_Creation_of_the_Humanoids_FilmPoster.jpeg) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_of_the_Humanoids)
One of the actors had the awesome manly name of Dudley Manlove (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudley_Manlove)! (also known to fans of Ed Wood)
That IS a wonderfully cheesy earlier '60s potboiler,... very subdued, like Warhol's personality,... great color, I can see the attraction. I love 'Movies to Fall Asleep By'. ;)
Can anyone clue me in on how to find Island of the Doomed (1966) starring Cameron Mitchell. I can't find it.
Also, Blood of the Vampire (@1958) seems lost (did I mention this before?).
Quote from: snyprrr on July 14, 2012, 10:12:20 PM
Can anyone clue me in on how to find Island of the Doomed (1966) starring Cameron Mitchell. I can't find it.
Also, Blood of the Vampire (@1958) seems lost (did I mention this before?).
I have no idea if the site is reliable, if the item is in stock, etc., but you can find it here: http://www.unforgettabledvds.net/product_p/dvd41.htm (http://www.unforgettabledvds.net/product_p/dvd41.htm)
The other is a UK film and can be found at Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Vampire-DVD-Donald-Wolfit/dp/B000L42MWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1342348156&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Vampire-DVD-Donald-Wolfit/dp/B000L42MWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1342348156&sr=1-1). It will be a region 2 movie, so you would need something that allows you to view DVDs from other regions.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on July 15, 2012, 02:31:45 AM
I have no idea if the site is reliable, if the item is in stock, etc., but you can find it here: http://www.unforgettabledvds.net/product_p/dvd41.htm (http://www.unforgettabledvds.net/product_p/dvd41.htm)
The other is a UK film and can be found at Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Vampire-DVD-Donald-Wolfit/dp/B000L42MWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1342348156&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Vampire-DVD-Donald-Wolfit/dp/B000L42MWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1342348156&sr=1-1). It will be a region 2 movie, so you would need something that allows you to view DVDs from other regions.
Thanks.
You like this kind of stuff? I'm hooked on old movie trailers on YT.
Paul Naschy anyone?
Quote from: snyprrr on July 15, 2012, 07:08:14 AM
Thanks.
You like this kind of stuff? I'm hooked on old movie trailers on YT.
Paul Naschy anyone?
Every now and then, I need it, but that phase usually goes quickly. By chance, I recognized the second one as from the UK, and I figured I might as well take a look for the other while I was at it.
Not available quite yet but SOON, veery SOOOON it shall be mine!!! >:D
[asin]0307474496[/asin]
During July 2012, you can get any Acid Grave Press e-book for free. Just use the coupon code SSWIN when you purchase at Smashwords.
Books include:
Living After Midnight: Hard and Heavy Stories edited by Wilbanks and Clarke
Bad Juju by Randy Chandler
Hellfighter by David T. Wilbanks
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/acidgravepress/popular
Read a classic I hadn't read before ...
Philip K. Dick: The Man in the High Castle
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417ZHFljHML._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Quote from: Fëanor on July 21, 2012, 02:45:36 PMRead a classic I hadn't read before ...
Philip K. Dick: The Man in the High Castle
The problem with that one is the way Dick presents the Japanese occupation of the US as basically benign (the good guys to the Nazi bad guys), indicating he was ignorant of how they behaved in other places they occupied. Invalidates the whole thing for me.
Quote from: MN Dave on July 21, 2012, 05:26:03 AM
During July 2012, you can get any Acid Grave Press e-book for free. Just use the coupon code SSWIN when you purchase at Smashwords.
Books include:
Living After Midnight: Hard and Heavy Stories edited by Wilbanks and Clarke
Bad Juju by Randy Chandler
Hellfighter by David T. Wilbanks
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/acidgravepress/popular
Dang....was scrolling and thought you found a book on the lost movie London After Midnight. Heard that it was not great, but would love to see Lon Chaney do his thing.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2701/4284823339_7a9f1400dd_z.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on July 25, 2012, 05:50:14 PMDang....was scrolling and thought you found a book on the lost movie London After Midnight. Heard that it was not great, but would love to see Lon Chaney do his thing.
I recently saw an episode of Whitechapel (gloomy Brit detective show with supernatural flavour but no actual spooks), in which the killer of the episode was driven mad by watching
London After Midnight - of which he possessed
the only copy in existence! They actually created some footage for him to watch, and even though I knew it was fake it was quite a thrill to see (or glimpse, to be more accurate).
Quote from: eyeresist on July 25, 2012, 07:11:50 PM
I recently saw an episode of Whitechapel (gloomy Brit detective show with supernatural flavour but no actual spooks), in which the killer of the episode was driven mad by watching London After Midnight - of which he possessed the only copy in existence! They actually created some footage for him to watch, and even though I knew it was fake it was quite a thrill to see (or glimpse, to be more accurate).
Now
that is a very cool detail to add. I might need to check out this series as well. Thanks!
Quote from: eyeresist on July 25, 2012, 07:11:50 PM
I recently saw an episode of Whitechapel (gloomy Brit detective show with supernatural flavour but no actual spooks), in which the killer of the episode was driven mad by watching London After Midnight - of which he possessed the only copy in existence! They actually created some footage for him to watch, and even though I knew it was fake it was quite a thrill to see (or glimpse, to be more accurate).
Yea, I recently went a'lookin' for 'London After Midnight' and saw that it was... a lost film! How bout that?
Mario Bava anyone? The master of color?
Is no one here as horribly addicted to bad (awesome!) horror and sci-fi films as I am?
Lemora
Fangs of the Living Dead
Vampiros Lesbos/ Vampyres/ Daughters of Darkness
Jean Rollin
Paul Naschy
Dracula vs. Frankenstein (Dracula has a... jewfro!!)
The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies
Impulse (Snatner!)
The list is endless,... anyone?? :'(
Quote from: snyprrr on July 26, 2012, 08:40:04 AM
Is no one here as horribly addicted to bad (awesome!) horror and sci-fi films as I am?
Lemora
Fangs of the Living Dead
Vampiros Lesbos/ Vampyres/ Daughters of Darkness
Jean Rollin
Paul Naschy
Dracula vs. Frankenstein (Dracula has a... jewfro!!)
The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies
Impulse (Snatner!)
The list is endless,... anyone?? :'(
I am more for the old sci-fi b films. The likes of Monster that Challenged the World and It: Terror from Beyond Space. We have the Attack of 50 Foot Woman on tap here....I als want to see The Blob on Blu Ray.
Quote from: snyprrr on July 26, 2012, 08:35:41 AM
Mario Bava anyone? The master of color?
Yes. Black Sunday and Black Sabbath are fun.
Anyone here enjoy the Hammer films...I never cared for them. Always stayed with the Universal efforts.
I can take or leave most movies; having said that, the last good ghost movie I saw was The Orphange.
Some verdicts on horror:
Mario Bava - I have a 5-film boxset but have never watched any film all the way through. They are pretty awful IMO.
Hammer - There is the problem of nostalgia boosting what are, mostly, quite slow and dull films. Brides of Dracula has its good points. One of my favourites was made not by Hammer but by Amicus: Horror Express. It has Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing on the Trans-Siberian Express with a defrosted beast-man, in a turn-of-the-century setting. Great fun, but try to avoid the headache-inducing soft-focus print some of the bargain labels use.
Vampyres - lumbered with a dull star, but actually pretty good. Very atmospheric and some nasty kills towards the end. Also, boobies! The combination of sex and violence is uniquely unsettling.
I do want to pick up the 2-disc issue of Return of the Living Dead at some point.
Quote from: eyeresist on July 26, 2012, 05:35:38 PM
Some verdicts on horror:
Mario Bava - I have a 5-film boxset but have never watched any film all the way through. They are pretty awful IMO.
Hammer - There is the problem of nostalgia boosting what are, mostly, quite slow and dull films. Brides of Dracula has its good points. One of my favourites was made not by Hammer but by Amicus: Horror Express. It has Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing on the Trans-Siberian Express with a defrosted beast-man, in a turn-of-the-century setting. Great fun, but try to avoid the headache-inducing soft-focus print some of the bargain labels use.
Vampyres - lumbered with a dull star, but actually pretty good. Very atmospheric and some nasty kills towards the end. Also, boobies! The combination of sex and violence is uniquely unsettling.
I do want to pick up the 2-disc issue of Return of the Living Dead at some point.
Horror Express is like a 'perfect' nice cheesy good one, yea! ;)
Quote from: Bogey on July 26, 2012, 08:50:28 AM
I am more for the old sci-fi b films. The likes of Monster that Challenged the World and It: Terror from Beyond Space. We have the Attack of 50 Foot Woman on tap here....I als want to see The Blob on Blu Ray.
Well, I have to start with
Plan 9! Yes, gotta love it,... and I like to watch 'Ed Wood' (Johnny Depp) sometimes to for the nostalgia.
Then,
Zontar, the Thing from Venus, beautiful John Agar.
Demon Seed!!
Robot Monster!
The Creeping Terror (now THAT one's bad,... or good,... or...)
I do love
Forbidden Planet.
Bava...
Planet of the VampiresI was also partial to
Horror High (
Twisted Brain).
Dolomite!
Quote from: snyprrr on July 26, 2012, 08:14:19 PMWell, I have to start with Plan 9! Yes, gotta love it,... and I like to watch 'Ed Wood' (Johnny Depp) sometimes to for the nostalgia.
I think
Ed Wood is probably Tim Burton's best film.
I have this set:
[asin]B0002W4TNA[/asin]
It includes a very interesting feature-length documentary, with audio commentary and extras.
Glen or Glenda is in cinematic terms probably Wood's greatest achievement. It's a self-revealing personal statement, amazing given its historical context, with a style combining documentary and acid trip.
Bride of the Monster is almost a good film! (Lugosi is great in it.)
I must confess I still haven't seen
Jail Bait (or if I have I've forgotten it).
Quote from: Bogey on July 26, 2012, 01:08:31 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg646969#msg646969)
Anyone here enjoy the Hammer films...I never cared for them. Always stayed with the Universal efforts.
I greatly enjoy the Hammers with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee; the rest of them, not so much. Any with the 2 of them together are definite faves, even the weird 1970's ones where Dracula is preying on a bunch of hippies in swinging London ;D
Favorites for me are probably The Horror of Dracula, The Mummy, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and the first several Cushing Frankensteins.
Quote from: snyprrr on
Today at 12:14:19 AM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg647209#msg647209)
...Then,
Zontar, the Thing from Venus, beautiful John Agar.
Demon Seed!!
Robot Monster!
The Creeping Terror (now THAT one's bad,... or good,... or...)...
I love The Creeping Terror! The tennis shoes poking out under the creature as it walks around are the best! ;D
Quote from: jwinter on July 27, 2012, 05:18:23 AM
Quote from: snyprrr on Today at 12:14:19 AM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg647209#msg647209) ...Then,
Zontar, the Thing from Venus, beautiful John Agar. Demon Seed!! Robot Monster! The Creeping Terror (now THAT one's bad,... or good,... or...)...
I love The Creeping Terror! The tennis shoes poking out under the creature as it walks around are the best! ;D
Ah, good friend,... and your not too far away!
Also
Curse of Bigfoot. Ahhh,...
Blood Freak!, with the turkey head!!
Some faves include
The Fury,
The Howling, and
Incubus (w/Cassavettes)
ooo,...
The Devil's Rain,
Brotherhood of Satan
Quote from: eyeresist on July 26, 2012, 08:52:59 PM
I think Ed Wood is probably Tim Burton's best film.
I
think know
Ed Wood is
probably Tim Burton's best film.
Quote from: eyeresist on July 22, 2012, 05:48:02 PM
The problem with that one is the way Dick presents the Japanese occupation [in The Man in the High Castle] of the US as basically benign (the good guys to the Nazi bad guys), indicating he was ignorant of how they behaved in other places they occupied. Invalidates the whole thing for me.
I agree that the portrayal of the Japanese is benign relative to the Germans. However I wouldn't go so far as to say that the above invalidated the book for me; it was done for dramatic contrast I'd guess. But the other thing to remember is that is was
de rigueur in those day (1962) to characterize the Nazis as uniquely evil in the history. Today we are better able to acknowledge that the Nazis' inherent evil was no worse than that of a lot of others before and since, (
viz. after Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Sadam's Iraq, etc.), and their only distinction was the use of industrial methods.
If there was anything that left me bemused about the book, it was the constant reference to "the Oracle", the
I Ching, for some obscure literary purpose that eludes me. Do we know if Dick was fascinated with
I Ching or if it was trendy in the early '60s?
Personally I wasn't very impressed by the writing. I don' think the plot threads were resolved in a satisfying way.
As for the Nazi, Martin Borman's succession to Reich Chancellor/President following the death of Hitler after a successful prosecution of the War, seems highly unlikely. Personally, in that event I think Herman Goering would have succeeded in accordance with Hitler's original will. This might have been for no better reason than that the Wehrmacht would have supported Goering rather than the Party (Borman), or the SS (Himmler/Heydrich). Despite Borman's insidious power in Hitler's court, IMO, Hitler would never have nominated him -- indeed in the actual event it was not Borman but Goebbels (as Chancellor) and Donitz (as President).
Quote from: Fëanor on July 27, 2012, 12:28:50 PM
If there was anything that left me bemused about the book, it was the constant reference to "the Oracle", the I Ching, for some obscure literary purpose that eludes me. Do we know if Dick was fascinated with I Ching or if it was trendy in the early '60s?
I recently read that as well. Personally I took all the I Ching references as trying to set up a correlation between (Japan & China) and (Ancient Rome & Greece) -- ie that the Japanese, having conquered China, were absorbing the parts of their culture that they admired, just as Rome did with Greece, and that the pattern would continue with Japan and the USA -- hence the Japanese fascination with American pop culture. The pattern repeats itself, and is in direct opposition to the German "Aryan" principle of wiping everyone out and replacing them with Nordic stock. I agree that this is taking too charitable a view towards Imperial Japan, given the historical record, but I can follow along for the purposes of the novel.
Overall I thought it was a good book, though I agree that I don't like Dick for the quality of his writing, meaning either the plots or the artistic quality of the prose as such, but rather for the philosophical (for lack of a better term) concepts that he likes to kick around (questions of identity, consciousness, etc.).
Quote from: Fëanor on July 27, 2012, 12:28:50 PMIf there was anything that left me bemused about the book, it was the constant reference to "the Oracle", the I Ching, for some obscure literary purpose that eludes me. Do we know if Dick was fascinated with I Ching or if it was trendy in the early '60s?
Personally I wasn't very impressed by the writing. I don' think the plot threads were resolved in a satisfying way.
Dick was always mystically-minded, and I think he was indeed into the I Ching at the time (it was in the air on the West Coast - see also John Cage). He used the I Ching as part of the plotting process. As far as that goes, he didn't necessarily believe this would imbue the book with a revelatory quality - in my own writing experience I've found that creating plot is a bit of a chore, so any guidance is a relief. I have a novel a way down the pipeline which I plotted partly using the Tarot.
I agree about the writing quality - his prose is functional, and his characters are often two-dimensional. Plotwise, High Castle is more coherent that usual - his novels often give the impression of being wildly improvised. His best books are usually interesting in a pathological sense, and for the unique "trip" they can provide -
Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, Do Androids Dream, Ubik. I haven't read his non-genre stuff, but
A Scanner Darkly is much more grounded and character-based than most of what I've read.
Radio Free Albemuth combines the extremes somewhat. I recommend all these titles.
Quote from: jwinter on July 27, 2012, 01:03:38 PM...
Overall I thought it was a good book, though I agree that I don't like Dick for the quality of his writing, meaning either the plots or the artistic quality of the prose as such, but rather for the philosophical (for lack of a better term) concepts that he likes to kick around (questions of identity, consciousness, etc.).
Quote from: eyeresist on July 29, 2012, 09:22:48 PM...
I agree about the writing quality - his prose is functional, and his characters are often two-dimensional. Plotwise, High Castle is more coherent that usual - his novels often give the impression of being wildly improvised. His best books are usually interesting in a pathological sense, and for the unique "trip" they can provide - Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, Do Androids Dream, Ubik. I haven't read his non-genre stuff, but A Scanner Darkly is much more grounded and character-based than most of what I've read. Radio Free Albemuth combines the extremes somewhat. I recommend all these titles.
I intend to try another Dick novel, probably
Ubik. But I agree with the concept that he was mainly a Sci-Fi concept man; for this he is justifiably famous.
Not many famous Sci-Fi writers are also great writers in the general sense. Gene Wolfe comes to mind as a possible exception.
Quote from: Fëanor on July 30, 2012, 06:22:19 AMI intend to try another Dick novel, probably Ubik. But I agree with the concept that he was mainly a Sci-Fi concept man; for this he is justifiably famous.
That's not what I was saying at all! In terms of "pure" science fiction, Dick was an outlier, not hugely interested in speculation based on extrapolation via scientific principles, which is what sf is IMO. Consciously, Dick's main concern was philosophical, specifically epistemology, i.e. the question of how we can know what is real, and the validity of the realities of individuals. On a deeper level, he was expressing the terror of being unable to tell what is real, and paranoia about people imposing their realities onto others.
Quote from: eyeresist on July 30, 2012, 06:16:02 PM
That's not what I was saying at all! In terms of "pure" science fiction, Dick was an outlier, not hugely interested in speculation based on extrapolation via scientific principles, which is what sf is IMO. Consciously, Dick's main concern was philosophical, specifically epistemology, i.e. the question of how we can know what is real, and the validity of the realities of individuals. On a deeper level, he was expressing the terror of being unable to tell what is real, and paranoia about people imposing their realities onto others.
OK, well, a concept is a concept whether science or philosophy. I can't disagree with a word your saying, though I'm sure I haven't read as much Dick as you have.
When I look at what goes on in this world, I'd have to say most people really need to worry about their understanding of reality.
If you enjoy literary horror stories and you own a Kindle, you need this daily deal:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NZAR7W/ref=amb_link_364490602_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0JQ44FEBX2CFTD1N044Z&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=1387752142&pf_rd_i=1000677541
Now it's $7.19. Still worth the price.
As reported in Ansible (http://news.ansible.co.uk/a301.html):
QuotePeter Jackson's and Warner Bros' plan to expand the Hobbit project from two films to three – using spare Lord of the Rings material since 'There's so much good stuff in the appendices that we haven't been able to squeeze into these movies' (Telegraph, 26 July) – was thoughtfully described by The Independent's John Walsh as 'stretching an ant's arse over a rain barrel.' (Independent, 26 July)
Greg and I were chatting about Universal Horror pics on the avtar thread and thought I would bring the discussion oner here:
I love the old Aurora kit art. The art was always better than the kit. I have a reissue....part of my collection here:
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa35/BillandLinda/UniversalShots002.jpg?t=1277686666)
Older photo. It has expanded since to three walls+ worth, but you get the idea. ;D
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on August 14, 2012, 07:34:23 AM
That's freakin awesome!
