From: "Jeff Doyle" (jeffd@tranquility4tag.net)
Subject: Space1999: Another example of Sci-Fi channel butchery.
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 07:23:40 -0600
Having some time to kill, and having recently received RATM from Columbia
House, I thought it was time to check-up on Sci-Fi's editing again. Here
is the disturbing news:
Sci-fi Channel edits of Ring Around the Moon.
Time - :09 - edit about 30 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission.
The opening establishing shot of Alpha was removed along with some creepy
piano music. Also Ted Clifford saying something to Tanya and she
replying, afterwhich he heads to the window to do his work.
Significance of lost scene: Removing the first 30 seconds of the episode is
an act of evil. Clifford's words with Tanya help to explain why she is so
distraught in subsequent reaction shots; in the uncut version she knows and
likes Clifford, while in the Sci-Fi version she is just an overreacting
female.
_________________________________________________
Time -1:55 - edit about 10 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission.
Pauls first attempt to get the possessed Clifford away from computer. Also
a quick reaction shot from Main Mission personel.
Significance of lost scene: Not crucial
__________________________________________________
Time -2:50 - edit about 2-3 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission.
During Koenig's struggle with Clifford our brave commander is strangled for
a couple of seconds longer in the uncut version.
Significance of lost scene: not crucial
___________________________________________________
Time -3:50 - edit about 50 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission.
Main Mission personel react to the first appearence of the probe. They
watch it on the main screen. The picture fades and Paul states that he
cannot restore it despite the commander's orders.
Significance of lost scene: Some sense of awe is lost without it. Also
the lost scene was critical for pacing.
__________________________________________________
Time -5:20 - edit about 23 seconds. Scene: "This Episode" portion of
credits.
This section is always removed by Sci-Fi.
__________________________________________________
Time - 6:15 - edit about 1 second. Scene: Episode title.
With the 1st commercial break removed, Sci-Fi removes the fade in of the
Episode title. Also they run the music together to create a moment of
cacophony.
Significance: Wrecks pacing. Further, screwing with the music is an act
of evil.
____________________________________________________
Time - 8:23 - edit about 22-24 seconds. Scene: In space and in an Alpha
corridor.
A couple of seconds of the Triton ("eye") probe and Koenig's walk down a
corridor to medical as seen through the "eye" of the alien.
Significance of lost scene: Without it, Victors statement that they were
being watched has no teeth.
____________________________________________________
Time - 9:33 - edit about 45 seconds. Scene: In medical and in the (?)
commander's office (?).
In the Sci-Fi version after Helena states "...that enabled Ted Clifford to
see and act as if he were computer", Alan takes off for the Triton probe.
In the full version Helena continues to speak, although we cannot hear
her, since we see her from the probe's perspective. Also lost is a scene
in the Commander's office (?) in which he orders Alan to investigate the
probe, despite Alan's insistence that this would be futile.
Significance of lost scene: Critical - This sets up Koenig's conflict with
Alan.
____________________________________________________
Time - 12:25 - edit about 8 seconds. Scene: In space and Main Mission.
A commericial break added by Sci-Fi removes half of Alan's spinning eagle,
as it heads out of control for the moon. Also a Paul's comment to Koenig
"They're on collision course ... I can't bring them in."
Significance of lost scene: That was a very nice special effect shot that
Sci-Fi cut short. Also it explains why they didn't fly the eagle in on
automatic.
_____________________________________________________
Time - 13:08 - edit about 1 minute, 5 seconds. Scene: On moon surface,
Main Mission and medical.
The cool disco-funk music scene as the Alphan's cross the moon surface to
get Alan was removed. Also removed was Dr. Mathias' comment that Alan was
alive, but the other was not. Sandra tells Paul that sensors have gone
dead. Paul warns Koenig of a possible attack.
Significance of lost scene: Critical; loss of funky music is inexcusable.
Also Paul's warning of a coming attack explains Koenig's prompt action at
the appearence of the probe.
______________________________________________________
Time - 15:19 - edit about 3-4 seconds. Scene: On moon surface.
A cool bit of organ music is removed as the Alphan's check on the
unconcious Koenig. Also a couple of seconds of trippy lighting was
removed. Note that Sci-Fi removed a commercial break here.
Significance of lost scene: Wrecks eps. artistic flair.
