It's interesting what you can find on the web if you know what to look for. A little investigative searching can bring up a wealth of information!
If you were to search for SJA merchandise on BBC Shop or Amazon, for example, you may find that you can preorder two new SJA audiobooks due to be released later this year! No details as yet on the plot or who's going to be involved, but if previous SJA audiobooks are any indication, writer Stephen Cole may be on-board! With successful SJA titles like The Glittering Storm and Ghost House under his belt, the BBC would be fools not to take him on again!
Alternatively, if you were to look up the recent BAFTA Cymru nominations list - you may spot that The Sarah Jane Adventures has once again been nominated for best children's programme! Having narrowly missed out on two RTS awards and a BAFTA in the past, will fourth time really be the charm? I'll be attending the award ceremony in Cardiff next month to find out.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
When Nabu Met Anthony
Last weekend, SARAH-JANE.tv founder Anthony and I met up in Liverpool to attend a very special concert! The Music from Outer Space event, held at the Liverpool Philharmonic, promised to be 'a mind-blowing journey through time, with a spectacular programme of 'space inspired' science fiction music.'
If Lis Sladen presenting the evening wasn't reason enough to go, we'd also learnt that five minutes of the concert was going to be devoted to Sam Watts' compositions from SJA! A 'world premiere', as Lis herself put it!
The SJA music kicked off right after the first Star Wars piece, when the SJA theme tune was played by the orchestra to welcome Lis Sladen to the stage! Listening to the theme on the telly is all well and good, but nothing compares to the experience of seeing the instruments played before your eyes and feeling each note reverberate around the hall. :) I have a feeling only those who've been fortunate enough to attend Doctor Who concerts in the past will know the thrill of hearing music from your favourite show performed live!
The actual segment of SJA music didn't come till the second half of the show. Introduced by Lis with great pride and conducted by Ian McMillan, the five-minute 'Adventures of Sarah Jane' suite consisted of a medley of sombre compositions from the first two seasons. Lis, who was sporting a low-cut grey strapless gown that evening, sat on the sidelines swaying her head along to the music. Finishing off with an epic rendition of 'Until Next Time Miss Smith' [known to most as the SJA trailer music] the suite concluded to resounding applause from the audience! Sam Watts himself, who'd attended the concert as a ticket-holder, was asked to stand up and take a bow by co-presenter, Brian Miller [aka. the classic series voice of the Daleks and Lis' long-time spouse].
After the concert was over, Ant and I went off in search of some of the creatures floating around the Philharmonic! xP And lookie who else was there!:
Picture courtesy of concert attendee, Simon
Later, we headed to the stage door to see if we could meet Lis. But it seemed we weren't the only ones who'd had that idea. :P Unfortunately for all of us, in particular the eager young fans who'd waited patiently to meet her, we found out Lis had already left through another door. :( Maybe next time, guys!
Aside from that, it was a superb evening of music; and not just because of the SJA content! Hearing theme tunes from the likes of Doctor Who, Superman, Star Trek, Thunderbirds and Red Dwarf were definite highlights! Sci-fi baddies popping up during the concert to scare kids was another plus!
With regard to Sam Watts, SARAH-JANE.tv hope his segment that evening was a stepping stone on the way to a fully-fledged SJA concert someday! If that ever happens, we'll be the first in line to book tickets! Until then, we're sure he'll keep himself busy composing tracks for the third series; which is filming in Cardiff at the mo' and should be on our screens this Autumn!
If Lis Sladen presenting the evening wasn't reason enough to go, we'd also learnt that five minutes of the concert was going to be devoted to Sam Watts' compositions from SJA! A 'world premiere', as Lis herself put it!
The SJA music kicked off right after the first Star Wars piece, when the SJA theme tune was played by the orchestra to welcome Lis Sladen to the stage! Listening to the theme on the telly is all well and good, but nothing compares to the experience of seeing the instruments played before your eyes and feeling each note reverberate around the hall. :) I have a feeling only those who've been fortunate enough to attend Doctor Who concerts in the past will know the thrill of hearing music from your favourite show performed live!