Which is your favorite of the Universal monster films?
I think the best done, and I mean this sincerely, was Abbott and Costello Meets Frankenstein. As a kid, Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman. I woke up one morning at about 2 AM when I was about 10 years old, turned on the tv, and there before me was Frankie (the dreadful Bela version) beating on the Wolfie....then the whole castle blew up and all were swept away! I was awake for the day! I was hooked for life! :D Now....probably the first Mummy (1932) with Karloff. Loved him in this role, even thogh the bandages came off early. :D
So, what is your favorite Universal Horror/Sci-Fi film? Here is a list compiled by Mike Scott, a cool cat that knows his monster films:
Not chronological, but maybe something you can work from?
SILENTS:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
The Cat and the Canary (1927)
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
DRACULA:
Dracula (1931)
Drácula (193I Spanish)
Dracula's Daughter (1936)
Son of Dracula (1943)
House of Frankenstein (1944)
House of Dracula (1945)
FRANKENSTEIN:
Frankenstein (1931)
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Son of Frankenstein (1939)
The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
House of Frankenstein (1944)
House of Dracula (1945)
THE MUMMY:
The Mummy (1932)
The Mummy's Hand (1940)
The Mummy's Tomb (1942)
The Mummy's Ghost (1944)
The Mummy's Curse (1944)
THE INVISIBLE MAN:
The Invisible Man (1933)
The Invisible Man Returns (1940)
The Invisible Woman (1940)
Invisible Agent (1942)
The Invisible Man's Revenge (1944)
THE WOLF MAN (and other Werewolves):
Werewolf of London (1935)
The Wolf Man (1941)
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
House of Frankenstein (1944)
House of Dracula (1945)
She-Wolf of London (1946)
PAULA THE APE WOMAN:
Captive Wild Woman (1943)
Jungle Woman (1944)
The Jungle Captive (1945)
KARLOFF AND LUGOSI:
The Old Dark House (1932)
Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)
The Black Cat (1934)
The Raven (1935)
The Invisible Ray (1936)
Night Key (1937)
Tower of London (1939)
Black Friday (1940)
The Black Cat (1941)
The Climax (1944)
HORROR/MYSTERY/THRILLER:
The Cat Creeps (1930 lost film)
Secret of the Blue Room (1933)
Mystery of Edwin Drood (1935)
Life Returns (1935)
The House of the Seven Gables (1940)
Horror Island (1941)
Man Made Monster (1941)
The Mad Doctor of Market Street (1942)
Night Monster (1942)
The Strange Case of Doctor Rx (1942)
The Mad Ghoul (1943)
Phantom of the Opera (1943)
The Cat Creeps (1946)
INNER SANCTUM MYSTERIES:
Calling Dr. Death (1943)
Weird Woman (1944)
Dead Man's Eyes (1944)
The Frozen Ghost (1945)
Strange Confession (1945)
Pillow of Death (1945)
RONDO HATTON:
The Pearl of Death (1944)
The Jungle Captive (1945)
The Spider Woman Strikes Back (1946)
House of Horrors (1946)
The Brute Man (1946)
A&C MEET THE MONSTERS:
Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff (1949)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)
SHERLOCK HOLMES:
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942)
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943)
Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943)
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1943)
The Spider Woman (1944)
The Scarlet Claw (1944)
The Pearl of Death (1944)
The House of Fear (1945)
The Woman in Green (1945)
Pursuit to Algiers (1945)
Terror by Night (1946)
Dressed to Kill (1946)
SERIALS:
The Vanishing Shadow (1934)
Flash Gordon (1936)
Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars (1938)
The Phantom Creeps (1939)
Buck Rogers (1939)
Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940)
1950S SCI-FI / HORROR:
The Strange Door (1951)
The Black Castle (1952)
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)
It Came from Outer Space (1953)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Cult of the Cobra (1955)
Revenge of the Creature (1955)
Tarantula (1955)
This Island Earth (1955)
The Creature Walks Among Us (1956)
The Mole People (1956)
The Deadly Mantis (1957)
The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)
The Land Unknown (1957)
Man of a Thousand Faces (1957 Chaney Sr. biopic)
The Monolith Monsters (1957)
Monster on the Campus (1958)
The Thing That Couldn't Die (1958)
Curse of the Undead (1959)
The Leech Woman (1960)
Well, I'm not sure about including the Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies on the list. Some of them are bad, but not scary bad... ;D
My favorite is probably still the original Dracula with Lugosi. It's very creepy, heightened by the fact that the director came from doing silent films, and thus had no issues with leaving significant stretches of the film without sound -- no music, no dialogue, nothing but your imagination to keep you company, like sitting alone at night in a dark strange house. I can't stand the attempts on DVD to add new music to it -- ruins the whole effect IMO.
Just took in an afternoon matinee with the Mummy's Tomb from '42. Somehow they even managed to put together an angry torch carrying mob in this one set in Mapleton, USA....but what would a Universal horror movie be without one? ;)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUXV-7UwXTg/UBNlIPcHu0I/AAAAAAAAh2I/69CP7N0L-h0/s1600/Elyse+Knox+and+Lon+Chaney+in+The+Mummys+Tomb+1942.jpg)
I believe Chaney does better when given a non-talking part. ;D
Quote from: Bogey on August 14, 2012, 01:33:57 PM
Just took in an afternoon matinee with the Mummy's Tomb from '42. Somehow they even managed to put together an angry torch carrying mob in this one set in Mapleton, USA....but what would a Universal horror movie be without one? ;)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUXV-7UwXTg/UBNlIPcHu0I/AAAAAAAAh2I/69CP7N0L-h0/s1600/Elyse+Knox+and+Lon+Chaney+in+The+Mummys+Tomb+1942.jpg)
I believe Chaney does better when given a non-talking part. ;D
I always loved how the 'mummy' movies in particular were so... mm... anonymous that I could never tell if I'd seen 'Tomb', or 'Curse', or,... and the one you mentioned, which takes place in the US, oh! that stuff is intravenous! ;D
I like 'The Black Cat',... very 'modern'.
Quote from: snyprrr on August 14, 2012, 02:10:23 PM
I always loved how the 'mummy' movies in particular were so... mm... anonymous that I could never tell if I'd seen 'Tomb', or 'Curse', or,... and the one you mentioned, which takes place in the US, oh! that stuff is intravenous! ;D
Yes, yes, yes! I refer to it as their "charm". :D
Quote from: snyprrr on August 14, 2012, 02:10:23 PM
I like 'The Black Cat',... very 'modern'.
Been a while....I will have to watch it again.
I love your current avatar Bogey. Lugosi's 1931 Dracula has been one of my all time favorite films. I have seen this film about 50 times and I have it now on dvd so I can watch it anytime.
I was able to see this film in all of its glory back in the early 1970s at the Universal Studios Ampitheatrer. They were running the good old Universal Studio Monster films which included Lugosi's Dracula, Karloff's Frankenstein and Chaney's The Wolf Man. I really love those great Universal Studio Monsters. (http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/smilie_hal_001.gif) (http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/smilie_hal_037.gif) (http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/smilie_hal_098.gif)
Quote from: Bogey on August 14, 2012, 08:03:19 AM
I think the best done, and I mean this sincerely, was Abbott and Costello Meets Frankenstein.
Anyone who has something good to say about Abbot and Costello gets a gold star in my book! :)
Quote from: Bogey on August 14, 2012, 05:11:14 PM
Yes, yes, yes! I refer to it as their "charm". :D
Been a while....I will have to watch it again.
I also have a soft spot for 'House of Dracula', one of the least seen. Ahhh,... I better check my blood sugar...
That list sure cracks open the memory lid, aye aye aye...
All those 'mad doctor' movie,... 'The Man from Half-Lit Park', haha,... 'Doctor Madness',... oy, I know, just made up titles, but still,...
I remember crying at the end of 'The Wolfman' :'(,... sympathetic villain and all :'(,... sniff sniff
Which brings up Paul Naschy. Anyone? I'd love to see the 70mm version of 'Frankenstein's Bloody Terror',... some of the still pop out like 3D. I don't care HOW bad a movie is if it's in Eastman color and 70mm!!
Quote from: Hollywood on August 15, 2012, 12:22:38 AM
I love your current avatar Bogey. Lugosi's 1931 Dracula has been one of my all time favorite films. I have seen this film about 50 times and I have it now on dvd so I can watch it anytime.
I was able to see this film in all of its glory back in the early 1970s at the Universal Studios Ampitheatrer. They were running the good old Universal Studio Monster films which included Lugosi's Dracula, Karloff's Frankenstein and Chaney's The Wolf Man. I really love those great Universal Studio Monsters. (http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/smilie_hal_001.gif) (http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/smilie_hal_037.gif) (http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/smilie_hal_098.gif)
Didn't you have some connection to or meet Forry Ackerman? How cool to see something like that, especially in the 70's when they were tough to catch I bet.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on August 15, 2012, 01:24:42 AM
Anyone who has something good to say about Abbot and Costello gets a gold star in my book! :)
I'll wear it with pride! (http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSL8nTFL7M_2beny2tXmxFx6hDUgWcQuyFTbGFx2WmpwwhHYiO2cPFJUg)
Quote from: snyprrr on August 15, 2012, 07:03:54 AM
I also have a soft spot for 'House of Dracula', one of the least seen. Ahhh,... I better check my blood sugar...
Always enjoyed the Glenn Strange monster....I believe most toys and such carried his image and not Karloff's.
Here is another cool list compiled by Mike Scott, but non-Universal. The list was made in 2009, so do not know whether it is up to date on the dvd release:
Here's another list of '30s and '40s horror (and some mystery/thriller) films released by the major studios. As you can see, there are several classics yet to be released on DVD.
* not available on DVD
WB
Outward Bound (1930)*
Svengali (1931)*
Mad Genius, The (1931)*
Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933)
Doctor X (1933)
Walking Dead, The (1936)*
Return of Doctor X, The (1939)
Body Disappears, The (1941)*
Hidden Hand, The (1942)*
Between Two Worlds (1944)*
Beast with Five Fingers, The (1946)*
MGM
The Unholy Three (1930)*
Freaks (1932)
Mask of Fu Manchu, The (1932)
Mad Love (1935)
Mark of the Vampire (1935)
Devil-Doll, The (1936)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
Picture of Dorian Gray, The (1945)
PARAMOUNT
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)
Island of Lost Souls (1932)*
Supernatural (1933)*
Murders in the Zoo (1933)*
Cat and the Canary, The (1939)*
Ghost Breakers, The (1940)
Dr. Cyclops (1940)
Among the Living (1941)*
Mad Doctor, The (1941)*
Monster and the Girl, The (1941)*
Uninvited, The (1944)*
Man in Half Moon Street, The (1945)*
20TH CENTURY FOX:
Chandu the Magician (1932)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
Dr. Renault's Secret (1942)
The Undying Monster (1942)
The Lodger (1944)
Hangover Square (1945)
Shock (1946)
RKO:
The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
The Phantom of Crestwood (1932)*
The Monkey's Paw (1933)*
King Kong (1933)
The Son of Kong (1933)
She (1935)
Seven Keys to Baldpate (1935)*
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Cat People (1942)
I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
The Leopard Man (1943)
The Seventh Victim (1943)
The Ghost Ship (1943)
The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
The Body Snatcher (1945)
Isle of the Dead (1945)
Bedlam (1946)
^ A couple of interesting and scarily comprehensive lists!
Quote from: jwinter on August 14, 2012, 09:30:50 AMWell, I'm not sure about including the Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies on the list. Some of them are bad, but not scary bad... ;D
My favorite is probably still the original Dracula with Lugosi. It's very creepy, heightened by the fact that the director came from doing silent films, and thus had no issues with leaving significant stretches of the film without sound -- no music, no dialogue, nothing but your imagination to keep you company, like sitting alone at night in a dark strange house. I can't stand the attempts on DVD to add new music to it -- ruins the whole effect IMO.
There was always a Gothic horror edge to Holmes, even in the original stories. Some of the films are more overtly horror than others: Hound of the Baskervilles is obviously a kind of ghost story (prosaic explanation not withstanding). Most of the others contained substantial creepiness (I won't list them because I can't keep all the plots straight in my head). I watched the Woman in Green recently - that's about a series of women killed at random and their little fingers cut off. Is that not horror?
In the box set, the commentator seems to think the Scarlet Claw is the best of the Rathbones Holmeses, but I think it's the worst. Terror by Night is probably my favourite (the first one I saw).
I agree about Dracula - the slowness and stillness make some younger viewers react against it, but the resultant atmosphere is uniquely horrifying. (The first Mummy film has a similar quality.) I'm annoyed at the hype the Spanish version has received. A more active camera isn't necessarily "better" than the Browning version, and most of the acting is substantially worse.
But while I like and respect Dracula, I'm more likely to watch House of Frankenstein - or House of Dracula (Skelton Knaggs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skelton_Knaggs)!).
The Black Cat - I'm amazed this has never been remade. I guess the story's reliance on dialog over action is a stumbling block. But what dialog! "Have you ever seen an animal skinned alive? That's what I'm going to do to you!". A great shame it's an orphan film and thus will never get a decent restoration.
@Bogey, Island of Lost Souls came out on DVD this year.
(BTW, Lewton's film The Ghost Ship is actually a psychodrama about a power-mad ship's captain, not really a horror film.)
Here's a survey of the 40s monster rally films, from my blog. All criticisms gratefully received. Sorry I don't share your opinion of Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man, Bogey!
http://eyeresist.wordpress.com/the-universal-monster-mash-movies-of-the-1940s/
Quote from: Bogey on August 15, 2012, 04:05:16 PM
Didn't you have some connection to or meet Forry Ackerman? How cool to see something like that, especially in the 70's when they were tough to catch I bet.
Yes I had the great pleasure of meeting Forry through the Count Dracula Society in Los Angeles. I was a member of the C.D.S. from 1970 -1978 and got to talk to him at one of the Annual Anne Radcliff Award dinner. He was such a lovely man and when he heard about my love of horror as well as my best friends love for sci-fi, he invited us to his home in Los Feliz to see his vast horror/sci-fi collections. I will never forget this visit or this wonderful man.
Quote from: eyeresist on August 15, 2012, 07:01:55 PM
There was always a Gothic horror edge to Holmes, even in the original stories. Some of the films are more overtly horror than others: Hound of the Baskervilles is obviously a kind of ghost story (prosaic explanation not withstanding). Most of the others contained substantial creepiness (I won't list them because I can't keep all the plots straight in my head). I watched the Woman in Green recently - that's about a series of women killed at random and their little fingers cut off. Is that not horror?...
Yes, I agree there's certainly a gothic touch to many of the Holmes stories, and the Rathbone movies tend to accentuate that. The Woman in Green gets it's inspiration, I suppose, from The Cardboard Box, where Holmes' client receives a severed ear through the mail. Though I wouldn't go so far as to call them horror movies (with the possible exception of BASK) -- the macabre is an element in the mix, but it's not the main focus, if you know what I mean.
I guess I was reading the original list as being just of Universal Monster/Horror movies, so the Holmes movies sort of stuck out -- if we're casting a wider net to include thrillers and movies of the period with supernatural or macabre components to them, then certainly many of the Holmes movies should be on it.
If you own an e-reader, I found three volumes with 101 "weird" stories each of the good old stuff. Here's the Amazon link to the first volume. Plenty of value here!
[asin]B00866VNVK[/asin]
Looks good! Alas they don't seem to have it at Barnes & Noble; I'll have to check around and see if I can find it in epub somewhere...
Quote from: jwinter on August 16, 2012, 04:47:18 AM
Looks good! Alas they don't seem to have it at Barnes & Noble; I'll have to check around and see if I can find it in epub somewhere...
Oh, sorry. I only checked Amazon.
No worries. Nice Neal Adams Conan pic, BTW
Quote from: jwinter on August 16, 2012, 05:02:46 AM
No worries. Nice Neal Adams Conan pic, BTW
Thanks. Adams was my Tarzan artist on those old paperbacks.
Quote from: MN Dave on
Today at 09:04:05 AM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg652455#msg652455)
Thanks. Adams was my Tarzan artist on those old paperbacks.
Ah, yes, the haircut's not quite right for Conan, now that you mention it. Hard to tell with just a loincloth and a PO'd ape. ;D
Quote from: jwinter on August 16, 2012, 06:21:17 AM
Quote from: MN Dave on Today at 09:04:05 AM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=13790.msg652455#msg652455) Thanks. Adams was my Tarzan artist on those old paperbacks.
Ah, yes, the haircut's not quite right for Conan, now that you mention it. Hard to tell with just a loincloth and a PO'd ape. ;D
Tarzan would whip Conan's ass, so say I and very few other people. I love both characters though.
Hand-to-hand I wouldn't place a wager either way. Conan would bring a lot more hardware, though -- swords, daggers, axes, maces, crossbows, whatever was handy and would fit on the poor horse....
Quote from: jwinter on August 16, 2012, 06:31:50 AM
Hand-to-hand I wouldn't place a wager either way. Conan would bring a lot more hardware, though -- swords, daggers, axes, maces, crossbows, whatever was handy and would fit on the poor horse....
No hardware. Just loincloths. :)
Quote from: Hollywood on August 15, 2012, 11:22:18 PM
Yes I had the great pleasure of meeting Forry through the Count Dracula Society in Los Angeles. I was a member of the C.D.S. from 1970 -1978 and got to talk to him at one of the Annual Anne Radcliff Award dinner. He was such a lovely man and when he heard about my love of horror as well as my best friends love for sci-fi, he invited us to his home in Los Feliz to see his vast horror/sci-fi collections. I will never forget this visit or this wonderful man.
I met FJA at a convention, sitting next to him at a screaming, screening of 'Dracula vs. Frankenstein',... you know, the one where Dracula has a jewfro! Zandor Vorkov as Dracula, oh that is some rich stuff. Al Adamson was the man there, haha!
GUILTY PLEASURE: 'Blood of Dracula's Castle' with John Carradine and others,...
This Thread is starting to pick up! :D
Wow, I think one of the above was my 1,000th post. Not many people can say they hit 1,000 on a classical music forum discussing a Tarzan/Conan fight. ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: jwinter on August 16, 2012, 07:05:10 AM
Wow, I think one of the above was my 1,000th post. Not many people can say they hit 1,000 on a classical music forum discussing a Tarzan/Conan fight. ;D ;D ;D
You're welcome.
Random thoughts from a longtime SF reader. . .
On anyone's list of greatest SF books of all time, "The Stars My Destination" still has to be near the top. Part of its appeal is the sheer profligacy of its inventiveness. Virtually any other SF writer would have meted out the ideas Alfred Bester came up with across eight or nine separate books.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress remains one of Heinlein's best, most readable, and entertaining books -- and is less embarrassing in its sexism than most.
