For some unfathomable reason, the seminal 70's TV series "In Search Of..." is not available on DVD. And yet, season 2 of "F-Troop" was just released. Well done, Hollywood.
For those not familiar with this fine program, "In Search Of..." was a documentary- style syndicated show that dealt with paranormal subject matter and ran from 1976-1982. It was hosted by Leonard Nimoy, which gave the show instant credibility amongst its target audience. Some of the topics examined were Bigfoot, UFO's, Jack the Ripper, Amelia Earhart, The Bermuda Triangle, The Loch Ness Monster...you know, that kind of stuff. The reenactments were pretty well done for the time, and were accentuated by some strange, eerie music to boot. Kids growing up in the 70's loved this show. I know I did.
I ask you: without this show on DVD, where are the youth of today supposed to learn about ancient civilizations and unknown worlds? How will they learn to wield theory and conjecture like a sword? Most importantly, how long will my blurry VHS bootlegs hold out? I don't even own a VCR anymore, for pete's sake.
Enough already. Here's a clip.
I love the legal disclaimer at the end of the credits: "This series presents information based in part on theory and conjecture. The producer's purpose is to suggest some possible explanations, but not necessarily the only ones, to the mysteries we will examine."
The lack of a DVD can't be a rights issue, because in 1997 I came within an inch of shooting an "In Search Of..." parody commercial for a chicken restaraunt in Chicago (you couldn't make that up). Nimoy's agent got him to agree to star in it, and Nimoy was to get $30k for a day and a half's work. But getting the rights to use the show's title and theme were only $5k! Peanuts, as far as these things are concerned. Sadly, things fell apart at the 11th hour and I was denied the chance to spend vast amounts of others peoples money just to meet Mr. Spock and parody one of my youthful obsessions.
That tears it: I'm going to find or start some internet petition to get this show released on DVD. It's the only way things get done in this country.
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6 comments:
Yep, I grew up in the 70s and I loved the show. Too bad you didn't get to meet Spock.
hey, hey, hey... I feel your pain and all, but do you have to knock F-TROOP to make your point?
*sniff*
OMG I loved In Search Of. I did an In Search Of inspired speech/book report in 9th grade that involved me sitting in front of the TV with a tape recorder to record the theme song for the lead in. It was riveting speech, I'm sure.
You know, I rented the Bigfoot episode of "In Search Of" from Netflicks--you should see if they have more.
good luck!
morty
I have that one on VHS, but since I no longer have a VCR, I suppose I should check that out. Thanks for the heads up.
Someone apparently did an independent film transfer of season one.
http://blujay.com/?page=ad&adid=2728430&cat=12011500
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