______________________________________________________
Time - 18:58 - edit about 20 seconds. Scene: On Triton probe.
Trippy visual sequence involving Dr. Russell, after the probe explains
itself to her.
Significance of lost scene: Trippy visuals are bread and butter to 1999.
______________________________________________________
Time - 21:10 - edit about 1-2 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission.
A second or two is removed after Victor explains how the new shielding will
protect the eagle.
Significance of lost scene: Just another pacing wrecker.
______________________________________________________
Time - 22:00 - edit about 45 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission, in an eagle
and in space.
In the Sci-Fi version Koenig goes from 50% shield power, to 100% power
within 5 seconds. In full version, almost a minute elapses between these
two events - Koenig asks Paul for scanner readings and he informs Paul that
he will keep the eagle on manual control. Also a couple of eagle exterior
views are removed.
Significance of lost scene: Sci-Fi version makes Koenig look impatient.
Also removal of variated eagle exterior views makes the show dull for the
eyes.
_______________________________________________________
Time - 23:00 - edit about 12 seconds. Scene: In Main Mission.
A very nice view of the eagle approaching the probe is shown on the Main
Mission screen. Also Victor rushes over to Kano.
Significance of lost scene: Removing exterior views of the eagle takes
away some of 1999's mystique.
_______________________________________________________
Time - 24:20 - edit about 3-5 seconds. Scene: In space.
A small bit of the light beam striking the Eagle is removed.
Significance of lost scene: Not crucial
________________________________________________________
Time - 24:46 - edit about 25-30 seconds. Scene: on the eagle
Several seconds of Koenig and Alan fighting g forces.
Significance of lost scene: The Sci-Fi turned a hard war against g-forces
into a little skirmish.
____________________________________________________
Time - 39:20 - edit about 15 seconds. Scene: In Medical center and in an
eagle.
Helena agreeing that she has no choice but to go along with the plan. Also
the eagle rising on the pad and Koenig getting into the pilot's seat.
Significance of lost scene: Removes Helena's direct statement of support
for the plan. Also, once again, the space seens must go to make room for
more Cheeto's adverts.
_________________________________________________________
Time 40:45 - edit about 10-15 seconds. Scene: In space
Exterior view of Eagle headed toward the probe.
Significance of lost scene: Same as above
_________________________________________________________
Time - 47:30 - edit about 3-4 seconds. Scene: On Triton probe.
A commercial break was added by Sci-Fi and a few seconds of dialogue
between the probe and Koenig was lost with it.
Significance of lost scene: Not crucial. Still I can't stand the way
Sci-Fi creates their own commericial breaks.
_________________________________________________________
Time - 49:50 -edit about 2-4 seconds. Scene: In space.
A couple of the probe's explosions were deleted.
Significance of lost scene: I like it when things go boom at the end. I
don't like to have them limited.
________________________________________________________
Note that the vast majority of the edits took place in the first half of
the episode. Seems like the guy in the Sci-Fi cutting room is too lazy to
spread them out better. .
-Jeff
From: "Petter Ogland" (petter.ogland@dnmi4tag.no)
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 13:27:46 +0000
Subject: Space1999: Re: Another example of Sci-Fi channel butchery.
> Significance of lost scene: Removing the first 30 seconds of the episode is
> an act of evil.
Act of evil indeed! It is like drawing mustaches on the Mona Lisa! :-(
> Main Mission personel react to the first appearence of the probe. They
> watch it on the main screen. The picture fades and Paul states that he
> cannot restore it despite the commander's orders.
Oh dear! This is one of the really wonderful scenes where Ray Austin
builds up tension and atmosphere. The sci-fi channels butchering of
SPACE:1999 seems totally sacreligious.
Thank heavens they didn't do it like this when I first watched the
episode in Norway in June 1976. In Scandinavia they have a policy of
not dubbing and not editing, except for violence. And, SPACE:1999 was
rather violent at times, resulting in it being banned from Danish
television after causing massive nightmares due to the showing of FORCE
OF LIFE, I've heard.
Neither FORCE OF LIFE nor DRAGON'S DOMAIN were shown in Norway/Sweden,
but we all got goosebimps from THE TROUBLED SPIRIT.
All episodes of Year One have been shown uncut later, however, although
as far as my knowledge goes, Year Two has not been showed, probably
because this season was regarded rubbish in most of Europe, I believe,
when it was made, and probably still is.