One drawback to speculative fiction is its potential for an author to get into something too big to fight his way out of. Farmer's "Riverworld" books are one example; Heinlein's 1,000-year old Lazarus Long (In "Time Enough for Long" another); as was Heinlein's attempt in his last 5-6 novels to tie together all his future histories into one cosmologically consistent entity (many worlds).
Sequels can spell doom to good ideas. Each succeeding "Ringworld" book was worse than the last; same with Pohl's "Gateway" books. "Dune Messiah" was as good a sequel as can exist, but with "Children of Dune," the series went off the deep end. As simplistically as they were written, only the "Foundation" books continued to delight, sequel upon sequel.
I'm not a big fantasy fan, and am disheartened that the SF shelf has pretty much been overwhelmed by fantasy over the last 20-30 years. I enjoyed reading Zelazny's "Amber" books because I like him and found them well written, but realized that the nature of the world was that he could string out the series to any arbitrarily large number of books he felt like – like an old movie matinee serial.
That said, Bradbury is more fantasy than SF – but it's of a different order and he tries for different things.
The best pure writer of the '70s-'80s was James Tiptree Jr. (aka Alice Sheldon). Her stories are not universally great, but the best of them stand with the best ever, and absolutely haunt – which is what great art should strive to do.
William Gibson's books are never as good as you think they ought to be.
Larry Niven went way downhill over the last 30 years.
Arthur C. Clarke may have been the best pure scientist in the SF community, and had a lot of good ideas, but his writing gifts lacked.
Connie Willis' short fiction and humorous fiction are brilliant, but her long, more serious stuff betrays a disturbing trend of each succeeding book being longer than it needs to be by increasing percentages. ("Lincoln's Dreams" – just right. "Doomsday Book" – a masterpiece but probably 10% too long. "To Say Nothing of the Dog" – 20% too long, but amusing still. "Passage" – some very compelling sequences, but 35% too long. "Blackout / All Clear" -- fully twice as long as it reasonably needs to be, and the characters perseverate so much that I realized I didn't even care to read the second volume when it came out.) I loved "Bellwether" and her short stories, however.
Enough for now.
cheers --
george
Quote from: ggluek on August 16, 2012, 11:35:53 AMArthur C. Clarke may have been the best pure scientist in the SF community, and had a lot of good ideas, but his writing gifts lacked.
"Lacked"? Lacked what, exactly?
I would say he served up very good ideas with characters that verged on cardboard and writing the rose above pedestrian, but not consistently. Just a personal opinion.
Just posted these on another site and thought some of you would enjoy them:
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMdbfkl3Rz4/TJh9QcNNqbI/AAAAAAAAGxg/YwSUpqBernU/s800/boxoffice.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cMdbfkl3Rz4/TJh9MwsFf3I/AAAAAAAAGxY/OD_l8ZrIyzg/s800/coming+soon.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RI7WLAYL3Zo/UCfhHm8g4-I/AAAAAAAAiQA/6nkUZ43aIf4/s320/house-of-frankenstein-marquee)
(http://horrorunlimited.com/images/P/Curse%20of%20Frankenstein%20-%20F-X1.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxtt8eOFRV1qz72v7o1_500.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1vkevpYnf1qaqx8xo1_500.jpg) Photo shopped or real?
(http://www.cinemaretro.com/uploads/APESMARQUEE.jpg)
(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4959/capitolgorgo.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V1y28UmHr04/S_1_pEKpmWI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/CjPzNZ33JGU/s1600/Fiend_2.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma9dgkMFpy1qf83cro1_500.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9rr4lA1up1qf83cro1_500.jpg)
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/555706_335412623213055_721473546_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/75678_4656244854794_259214900_n.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75CJ9t2aRxs/Tb-aFxp8mVI/AAAAAAAAACw/9TeqmKF_JqY/s1600/royal%2Btheatre.jpg)
(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4123/4788234626_4ed2dfd0f7_b.jpg)
(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_llfhnwLX4h1qk1vbpo1_500.jpg)
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqnwp1pcPm1qe83rwo1_500.jpg)
(http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lbwep0vOas1qa0nt3o1_1280.jpg)
(http://horrorunlimited.com/images/P/Horror%20of%20Dracula%20-%20BTS%2001.jpg)
(http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/6472562e13672156d847eb51633a5fc04ca18e6_r.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqnq1sAoNP1qe83rwo1_500.jpg)
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly2kuxYGqS1qf83cro2_500.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8ap3nlG6Y1qc1sduo1_500.jpg)
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz6467BdBf1qemxfbo1_1280.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2vuy5LPVB1qf83cro3_500.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpYXYfbQ1Tw/ThHjnUf2B0I/AAAAAAAAEq0/Lwbjim5q8hw/s1600/40a35a5f56ac41d09c970c31ff0cbc0cbb8fa84.pjpg.jpeg)
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh242/matteljones/Marquee.jpg)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lax5e5o82F1qzdulpo1_500.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75CJ9t2aRxs/Tb-aFxp8mVI/AAAAAAAAACw/9TeqmKF_JqY/s1600/royal%2Btheatre.jpg)
Some great shots there, Bogey!
Of course this one caught my eye, anything related to Metropolis does, I see it's from 2010, is this one of your shots?
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 18, 2012, 06:33:44 PM
Of course this one caught my eye, anything related to Metropolis does, I see it's from 2010, is this one of your shots?
ALL TAKEN FROM THE WEB AND MAINLY ONE SITE.
Thank you for sharing those great photos, Bogey. They bring back so many wonderful memories of the good old days of going to see two films plus cartoons at the local movie theater. 8)
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Has_Risen_from_the_Grave
So, THIS ??? is the one I hadn't seen,... or, was it Taste?,... but, either way, it was on the horror parade this week and I finally got to see it from the beginning. The first clue that this was going to be different was the Title Sequence itself, being a strange blue/red pulsing blood spatter, very groovy indeed ;).
Then, I was reading about how, the cinematographer was given some filters by director Francis (also a DP), and, I was utterly shocked. During certain shots, red or sickly yellow/orange filters around the sides of the frame lend a very queasy atmosphere to the shot (maybe other colors too). I've never seen anything quite like it, and, I couldn't believe that they took the chance of ruining the whole film by what really must be seen as some pretty oddly chosen filters. Personally, I'd LIKE to demerit the production, but, frankly, the effect is outrageously cool. The sickly yellow color gives those scenes a true sense of diseased malaise, perhaps commenting on that aspect of the vampire narrative.
The wonderful castle exteriors of the first two films is gone here (different studio), but there is a palpable sense of claustrophobia in the wooded and rocky surroundings of the Count's lair here. It seems as though the first two films make a pair, and the next two films also make a pair. I will have to endeavor to check out Taste the Blood of Dracula (1969), which is then, a direct sequel to this film. I actually like the custom of playing a tiny bit of the previous film in the next installment.
I was also impressed to see two famous death scenes for the first time: the first, unsuccessful, staking of Dracula in his coffin, and, of course, the spectacular final impalement on a large crucifix in a ravine after having fallen in a fight. This is the shot with blood dripping from the four points of the Count's eyes that I've seen is passing but never knew which film it was (I know I thought it was Taste). The bloody bits in this film reach just slightly beyond, such as the copious amounts of blood coming from the Count in the unsuccessful staking attempt, or the very strange opening scene where the priest's blood from a head wound trickles perfectly down through the ice (from the previous movie, nice touch) onto the frozen Count's lips (shades of Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman).
The lighting effects and mis-en-scene in this one are really 'out there' (wonderfully vintage, '68!), and, frankly, the whole production reeks of what I imagine is an unintended surrealism that is almost hallucinatory in the best Italian style. The absolute audaciousness of the funky colored filters so just barely works as to raise this film to levels of cult status beyond that of just a 'Hammer' film. I'm just thinking that there was more partying going on in the world, and this is how it translated into the Hammer ethos in 1968 (yes, I'm very obsessed with the years,... it certainly couldn't have been made in 1966).
The thing that really impressed me about this 'lost' (for me) classic was how un-Hammer it felt, especially from the tone of the first two films. SOMETHING was going on here that changed up the rhythm and tone from before; there is a gigantic decaying subtext hiding in plain sight that can't properly be named because it appears to be slightly beyond the sum of the parts. The vampiric sex parts are here presented a frenzied atmosphere of sickly sweet decay.
Limited Paper: Mondo Releases the Next Wave of UNIVERSAL MONSTER Posters from Their Gallery Show
If you're not familiar with Mondo Posters and are a film buff, you need to check them out. They just released new Universal Monster posters, here are some of them (I'm seriously wanting the Bride of Frankenstein poster)
(http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/Mondo-Martin-Ansin-Frankenstein-Reg.jpg)(http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/mondo-francesco-francavilla-the-invisble-man.jpg)(http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/mondo-kevin-tong-bride-of-frankenstein.jpg) (http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/Mondo-Ken-Taylor-Creature-From-The-Black-Lagoon-Reg.jpg)
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 03, 2012, 09:23:05 PM
Limited Paper: Mondo Releases the Next Wave of UNIVERSAL MONSTER Posters from Their Gallery Show
If you're not familiar with Mondo Posters and are a film buff, you need to check them out. They just released new Universal Monster posters, here are some of them (I'm seriously wanting the Bride of Frankenstein poster)
(http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/Mondo-Martin-Ansin-Frankenstein-Reg.jpg)(http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/mondo-francesco-francavilla-the-invisble-man.jpg)(http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/mondo-kevin-tong-bride-of-frankenstein.jpg) (http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/Mondo-Ken-Taylor-Creature-From-The-Black-Lagoon-Reg.jpg)
Those are authentic? The style doesn't seem... huh?... still, very impressive.
The time approaches ...
(http://cdn1.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/game-of-thrones-season-3-premeire-poster.jpg)
Not Quite :laugh:
(http://seriable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/gotsa1-600x350.jpg)
I can't wait, just showing Seasons 1 & 2 again nightly in the UK!!
Have you seen all these?
http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/21744/50-genuinely-creepy-horror-movies
I haven't. :-\
A new season of GAME OF THRONES begins Sunday, fantasy fans. 8)
Quote from: Beorn on March 28, 2013, 05:21:12 PM
Have you seen all these?
http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/21744/50-genuinely-creepy-horror-movies
I haven't. :-\
Great list, I'd say I'm at about 65% with these films. Some that really stand out for me are Uzumaki (2000), Audition (1999), Nosferatu (1922), M (1931) and would prefer the original Swedish version of Let Me In (2010) titled Let The Right One In (2008)
Thanks for the link, Dave. >:D <---horror emoticon
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on March 29, 2013, 04:45:37 AM
Great list, I'd say I'm at about 65% with these films. Some that really stand out for me are Uzumaki (2000), Audition (1999), Nosferatu (1922), M (1931) and would prefer the original Swedish version of Let Me In (2010) titled Let The Right One In (2008)
Thanks for the link, Dave. >:D <---horror emoticon
You're welcome. I think it's one of the finest horror movie lists I've seen. Creepy is so much better than shocking or gory.
Quote from: Beorn on March 29, 2013, 04:46:43 AM
You're welcome. I think it's one of the finest horror movie lists I've seen. Creepy is so much better than shocking or gory.
Good to see you back here, Dave. I have been reading a lot of Kaminsky, including the first two Inspector Rostnikov novels. Back to Toby right now as they have come out on Kindle.
Quote from: Bogey on March 29, 2013, 04:52:28 AM
Good to see you back here, Dave. I have been reading a lot of Kaminsky, including the first two Inspector Rostnikov novels. Back to Toby right now as they have come out on Kindle.
Yes, hello! I can assume then that you are enjoying his writing. That's great.
Quote from: Beorn on March 29, 2013, 04:46:43 AM
You're welcome. I think it's one of the finest horror movie lists I've seen. Creepy is so much better than shocking or gory.
Without question.
Oh, if you're on Facebook--and even if you're not--you can check out my Page Horrific. I post links and share news, interviews, etc.-- and deals on genre fiction.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Page-Horrific/439882046082250
Quote from: Beorn on March 29, 2013, 04:54:01 AM
Yes, hello! I can assume then that you are enjoying his writing. That's great.
Absolutely. Some of 'em were hard to find, but all of a suddent they were released in digital format. What is cool is there is at least one other series that I have not tapped and the two I have run into double digits for the amount written.
Thread duty....sort of:
Here is a new release of Goldsmith's soundtrack for Poltergeist:
(http://blog.mondotees.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/poltergeist-lp-outer.jpg)
Double gatefold lp and there are 500 being sold on Record Store Day that have glow in the dark platters. Not sure if I will be able to land one.
I have lots of friends into vinyl. I hope you land one.
Quote from: Beorn on March 29, 2013, 05:33:52 AM
I have lots of friends into vinyl. I hope you land one.
I did not care for the movie as a kid....maybe I need too rewatch it, but that glow in the dark thing is just too cool to let go of.
THE GREEN SLIME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ9ff9ccwcA
Just watch the first minute, and get a load of the Theme Song. Once you've been touched...
Quote from: snyprrr on April 01, 2013, 07:35:46 AM
THE GREEN SLIME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ9ff9ccwcA
Just watch the first minute, and get a load of the Theme Song. Once you've been touched...
No fans of
The Green Slime?
ok, would someone PLEASE direct me to The Best Horror Whatever Site? PLEASE?? laternia? films that witness madness? I just can't find one I like... HELP!!
Who needs films that witness madness, when we've got GMG? . . .
I'm already feeling delirious...
Quoteok, would someone PLEASE direct me to The Best Horror Whatever Site?
http://www.google.com/ (http://google)
Quote from: Beorn on April 03, 2013, 08:43:28 AM
http://www.google.com/ (http://google)
safari can't find the server :'(
Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaah!
[toot]
Mighty Mark Justice and I have a new novel out, the third book in the Dead Earth series.
[asin]161868065X[/asin]
[/toot]
Woot!
Dave, that's awesome! Gratz! :D
snyprrr's Incomplete List of Slasher Films
Silent Night Bloody Night
Black Christmas
The Love Butcher
The Last Victim/ Forced Entry
The Killer Behind the Mask/ Savage Weekend (1976/1981)
Massacre at Central High
Sisters of Death (1977)
Halloween (1978)
The Toolbox Murders
The Prey (1978/1984)
The Driller Killer (1979)
Microwave Massacre
When a Stranger Calls
Buio Omega/ Beyond the Darkness/ Buried Alive (It.)
Anthropophagus/The Grim Reaper (It.)
Aquella Casa en las Afueras (Sp.)
Porno Holocaust (It.)
Supernatural (Sp.)
Anthropophagus II/Absurd (It.)
The New York Ripper (It.)
1980
Halloween II
The Burning
Bloody Birthday
Friday the 13th (1980)
Friday the 13th, Part 2
Long Island Cannibal Massacre (16mm)
Don't Answer the Phone/ The Hollywood Strangler
Don't Go in the House (The Burning)
The House Where Death Dwells/ Delusion
To All a Goodnight
Christmas Evil
1981
Ms. 45
Schizoid
Humongous
The Prowler
The Unseen
Maniac (1981)
Pieces (Puerto Rico)
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Happy Birthday to Me
He Knows You're Alone
Scream/ The Outing (1981)
Eyes of a Stranger
Frightmare (1981)
New Years Evil
Night School
Nightmare
Hell Night
Midnight
Prom Night (1981)
Final Exam
Graduation Day
Campsite Massacre
1982
The Slayer
The Forest
Friday the 13th Part III
Don't Go in the Woods
Alone in the Dark
Madman (1982)
Deadly Games
Trick or Treats
Scalps
Blood Song
Night Warning
Death Screams
Death Valley
Unhinged (DTV)
Island of Blood/ Whodunit
Home Sweet Home/ Slasher in the House
The Last Horror Film/ Fanatic
The Dorm that Dripped Blood
The Slumber Party Massacre
The House on Sorority Row
National Lampoon's Class Reunion°
Sweet Sixteen (1983)
Mortuary (1983)
The Initiation 84
Girls Night Out 84
Splatter University 84
Don't Open till Christmas 84
Silent Night, Deadly Night 84
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987)
Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! (1989)
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
A Nightmare on Elm St.
Deadly Intruder 85
Horror House on Highway Five 85
Too Scared to Scream 85
Nail Gun Massacre 85
The Mutilator 85
1986
Psycho II
The Hitcher
April Fool's Day
Shadows Run Black
You'll Die at Midnight (It.)
Truth or Dare?: A Critical Madness
Mountaintop Motel Massacre
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
Lucker the Necrophagus (1986;Fr.?)
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
Sorority House Massacre
Sorority House Massacre II 90
The Majorettes
Slaughter High
Killer Party
1987
Berserker
Blood Rage
Terror Night
Blood Harvest
Open House
Slaughterhouse
Return to Horror High
Slumber Party Massacre II
Slumber Party Massacre III (1990)
Camping del Terrore/ Body Count (It.)
Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II
Jack's Back 88
Nightmare Beach 88
Cheerleader Camp 88
Night Screams 88
Bad Dreams 88
Deadly Dreams 88
Edge of the Axe (TV) 88
Hide and Go Shriek 88
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Maniac Cop 88
Maniac Cop 2 90
Maniac Cop III: Code of Silence 93
Psycho Cop 89
Psycho Cop 2 93
1989
I, Madman
Clownhouse
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan
Cutting Class
Hell High
Offerings
Intruder
The Night Brings Charlie (1990)
Pledge Night (1990)
Popcorn (1991)
Body Parts (1991)
Dr. Giggles (1992)
Skinner (1993)
Scream (1996)
The She Creature The Undead (AIP) The Man Who Turned to Stone (COL)
Beast from the Haunted Cave Back from the Dead (FOX) The Unearthly (REP)
The Monster of Piedras Blancas The Vampire The Disembodied (AA)
Creature from the Haunted Sea The Werewolf She Devil (1957)
The Flesh Eaters Blood of Dracula (AIP) She Demons
Daughter of Dr. Jekyll Voodoo Island The Bat°
Frankenstein's Daughter Voodoo Woman
The Return of Dracula/ The Curse of Dracula Womaneater (COL)
The Hideous Sun Demon The Pharaoh's Curse Zombies of Mora Tau
The Astounding She Monster Curse of the Faceless Man The Bride and the Beast
The Screaming Skull The Devil's Hand (Cr. Int'l.)