The actual segment of SJA music didn't come till the second half of the show. Introduced by Lis with great pride and conducted by Ian McMillan, the five-minute 'Adventures of Sarah Jane' suite consisted of a medley of sombre compositions from the first two seasons. Lis, who was sporting a low-cut grey strapless gown that evening, sat on the sidelines swaying her head along to the music. Finishing off with an epic rendition of 'Until Next Time Miss Smith' [known to most as the SJA trailer music] the suite concluded to resounding applause from the audience! Sam Watts himself, who'd attended the concert as a ticket-holder, was asked to stand up and take a bow by co-presenter, Brian Miller [aka. the classic series voice of the Daleks and Lis' long-time spouse].
After the concert was over, Ant and I went off in search of some of the creatures floating around the Philharmonic! xP And lookie who else was there!:
Picture courtesy of concert attendee, SimonLater, we headed to the stage door to see if we could meet Lis. But it seemed we weren't the only ones who'd had that idea. :P Unfortunately for all of us, in particular the eager young fans who'd waited patiently to meet her, we found out Lis had already left through another door. :( Maybe next time, guys!
Aside from that, it was a superb evening of music; and not just because of the SJA content! Hearing theme tunes from the likes of Doctor Who, Superman, Star Trek, Thunderbirds and Red Dwarf were definite highlights! Sci-fi baddies popping up during the concert to scare kids was another plus!
With regard to Sam Watts, SARAH-JANE.tv hope his segment that evening was a stepping stone on the way to a fully-fledged SJA concert someday! If that ever happens, we'll be the first in line to book tickets! Until then, we're sure he'll keep himself busy composing tracks for the third series; which is filming in Cardiff at the mo' and should be on our screens this Autumn!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Lights, Camera, Action!
Well, here we go again as filming begins on the third season of The Sarah Jane Adventures today! There's been numerous rumours of what happens during this run of stories, but truth be told nobody has known anything for sure. Now all that changes! Remember last year when fans spotted Nicholas Courtney on set? Or the Gorgon set reports from series one? Who knows what fans will spot during this year's round of filming...
SARAH-JANE.tv doesn't have the best reputation as far as set reporting goes. It's hard because we don't have access to Cardiff, so rely solely upon what we read online. Even then it's a little unfair of us to just cut and paste set reports from the likes of the Doctor Who Forum (for example) because they're by other people and we have no right to just steal their writings.
However, as long term readers of the site might know, it means that the blog falls behind on the latest goings on during filming (luckily we catch up again afterwards! :P ) so to stop that from happening, I'm asking you the reader to send in any location reports that you might have directly to the site via this email address.
Help us to spoil you!
Good luck to the cast and crew over the next four months as they embark on what may potentially be their last round of adventures with Miss Sarah Jane Smith!
***
Apparently a Cardiff based production team set up base at Toys 'R Us yesterday evening. They're there for either Doctor Who (likely) or the SJA (even more likely).
That comes direct from the Doctor Who set report team over on twitter.
SARAH-JANE.tv doesn't have the best reputation as far as set reporting goes. It's hard because we don't have access to Cardiff, so rely solely upon what we read online. Even then it's a little unfair of us to just cut and paste set reports from the likes of the Doctor Who Forum (for example) because they're by other people and we have no right to just steal their writings.
However, as long term readers of the site might know, it means that the blog falls behind on the latest goings on during filming (luckily we catch up again afterwards! :P ) so to stop that from happening, I'm asking you the reader to send in any location reports that you might have directly to the site via this email address.
Help us to spoil you!
Good luck to the cast and crew over the next four months as they embark on what may potentially be their last round of adventures with Miss Sarah Jane Smith!
***
Apparently a Cardiff based production team set up base at Toys 'R Us yesterday evening. They're there for either Doctor Who (likely) or the SJA (even more likely).
That comes direct from the Doctor Who set report team over on twitter.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Meet the Parents
A lovely man called Paul got in touch with me last week, asking me to promote a forthcoming event of his. It was because he asked so nicely that I agreed to his request and promised to mention the information in my next update here. Only I forgot, and Paul is such a lovely man that I'd feel horrible if I didn't apologise for it. So sorry, and here's hoping this makes up for my lapse in memory.