> Also lost is a scene
> in the Commander's office (?) in which he orders Alan to investigate the
> probe, despite Alan's insistence that this would be futile.
>
> Significance of lost scene: Critical - This sets up Koenig's conflict with
> Alan.
Ugh! I feel physically ill reading things like this.
Thanks, Jeff, for the analysis. I now begin to understand why some have
had such a difficult with understanding this magnificent episode, they have
probably only seen this butchered version of it.
Petter
From: "Jeff Doyle" (jeffd@tranquility4tag.net)
Subject: Re: Space1999: Re: Another example of Sci-Fi channel butchery.
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 09:04:44 -0600
I actually hope that Sci-Fi does NOT rerun 1999, unless, of course, they
show them uncut - as they are doing with Trek. -Jeff
From: Neil Strawbridge (strawbridge@home4tag.com)
Subject: Fw: Space1999: Re: Another example of Sci-Fi channel butchery.
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 10:52:57 -0500
I have suggested this to them. I have not heard a reply... which probably
translates to "don't hold your breath." Than again, they could be mulling
it over right now. If so, they'd better not mull too ling. It might help
if we all dropped them a note. Here are the addresses:
program@www.scifi.com
feedback@www.scifi.com
-Neil
From: Atomic Possum (atomicpossum@planet44stl.com)
Subject: Re: Space1999: Re: Another example of Sci-Fi channel butchery.
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 10:17:27 -0600
....and, by all means, folks, be polite (or at least rational).
Writing an e-mail that's insulting ("Dear Sci-Fi Idiots," "Why not drop
your usual garbage and do something intelligent for a change") is NOT going
to get anyone to listen to you.
Jon "Mr. Wonderful" Stadter
From: Jeff Doyle (jeffd@tranquility4tag.net)
Subject: Space1999: Letters sent to sci-fi
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 11:13:42 -0600
Sent off two emails to Sci-Fi. Told them that with the current 70's retro
trend, 1999 is a natural for the present. Also emphasized that the models
are being sold again. -Jeff
Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 11:54:12 -0400
From: Kevin stahl (Kstahl@fament4tag.com)
Subject: Space1999: sci-fi channel
I heard from the sci-fi channel that they will not be showing
Space 1999.
The reason they gave me is that they do not have the rights for the
show.
Kevin
Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 12:44:40 -0600
From: Greg (gremart@ix.net44com.com)
Subject: Re: Space1999: sci-fi channel
Hi All,
Well that sound's about right, or that's there excuse not to show it.
Has anyone considered contacting T.V. Land about running the show, They
would be more likely to show it than the Horror Channel and they don't
butcher there show's quite as bad.
Just a thought
Greg
From: TERALISHA@aol4tag.com
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 16:39:06 EST
Subject: Space1999: 1999: the Sci-fi reply
Hi gang!
Hope all is well. Short message for you. I did e the schlock channel the
other eveniing. This is the copy of what I received back from the sci-fi
channel
Pretty sorrowful of a reply, I think.
But then I refuse to give up hope for a 99 showing!
Oh by the way - Hello and welcome to the new members that I have seen out
there!
Sorry didn't have time to greet you properly! Welcome aboard and enjoy your
stay! I know I have.
Tera
Subj: Thank you for your e-mail: Programming question?
Date: 1/1/99 2:17:43 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: program@scifi.com (The Sci-Fi Channel Programming Department)
Thanks for your e-mail to the Sci-Fi Channel Programming Department. We
greatly appreciate all viewer input on the shows and movies we air.
Regrettably, the high volume of correspondence we now receive prevents us
from providing individual responses to each e-mail.
For programming information and other frequently asked questions, please
see our quarterly grid:
http://www.scifi.com/feed.html (US)
http://www.scifi.com/sfeurope/sfecable.html (Europa)
our online ScheduleBot database:
http://www.scifi.com/schedulebot/
or our Sci-Fi Channel (US) Feedback FAQ:
http://www.scifi.com/feedback/FAQ1.html
If your question or comment was in reference to an online problem and not
related to any on-air issues, please e-mail:
bboard@www.scifi.com for problems relating to The Dominion BBoard
members@www.scifi.com for problems relating to Dominion registration
or
dominion@www.scifi.com for other technical problems
Thanks again for your feedback. Your comments are a valuable resource as
we plan the future of our network.