The Flame Barrier The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake The Unknown Terror
Panic in the Year Zero Attack of the Puppet People The Hypnotic Eye
The Day the World Ended I Was a Teenage Werewolf (AIP)
It Conquered the World Teenage Caveman The Blob (1958)
The Monster that Challenged the World Teenage Monster Beware! The Blob
From Hell It Came Teenage Zombies
Monster from Green Hell How to Make a Monster (AIP)
Attack of the Crab Monsters I Was a Teenage Frankenstein (AIP)
Attack of the Giant Leeches Teenagers from Outer Space
The Killer Shrews A Bucket of Blood (AIP) The Nutty Professor°
The Ghost of Dragstrip Hollow (AIP)
Fiend Without a Face The Little Shop of Horrors°
The Brain from Planet Arous Invasion of the Star Creatures°
The Creature with the Atom Brain Invasion of the Hell Creatures The Leech Woman
The Brain Eaters The Horror of Party Beach The Wasp Woman
Night of the Blood Beast Black Zoo The Alligator People
Cape Canaveral Monsters The Slime People
The Beast from Yucca Flats Robot Monster
Bride of the Monster/ Bride of the Atom
The Fly (1959) Plan 9 from Outer Space
Return of the Fly Night of the Ghouls/ Revenge of the Dead
I Bury the Living
Macabre (AA) The Creeping Terror
The House on Haunted Hill (AA) The Eye Creatures
The Tingler Curse of the Swamp Creature
Tormented Sound of Horror (Sp.)
Homicidal The Dead One°
Bloodlust* Terror in the Haunted House/ My World Dies Screaming
Straight-Jacket The Last Man on Earth (USA/It.) Mr. Sardonicus
Two on a Guillotine (WB) The Night Walker The Old Dark House (U.K./USA;1962)
Night Tide The Crawling Hand The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1962)
Pyro (USA/Sp.) Hands of a Stranger (AA)
Tower of London (1962)
Beauty and the Beast (1963)
The Brain That Wouldn't Die
The Atomic Brain
On the Beach
Creation of the Humanoids
Terror Is a Man (Phil.)
Quote from: MN Dave on April 04, 2013, 12:39:41 PM
Thanks for the woot, sir! 8)
I see your woot and raise you five more.
Is that Blue Girl story in there?
Quote from: Bogey on May 01, 2013, 04:32:43 PM
I see your woot and raise you five more.
Is that Blue Girl story in there?
Nope. This is a novel, the third in a series.
I know Dave that you asked this five million years ago and probably don't care anymore... but I've finally encountered a scifi horror novel in space.
Leviathan Wakes by James Corey is part horror (with puke zombies!), part noir, part space opera. All awesome!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LQZnQQu_7s/TgD2zY4SKnI/AAAAAAAAAck/x1-WunoUnnc/s320/leviathanwakes.jpg)
So I've been reading that series, and rereading Wheel of Time to finally finish it. After Lord of Chaos, I switched to the rereads for summaries to get me through Knife of Dreams. After that the three Sanderson novels will be first time reads for me. I want to get this done, and finish rereading Harry Potter before I finally give the Malazan series that second chance (I got lost and confused before).
Quote from: DavidW on June 30, 2013, 09:43:25 AM
I know Dave that you asked this five million years ago and probably don't care anymore... but I've finally encountered a scifi horror novel in space.
Leviathan Wakes by James Corey is part horror (with puke zombies!), part noir, part space opera. All awesome!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LQZnQQu_7s/TgD2zY4SKnI/AAAAAAAAAck/x1-WunoUnnc/s320/leviathanwakes.jpg)
You talkin' to me? :)
Sweet.
Quote from: DavidW on June 30, 2013, 09:44:58 AM
So I've been reading that series, and rereading Wheel of Time to finally finish it. After Lord of Chaos, I switched to the rereads for summaries to get me through Knife of Dreams. After that the three Sanderson novels will be first time reads for me. I want to get this done, and finish rereading Harry Potter before I finally give the Malazan series that second chance (I got lost and confused before).
A Song of Ice and Fire?
Downloaded and begun:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uEOjfKimL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Conan The Barbarian : 20 Adventure Tales of Conan (The Hour Of the Dragon, Queen Of the Black Coast, The Shadow of the Vulture, A Witch Shall Be Born, The Tower of the Elephant, And More!) [Kindle Edition]
Right now, reading Shadows In the Moonlight, (first published in Weird Tales, April 1934). As always, Howard is exceptional with his writing. Nice pacing, as well as keeping the reader guessing with the characters are two of his strong points, let alone his descriptions of the settings. This seemed to be the best "complete set" available.
MN Dave approves. :)
Some new Gene Wolfe a'comin'.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Land-Across-Gene-Wolfe/dp/0765335956/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1372855787&sr=8-3&keywords=gene+wolfe
Quote from: MN Dave on July 03, 2013, 04:38:03 AM
MN Dave approves. :)
Just hooked my 14 year old son on it. Have not heard a peep for over an hour. ;)
Quote from: Bogey on July 03, 2013, 10:44:09 AM
Just hooked my 14 year old son on it. Have not heard a peep for over an hour. ;)
You are a great dad, you are.
Quote from: MN Dave on July 03, 2013, 04:52:31 AM
Some new Gene Wolfe a'comin'.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Land-Across-Gene-Wolfe/dp/0765335956/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1372855787&sr=8-3&keywords=gene+wolfe
Thanks for the heads up, MN. Gene Wolfe is the greatest SciFi writer
ever, (IMHO, though there have been plenty of excellent writers).
Amazons concludes, "
Is our hero in fact a spy for the CIA? Or is he an innocent citizen caught in a Kafkaesque trap?". Yes , I can see Wolfe doing Kafkaesque very well.
Arthur Manchin??? wrong spelling?
Quote from: Fëanor on July 04, 2013, 06:52:01 AM
Thanks for the heads up, MN. Gene Wolfe is the greatest SciFi writer ever, (IMHO, though there have been plenty of excellent writers).
Amazons concludes, "Is our hero in fact a spy for the CIA? Or is he an innocent citizen caught in a Kafkaesque trap?". Yes , I can see Wolfe doing Kafkaesque very well.
True! You never quite know what's really going on in a Wolfe novel. That's why you can read them more than once.
Quote from: snyprrr on July 04, 2013, 06:56:45 AM
Arthur Manchin??? wrong spelling?
Arthur Machen you mean?
Quote from: snyprrr on July 04, 2013, 06:56:45 AM
Arthur Manchin??? wrong spelling?
That's Arthur Machen. But thanks for the tip -- I haven't read any of his stuff (or don't recall since I go back a long wary), so perhaps I'll do so.
Quote from: Fëanor on July 04, 2013, 07:41:32 AM
That's Arthur Machen. But thanks for the tip -- I haven't read any of his stuff (or don't recall since I go back a long wary), so perhaps I'll do so.
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/389
Quote from: MN Dave on July 04, 2013, 07:52:09 AM
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/389
Downloaded !! 8)
Quote from: MN Dave on July 02, 2013, 08:12:33 AM
A Song of Ice and Fire?
When it is done I'll return to it. The closest I came was the scifi series I mentioned, which was edited by Martin since Abraham (one of the two authors involved) has worked with Martin before and is good friends with him.
btw Dave I finally took your advice and read A Princess of Mars, is awesome. The movie made changes that were less awesome, but it's enjoyable despite that critics say otherwise.
I've checked out of the library Carrion Comfort by Simmons, will start it after I read a couple more novels (well I'll be probably starting it and if I like it finishing on the kindle, I'm too slow about getting to books).
Quote from: DavidW on July 05, 2013, 07:22:46 PM
btw Dave I finally took your advice and read A Princess of Mars, is awesome. The movie made changes that were less awesome, but it's enjoyable despite that critics say otherwise.
I've checked out of the library Carrion Comfort by Simmons, will start it after I read a couple more novels (well I'll be probably starting it and if I like it finishing on the kindle, I'm too slow about getting to books).
Great stuff, David! Dan Simmons is top drawer. SONG of KALI is a must read and A WINTER HAUNTING I found especially spooky.
Zontar, The Thing from Venus
Why no movies in this Thread?,... waaaaah :'(
Ramsey Campbell
Also, this Thread lacks HP, wtf???
Is this the Thread for 'Sword & Sandel' movies?? Anyone?
http://www.coolasscinema.com/2009/12/26-best-sword-sandal-adventures.html
Quote from: snyprrr on July 06, 2013, 07:04:33 AM
Is this the Thread for 'Sword & Sandel' movies?? Anyone?
http://www.coolasscinema.com/2009/12/26-best-sword-sandal-adventures.html
Cool link, homey.
Quote from: MN Dave on July 04, 2013, 07:52:09 AM
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/389
So I read Arthur Machen's gothic novella,
The Great God Pan. It was a charming read but by no means as shocking to me as apparently it was to Machen's earlier readers. Machen's story milieu is the late 19th century English upper middle class which he evokes effectively (if not necessarily accurately) in aid of the story; a parallel is H.P. Lovecraft's evocation of early 20th century rural Massachusetts and old Boston.
Withal the story is rather predictable and it's denouement neither surprising nor not all shocking to modern sensibilities. A comparison with Gene Wolfe was implied, but comparison is invidious: Machen might try to shock, (which Wolfe generally does not), he doesn't achieve Wolffe's sense of strangeness and enigma nor subtlety of plot. It's hard to imagine Machen sustaining story line through four volumes as Wolfe does in the
Book of the New Sun plus the quadrilogy's sequel
Urth of the New Sun.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oauOecGzL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Quote from: Fëanor on July 10, 2013, 08:33:15 AM
So I read Arthur Machen's gothic novella, The Great God Pan. It was a charming read but by no means as shocking to me as apparently it was to Machen's earlier readers. Machen's story milieu is the late 19th century English upper middle class which he evokes effectively (if not necessarily accurately) in aid of the story; a parallel is H.P. Lovecraft's evocation of early 20th century rural Massachusetts and old Boston.
Withal the story is rather predictable and it's denouement neither surprising nor not all shocking to modern sensibilities. A comparison with Gene Wolfe was implied, but comparison is invidious: Machen might try to shock, (which Wolfe generally does not), he doesn't achieve Wolffe's sense of strangeness and enigma nor subtlety of plot. It's hard to imagine Machen sustaining story line through four volumes as Wolfe does in the Book of the New Sun plus the quadrilogy's sequel Urth of the New Sun
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oauOecGzL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Yeah, I wouldn't compare the two authors at all. Jack Vance and Wolfe, yes.
Quote from: MN Dave on July 10, 2013, 01:10:55 PM
Yeah, I wouldn't compare the two authors {Machen/Wolfe} at all. Jack Vance and Wolfe, yes.
Jack Vance, yes perhaps.
Boy! Vance is ancient history for me; it's probably been almost 40 years since I read anything of his, and only one or two books. I'm pretty sure one was
The Dying Earth which I certainly enjoyed very much as I recall.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9xStAKImxw/UDtLhnNZwxI/AAAAAAAAATU/ivYKqcnumQg/s1600/4407311500_9729a75019.jpg)
Quote from: Fëanor on July 11, 2013, 04:08:23 AM
Jack Vance, yes perhaps. Boy! Vance is ancient history for me; it's probably been almost 40 years since I read anything of his, and only one or two books. I'm pretty sure one was The Dying Earth which I certainly enjoyed very much as I recall.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9xStAKImxw/UDtLhnNZwxI/AAAAAAAAATU/ivYKqcnumQg/s1600/4407311500_9729a75019.jpg)
And of course The Dying Earth was a major influence on Wolfe's Book of the New Sun.
Quote from: MN Dave on July 11, 2013, 05:53:40 AM
And of course {Vance's} The Dying Earth was a major influence on Wolfe's Book of the New Sun.
Yes, true, no doubt.
Another author who can sustain a sense of strangeness and enigma is
Brian Aldiss. I really enjoyed his
Helliconia Trilogy back when it was first published in the early '80s. I've thought of rereading it but nowadays I have eye problems that restrict my reading to couple of hours a day or less, so I have to be very selective about what I read.
(http://i.imgur.com/aqh5Y.jpg)
I drove my wife into downtown Boston for an interview, so while she took care of business, I poked around a great used book store on Milk Street and grabbed this one to pass some time on a Faneuil Hall park bench. I picked it up because it looked like a quick read, was small enough to fit in my pocket, and was on the $1.00 bargain table. (Maybe the cover art was responsible for catching my eye, initially.)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iPbZPIbkL._SY300_.jpg)
At any rate, I wasn't familiar with Michael Frayn, so it turned out to be a nice discovery. I used to read a lot of science fiction, but haven't done so in a long time. This has whetted my interest to get back into the genre.
Quote from: Szykneij on July 29, 2013, 05:20:36 AM
I drove my wife into downtown Boston for an interview, so while she took care of business, I poked around a great used book store on Milk Street and grabbed this one to pass some time on a Faneuil Hall park bench. I picked it up because it looked like a quick read, was small enough to fit in my pocket, and was on the $1.00 bargain table. (Maybe the cover art was responsible for catching my eye, initially.)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iPbZPIbkL._SY300_.jpg)
At any rate, I wasn't familiar with Michael Frayn, so it turned out to be a nice discovery. I used to read a lot of science fiction, but haven't done so in a long time. This has whetted my interest to get back into the genre.
I love to hear stories like this.
I walk by that shop all the time, Tony, but it's some little while since I actually walked in.
That cover looks to sort nicely with the opening line in Brazil . . . "I want to talk to you about ducts . . . ."
Quote from: karlhenning on July 29, 2013, 06:04:37 AM
I walk by that shop all the time, Tony, but it's some little while since I actually walked in.
I was very excited to find it. Almost all the used book shops outside of downtown have closed down.
Quote from: karlhenning on July 29, 2013, 06:06:12 AM
That cover looks to sort nicely with the opening line in Brazil . . . "I want to talk to you about ducts . . . ."
:)
The Frayn novel was written in 1968. I find it amazing how prophetic some of these authors were.
I remember reading "1984" in junior high school and thinking to myself how ridiculous it was to think there could be cameras all over the place monitoring your every move. Orwell was off by 30 years or so, but now it's nearly impossible to go shopping or out to eat without leaving a visual record of your trip.
Locally, the Aaron Hernandez murder trial is of great interest. The authorities were able to trace his entire trip on the night in question from North Attleboro, Massachusetts (near Rhode Island) to Boston and back thanks to various surveillance cameras and cell tower information.
Anyone else reading the new Stephen King?
Anyone else watching horror movies this month?
:)
Quote from: Batty on October 06, 2013, 05:46:56 AM
Anyone else reading the new Stephen King?
Anyone else watching horror movies this month?
:)
Hi Dave, is that new Stephen King really a sequel to
The Shining?
Quote from: ChamberNut on October 06, 2013, 05:47:54 AM
Hi Dave, is that new Stephen King really a sequel to The Shining?
It is indeed, and a very fine one (if you like King).
Quote from: Batty on October 06, 2013, 05:50:41 AM
It is indeed, and a very fine one (if you like King).
Oooh, yes I do. Very interesting. I will have to snap it up! :)
Quote from: Batty on October 06, 2013, 05:46:56 AM
Anyone else watching horror movies this month?
:)
You mean all the time. ;)
October is my (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiwbrSjVZeE/TreFj3M1xzI/AAAAAAAABzU/nZ-4kCHSyls/s200/Universal-logo-1940s.png) fest. Can't beat it. (And do not give me any of that Hammer-schmammer tripe!)
Quote from: Batty on October 06, 2013, 05:46:56 AM
Anyone else reading the new Stephen King?
Anyone else watching horror movies this month?
:)
Yes and yes. I'm 100 pages into Dr Sleep. I started my horror movie marathon early... last weekend I watched Insidious 2. I also rewatched the original Amityville Horror, and plan on also rewatching the Exorcist, the Evil Dead (original), Carrie (original), The Devil's Backbone and High Tension.
Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 08:59:45 AM
Carrie (original)
What a great film, much better than the book, IMO. Piper Laurie and Sissy Spacek are amazing in this one!
Quote from: ChamberNut on October 06, 2013, 09:04:00 AM
What a great film, much better than the book, IMO.
You are right! One of the rare cases when the movie is better.
Quote from: Bogey on October 06, 2013, 08:12:26 AM
(And do not give me any of that Hammer-schmammer tripe!)
:D
Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 08:59:45 AM
Yes and yes. I'm 100 pages into Dr Sleep. I started my horror movie marathon early... last weekend I watched Insidious 2. I also rewatched the original Amityville Horror, and plan on also rewatching the Exorcist, the Evil Dead (original), Carrie (original), The Devil's Backbone and High Tension.
Great line-up. How's Insidious 2? I liked the first one till they blew it at the end.
Quote from: Batty on October 06, 2013, 09:47:19 AM
Great line-up. How's Insidious 2? I liked the first one till they blew it at the end.
Oh yeah and rewatching the original Halloween was awesome!
Anyway Insidious 2 is not as scary as Insidious (by a long shot) but it's interesting. It involves an old cold case, more ghosts, more astral projection... and time travel! If you didn't like the ending of the first movie you might not like the sequel at all.
Quote from: DavidW on October 07, 2013, 04:50:09 AM
Oh yeah and rewatching the original Halloween was awesome!
Anyway Insidious 2 is not as scary as Insidious (by a long shot) but it's interesting. It involves an old cold case, more ghosts, more astral projection... and time travel! If you didn't like the ending of the first movie you might not like the sequel at all.
I'll probably still see it.
I'm reading one of my favorite sf authors: Arthur C. Clarke's Reach for Tomorrow, a collection of short stories.
Ah you finished Dr Sleep? I'm only 200 pages in, probably won't finish until this weekend.
Yes, I finished. Like vintage King all the way. A successful effort as far as I 'm concerned.
With Ender's Game finally coming to a movie theater near us, I have some real incentive to read the darned thing without bias. I keep putting it off.
Quote from: Philo the Harbinger on October 09, 2013, 05:14:04 AM
Thanks to T Maxim Simmler
"The Ever-Vigilant Guardians of Secluded Estates" by Ligotti
A young man with a sparse mustache ...
I don't think Ligotti would want that posted everywhere. It's copyrighted.
This is not really scifi but Gravity is now playing in town at the $2 theater, so I think I'll go this weekend.
We'll be reading some Lovecraft, Poe, and Ligotti...
Soon.
Quote from: Philo the Harbinger on October 09, 2013, 06:38:48 AM
We'll be reading some Lovecraft, Poe, and Ligotti...
Soon.
Excellent. Ligotti is one of my favorites of all time. On the first tier, here. :)
Oh, Poe and Lovecraft are good too.
Quote from: Batty on October 09, 2013, 08:11:05 AM
Excellent. Ligotti is one of my favorites of all time. On the first tier, here. :)
Oh, Poe and Lovecraft are good too.
I'm fairly excited. This cat, MNDave, turned me onto him.
Quote from: Philo the Harbinger on October 09, 2013, 02:54:36 PM
I'm fairly excited. This cat, MNDave, turned me onto him.
I turned Johan onto him too. My work here is done. 0:)
Just downloaded this tonight. Heard a good review on NPR.
[asin]0316098078[/asin]
http://www.npr.org/2013/08/28/214525930/shaman-takes-readers-back-to-the-dawn-of-humankind (http://www.npr.org/2013/08/28/214525930/shaman-takes-readers-back-to-the-dawn-of-humankind)
That author lives in the town where I went to college. The local bookstores had autographed copies of his Mars books.
