Don't know if this has been said before... but came across this by chance...
http://www.dvdsoon.com/show-title-details.xml?uid=5309
I certainly didn't know it was available on DVD. Too bad about the last episode.
Has any one actually seen this DVD? Can any one comment on quality? Would just like to know that it is not too blurry before I order.
Anders
Around the World with OW
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by Glenn Anders » Sun Aug 10, 2003 3:22 pm
Dear AndersE: Yes, I have seen these episodes on VHS.
I happened to be in London with the Army in 1954-1955. [Saw the original complete MR ARKADIN there, and Moby Dick Rehearsed at the Duke of York's Theater.
My English girlfriend, Rosemary Hayward, was a graduate of Teatro Conti, and she was transported by Orson Welles. She told me about this series, and an earlier one, Orson Welles' Sketchbook, it was called called, I believe. She told me that Welles had changed the face of BBC Television, and of course, I suppose, these works were the beginning of his idea creating cinematic essays, which was always there in his radio and much of his film work, but finally resulted in F FOR FAKE and occupied a lot of his productive time for the rest of his life.
Unfortuately, these were the days before video tape, and I never got a pass or leave when any of the Around the World with Orson Welles shows were being shown. Besides, Rosemary was just a spectacular girl!
On VHS, today, the film quality is typical of its time, nicely done but nothing out of the ordinary. It is in certain shots, the editing and Welles' presence and commentary where the episodes shine. Unlike the Sketch Book, this series was originally made for European television, I believe, and that is a factor, too.
Each episode dwells on a kind of philosophical idea about cultures, most often Spanish culture. Welles folds in what he is doing at the moment -- i.e., he is rehearsing Moby Dick Rehearsed at an old warehouse in South London when he interviews the nearby Chelsea Pensioners. And he engages various friends in the shooting, such as Kenneth Tynan and his wife in the piece about Bullfighting.
The price seems high to me, but I imagine that it is rare. You might try renting the VHS tape first from a store or service specializing in International or rare video, to give you an idea if you want to invest in the DVD, which will likely have better sound and visual quality.
Regards.
Glenn
I happened to be in London with the Army in 1954-1955. [Saw the original complete MR ARKADIN there, and Moby Dick Rehearsed at the Duke of York's Theater.
My English girlfriend, Rosemary Hayward, was a graduate of Teatro Conti, and she was transported by Orson Welles. She told me about this series, and an earlier one, Orson Welles' Sketchbook, it was called called, I believe. She told me that Welles had changed the face of BBC Television, and of course, I suppose, these works were the beginning of his idea creating cinematic essays, which was always there in his radio and much of his film work, but finally resulted in F FOR FAKE and occupied a lot of his productive time for the rest of his life.
Unfortuately, these were the days before video tape, and I never got a pass or leave when any of the Around the World with Orson Welles shows were being shown. Besides, Rosemary was just a spectacular girl!
On VHS, today, the film quality is typical of its time, nicely done but nothing out of the ordinary. It is in certain shots, the editing and Welles' presence and commentary where the episodes shine. Unlike the Sketch Book, this series was originally made for European television, I believe, and that is a factor, too.
Each episode dwells on a kind of philosophical idea about cultures, most often Spanish culture. Welles folds in what he is doing at the moment -- i.e., he is rehearsing Moby Dick Rehearsed at an old warehouse in South London when he interviews the nearby Chelsea Pensioners. And he engages various friends in the shooting, such as Kenneth Tynan and his wife in the piece about Bullfighting.
The price seems high to me, but I imagine that it is rare. You might try renting the VHS tape first from a store or service specializing in International or rare video, to give you an idea if you want to invest in the DVD, which will likely have better sound and visual quality.
Regards.
Glenn
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Glenn Anders - Wellesnet Legend
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by Lance Morrison » Sun Aug 10, 2003 11:43 pm
they do have it at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/exec....4963203
http://www.amazon.com/exec....4963203
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Lance Morrison - Member
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by AndersE » Mon Aug 11, 2003 4:51 am
Well, I went ahead and ordered it. Will report back when I receive it.
The reviews on the Amazon site were interesting as there seems to be yet another episode, viva Itala, not on the DVD. Looks like I have to check with the BBC archives how many episodes where really made.
It turned out that DVDsoon was cheaper than amazon, as they have free shipping, even on international orders.
Anders
The reviews on the Amazon site were interesting as there seems to be yet another episode, viva Itala, not on the DVD. Looks like I have to check with the BBC archives how many episodes where really made.
It turned out that DVDsoon was cheaper than amazon, as they have free shipping, even on international orders.
Anders
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by Noel Shane » Mon Aug 11, 2003 10:22 am
I think you're talking about "Portrait of Gina," which was part of a different project unconnected to the BBC. The available episode from Around the World that isn't included in the set is "The Dominici Affair," available separately from Image DVD.
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Noel Shane - Member
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