--
.eee.._:@$*e
.@$$$$$@. .e*' THE SCI-FI CHANNEL - EVER WONDER?
.,.O$$$$$$$O*'' _____________________________________________________
@* :*$$$$$*' http://www.scifi.com
'@$#*"''***'
From: Neil Strawbridge (strawbridge@home4tag.com)
Subject: Fw: Space1999: sci-fi channel
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 16:47:53 -0500
>The reason they gave me is that they do not have the rights for the
>show.
This begs the question, "Then who bnought the rights to show it here in the
states," if anyone? Maybe TV Land (www.tvland.com)? They're famous for
shows of the 70s. :-)
-Neil
From: Neil Strawbridge (strawbridge@home4tag.com)
Subject: Fw: Space1999: 1999: the Sci-fi reply
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 19:24:02 -0500
>I did e the schlock channel the other eveniing.
>This is the copy of what I received back from the sci-fi channel...
This is the standard, automated reply you get whenever you e-mail them.
Don't lose faith. There's always TV Land. :-)
-Neil
From: Brucj@aol4tag.com
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 19:28:57 EST
Subject: Re: Fw: Space1999: 1999: the Sci-fi reply
Mass e-mail the scifi channel make them listen!
From: TERALISHA@aol4tag.com
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 22:20:45 EST
Subject: Space1999: Re: 1999 in 1999
Good evening everyone!
Hope all is well with all members!
I am sitting here in the middle of winter, snow and ice are falling.
Yuck! Reminds of Ultima Thule.
Walker - Texas Ranger is on with Barbara Bain - VCR is taping since I haven't
seen this episode & I want to watch it later.
Anyhow, down to serious business.
I was very polite in my mail to the sci-fi channel for showing 1999 in 99.
Enclosed their response for you to read.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Was not enclosed. Perhaps refering to her previous note?]
Even suggested that they should pull some of the gang together for interviews
since some of them are right here and available in the US.
I have to wonder, scary as it is, did they even read the e- or did they just
send out a standard reply?
And what's up with the -- we don't have the rights - story? They showed it
before just a few years ago. That is where I obtained must of my BUTCHERED
episodes anyhow.
Someone suggested the tv land channel - now there's an idea - if they can play
the Sonny & Cher show surely they can do 99! If someone obtains an address
let me know. I'm even ready to sink to the all time low of e-mailing the
Cartoon Channel for gosh sakes!
All jesting aside though, perhaps if they do get polite mail mentioning the
upcoming convention, the renewed interests in all things 70's (Like I now
possess several pairs of shoes with platform heels on them and have reverted
to wearing my hair in the straight - no bangs 70's approach - imagine C.
Schell in Ret. of Pnk. Pant. - that's my current do - but sorry can't do
those bell bottoms again.)
Perhaps if we continue to be Polite & Persistant - we might get someone to
listen. I'm going to continue my approach by using other family and friends e-
addresses to send requests.
Anyhow I must go now! Need a cup of hot chocolate on this wintery evening!
PS- anyone living in the southern US that would like a roomie? I really,
really Hate winter.
Everyone take care.
Tera
Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 22:52:31 -0600
From: "Robert Gilbert" (bcpgd@shaw.wave4tag.ca)
Subject: Re: Space1999: Sci Fi Channel
Janet Sever wrote:
>
> I just had to vent for a minute. Do you know what the Sci Fi channel is
> showing tonight (instead of what we would all like to see)--the Chuckie
> movie. As a matter of fact, I think they are showing all three.
> Since when does an evil little doll qualify as Sci Fi??? Ergggh.
> Thanks for listening.
Sure enough Janet --- 10:00-12:00 Child's Play; 12:00-2:00 Child's Play
2! Jeez --- totally absolutely definitely completly absurdly
*STOOPID!!!*
From: "Clif" (brclif@digital4tag.net)
Subject: Re: Space1999: sci-fi channel
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 23:53:32 -0500
>The reason they gave me is that they do not have the rights for the
>show.
>
>Kevin
Then they are the biggest bunch of dumb arses in the T.V. business.
But why didn't you post the message you got from them?
--Clif
Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 20:54:13 -0800
From: Edward Seifert (echo1@us44west.net)
Subject: Re: Space1999: Sci Fi Channel
Well at least Martin Landau was on The return of the six
million dollar man tonight.