Quote from: DavidW on October 10, 2013, 05:50:07 AM
That author lives in the town where I went to college. The local bookstores had autographed copies of his Mars books.
The Mars books were the last KSR I read. I was a fan up 'til then. I remember the last book in particular (Green Mars?) being a joyless slog.
Also reading this.
[asin]0671604090[/asin]
Just click it I guess. ;D
Quote from: Batty on October 10, 2013, 06:53:17 PM
Also reading this.
[asin]0671604090[/asin]
Just click it I guess. ;D
Don't worry, it's a Michael Moorcock novel, not goatse.cx.
I've read that one twice! The only other Moorcock novel I've read is
Behold The Man.
Quote from: Daverz on October 10, 2013, 04:04:12 PM
The Mars books were the last KSR I read. I was a fan up 'til then. I remember the last book in particular (Green Mars?) being a joyless slog.
A friend told me the same, which is why I never read them!
Quote from: Daverz on October 10, 2013, 06:59:47 PM
Don't worry, it's a Michael Moorcock novel, not goatse.cx.
I've read that one twice! The only other Moorcock novel I've read is Behold The Man.
I read mostly Elric in his different incarnations. But, yes, I need to read
Behold the Man for sure.
Quote from: Batty on October 09, 2013, 05:01:51 AM
Yes, I finished. Like vintage King all the way. A successful effort as far as I 'm concerned.
I finally finished it last weekend. A kick ass novel! If you mean like vintage as in like good, then yes. If you mean as in stylistically... well I find early King to be pessimistic and late King to be optimistic including this novel.
I was half expecting the sequel might disappoint, but it didn't.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 09, 2013, 05:24:51 AM
With Ender's Game finally coming to a movie theater near us, I have some real incentive to read the darned thing without bias. I keep putting it off.
Not bad. Movie could be good. I thought the sibling plot line was a bit flat. Not sure I will read the next in the series, but this one was entertaining enough.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 09, 2013, 05:24:51 AM
With Ender's Game finally coming to a movie theater near us, I have some real incentive to read the darned thing without bias. I keep putting it off.
Am I the
only person here who hates Orson Scott Card's banal and tedious plot lines and prose style??
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 22, 2013, 03:02:57 AM
Not bad. Movie could be good. I thought the sibling plot line was a bit flat. Not sure I will read the next in the series, but this one was entertaining enough.
Cool beans. Glad that you read it with an open mind, glad that you found some enjoyment out of it. I should reread it, it has been a very long time.
Quote from: Batty on October 11, 2013, 04:22:03 AM
... But, yes, I need to read Behold the Man for sure.
I read it many years ago, but I's say, Yes, you ought to read it -- unless you're a thin-skinned Christian.
Classic sf and fantasy films you can watch on YouTube.
http://io9.com/classic-sci-fi-and-fantasy-films-that-you-can-watch-on-1491614177?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_facebook&utm_source=io9_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
I finally finished my Wheel of Time reread, though I cheated and used Leigh Butler's very detailed reread summary for A Crown of Swords through Knife of Dreams. Will finally start the Sanderson/Jordan trilogy! I've never read them before, hope that they are awesome and I feel satisfied with the conclusion.
Quote from: DavidW on December 31, 2013, 11:43:24 AM
I finally finished my Wheel of Time reread, though I cheated and used Leigh Butler's very detailed reread summary for A Crown of Swords through Knife of Dreams. Will finally start the Sanderson/Jordan trilogy! I've never read them before, hope that they are awesome and I feel satisfied with the conclusion.
I'm making my with through GRR Martin's fantasy epic, taking my time.
Quote from: mn dave on December 31, 2013, 11:47:55 AM
I'm making my with through GRR Martin's fantasy epic, taking my time.
I don't know if you watch South Park but recently they had a 3 parter making fun of GRRM, the series, and Black Friday. it's been great! ;D
Quote from: DavidW on January 01, 2014, 07:46:51 AM
I don't know if you watch South Park but recently they had a 3 parter making fun of GRRM, the series, and Black Friday. it's been great! ;D
:)
FEVRE DREAM by George R.R. Martin was amazing and indeed one of the best vampire novels out there. Highly recommended.
Maybe I'll read A Storm of Swords soon.
I don't get thie literary bias in this Thread. Over the last hundred years, the medium of film has captured the imagination of SF/F/H fans more than anything (Fabio?), but here, not one mention of Cronenberg, or whateverm- and anytime I bring up 'Horror of the Blood Monsters' you all look at me like I got tree heds... why-I-aughta...
So, what has happened to the Horror film in the last, say, 15 years, since, say, 'Scream'? What's up with the slew of 'exorcist-possession' films- is that the only way they can scare people is through spiritual ambiguity (Jesus STILL hasn't made His debut in a Horror Film other than 'The Final Conflict')?
Why do you guys only talk about sci-fi-fantasy novels? waaaaah
Remember 1979? 'The Dark'? With William Devane? Were they NOT the days????
Quote from: snyprrr on January 02, 2014, 06:43:15 AM
I don't get thie literary bias in this Thread. Over the last hundred years, the medium of film has captured the imagination of SF/F/H fans more than anything (Fabio?), but here, not one mention of Cronenberg, or whateverm- and anytime I bring up 'Horror of the Blood Monsters' you all look at me like I got tree heds... why-I-aughta...
So, what has happened to the Horror film in the last, say, 15 years, since, say, 'Scream'? What's up with the slew of 'exorcist-possession' films- is that the only way they can scare people is through spiritual ambiguity (Jesus STILL hasn't made His debut in a Horror Film other than 'The Final Conflict')?
Why do you guys only talk about sci-fi-fantasy novels? waaaaah
Remember 1979? 'The Dark'? With William Devane? Were they NOT the days????
For me, it's because I'm more a book guy than a movie guy. Many horror movies suck in my experience. :)
I have mentioned horror lit in this thread however.
Quote from: DavidW on December 31, 2013, 11:43:24 AM
I finally finished my Wheel of Time reread, though I cheated and used Leigh Butler's very detailed reread summary for A Crown of Swords through Knife of Dreams. Will finally start the Sanderson/Jordan trilogy! I've never read them before, hope that they are awesome and I feel satisfied with the conclusion.
I had read the first 4-5 books or so, but then it took so long for each book that I decided to wait for the series to be completed (I started forgetting who was who). I never dreamt it would be so long and now I wonder if it is worth reading at all. I really enjoyed the first couple of books, but then it really started bogging down. Not sure if I will ever go back to them.
Quote from: James on January 02, 2014, 07:31:18 AM
(http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2009/10/28/martin-scorseses-top-11-horror-films-of-all-time/jcr:content/image.crop.800.500.jpg/1383304879371.cached.jpg)
11 Scariest Horror Movies of All Time (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2009/10/28/martin-scorseses-top-11-horror-films-of-all-time.html#url=/articles/2009/10/28/martin-scorseses-top-11-horror-films-of-all-time.html)
by Martin Scorsese
Not bad. Maybe the '80s The Thing was #12. :)
Some terrific ones in there. The Exorcist, The Entity, The Shining, Psycho. All top shelf.
Some in there I haven't seen.
Out of the 11, only Psycho is worth another visit for me.
Quote from: James on January 02, 2014, 07:31:18 AM
(http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2009/10/28/martin-scorseses-top-11-horror-films-of-all-time/jcr:content/image.crop.800.500.jpg/1383304879371.cached.jpg)
11 Scariest Horror Movies of All Time (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2009/10/28/martin-scorseses-top-11-horror-films-of-all-time.html#url=/articles/2009/10/28/martin-scorseses-top-11-horror-films-of-all-time.html)
by Martin Scorsese
I'm sorry, but that's a very cliched list. EEEEEveryone picks 'Dead of Night' and 'The Haunting' and 'Isle of the Dead'- Scorsese is just name-dropping here- "look what a smarty pants I am"- I mean, he's almost begging us to guess which one he's going to remake ("Turn of the Screw" is my guess). And he picks every black-and-white he can think of- must have cut some Val Lewton to keep the list short...
Sorry, those are just standard, easy picks- probably played first year USC film curriculum.
EEEverybody picks 'The Changling' and thinks they're cute for it. Not that it's not worthy, or has been a classic since it was released (it has).
What scares YOU, MN Dave?? Fairly mundane stuff scares me, like living a life with no meaning- waking up old and alone- brrrrrrrr, yea, that's scary!!!! Eternal damnation also seems like a big scary, but it certainly is difficult to get people to believe in it!! I've really turned a corner with the spiders though!!!
Quote from: snyprrr on January 02, 2014, 05:41:34 PM
What scares YOU, MN Dave?? Fairly mundane stuff scares me, like living a life with no meaning- waking up old and alone- brrrrrrrr, yea, that's scary!!!! Eternal damnation also seems like a big scary, but it certainly is difficult to get people to believe in it!! I've really turned a corner with the spiders though!!!
For horror movies, in general I enjoy spooky atmosphere and creepiness over gore or monsters, but I watch that stuff too if the story is good. Some I like are The Exorcist, Dawn of the Dead (original), The Thing ('80s) and House of the Devil. The Orphanage and Insidious are two more recent ones I enjoyed.
Quote from: snyprrr on January 02, 2014, 05:41:34 PM
I'm sorry, but that's a very cliched list. EEEEEveryone picks 'Dead of Night' and 'The Haunting' and 'Isle of the Dead'- Scorsese is just name-dropping here- "look what a smarty pants I am"- I mean, he's almost begging us to guess which one he's going to remake ("Turn of the Screw" is my guess). And he picks every black-and-white he can think of- must have cut some Val Lewton to keep the list short...
Sorry, those are just standard, easy picks- probably played first year USC film curriculum.
EEEverybody picks 'The Changling' and thinks they're cute for it. Not that it's not worthy, or has been a classic since it was released (it has).
What scares YOU, MN Dave?? Fairly mundane stuff scares me, like living a life with no meaning- waking up old and alone- brrrrrrrr, yea, that's scary!!!! Eternal damnation also seems like a big scary, but it certainly is difficult to get people to believe in it!! I've really turned a corner with the spiders though!!!
The Omen would definitely be on such a list for me (couldn't sleep for days after seeing that as a kid). I don't think any of the ones he picked would be on my list except the Shining (though maybe 1-2 more would be). The 1970's Carrie freaked me out pretty good. And there is always the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. And Silence of the Lambs makes the list. Dunno, would have to think more about the rest.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 04, 2014, 06:50:40 AM
The Omen would definitely be on such a list for me (couldn't sleep for days after seeing that as a kid). I don't think any of the ones he picked would be on my list except the Shining (though maybe 1-2 more would be). The 1970's Carrie freaked me out pretty good. And there is always the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. And Silence of the Lambs makes the list. Dunno, would have to think more about the rest.
Yes on The Omen, Carrie and Texas Chainsaw Massacre are all quite chilling.
I've never been more frightened by a character than Piper Laurie's role as Carrie's Mom. Wow!! :'(
Quote from: James on January 04, 2014, 07:33:07 AM
Check out Audition. Don't read anything about it, just pick it up and watch it. Preferably alone.
[asin]B002C8YSCE[/asin]
Cheers.
Quote from: James on January 04, 2014, 07:33:07 AM
Check out Audition. Don't read anything about it, just pick it up and watch it. Preferably alone.
[asin]B002C8YSCE[/asin]
James for the win!
Quote from: James on January 04, 2014, 07:33:07 AM
Check out Audition. Don't read anything about it, just pick it up and watch it. Preferably alone.
[asin]B002C8YSCE[/asin]
Quote from: mn dave on January 04, 2014, 08:09:40 AM
Cheers.
Quote from: snyprrr on January 04, 2014, 03:26:18 PM
James for the win!
That's my idea of the perfect horror film. I still shiver thinking about some scenes. Just perfect.
That one's not gory?
Quote from: James on January 04, 2014, 07:33:07 AM
Check out Audition. Don't read anything about it, just pick it up and watch it. Preferably alone.
[asin]B002C8YSCE[/asin]
Not bad. Just watched it last night. Definitely eerie.
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 06, 2014, 05:57:45 AM
Not bad. Just watched it last night. Definitely eerie.
So you can answer my question above?
Quote from: mn dave on January 06, 2014, 06:24:57 AM
So you can answer my question above?
There is a bit of gore. Not overly.
I started to watch SHIVERS yesterday but then thought, ugh, I am not in the mood for this.
Quote from: mn dave on January 06, 2014, 06:49:03 AM
I started to watch SHIVERS yesterday but then thought, ugh, I am not in the mood for this.
You mean Cronenberg's 'The Parasite Murders', his first real film right? How bout 'Rabid' with Marilyn Chambers? What really happened to Cronenberg- did you see the Robert Pattinson film? Megaopolis???
I was thinking of 'The Devil's Rain', with the 'Borg and the 'Shat.
Creepy two minute movie.
DON'T MISS IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUQhNGEu2KA
Quote from: James on January 04, 2014, 07:33:07 AM
Check out Audition. Don't read anything about it, just pick it up and watch it. Preferably alone.
[asin]B002C8YSCE[/asin]
Audition is Miike's more
rational movie.
Visitor Q isn't. ;D
Quote from: Fëanor on October 22, 2013, 06:47:02 AM
Am I the only person here who hates Orson Scott Card's banal and tedious plot lines and prose style??
Ender's Game is intense. But he went downhill after that.
Mae govannen! ;D
As some can guess from that greeting, I'm a longtime LOTR fan. I once drew ire and trolling for stating that I feel Tolkien should be ranked right up with Homer. Many others have tried to match his achievement--some go so far as to lift names!--but none have quite equalled it. :D
I also like some off-the-wall F/SF such as Gene Wolfe and Pamela Sargent. Among pre-Tolkien fantasists, two of my favorites are William Morris and especially George MacDonald.
Anyone heard anything about the last volume of The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant?
Quote from: jochanaan on June 18, 2014, 05:24:47 PM
Ender's Game is intense. But he went downhill after that. Mae govannen! ;D
As some can guess from that greeting, I'm a longtime LOTR fan. I once drew ire and trolling for stating that I feel Tolkien should be ranked right up with Homer. Many others have tried to match his achievement--some go so far as to lift names!--but none have quite equalled it. :D
I also like some off-the-wall F/SF such as Gene Wolfe and Pamela Sargent. Among pre-Tolkien fantasists, two of my favorites are William Morris and especially George MacDonald.
Anyone heard anything about the last volume of The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant?
So looks like I'm not quite the only person who isn't passionate about Orson Scott Card.
I love Tolkien too. Up there with Homer? Well maybe.
Wolfe is my favourite sci-fi guy ever by a wide margin, (and are/were plenty of good ones out there). As for fantasy I too like Morris, and E.R. Eddison and Mervyn Peake. I'll have to check out Sargent and MacDonald: haven't so far. {edit} Or I might have read MacDonald's
Lilith decades ago. {/edit}
Loved Ender's Game, but I dislike some of the Gaia style philosophy that some seem to embrace. The exception was Asimov's Foundation series (the original three only), which kinda blew me away when I read them. I didn't like the sequels/prequels/etc. at all though. But that is why I think I will skip the rest of the Ender's Series (which is where it seemed to be going at the end of the first book).
I can't say that I agree with Tolkien being on the level of Homer, but he certainly is a titan in fantasy books.
As to Covenant, I only ever read the first two series. I find it hard to imagine that he could top those. In general, they were a tough read as they are pretty heavy in terms of some of the terrible things that happen in them (or to the characters in them). But they were certainly among the most memorable I have ever read. As a fantasy author, Donaldson is more effective than most at symbolism.
Quote from: Mn Dave on June 17, 2014, 10:28:12 AM
Creepy two minute movie.
DON'T MISS IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUQhNGEu2KA
That was awesome!
I read the new novel in the Expanse, Cibola Burn by James Corey. A tv show is being made of the series, I look forward to seeing it.
I also finally read Player of Games by Iain M Banks. I disagree with the popular opinion that it is better than Consider Phlebas. I enjoyed Considered Phlebas more, but Player of Games is a decent novel.
Going back to try to finish the Wheel of Time, I'm on the final three books now.
I'm glad you liked the film, guys. For a while there, I thought people missed my post.
Quote from: DavidW on June 20, 2014, 07:24:04 PM
I read the new novel in the Expanse, Cibola Burn by James Corey. A tv show is being made of the series, I look forward to seeing it.
I also finally read Player of Games by Iain M Banks. I disagree with the popular opinion that it is better than Consider Phlebas. I enjoyed Considered Phlebas more, but Player of Games is a decent novel.
Going back to try to finish the Wheel of Time, I'm on the final three books now.
I have some big fat Tad Williams books to read after I read my big fat George RR Martins. :)
Quote from: Mn Dave on June 22, 2014, 03:59:00 AM
I have some big fat Tad Williams books to read after I read my big fat George RR Martins. :)
Awesome! I want to read
Shadowmarch, and perhaps his newer series. I have fond memories of
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn and
Otherland. I have a signed copy of one of Tad Williams novels somewhere around my apartment.
The last Martin novel came out years ago and there is no date for the next entry. Why are you rereading
A Song of Ice and Fire now?
Quote from: DavidW on June 22, 2014, 07:54:04 AM
The last Martin novel came out years ago and there is no date for the next entry. Why are you rereading A Song of Ice and Fire now?
First time through. :) I bought A Game of Thrones when it first came out (after reading an excerpt in a magazine), then got distracted shortly thereafter, like I do...
SQUIRREL!
I am considering another read through the Harry Potter series. I remember reading them so quickly the first round as they came out that it might be fun to revisit.
Quote from: Bogey on June 22, 2014, 09:06:41 AM
I am considering another read through the Harry Potter series. I remember reading them so quickly the first round as they came out that it might be fun to revisit.
I haven't read them but I did see the first movie.
Quote from: Bogey on June 22, 2014, 09:06:41 AM
I am considering another read through the Harry Potter series. I remember reading them so quickly the first round as they came out that it might be fun to revisit.
On my reread I got stuck on book 5. It was just too long and meandering to sit through a second time. The Goblet of Fire remains my favorite.
Quote from: Mn Dave on June 22, 2014, 08:05:04 AM
First time through. :) I bought A Game of Thrones when it first came out (after reading an excerpt in a magazine), then got distracted shortly thereafter, like I do...
SQUIRREL!
Oh I didn't know. I got into the series when Clash of Kings was a new release. Thanks to Robert Jordan I wait for series to end now. Speaking of which Sanderson is so awesome! The Gathering Storm is as fast paced and exciting as the early novels. Each chapter either advances character or plot in a meaningful way or has something cool happen. It's been so very, very long that I felt that a Wheel of Time novel was hard to put down. :)
Any of you cats read any books by R.A. Salvatore (outside of Star Wars)?
