Posted by Ed Kiser on January 08, 2008 at 16:02:49 from 205.188.116.198 user Kisered.
In Reply to: Re: BBC Films and Ransome posted by Dan Lind on January 08, 2008 at 01:47:53:
To have the BBC interested is indeed good news, as well as the possibility of the eventual availability of DVD versions, but, what about the OTHER side of the pond? It is so hard in Kentucky to stick up a TV antenna far enough to access the BBC, and as for the DVD, well, there is the problem of incompatable formats, as once again, the two societies on both side of the Pond manage to do things differently. Not looking forward to ordering DVD from the TARS STALL and find that it won't play on my American DVD machine.
There is so little awareness of AR in The States. Nobody I speak to about it has ever heard of "Swallows and Amazons" and heard even less about the author. When I start describing to situation to someone, it is put off by "old, out of date" and "they talk funny" (which to me is a big part of the fascination that made me want to dig even further into these stories.) I have tried so hard with my own grandchildren, and they just don't get it - no fantasy (Harry Potter strikes again) and no imaginary monsters (they play too many video games to where THAT becomes their concept of reality I'm afraid.) To them, camping on some island away from TV and their video games is like staying in after school, some sort of ordeal to be endured. As for sailing? Too dangerous - mom would not aprove... Sigh...
These BBC productions will reach a new generation of those unaware of the marvels of All Things Ransome. Too bad it will be available only on the OTHER side of the pond.
Ed Kiser, Kentucky