Space: 2099 A Remastering Of Space:1999

[Andrew_Kearley]

OK, Shawnster, no offence taken. I think I was just reacting to this bit of what you said:

It suffers TERRIBLY in the scientific accuracy and general plot areas. I mean they even have an episode where they are standing on the moon with the helmets OPEN!

Which did read as if you were pointing to something specific in one of the episodes, rather than a staged publicity photo. And even though the scientific accuracy (or otherwise) of the series doesn't really bother, I was moved to point out that even at its worst, it would never have made a mistake as bad as that.

No hard feelings, eh?

 

[WillsBabe]

I often seem to end up in the position of defending it. Ah well...)

You do it very well. I really enjoy reading your posts.

If I'm honest, what's exercising me about this re-edit project is the perceived need to make the show "contemporary".

My first thought when I saw the "previouslies" was: "In the old days, we used to be able to remember from one week to the next"...

It is possible to point out errors and areas that need to be improved without being condemnatory.

Actually, this is very true. I watch Space 1999 myself now and there are things that could probably be improved.

 

[The Lensman]

My first thought when I saw the "previouslies" was: "In the old days, we used to be able to remember from one week to the next"...

Sooooooooooo true!!

 

[WOLFSPACE]

Hello Everyone,

I’ve just discovered this forum today, and I wanted to take the time to explain what Space :2099 really is. My name is Eric Bernard and I am the video editor behind Space:2099. I am really glad to read all those comments, good and bad. It is a very interesting to read all those point of view and to come to realize that it is impossible to please everyone. Some want a re-imagine version, other a total remake or a movie and there are those who just want to leave it as it is. At the end, it will only be a television business deal out of our control. It can be a fiasco or a total surprise like Galactica. I personally like the new galactica, but I would have prefer it to be a continuation of the original one. New characters, 40 years later wouldn’t have change the story that much. The beauty of making at a continuation series is that you already have an historic that can be visually shown. Star Trek understood that when they made next generation. Some soap opera can show you flashback of characters 25 years ago. So why redo a show that was technically impressive, well acted (even if they seemed cold...but this is only a point of view) and an interesting story line. I do not see any reason to redo it. But the story is not finished, and Space 1999 has a lot more to tell.

I have grown up watching 1999. I was 6 years old. This show totally impressed me by its look and special effect. But also its stories that where treated with a seriousness never encountered before on sc-fi tv. I am not talking about year two here obviously. As a HUGE fan of the series, I do not need to see the show with new effects, new pacing, new format. I can enjoy it the way it is.

But lets be realistic for a moment, the show was badly broadcasted, the episode order sucked and it didnt seems to have any characters development and no story direction. When it fact, it is all there, it just need to be presented differently to highlight those facts.

Now, I believe that its flaws (and there is many of them) are restraining some potential viewers (probably yougner) to discover Space:1999 as what it is. We (fans) are able to forgive those flaws. But when the series is shown to a new audience, the show is sometime laughable. Not allowing its dramatic story to be appreciated in its full glory.

That is why I’ve started to work on this concept. Trying to show the best of 1999, and eliminate or reduced the worst. Now the clothes, the haircuts have a disco style. But in the series, the clothes are unique in design and bear no resemblance to anything. Like the Star trek Uniform in the original series. Could you believe being in starfleet wearing these uniform. Doesnt it look strange to see the same outfit in a new Ultra sofisticated enterprise bridge! But yes, this is pure fantasy and who knows what the uniform will look like in 90 years or more.

My goal is that Nothing will be closer to Space:1999 than Space 2099. The show was a high value production (and you can see it in the new HD prints of the show) The details are simply amazing. In 2099, the actors, the sets, the eagles are the same, as we always loved them. And the feel of the show does remain. The changes will only improve the interest of those who were non fans and for those who cannot see what’s beneath the flaws.. And from many comments I’ve read and received, it works.