Quote from: Bogey on June 23, 2014, 06:14:31 PM
Any of you cats read any books by R.A. Salvatore (outside of Star Wars)?
Yes. I enjoyed them once upon a time (those that I read). Though he kept writing about the same characters in the D&D world, so not sure if the more recent books are any good.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on June 24, 2014, 12:04:51 AM
Yes. I enjoyed them once upon a time (those that I read). Though he kept writing about the same characters in the D&D world, so not sure if the more recent books are any good.
Did you have one that you would rec that I start with?
Quote from: Bogey on June 24, 2014, 09:18:35 AM
Did you have one that you would rec that I start with?
I'd read them (the series about Drizzt, the dark drow) in the order they were written, starting with the Crystal Shard or Icewind Dale Trilogy (of which Shard is the first book). It isn't as good a debut as the Wheel of Time, but there is a certain sincerity and honesty in these. Just go in expecting fun and adventure and you should enjoy it. Some might recommend the second trilogy first (which starts with Homeland), as chronologically, it takes place before the first trilogy (and explains a number of things about his past). I think he had become a better writer by the second trilogy. Either could be a logical jumping off point.
Thanks.
Also, started the second book in this long series:
(http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320523304l/320343.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on June 23, 2014, 06:14:31 PM
Any of you cats read any books by R.A. Salvatore (outside of Star Wars)?
Yes the Dark Elf trilogy and the Icewind Dale trilogy. Second is too LoTR-esque, the first is fun.
Speaking of Star Wars: I recently read Revan, a Star Wars novel that finishes the story of the games (Knights of the Old Republic). As a huge fan of kotor 1 and 2 it was awesome to see the main characters side by side fighting off the big bad.
Anyway I'm reading Thirteen by Richard Morgan right now. After my head exploded from recently reading the space operas: Reynold's The Prefect, Bank's Player of Games and Use of Weapons, Thirteen is a refreshing change of pace. It is a gritty noir in a semi-plausible near future.
I'm not reading it myself, nor do I know the title/author, but my old schoolmate Scott has been reading a book about sentient lobsters.
Just saying.
Quote from: DavidW on June 25, 2014, 05:48:04 AM
.
Anyway I'm reading Thirteen by Richard Morgan right now. After my head exploded from recently reading the space operas: Reynold's The Prefect, Bank's Player of Games and Use of Weapons, Thirteen is a refreshing change of pace. It is a gritty noir in a semi-plausible near future.
Sounds Balderunner-ish. I will check that one out, David. Oy, Karl-reeno!
Quote from: karlhenning on June 25, 2014, 06:11:54 AM
I'm not reading it myself, nor do I know the title/author, but my old schoolmate Scott has been reading a book about sentient lobsters.
Just saying.
Maine or South African?
Quote from: Bogey on June 25, 2014, 09:32:02 AM
Sounds Balderunner-ish. I will check that one out, David. Oy, Karl-reeno!
No wait! Now that I'm half way through it, I say don't read it. It starts well but then fizzles out. It just becomes a way for the author to rant and rant and rant about how much he hates America. The characters monologue page after page about it without advancing the story or characters. It was so awesome in the first 100 pages, but I can't stand it now.
Better to go back to Gibson or Dick for the same fix.
Quote from: DavidW on June 25, 2014, 05:25:34 PM
No wait! Now that I'm half way through it, I say don't read it. It starts well but then fizzles out. It just becomes a way for the author to rant and rant and rant about how much he hates America. The characters monologue page after page about it without advancing the story or characters. It was so awesome in the first 100 pages, but I can't stand it now.
Better to go back to Gibson or Dick for the same fix.
What do you like from Gibson?
Quote from: Bogey on June 25, 2014, 08:06:04 PM
What do you like from Gibson?
Neuromancer, it kicked off cyberpunk and is an awesome read. I tried
Pattern Recognition and didn't like it.
Spook Country is on my to read pile, I'll let you know if I like that.
Quote from: DavidW on June 26, 2014, 06:53:44 AM
Neuromancer, it kicked off cyberpunk and is an awesome read. I tried Pattern Recognition and didn't like it. Spook Country is on my to read pile, I'll let you know if I like that.
We got to get you over to Good Reads, David. Would love to follow your reading and comments for any fantasy and sci-fi reads. I look at MNDave' once and a while, but I want to fall asleep reading, not wonder if the noise I am hearing outside is a zombie! :D
Speaking of which, this looks cool:
Zombie Cribbage Travel Edition
(http://a.tgcdn.net/images/products/frontsquare/142f_zombie_cribbage_travel_edition.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on June 26, 2014, 08:48:06 AM
(http://a.tgcdn.net/images/products/frontsquare/142f_zombie_cribbage_travel_edition.jpg)
Nifty.
Quote from: Fëanor on June 19, 2014, 04:15:41 AM
...Wolfe is my favourite sci-fi guy ever by a wide margin, (and are/were plenty of good ones out there). As for fantasy I too like Morris, and E.R. Eddison and Mervyn Peake. I'll have to check out Sargent and MacDonald: haven't so far. {edit} Or I might have read MacDonald's Lilith decades ago. {/edit}
Ms. Sargent is one of those quiet writers who, without any fuss, turns out great stories whose lines and characters you wind up loving. I remember the first time I came across one of her books, Watchstar, in a 50-cent bin in a comic store in the 1980s. I figured it would be a throwaway read--but it blew me away! And she has never disappointed me. Her stories, if anything, are better than her novels.
There are many great women F/SF writers, going back to Andre Norton, the godmother of them all. Ursula K. LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle, Anne McCaffrey, Elizabeth Scarborough (her The Healer's War is another that blew me away), and another all-time favorite, Connie Willis. (I may be slightly prejudiced about Ms. Willis, since she lives here in Colorado--but she has won Hugos and Nebulas. 8) )
I sure have been reading a lot of Conan comics lately. Dark Horse has a zillion of 'em.
Quite interesting so far...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Compleat_Traveller_in_Black
I finished Towers of Midnight. I usually like to mix it up when I read a series, and take a break. But I quickly tossed that new novel aside, I just couldn't wait. I've started A Memory of Light and stayed up late. It's so strange that (a) this Wheel of Time novel has an end, and (b) The Last Battle is finally here and everything fell into place with every plot arc, so that I knew that (c) Robert Jordan wasn't lying he really did have the end written from the very beginning. This is not like Lost.
[asin]B003P8Q5QC[/asin] [asin]B00BMKDTNC[/asin]
Quote from: DavidW on July 02, 2014, 07:06:04 AM
I finished Towers of Midnight. I usually like to mix it up when I read a series, and take a break. But I quickly tossed that new novel aside, I just couldn't wait. I've started A Memory of Light and stayed up late. It's so strange that (a) this Wheel of Time novel has an end, and (b) The Last Battle is finally here and everything fell into place with every plot arc, so that I knew that (c) Robert Jordan wasn't lying he really did have the end written from the very beginning. This is not like Lost.
[asin]B003P8Q5QC[/asin] [asin]B00BMKDTNC[/asin]
i keep thinking I need to read this from where I left off, but a) I forgot how far I got, 2) I barely remember more than the basic outline. I suppose I could just dive in somewhere, but maybe I'll just start from the beginning and skip whatever I don't like.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on July 02, 2014, 07:11:18 AM
i keep thinking I need to read this from where I left off, but a) I forgot how far I got, 2) I barely remember more than the basic outline. I suppose I could just dive in somewhere, but maybe I'll just start from the beginning and skip whatever I don't like.
When you feel like skipping, go here instead: http://www.tor.com/features/series/wot-reread (http://www.tor.com/features/series/wot-reread), skip the commentary which has spoilers. It will get you through with all relevant information and no braid tugging! It really saved me when I couldn't stand to reread books 7-11. It is so detailed that I was not at all lost or confused when I started The Gathering Storm.
Quote from: jochanaan on June 26, 2014, 07:31:46 PM
Ms. Sargent is one of those quiet writers who, without any fuss, turns out great stories whose lines and characters you wind up loving. I remember the first time I came across one of her books, Watchstar, in a 50-cent bin in a comic store in the 1980s. I figured it would be a throwaway read--but it blew me away! And she has never disappointed me. Her stories, if anything, are better than her novels.
There are many great women F/SF writers, going back to Andre Norton, the godmother of them all. Ursula K. LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle, Anne McCaffrey, Elizabeth Scarborough (her The Healer's War is another that blew me away), and another all-time favorite, Connie Willis. (I may be slightly prejudiced about Ms. Willis, since she lives here in Colorado--but she has won Hugos and Nebulas. 8) )
You're certainly taking me back to a former day mentioning Andre Norton. I'm sure I read several of her books but it was almost 40 years ago. I read one or two Anne McCaffery but didn't get into her stuff big time, although my wife was big fan. Never read anything by Scarborough. I did read and enjoy Connie Willis'
The Doomsday Book a good few years ago.
Come to that, I haven't read much sci-fi or fantasy in recent years. Gene Wolfe is the main exception. I tried Orson Scott Card's
Ender's Game on my son's recommendation, but basically hated the writing style and equally I found the whole idea of the prepubescent hero distinctly puerile. (I'm an old guy and prefer a bit more subtlety in my declining years.)
Quote from: Bogey on June 23, 2014, 06:14:31 PM
Any of you cats read any books by R.A. Salvatore (outside of Star Wars)?
I checked out one of his, but he was trying to imitate Tolkien (the main character was named Luthien! :P) and not succeeding. That turned me off of him.
Quote from: Fëanor on July 02, 2014, 03:18:20 PM
You're certainly taking me back to a former day mentioning Andre Norton. I'm sure I read several of her books but it was almost 40 years ago.
Witch World? The Beast Master? One of the Star Trader or Forerunner series? I liked them all. She did get into a "formula," but it was a good formula and the main characters were always very likeable.
Quote from: Fëanor on July 02, 2014, 03:18:20 PMI read one or two Anne McCaffery but didn't get into her stuff big time, although my wife was big fan. Never read anything by Scarborough. I did read and enjoy Connie Willis' The Doomsday Book a good few years ago.
Since you liked Doomsday Book, you'll love Passage. I figured it would take me a week to read, but I wound up staying up all night: I literally could not stop! ;D
Quote from: Fëanor on July 02, 2014, 03:18:20 PM
Come to that, I haven't read much sci-fi or fantasy in recent years. Gene Wolfe is the main exception. I tried Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game on my son's recommendation, but basically hated the writing style and equally I found the whole idea of the prepubescent hero distinctly puerile. (I'm an old guy and prefer a bit more subtlety in my declining years.)
Well, Gene Wolfe is always great, especially in his stories. He's the only author I know who can do a completely realized SF story in four pages! ("Cues", from The Island of Doctor Death And Other Stories And Other Stories.) I wonder if he ever tried to beat Hemingway's record of six words...?)
Quote from: jochanaan on July 02, 2014, 06:23:24 PM
I checked out one of his {Salvatore's}, but he was trying to imitate Tolkien (the main character was named Luthien! :P) and not succeeding. That turned me off of him.
As for your comment about imitating Tolkien, it brings to mind Terry Brooks'
The Sword of Shannara. If ever there was a cheap Tolkien rip-off, it's that. I read about 50 pages and gave up in disgust.
From Wikipedia ...
"
The novel has received derision from critics who believe that Brooks derived too much of the novel from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Some have accused him of lifting the entire plot and many of his characters directly from Lord of the Rings ..."
... indeed.
I think I managed 80 pages before giving up on Sword of Shannara, but yes it's terrible. I've read other Lord of the Rings ripoffs that didn't make me want to fling the book across the room. But this one takes the cake because it has some of the worst writing that I've ever encountered. Terry Brooks fans say that the series overall is much better than the first entry, so someday I will try a later entry in the series.
Quote from: jochanaan on July 02, 2014, 06:23:24 PM
I checked out one of his, but he was trying to imitate Tolkien (the main character was named Luthien! :P) and not succeeding. That turned me off of him.
Ugh.
Quote from: DavidW on July 03, 2014, 06:15:26 AM
I think I managed 80 pages before giving up on Sword of Shannara, but yes it's terrible. I've read other Lord of the Rings ripoffs that didn't make me want to fling the book across the room. But this one takes the cake because it has some of the worst writing that I've ever encountered. Terry Brooks fans say that the series overall is much better than the first entry, so someday I will try a later entry in the series.
Death before reading any more of that "Shannara" drivel! (I read the first book while waiting five days in the jury pool in Passaic County, New Jersey. A context in which waiting to be empaneled [or not] was aesthetically superior to the book being read to while the time . . . .)
Never read Shannara, but I did read Donaldson's first trilogy (Lord Foul's Bane, etc.), which has enough borrowings from LOTR to justify charges of Grand Theft. And the original element, the semi-emo semi-anti-hero did not thrill me either. Though you will note I had enough interest in the books to read the entire trilogy.
I read those first Shannara books when they came out, and the Donaldsons as well. Back then, I didn't seem to mind any faults you mention because I couldn't get enough of the stuff. In fact, I probably didn't perceive any faults at the time.
Quote from: DavidW on July 03, 2014, 06:15:26 AM
I think I managed 80 pages before giving up on Sword of Shannara, but yes it's terrible. I've read other Lord of the Rings ripoffs that didn't make me want to fling the book across the room. But this one takes the cake because it has some of the worst writing that I've ever encountered. Terry Brooks fans say that the series overall is much better than the first entry, so someday I will try a later entry in the series.
I hated that one. But the next one, Elfstones of Shannara, is excellent. It was one of my favorite books for many years. It's probably the only book in that whole series that I actually like, and I love it. It's the only one I recommend from that author.
One of my favorite non-trilogy (and not too long) fantasy books is the Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. It has a female protagonist, which was interesting when it came out as there were very few of those. I still re-read this one every so often. I think it came out with sequals and stuff, but it is the first and it is stand alone.
Thanks I put both on my to read list.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 03, 2014, 06:54:09 AM
Never read Shannara, but I did read Donaldson's first trilogy (Lord Foul's Bane, etc.), which has enough borrowings from LOTR to justify charges of Grand Theft. And the original element, the semi-emo semi-anti-hero did not thrill me either. Though you will note I had enough interest in the books to read the entire trilogy.
Donaldson's Gap Cycle is up next for my space opera reading. I read the first novel (The Real Story) several years ago. Not only was it not at all derivative, but it was refreshingly absolutely different from all other space opera. I guess this just goes to show that we shouldn't punish anyone for a derivative first novel.
Anyone else here dig Robert Sheckley's Dramocles: An Intergalactic Soap Opera?
Quote from: DavidW on July 04, 2014, 07:14:36 AM
Donaldson's Gap Cycle is up next for my space opera reading. I read the first novel (The Real Story) several years ago. Not only was it not at all derivative, but it was refreshingly absolutely different from all other space opera. I guess this just goes to show that we shouldn't punish anyone for a derivative first novel.
Derivative first trilogy, to be precise😄
But I will look for Gap Cycle
I've actually read most of the Shannara series. It's not bad, but you can tell Mr. Brooks was a lawyer; he uses three times as many words as he needs to tell the story. :D The Landover series is a little lighter; one gets the feeling that Brooks wanted to write a "comic fantasy" but it doesn't come off that way.
On the other hand, I am continuously fascinated with the Covenant books. Stephen Donaldson is a good enough writer to hold my interest, and there are enough differences between The Land and Middle-Earth, and Frodo and Thomas Covenant, to negate any charge of "theft."
The Gap Cycle is good, but very dark. I like the way Donaldson portrayed the super-corporate villain. ;D The two-book Mordant's Need may actually be some of his best writing.
Speaking of comic fantasies, I think I want to try Terry Pratchett's works some time. I've heard they're hilarious...
I've finished the Wheel of Time, started 17 years ago! Great final novel.
I offer these links to the S&S/fantasy fan.
http://www.erbzine.com/mag35/3566.html
http://swordssorcery.blogspot.com/
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/04/mind_meld_the_best_sword_sorcery_stories/
The Black Company is the only one of those that had been on my radar.
I guess I can follow suit, I've been using this article as the basis of my space opera explorations for years now:
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/06/mind_meld_the_best_space_operas_in_science_fiction/ (http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/06/mind_meld_the_best_space_operas_in_science_fiction/)
A Ball of Beasts (Thanks, Jezetha). How to combine books 4 and 5 of A Song of Ice and Fire:
http://ballofbeasts.weebly.com/
Quote from: Mn Dave on July 07, 2014, 09:03:37 AM
A Ball of Beasts (Thanks, Jezetha). How to combine books 4 and 5 of A Song of Ice and Fire:
http://ballofbeasts.weebly.com/
That link contained no pics of books duct taped together! :(
:P
Quote from: DavidW on July 06, 2014, 07:03:48 AM
The Black Company is the only one of those that had been on my radar.
I guess I can follow suit, I've been using this article as the basis of my space opera explorations for years now:
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/06/mind_meld_the_best_space_operas_in_science_fiction/ (http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/06/mind_meld_the_best_space_operas_in_science_fiction/)
What did you like most from this list so far?
Quote from: mc ukrneal on July 07, 2014, 10:14:24 PM
What did you like most from this list so far?
Funny enough the completely unambitious Jack McDevitt's
Alex Benedict series. Instead of grandiose space opera, it is detective fiction with a scifi setting. They are kind of like Asimov's
Caves of Steel and the
Naked Sun if you liked that.
On the grandiose side, Alastair Reynolds is one of my favorite scifi writers.
Well I've finally cleared through the clutter of unfinished fantasy series, so now I can finally take a second crack at Malazan: Book of the Fallen. I've read the first three novels, and then I hit a snag part way through the fourth. I realized that I took too much time between volumes to hold everything firmly in place in my head. In anticipation of giving the series another chance, I had purchased the paperbacks so that I might be able to quickly look at the dramatis personae and the glossaries. What I didn't realize is that it took me so long to finally get here... that the ebooks have been updated with a full blown X-Ray that also accounts for previous novels.
My question is start with the ebooks that I already own or read the paperbacks? This such a stupid first world problem, but for some reason I can't decide! ;D
Psst, Davey, did the PDF land? Thanks!
Nope. Come to think of it, I think amazon blocks all but the user from sending stuff through the kindle address. Send 'em to my gmail, and then I'll have it delivered to my kindle.
About to open this one. Merci, David!
(http://i43.tower.com/images/mm107933711/neuromancer-william-gibson-paperback-cover-art.jpg)
Cool cool. Hope you like it.
Quote from: Bogey on July 10, 2014, 06:30:12 AM
About to open this one. Merci, David!