Over to you, Paul:
Thought you might be interested to know that we are running an event this June in London with a selection of SJA guests. We have JOSEPH MILLSON (Alan Jackson), CHRISTOPHER PIZZY (Eddie Smith) and ROSANNA LEVELLE (Barbara Smith), plus a couple pending confirmation.If you could let fellow SJA enthusiasts know that would be fabulous!
Also lined up to appear are original companion Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), the very suave Richard Martin (who directed several classic Doctor Who adventures) and a couple of writers, in James Moran and Toby Whithouse.
Don't you dare miss all the fun! (Which, by the way, takes place at the Cockpit Theatre in London - 6th June 2009).
The Utopia Event's official site is here. It's where you book your tickets, and everything...
UPDATE! Juliet Cowan (Chrissie Jackson) is now confirmed as attending, also.
Over to you, Paul:
Thought you might be interested to know that we are running an event this June in London with a selection of SJA guests. We have JOSEPH MILLSON (Alan Jackson), CHRISTOPHER PIZZY (Eddie Smith) and ROSANNA LEVELLE (Barbara Smith), plus a couple pending confirmation.If you could let fellow SJA enthusiasts know that would be fabulous!
Also lined up to appear are original companion Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), the very suave Richard Martin (who directed several classic Doctor Who adventures) and a couple of writers, in James Moran and Toby Whithouse.
Don't you dare miss all the fun! (Which, by the way, takes place at the Cockpit Theatre in London - 6th June 2009).
The Utopia Event's official site is here. It's where you book your tickets, and everything...
UPDATE! Juliet Cowan (Chrissie Jackson) is now confirmed as attending, also.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Telly Addicts
Whoa! It's a busy few weeks for the cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures, as they make a number of guest appearences on some of your favourite television shows.
First up Juliet Cowan appears as a social worker on the 21st April showing of Shameless - Channel 4's Manchester based dramedy that revolves around the fictional working class Chatsworth estate. You know, the show that used to be pretty good when James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff were in it..? (It's actually quite good again now, actually, as the writers seem to have rediscovered the secrets of hard hitting drama).
[Juliet also appeared in the seventh episode of Skins series three - which is available to buy on DVD now.]
Next, the brilliant Joseph Millson appears on the second episode of BBC One's Ashes to Ashes. He plays Doctor Battleford, and here's how the BBC Press Office describes the episode and his role in it:
DCI Gene Hunt, DI Alex Drake, DS Ray Carling and DC Chris Skelton are in hot pursuit of major car thief Jed Wicklow as the new series of the police drama set in the Eighties continues. Gene is determined to catch Wicklow, but the thief's driving becomes more erratic and the chase ends in tragedy.
Gene stands accused of death by dangerous driving. However, Alex is adamant there was something wrong with Jed at the wheel and sets out to prove the crash wasn't Gene's fault.
Jed was a Romany and tensions are running high when his community discover what's happened. A volunteer, Dr Battleford, tries to diffuse the situation but Gene is instantly suspicious of his motives.
The post mortem shows a high level of sedatives in Jed's system. Now dealing with a murder investigation, Gene and the team return to the Romany camp, where they uncover a large quantity of sleeping pills.
As the investigation takes a new direction, Gene is invited by Supermac into the inner sanctum of the ancient order of the Masons. Gene soon realises how deep the corruption runs, but will he succumb? Alex suspects that the only man she trusts in this world may have gone rotten, but could Gene just be playing a careful game?
Alex is still receiving messages about the future from a mysterious, haunting stranger, who appears to be offering her a way home. However, Alex can't help but wonder if he really is the key to getting back to the future.
DCI Gene Hunt is played by Philip Glenister, DI Alex Drake by Keeley Hawes, DS Ray Carling by Dean Andrews, DC Chris Skelton by Marshall Lancaster, Dr Battleford by Joseph Millson and Supermac by Roger Allam.
That's on Monday April 27th @ 9pm, BBC One.
Next up, Sky One broadcast an adaptation of Terry Prachett's Skellig this easter weekend, which co-starred Alexander Armstrong (the voice of Sarah-Jane's sometimes faithful Mr. Smith). No doubt it'll be repeated across the week - and every Christmas and Easter from here until eternity. Oh, and then there's the inevitable DVD release too!