Also, to reply to Willsbabe. I use to remember last week episode also. But the episode where not linked like most tv show today. You didnt need to see last week episode to understand this week episode. Now today it is totally different, and if you follow as many tv shows like I do. You better not miss one episode, because you can be lost easily...LOST being a good exemple. Space:1999 is far from being that complex, but it does have its mystery story line under it.

I am not nostalgic, or want to recreate my trill of the show when I was a kid. It can’t happen. I’m 39 years old!!!. I appreciate Space 1999 in a different way, and that is what make me believe that by simply upgrading it to 2099...Moonbase Alpha’s future look more promising. I think that if Gerry Anderson would have titled it 2099, we would’nt have this discussion now, and the series would probably have a sequel already.

Can 2099 become reality and does the Alphan’s have a future? YES

Will we ever see it and in what way? Who knows


Like I said, it is really nice to read your comments...the good and the bad ones. Until we see a re-imagine series, 2099 is still a good and economic project to show the series in a new light.

You can also see many of my episode summaries on youtube, just look for Space 2099.


Cheers,

Eric bernard

 

[Andrew_Kearley]

Hello Eric, thanks for posting. It was interesting to read about your project. I hope you haven't been too put out by any of the negative comments (most of them from me, probably...) I'm not really wanting to put your work down. Unfortunately, there's a certain mind-set regarding Space: 1999, which a project like yours tends to bring out in people - those who take great delight on enumerating the show's perceived "flaws" - and that always sets me on the defensive. No slight intended to you, as you obviously feel the same:

As a HUGE fan of the series, I do not need to see the show with new effects, new pacing, new format. I can enjoy it the way it is.

You know, we live in the age of the fan edit, and that's a good thing. It's fine, it's wonderful to want to interact with the object of your appreciation. It's what fandom is all about. Fan fiction, video edits - if you enjoy it and other fans enjoy it, why not do it?

So that's fine. What I don't understand though is your attempt to get this picked up as an actual commercial proposition. I can't see it, sorry. On a show this old, Granada Ventures are surely going to happy with the revenue from syndicated repeats and DVD releases of the show as it is. And you know, it's a 35 year old tv show. If your re-edit project did come about, if it generated interest in Space as a viable property, what then? It's not like they could suddenly make any more of them after all this time.

Now, I believe that its flaws (and there is many of them) are restraining some potential viewers (probably younger) to discover Space:1999 as what it is. We (fans) are able to forgive those flaws. But when the series is shown to a new audience, the show is sometime laughable. Not allowing its dramatic story to be appreciated in its full glory.

The changes will only improve the interest of those who were non fans and for those who cannot see what’s beneath the flaws..

I suppose I'm just resistant to the idea of changing something that I regard as a masterpiece. I've already suffered the indignity once before of someone trying to change the style of the series to better fit the expectations of the audience - I'm talking about season 2 of course. For me, everything about season 1 of Space fits perfectly - the look, the style, the performances, the pacing. If it was different, more "contemporary", it wouldn't be the same show, it wouldn't be something I'd have invested so many years of my life in watching. As I've said before, I'm not here to proselytize for the show, to find new viewers and new fans. If people "get" what it is, then fine, if they don't, I don't think tarting it up is the answer. It's a seriously challenging work of art that requires the viewer to commit to it.

But lets be realistic for a moment, the show was badly broadcasted, the episode order sucked and it didnt seems to have any characters development and no story direction. When it fact, it is all there, it just need to be presented differently to highlight those facts.

Well yes, I would agree with that. I'm interested in how you've worked out the episode order for your project, as it looks very strange to me. Certainly very different to the episode order I've had worked out for years.

My goal is that Nothing will be closer to Space:1999 than Space 2099. The show was a high value production (and you can see it in the new HD prints of the show) The details are simply amazing. In 2099, the actors, the sets, the eagles are the same, as we always loved them. And the feel of the show does remain.

Well, that's encouraging to hear. Good luck with your project, and thanks for taking the time to talk about it.