(http://i43.tower.com/images/mm107933711/neuromancer-william-gibson-paperback-cover-art.jpg)
Hm. Just had a free sample sent to my Kindle :)
which when the book was published would have been sci-fi in its own right. 8)
I read Neuromancer way back in the day. Didn't like it too well; probably didn't understand it. Maybe I'll read it again one day. After I read these billion other books. :P
Now reading some PULP HORROR:
[asin]B005D1OXCC[/asin]
0:)
Quote from: Bogey on July 10, 2014, 06:36:57 AM
which when the book was published would have been sci-fi in its own right. 8)
Forsooth!
Trust you & the family are enjoying the summer,
Bill!
Quote from: Bogey on July 10, 2014, 06:30:12 AM
About to open this one. Merci, David!
(http://i43.tower.com/images/mm107933711/neuromancer-william-gibson-paperback-cover-art.jpg)
Is good!
I read this many years ago on a flight from San Francisco to Toronto.
Quote from: karlhenning on July 10, 2014, 06:45:38 AM
Forsooth!
Trust you & the family are enjoying the summer, Bill!
Doing great. Thanks. How is the Pulse?
30 pages in and enjoying it. Love his vocabulary. Just enough "not explaining everything" moments to keep it fresh. I enjoy it when an author does this in spurts.
Quote from: Bogey on July 10, 2014, 01:46:11 PM
30 pages in and enjoying it. Love his vocabulary. Just enough "not explaining everything" moments to keep it fresh. I enjoy it when an author does this in spurts.
Then you should check out Steven Erikson, he does that not explaining anything in thousand page spurts! :D
No seriously rereading Gardens of the Moon is so awesome because there is so much that I'm getting now that was completely lost on me the first time. What I first saw as he hates readers now I see as he rewards those that reread.
I'm glad that you're liking Neuromancer. Some day I need to read the sequels.
Quote from: Bogey on July 10, 2014, 01:46:11 PM
Doing great. Thanks. How is the Pulse?
More civilized, now that we've done with dumping tea into the Harbor ;)
Quote from: Bogey on July 10, 2014, 06:30:12 AM
About to open this one. Merci, David!
(http://i43.tower.com/images/mm107933711/neuromancer-william-gibson-paperback-cover-art.jpg)
It was mind-bending when it came out. Perhaps less so now that technology has caught up to what Mr. Gibson was postulating, but still a fun read.
Can anyone on this thread identify the title and/or author of a science fiction story I once read in an anthology (the anthology was titled something on the order of Social Science through Science Fiction or perhaps Political Science through Science Fiction) in the mid to late '70s? The story concerns a future time when model building (in fact, any kind of homemade production) is outlawed; a group of guys discover in the attic of an abandoned house part of a plan of a steam locomotive. They don't know what it is or what it's for, but they attempt (against the law) to construct a model of it. Thematic indexing is outstandingly good for sci fi, but still, after searching through it and asking many readers, I've been unable to find this story again. Don't go to trouble, please, just wonder if anyone might recognize it.
Is the collection Above the Human Landscape? If so table of contents:
https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/242396/TOC (https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/242396/TOC)
And buy it for a penny plus shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Social-Science-Fiction-Anthology/dp/0876200021 (http://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Social-Science-Fiction-Anthology/dp/0876200021)
Bought some books at the local used book store
Randall Garrett Lord Darcy.
An omnibus of one novel and several short stories published in the 60s and 70s. Part fantasy part alternate history part Inspector Morse. Read it a couple of times before but never owned it.
Simon R Green Swords of Haven.
A compilation of the first three Hawk and Fisher novels. Green's current series is a sort of British equivalent of the Dresden Files. Hawk and Fisher is sort of medieval urban fantasy, going by the blurb.
And three recent books that are generic urban fantasy
Elliot James. Charming
Kevin Hearne. Hounded
Tad Williams. The Dirty Streets of Heaven.
Quote from: DavidW on July 12, 2014, 06:23:10 AM
Is the collection Above the Human Landscape? If so table of contents:
https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/242396/TOC (https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/242396/TOC)
And buy it for a penny plus shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Social-Science-Fiction-Anthology/dp/0876200021 (http://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Social-Science-Fiction-Anthology/dp/0876200021)
THANKS, David, that might well be it!! The date is within range and it is not a title I remember physically checking but it does correspond to vague memory! I've ordered a copy and will report back. Blessings of a thousand golden suns upon ye.
(http://i43.tower.com/images/mm107933711/neuromancer-william-gibson-paperback-cover-art.jpg)
Chapter 9 was some of the best sci-fi I ever read. Wintermute is stinkin' cool!
On a side note, snuck this one in during a workout via a podcast (free):
Mr. Spaceship (1953) by Philip K. Dick. Classic sci-fi in all regards. A basic "brain used to run a spaceship" story, but written well. Some twists here and there, but no major curve balls.
(http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/2940012381248_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG)
Sorry for the double posts MNDave, but good discussion on books should know no boundaries. :)
Neuromancer in the can. Had to use a site to help me with characters a bit, but once I got those straight I just let it ride. Gave it 5 out 5 stars. Probably one of the more difficult pieces of fiction I have ever read, but great writing can trump that easily.
Now, a rec from a friend:
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff73/nawfalq/Books/Farmer-ToYourScatteredBodiesGo.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on July 13, 2014, 04:27:47 PM
Neuromancer in the can. Had to use a site to help me with characters a bit, but once I got those straight I just let it ride. Gave it 5 out 5 stars. Probably one of the more difficult pieces of fiction I have ever read, but great writing can trump that easily.
Now, a rec from a friend:
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff73/nawfalq/Books/Farmer-ToYourScatteredBodiesGo.jpg)
Awesome Bill, glad you liked it! As for Farmer's series I read some of them when I was a kid. Pretty cool stuff.
Almost 100 pages in.....ah, such are summers for teachers. Definitely easier to navigate than the previous read. It is starting to pick up a bit so I will continue it.
Quote from: Bogey on July 14, 2014, 10:19:01 AM
Almost 100 pages in.....ah, such are summers for teachers. Definitely easier to navigate than the previous read. It is starting to pick up a bit so I will continue it.
Yes I've been thinning my to read pile this summer. Also trying to do some organizing and cleaning.
Another Philip K. Dick podcast under my belt.
(http://www.warrenbelfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VariableMan.jpg)
This one was better thought out and plotted than Mr. Spaceship IMO and still came from 1953. Not sure how much of his stories are in public domain for listening, but what is there I will find. :)
Finished up the first Riverworld book. Excellent. Will snag the second one soon. However, giving this one a go:
(http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mY0eqjupgs18HP-Jq_jW96w.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on July 15, 2014, 06:21:48 PM
Finished up the first Riverworld book. Excellent. Will snag the second one soon. However, giving this one a go:
(http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mY0eqjupgs18HP-Jq_jW96w.jpg)
I liked that one well enough. I usually don't care much for such quasi-militaristic SF, but this had some interesting ideas.
Quote from: Bogey on July 15, 2014, 06:21:48 PM
Finished up the first Riverworld book. Excellent. Will snag the second one soon. However, giving this one a go:
(http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mY0eqjupgs18HP-Jq_jW96w.jpg)
Don't remember much about it at all. I still remember bits of Ringworld.
It's been along time since I read that. What I remembered most was when overpopulation became so great the aliens couldn't even collect trash fast enough and the cities became like living in landfills.
Quote from: DavidW on July 12, 2014, 06:23:10 AM
Is the collection Above the Human Landscape? If so table of contents:
https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/242396/TOC (https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/242396/TOC)
And buy it for a penny plus shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Social-Science-Fiction-Anthology/dp/0876200021 (http://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Social-Science-Fiction-Anthology/dp/0876200021)
Dude, you're a Diva! That was it! You did what many sci-fi fans and reference books could not! The story, now refound, was "Rate Race" by Raymond Jones. It was a bit like time travel itself to re-read it and it's rather more significant than I had thought in my twenties. I am very grateful to you for your help. 8)
Awesome!
For me I read The Mutated by Joe McKinney. I think this is the last novel in his series. He had an interesting idea (a more advanced zombie that has personality and intelligence and can psychically control the other zombies) but it's starting to feel tiring. There is only so much you can do with the zombie apocalypse premise, especially since it has been done to death.
[asin]B007T9WZMG[/asin]
And then I read The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. In an obvious nod to Dracula, an airplane arrives with everyone on it dead, and a vampire slips out and later retrieves his coffin filled with the soil from his homeland. It was a great start, but immediately fell flat. The novel is written like a movie and not a novel. I felt the whole way through that I was the reading the novelization of a movie instead of a novel. Too many Hollywood movie conventions.
And then another problem is too many characters. They keep introducing characters just so you can see a million different scenarios for vampires to feed on family, friends, neighbors etc The intention might have been to give a sense of scale, but it doesn't work, it's just confusing. And then at the end the protagonist is wielding a sword with a proficiency that he doesn't earn (no prior experience) and is quipping one liners like he stepped out of an 80s action movie. He is a lab geek! Not Chuck Norris!
And don't get me started on the portrayal of the vampires. This novel provides two contradictory explanations for what they are. One is based on parasites, an infection and taking control at the genetic level. The other is more magical, supernatural... you know the traditional vampire. It can't be both! Just choose one and stick with it! I'm fine with either one, just not both at the same time. My final gripe and a big one is that there is no closure at all.
It's fine to write a trilogy provided that each novel can stand loosely on it's own. It's fine to write a long novel. It's not fine to write a long novel and split it into three volumes just to make people pay three times as much. They tried to hide the brevity of each novel (really novellas) by using large print and entire page headers for each chapter. But you can't fool me.
[asin]B002BD2V38[/asin]
Quote from: jochanaan on July 15, 2014, 07:00:53 PM
I liked that one well enough. I usually don't care much for such quasi-militaristic SF, but this had some interesting ideas.
Thought this one outdid mote in most every aspect, particularly in having interesting characters
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dIbqEq9AL.jpg)
Not sure is this has been posted here:
http://www.blastr.com/2013-4-10/syfy-announces-childhoods-end-and-ringworld-miniseries (http://www.blastr.com/2013-4-10/syfy-announces-childhoods-end-and-ringworld-miniseries)
Quote from: jochanaan on June 18, 2014, 05:24:47 PM
...Anyone heard anything about the last volume of The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant?
I just checked it out from the library! A worthy conclusion to the entire series. 8)
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 24, 2014, 12:26:11 PM
Thought this one outdid mote in most every aspect, particularly in having interesting characters
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dIbqEq9AL.jpg)
On it. The "Mote" novel so far is good enough, but not much more than that. Only 200 pages in, but I will probably finish it up.
Guess this one can fit in the mystery section as well:
(https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388343407l/372000.jpg)
Gaston Leroux --- The Mistery of the Yellow Room
Gives Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie a hard run for their money. ;D
Quote from: Florestan on August 03, 2014, 06:46:37 AM
Gaston Leroux --- The Mistery of the Yellow Room
Gives Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie a hard run for their money. ;D
Dang, no Kindle edition yet. I will look for a pb at a local store. The above one I posted is excellent through the first three chapters. Kindle sample available and has noir feel.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Disappeared-Retrieval-Artist-novel/dp/0615458564/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
In a universe where humans and aliens have formed a loose government called the Earth Alliance, treaties guarantee that humans are subject to alien laws when on alien soil. But alien laws often make no sense, and the punishments vary from loss of life to loss of a first-born child. Now three cases have collided: a stolen spaceyacht filled with dead bodies, two kidnapped human children, and a human woman on the run, trying to Disappear to avoid alien prosecution. Flint must enforce the law—giving the children to aliens, solving the murders, and arresting the woman for trying to save her own life. But how is a man supposed to enforce laws that are unjust? How can he sacrifice innocents to a system he's not sure he believes in? How can Miles Flint do the right thing in a universe where the right thing is very, very wrong? This Endeavor Award-winning novel is Flint's first adventure, the story that turns him from a police detective in the Armstrong Dome on the Moon into a Retrieval Artist.
Grabbed these yesterday for Friday work attire:
(http://images.vans.com/is/image/Vans/W3CDJL-HERO?$583x583$)
Quote from: Bogey on August 02, 2014, 07:27:05 PM
Guess this one can fit in the mystery section as well:
(https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388343407l/372000.jpg)
Moving on to the second book in the series:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514CXr5Xs8L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
How did you ever discover her Bill? She doesn't seem that well known as a mid-lister from a small press (as opposed to one of the big 5).
A week or so ago I read Witches Water by Ed Lee. One of his better novels, he uses violence and sex more psychologically instead of extensively, it works pretty well.
Quote from: DavidW on August 10, 2014, 06:57:53 AM
How did you ever discover her Bill? She doesn't seem that well known as a mid-lister from a small press (as opposed to one of the big 5).
A week or so ago I read Witches Water by Ed Lee. One of his better novels, he uses violence and sex more psychologically instead of extensively, it works pretty well.
I was looking for a noir sci-fi type read and her name came up on Good Reads, a place that I haunt. I went ahead and downloaded the sample for this second volume. I would not place it in a noir category. It was good though, so will keep going until it is not. However, I went back to the third Martin Beck novel that I had not finished.
Want to see...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szaLnKNWC-U
From 1948:
(https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328347289l/11847602.jpg)
Absolutely brilliant. But then again, the rest of the free world already knew this.
I was a bit disappointed with how The Humanoids "finished". Great start, but then it drug along and the ending was less than special.
Now reading:
(http://i1.wp.com/www.tor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheDaedalusIncident.jpg?fit=750%2C9999&type=vertical)
The chapters seem to alternate between the years 2132 and 1779. Could be interesting.
Here be a fine tale by Clark Ashton Smith for horror and fantasy fans.
http://www.eldritchdark.com/writings/short-stories/27/the-colossus-of-ylourgne
Yer pal,
David of Minnesota
Thanks! I keep thinking that I should explore more of Ashton Smith, almost forgotten writer (compared to Lovecraft or Blackwood).
I read four books from those genres since Xmas, all of which I'd rate good to great
McMaster Bujold: The curse of Chalion. Fairly "mainstream" fantasy setting and plot but a rather unique and compelling treatment of religion, the most convincing I can remember
Poul Anderson: The broken sword. I wonder how I could miss this for so long. This is one of the darkest, most atmospherically evocative fantasy books I have read. It draws heavily from Norse sagas (even in style) and is very well done.
By the same author: The High Crusade. This was great fun, extremely entertaining. Some rebuttal of Twain's Connecticut Yankee: 14th century English knights kick alien butts, capture a spaceship and found an galactic Empire.
Jack Vance (another classic author I had only read a bunch of short stories of): Lyonesse. Also one of the best fantasy stories I have read. Despite some flaws so much better than most from the last 15-20 years. Both in writing style and in evoking atmosphere and a sense of depth of the fantasy world, Anderson (in Broken Sword, the other one is too satirical) are in a different class from Martin or Abercrombie.
Quote from: Jo498 on February 05, 2016, 06:29:48 AM
Thanks! I keep thinking that I should explore more of Ashton Smith, almost forgotten writer (compared to Lovecraft or Blackwood).
I read four books from those genres since Xmas, all of which I'd rate good to great
McMaster Bujold: The curse of Chalion. Fairly "mainstream" fantasy setting and plot but a rather unique and compelling treatment of religion, the most convincing I can remember
Poul Anderson: The broken sword. I wonder how I could miss this for so long. This is one of the darkest, most atmospherically evocative fantasy books I have read. It draws heavily from Norse sagas (even in style) and is very well done.
By the same author: The High Crusade. This was great fun, extremely entertaining. Some rebuttal of Twain's Connecticut Yankee: 14th century English knights kick alien butts, capture a spaceship and found an galactic Empire.
Jack Vance (another classic author I had only read a bunch of short stories of): Lyonesse. Also one of the best fantasy stories I have read. Despite some flaws so much better than most from the last 15-20 years. Both in writing style and in evoking atmosphere and a sense of depth of the fantasy world, Anderson (in Broken Sword, the other one is too satirical) are in a different class from Martin or Abercrombie.
Yes, the Broken Sword is quite good! And thanks for the tip on the Vance. I've read his Dying Earth stuff but not much else.
Quote from: Super Blood Moon on February 05, 2016, 06:32:07 AM
Yes, the Broken Sword is quite good! And thanks for the tip on the Vance. I've read his Dying Earth stuff but not much else.
+2 on the Broken Sword.
Vance is one of the better writers, so imagine you will enjoy it (if nothing else for that). Old school, baby! :)
Dadgummit, I haven't read Poul Anderson in a coon's age.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 05, 2016, 06:42:55 AM
+2 on the Broken Sword.
Vance is one of the better writers, so imagine you will enjoy it (if nothing else for that). Old school, baby! :)
+3 for the
Broken Sword, (Poul Anderson), though it's been over 40 years since I read it.
Back then I wrote a letter to Mr. Anderson and received a reply. Amongst other things I asked about a sequel; he replied that he was considering it but that it wasn't a high priority. Many years after that he wrote
War of the Gods which he described as something of a sequel, but was really more retelling of Norse mythology than fantasy.
I read a couple of Jack Vance's books too. The one I recall was
The Dying Earth. It seems
Gene Wolfe attributed some inspiration from that book for his own tetralogy,
The Book of the New Sun -- one of the very greatest Sci Fi novels, IMHO.
Quote from: Fëanor on February 05, 2016, 10:36:56 AM
+3 for the Broken Sword, (Poul Anderson), though it's been over 40 years since I read it.
Back then I wrote a letter to Mr. Anderson and received a reply. Amongst other things I asked about a sequel; he replied that he was considering it but that it wasn't a high priority. Many years after that he wrote War of the Gods which he described as something of a sequel, but was really more retelling of Norse mythology than fantasy.
I read a couple of Jack Vance's books too. The one I recall was The Dying Earth. It seems Gene Wolfe attributed some inspiration from that book for his own tetralogy, The Book of the New Sun -- one of the very greatest Sci Fi novels, IMHO.
LOVE this post and nearly all the books mentioned (especially New Sun--essential). Now I want to read War of the Gods!! Thank you.
I read the 4 volumes of "Book of the New Sun" earlier this year. This is fascinating stuff but I am not sure I am really convinced in the end. A bit too much of everything and the "solution" is too strange for my taste. But definitely a major piece of SF/Fantasy.
I also read the other two volumes of Vance's Lyoness as well as his "Dying Earth" collection. Book 2 of Lyonesse (The Green Pearl) is somewhat of a disappointment overall (after a very good fairy-tale like beginning), book 3 (Madouc) is much better but does not reach the first. Partly, it is almost like a farce to the tragedy of the first book. Vance's health was failing (although he apparently recovered because he wrote a few books afterwards and lived to the age of 96) and the ending is far too rushed, so the quality suffers. I'd rate Lyonesse 10/10, Green Pearl 6/10 and Madouc 8/10. If Vance had kept the level of the first book, this would probably be my favorite fantasy together with LotR.
