Posted on 09 Nov 2011 10:11
The first updates to the database proper have begun, I'll list them below. But first - a confession. I've never listened to the Audio Visuals. I know, I know, they are one of the iconic moments in DW audio history, but things happen, or don't happen. So I've started to listen as I'm adding them to the database and I thought I'd impart a few thoughts.
A quick bit of background - the master tapes for the early AV stories were stolen in 1986. This led to some being remixed from the recordings and others using a 2nd generation copy as the master. So certain stories have a message at the beginning from either William Baggs or Gary Russell (I can't recognise the voice) apologizing for the poor audio quality. It's kinda funny hearing it the second time because I've heard worse audio quality produced this side of the millenium. All that's wrong with them is the hisses and crackles you get from 3rd generation cassettes. In some ways it's atmospheric, like listening to a gramophone record a century old.
Russell would probably be more embarrassed about some of the klunky dialogue in his first script, as he gets used to writing for audio. For instance, the over reliance on phrases like 'come on my family' and ending sentences with 'my husband' to signify relationships. It gets the message across but sounds very unrealistic. Still The Space Wail isn't all bad. It's a quick romp around a space ship with the standout being the computer BABE. A great performance, with a very unusual vocal delivery that works to create an unnerving personality. Comparable to the creepiness of the Cybermens original sing-song voices. Not sure what was used for the effect (maybe a ring modulator) but it is very memorable.
With the pilot out of the way, the series starts proper in The Time Ravagers, and with a change of Doctor. Nick Briggs is an improvement, if only a minor one so far. I'm interested to see how the character develops over the seasons. The writing and acting is on the whole better, and it has some of the best Dalek voices in any fan works. Done with a ring modulator and many by Michael Wisher. It's pleasing to see that while they did use old baddies the daleks they also started writing some of their own mythos with the Temperon. A pairing of old and new that continues in Connection 13, with UNIT and the Rigellons. A simpler story in the mould of early Pertwee.
Lastly (for now), Conglomerate is for me where the series really picks up. It's got a bold atmospheric opening relying on sounds rather than dialogue. They've upped the mystery, the performances sound more polished. All in all the series is shaping up very well.
Recent additions to the database - Argolis Productions, The Nightmare Fair, Audio Visuals, The Space Wail, The Time Ravagers, Connection 13, Conglomerate, Best Fishes, Marmots of Sin, Big Finish, Big Rip-Off Productions, Planet of the Anoraks, Resurrection of the Anoraks, Destiny of the Anoraks, Burton Enemy Productions, Silver Planet.
Plus some related pages on characters, races and locations. Watch out for spoilers.
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