The Dying Earth is all over the place. The original volume of shorter stories is a mixed bag but very atmospheric and overall good. Of the two Cugel books the second offers a more coherent narrative, often wickedly funny but the episodes are all somewhat similar in style. I'd rate them around 7-8/10. The last one "Rhialto the marvellous" is much weaker, often quite silly although Vance's imagination and humor can still be amazing, but at most 5/10.
Quote from: Jo498 on December 09, 2016, 11:25:23 AM
The original volume of shorter stories is a mixed bag but very atmospheric and overall good.
Love this.
Quote from: Jo498 on December 09, 2016, 11:25:23 AM
I read the 4 volumes of "Book of the New Sun" {by Gene Wolfe} earlier this year. This is fascinating stuff but I am not sure I am really convinced in the end. A bit too much of everything and the "solution" is too strange for my taste. But definitely a major piece of SF/Fantasy.
You ought to read
Urth of the New Sun, the sequel to the
New Sun tetralogy. It's good though perhaps not as good as the original set; what it does do is explain most of the mysterious details of the original that aren't explained there.
I've heard the complaint that
The Book of the New Sun is more fantasy than science fiction but the
Urth of the New Sun provides "scientific", (
i.e. fictional quasi-scientific), explanations that make the original sci-fi, not just fantasy.
Quote from: Fëanor on December 11, 2016, 11:34:11 AM
You ought to read Urth of the New Sun, the sequel to the New Sun tetralogy. It's good though perhaps not as good as the original set; what it does do is explain most of the mysterious details of the original that aren't explained there.
I've heard the complaint that The Book of the New Sun is more fantasy than science fiction but the Urth of the New Sun provides "scientific", (i.e. fictional quasi-scientific), explanations that make the original sci-fi, not just fantasy.
The term for these books is science fantasy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fantasy
Quote from: Dagon Dave on December 11, 2016, 11:45:29 AM
The term for these books {e.g. Book of the New Sun} is science fantasy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fantasy
Fair enough, although, IMO, most science fiction is basically fantastic aside from a few writers like Arthur C. Clarke.
And even Clarke has a short story like "The 10 billion (or how many) names of God".
After seeing a two Dario Argento films recently from his Three Mothers trilogy (Suspiria - 1977 and Inferno - 1980), can anyone recommend any other Argento films? I find them captivating and riveting, even if some of the plot and action lines seem uneven at times, they are thoroughly entertaining, along with his use of colours and sound/music.
I guess I should watch the 3rd and final film of the Three Mothers trilogy (Mother of Tears - 2007).
I have seen a handful of Mario Bava films, and although I did enjoy them, they did not make as much of a visceral impact on me as these two Argento films.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on November 04, 2021, 08:01:12 AM
After seeing a two Dario Argento films recently from his Three Mothers trilogy (Suspiria - 1977 and Inferno - 1980), can anyone recommend any other Argento films? I find them captivating and riveting, even if some of the plot and action lines seem uneven at times, they are thoroughly entertaining, along with his use of colours and sound/music.
I guess I should watch the 3rd and final film of the Three Mothers trilogy (Mother of Tears - 2007).
I have seen a handful of Mario Bava films, and although I did enjoy them, they did not make as much of a visceral impact on me as these two Argento films.
I guess the only ones that might be interested in this would be Snyprrr and James. And they're gone. :'(
"In Amundsen's Tent" (1928), John Martin Leahy:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AclZTlYOKpU&t=3s
My favorite non-Lovecraft Lovecraft short story. Hard to believe John W. Campbell didn't read this before writing, "Who Goes There?".
The best fantasy book of all time is without doubt Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Tolkien rightfully considered his Magnum opus even though he never technically finished it.
Quote from: Ganondorf on November 05, 2021, 07:04:36 AM
The best fantasy book of all time is without doubt Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Tolkien rightfully considered his Magnum opus even though he never technically finished it.
Humm ... well I enjoyed the
Silmarillion very much but by the time I read it I'd read LoTR and
The Hobbit at least 2-3 times. The tone of the
Silmarillion is far more austere than LoTR's not to mention the chatty, kid-friendly tone of
The Hobbit.
For the Tolkien lovers who cares, the
Silmarillion sets the "historical" context for LoTR and
The Hobbit; for this purpose it's indispensable. But of course, the latter are quite capable of standing alone.
These three books, (including the LoTR appendices), establish the LoTR "canon". I've read some of the compilations of Tolkien's earlier works, (
Unfinished Tales and
History of Middle-Earth), which were no doubt inspiration and material for the canonical works. However sometimes those stories contradict the canon, but it ought to be considered definitive, IMHO.
Invaluable to LoTR aficionado is Robert Foster's
Complete Guide to Middle-Earth (1978); it is based exclusively on the three canonical works.
IMHO was one of the sources for japanese series Mobil Suit Gundam
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Quote from: Fëanor on November 06, 2021, 08:34:49 AM
Humm ... well I enjoyed the Silmarillion very much but by the time I read it I'd read LoTR and The Hobbit at least 2-3 times. The tone of the Silmarillion is far more austere than LoTR's not to mention the chatty, kid-friendly tone of The Hobbit.
For the Tolkien lovers who cares, the Silmarillion sets the "historical" context for LoTR and The Hobbit; for this purpose it's indispensable. But of course, the latter are quite capable of standing alone.
These three books, (including the LoTR appendices), establish the LoTR "canon". I've read some of the compilations of Tolkien's earlier works, (Unfinished Tales and History of Middle-Earth), which were no doubt inspiration and material for the canonical works. However sometimes those stories contradict the canon, but it ought to be considered definitive, IMHO.
Invaluable to LoTR aficionado is Robert Foster's Complete Guide to Middle-Earth (1978); it is based exclusively on the three canonical works.
I think the Silmarillion has to be considered a fragment; the difference to the material in Unfinished tales and elsewhere is that it has been brought into a readable and somewhat rounded form. If Tolkien had managed to bring at least the two big epics, the tale or Beren and Luthien and Turin Turambar into a complete, final form (either in verse or prose), it might have been the equal to LotR. (It would still leave many parts brief and rudimentary, e.g the Fall of Gondolin)
I still think that the special depth of LotR is achieved because of all these tales in the background whereas the Creation and First Age stuff is a very well done made up myth, but basically a made up myth, mostly based on tropes from mythologies of the world, such as Kalevala, Northern sagas etc.
Quote from: Jo498 on November 07, 2021, 08:54:56 AM
I think the Silmarillion has to be considered a fragment; the difference to the material in Unfinished tales and elsewhere is that it has been brought into a readable and somewhat rounded form. If Tolkien had managed to bring at least the two big epics, the tale or Beren and Luthien and Turin Turambar into a complete, final form (either in verse or prose), it might have been the equal to LotR. (It would still leave many parts brief and rudimentary, e.g the Fall of Gondolin)
I still think that the special depth of LotR is achieved because of all these tales in the background whereas the Creation and First Age stuff is a very well done made up myth, but basically a made up myth, mostly based on tropes from mythologies of the world, such as Kalevala, Northern sagas etc.
Let's face it: ultimately the popular success of the LotR depends as much on Tolkien's invention of the charming Hobbits as on the beautiful but contrived underlying mythology.
I remember reading some years ago about his linguistics skills and knowledge.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 08, 2021, 12:30:38 PM
I remember reading some years ago about his linguistics skills and knowledge.
PD
Certainly Tolkien was capable of, and apparently loved, writing in a variety of linguistic styles: from the early adolescent-catering
Hobbit, to the down-to-earth style of the LotR, to the Romantic-era-poet style of some of the
Unfinished Tales, to the austere style of the
Silmarillion.
Quote from: Fëanor on November 10, 2021, 10:04:28 AM
Certainly Tolkien was capable of, and apparently loved, writing in a variety of linguistic styles: from the early adolescent-catering Hobbit, to the down-to-earth style of the LotR, to the Romantic-era-poet style of some of the Unfinished Tales, to the austere style of the Silmarillion.
Interesting! My last comment was in terms of thinking of his curiosity and command of a number of languages and interest in etymology: https://lithub.com/imaginary-history-how-tolkiens-fascination-with-languages-shaped-his-literary-legacy/
What a sharp mind and curiosity that he had about languages and amazed that he came up with his own and thinking of all of the work that went into that! :)
PD
Has anyone read? What is opinion?
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Someone on this forum recommended Malazan Book of the Fallen a million years ago. I would like to say that it was bwv1080? Anyway it has become my favorite fantasy, I finished the series a few years ago. Loved it. A few months ago I read Erikson's sequel. And it is great, exactly what it needed to be to stand out from the original.
Well, it has been two years to post again and then watch tumbleweeds blow by this thread!
I read an excellent SF novel and a surprisingly underwhelming, mediocre one:
While this novel owes a lot to Foundation for at least the setup, the Empire is wonderfully realized and unique as far as the SF I've read. Language and intrigue follow poetry and very subtle use of language.
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James SA Corey's new series is no Expanse. It has a decent but very derivative idea, weak characterization, poor pacing and a lack of a good climax. They seemed to be banking so hard on their reputation that they couldn't be bothered to make the novel stand on its own two feet.
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very good!!!
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Book 5 of Sanderson's Way of Kings comes out in December. I guess I should get off my duff and finally ready Book 4 soon. :D
Quote from: NumberSix on October 08, 2024, 09:00:54 PMBook 5 of Sanderson's Way of Kings comes out in December. I guess I should get off my duff and finally ready Book 4 soon. :D
*in comic book guy voice* actually, the first book is called
Way of Kings, and the series is called
The Stormlight Archive. ;D
I will finally begin the series sometime this fall. I read Mistborn era 1 and 2 first.
The last ones that I read were: Dreamsongs, Vol. I by George R.R. Martin and If It Bleeds by Stephen King. Stories that stand out in my memory: Remembering Melody and The Sandkings and Mr. Harrigan's Phone.
Also (book): Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin [Sci Fi].
K
Quote from: Kalevala on October 09, 2024, 10:22:45 AMThe last ones that I read were: Dreamsongs, Vol. I by George R.R. Martin and If It Bleeds by Stephen King. Stories that stand out in my memory: Remembering Melody and The Sandkings and Mr. Harrigan's Phone.
Also (book): Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin [Sci Fi].
K
I like early Martin. His sf and horror were pretty good. In particular, I enjoyed
Fevre Dream, about vampires on a riverboat, and
Nightflyers, which was adapted twice (in the 80s as a movie and a few years ago as a TV series).
Quote from: DavidW on October 09, 2024, 10:50:37 AMI like early Martin. His sf and horror were pretty good. In particular, I enjoyed Fevre Dream, about vampires on a riverboat, and Nightflyers, which was adapted twice (in the 80s as a movie and a few years ago as a TV series).
Are those two short stories. If so, which compilations were they in?
And do try "Mr. Harrigan's Phone".
K
Quote from: Kalevala on October 09, 2024, 11:02:13 AMAre those two short stories. If so, which compilations were they in?
And do try "Mr. Harrigan's Phone".
K
Fevre Dream is a novel, and Nightflyers is a short story that I think I recall is in Dreamsongs v 2.
Quote from: DavidW on October 09, 2024, 12:16:29 PMFevre Dream is a novel, and Nightflyers is a short story that I think I recall is in Dreamsongs v 2.
Thanks. I'll see if I can borrow them through my library system. :)
K
I read Swan Song, a post-apocalyptic novel about nuclear war and winter set on a grand stage with supernatural elements. One of my fav booktubers described it aptly as never reaching the heights of the best parts of King's The Stand but never being as bad as the worst parts of The Stand either. I really liked it. Despite the length (920 pages), it was an easy read.
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Quote from: DavidW on October 09, 2024, 08:47:14 AM*in comic book guy voice* actually, the first book is called Way of Kings, and the series is called The Stormlight Archive. ;D
I am glad that DavidW guy got banned. What a jerk, correcting me like that and in that voice. >:(
I finished rereading The Gathering Storm book 12 of The Wheel of Time. Even though Brandon Sanderson is using detailed notes from Robert Jordan, I think that this novel is so good because of Sanderson. It sees multiple major plot threads and character arcs completed. In each chapter either a plot is advanced, a character is developed or something exciting happens. And the ending has Sanderson's "Sanderlanche" where all the separate plot threads hit their climax simultaneously.
Rereading now that I've read several Brandon Sanderson novels... I have to say I think he is just a better writer than Robert Jordan. This novel eclipses everything that came before.
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Drawing of the Three (1987)
Read the first entry of the Dark Tower series,
The Gunslinger, about a year ago or so. Finally got round to its successor.
There is a major event about halfway through, and it floors me how many pages it takes Stephen King to describe what really only takes a rather short time. I am not a regular King reader, so maybe that is par for the course for the author.
The other notable feature is how King interjects nastiness unexpectedly. I cruise along reading, and then all of a sudden and out of nowhere, ickyness is thrown at me. Again, perhaps this is how King's writing works.
VS
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Quote from: VonStupp on October 12, 2022, 03:46:27 PMPer the LMYW thread, I realize I haven't read any Stephen King. I avoided him mainly because I heard his writing is dense and horror isn't really my scene.
My wife picked up a random assortment of used novels back when she was with child, so I am trying my hand at SK's The Gunslinger (1982/2003) and The Eyes of the Dragon (1984).
VS
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Quote from: VonStupp on November 27, 2024, 12:58:25 PMThe other notable feature is how King interjects nastiness unexpectedly. I cruise along reading, and then all of a sudden and out of nowhere, ickyness is thrown at me. Again, perhaps this is how King's writing works.
I've never succeeded in reading an entire King work, but I've been noticing this tic in perhaps every screen adaptation I've seen.
The only King book I've managed to read is The Talisman.
Significantly, he didn't do it alone: his co-author was Peter Straub.
I've read 2 by King, I think. That vampire novel (Salem's lot?) I found quite disappointing, partly because the "revelation" that it's vampires seems to come as a surprise, but it doesn't. The other one was better but too long. It's about a crime/thriller writer of whom a fictional character becomes somehow real as a kind of evil twin. That one was more original, more exciting but still not good enough for me to search out more. And this was >25 years ago, nowadays I am far less interested in that kind of stuff, not at all, really. I also think horror/supernatural works generally better in short stories like short stories of Poe or MR James.
Quote from: Karl Henning on November 27, 2024, 01:11:53 PMI've never succeeded in reading an entire King work, but I've been noticing this tic in perhaps every screen adaptation I've seen.
The 'hobbling' scene in film adaptation Misery has the dubious honor of being one of the only film scenes able to make me feel sick. I generally dont get easily affected by violent movies but Jesus Christ.
Quote from: Karl Henning on November 27, 2024, 01:11:53 PMI've never succeeded in reading an entire King work, but I've been noticing this tic in perhaps every screen adaptation I've seen.
You hadn't seen anything then! He will include completely unnecessary, gratuitous, nasty stuff in his books that never make it to film. I think that one expects it in horror, but it is another thing to find it in what should be fantasy, which is what VonStupp is reading.
Anyway, Stephen King's prose is a regular in the menwritingwomen subreddit. He has quite the talent for the male gaze plus disgusting imagery. That is not actually a compliment btw. >:D
I'm reading the polar opposite... Brandon Sanderson is a Mormon so no sex, nothing graphic. Just people trying to be heroes.
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Quote from: DavidW on November 28, 2024, 06:08:29 AMYou hadn't seen anything then! He will include completely unnecessary, gratuitous, nasty stuff in his books that never make it to film.
Even his published work needs editing for him to seem a "brilliant" writer. while in So. Carolina, I lured Rob into watching
11.22.63, Sadie tells Jake that her husband's mother put a clothespin on his male organ. Me, I took that as a largely superfluous detail. My friend's curiosity was piqued and he did some internet sleuthing and found that King expanded on this point substantially in his book. My TL:DR takeaways were: King has some mighty peculiar obsessions and has managed to make himself famous and wealthy despite insisting on making some of them public. And King himself has apparently no sense of how inessential and unnecessary some of this ballyhoo is.
Quote from: DavidW on November 28, 2024, 06:08:29 AMYou hadn't seen anything then! He will include completely unnecessary, gratuitous, nasty stuff in his books that never make it to film. I think that one expects it in horror, but it is another thing to find it in what should be fantasy, which is what VonStupp is reading.
Indeed. The idea of an old-West, fantasy epic from King was intriguing to me. It is slow going, some of which is a matter of time for me to be able to sit and read. The series certainly requires an investment, which hopefully I will be able to cash in on. We'll see.
Seeing you comment on Brandon Sanderson, my wife and I both enjoyed his
Mistborn trilogy. I think she has reread it a couple of times since. I also believe we may have borrowed those books from a friend and never returned them... :-[
VS
I find interesting that a former military police sergeant could become a good writer
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Quote from: Karl Henning on November 28, 2024, 08:57:44 AMEven his published work needs editing for him to seem a "brilliant" writer. while in So. Carolina, I lured Rob into watching 11.22.63, Sadie tells Jake that her husband's mother put a clothespin on his male organ. Me, I took that as a largely superfluous detail. My friend's curiosity was piqued and he did some internet sleuthing and found that King expanded on this point substantially in his book. My TL:DR takeaways were: King has some mighty peculiar obsessions and has managed to make himself famous and wealthy despite insisting on making some of them public. And King himself has apparently no sense of how inessential and unnecessary some of this ballyhoo is.
I'm not sure ballyhoo is the right word for that infamous scene from
It that seems to get skipped in all the adaptations for some reason:
I finished Empire of Silence the first book in the Sun Eater series. I will be reading the rest of the series!
The Good: great character work, world-building, and high-quality prose exceeding the norm for the genre.
The Bad: distracting homages to Dune and Shadow of the Torturer. There is an entire chapter that is almost straight-up lifted from Dune. I don't think the other books in the series will suffer from this.
The Ugly: I enjoyed the novel (though it sagged in the middle) but the bookish community has well overhyped it. Fantasy booktubers that are very poorly read in SF are praising the series as the best in SF period. As someone who reads science fiction, not only do I disagree, but I don't see it as SF. It is fantasy in a space setting. And that is fine, but the hyperbolic praise I think is ultimately a disservice to what the series really is, and has resulted in an equally egregious clapback from some readers.
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I enjoyed the novel, don't get me wrong. But I need to see the series through and some time to see if this series is one for the ages or just a Booktube darling for today.
I read Howling Dark, which was way better than Empire of Silence. It had me hooked from the first page and never let up. I devoured it in a few days.
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Anyone else reading SF these days?
I've read a couple of good ones. The Fisherman and Empire of Grass. The second one took me a long time to read. It is good, but it has middle-book syndrome, and the small font and single spacing make me want to cry. I ended up switching to the ebook version even though I had sworn them off. :laugh:
The Fisherman is a Lovecraftian story about a guy who gets over the loss of his wife by going fishing.
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Empire of Grass is the second volume in The Last King of Osten Ard, a sequel to one of my favorite fantasy series, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. This volume pushes the character and plot arcs forward, resolves most of the mysteries, and sets up the central conflicts for the series.
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