Finally, the fourth series of ITV's Peak Practice - dating back to 1996 - is available at last on DVD. The series is notable for the sole reason that it features Elisabeth Sladen in a four episode arc as Doctor Pat Hewland. It's the first time that the episodes have been released in any format.
Happy television viewing folks!
Remember, if you hear about any of the SJA gang showing up on TV then drop us an email at the usual address to keep us in the loop.
First up Juliet Cowan appears as a social worker on the 21st April showing of Shameless - Channel 4's Manchester based dramedy that revolves around the fictional working class Chatsworth estate. You know, the show that used to be pretty good when James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff were in it..? (It's actually quite good again now, actually, as the writers seem to have rediscovered the secrets of hard hitting drama).
[Juliet also appeared in the seventh episode of Skins series three - which is available to buy on DVD now.]
Next, the brilliant Joseph Millson appears on the second episode of BBC One's Ashes to Ashes. He plays Doctor Battleford, and here's how the BBC Press Office describes the episode and his role in it:
DCI Gene Hunt, DI Alex Drake, DS Ray Carling and DC Chris Skelton are in hot pursuit of major car thief Jed Wicklow as the new series of the police drama set in the Eighties continues. Gene is determined to catch Wicklow, but the thief's driving becomes more erratic and the chase ends in tragedy.
Gene stands accused of death by dangerous driving. However, Alex is adamant there was something wrong with Jed at the wheel and sets out to prove the crash wasn't Gene's fault.
Jed was a Romany and tensions are running high when his community discover what's happened. A volunteer, Dr Battleford, tries to diffuse the situation but Gene is instantly suspicious of his motives.
The post mortem shows a high level of sedatives in Jed's system. Now dealing with a murder investigation, Gene and the team return to the Romany camp, where they uncover a large quantity of sleeping pills.
As the investigation takes a new direction, Gene is invited by Supermac into the inner sanctum of the ancient order of the Masons. Gene soon realises how deep the corruption runs, but will he succumb? Alex suspects that the only man she trusts in this world may have gone rotten, but could Gene just be playing a careful game?
Alex is still receiving messages about the future from a mysterious, haunting stranger, who appears to be offering her a way home. However, Alex can't help but wonder if he really is the key to getting back to the future.
DCI Gene Hunt is played by Philip Glenister, DI Alex Drake by Keeley Hawes, DS Ray Carling by Dean Andrews, DC Chris Skelton by Marshall Lancaster, Dr Battleford by Joseph Millson and Supermac by Roger Allam.
That's on Monday April 27th @ 9pm, BBC One.
Next up, Sky One broadcast an adaptation of Terry Prachett's Skellig this easter weekend, which co-starred Alexander Armstrong (the voice of Sarah-Jane's sometimes faithful Mr. Smith). No doubt it'll be repeated across the week - and every Christmas and Easter from here until eternity. Oh, and then there's the inevitable DVD release too!
Finally, the fourth series of ITV's Peak Practice - dating back to 1996 - is available at last on DVD. The series is notable for the sole reason that it features Elisabeth Sladen in a four episode arc as Doctor Pat Hewland. It's the first time that the episodes have been released in any format.
Happy television viewing folks!
Remember, if you hear about any of the SJA gang showing up on TV then drop us an email at the usual address to keep us in the loop.
Monday, April 13, 2009
He Comes a-Knocking
Did you know that over eight million people watched the latest Doctor Who special this Easter weekend? The episode - "Planet of the Dead" - was written by Russell T Davies together with Gareth Roberts, and the pair have a certain history. After all, their previous team effort was "Invasion of the Bane" which acted as a pilot of sorts for The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Since then Gareth Roberts has gone on to write a good number of SJA stories - including fan favourite "Whatever Happened to Sarah-Jane?", which was directed by one Graeme Harper.
Harper returns to the director's chair for the next Doctor Who special, which will likely air Saturday 31st October. Or, if you prefer/are stupid enough not to know already, Halloween. It'll be titled "The Waters of Mars" and guest stars the great Lindsey Duncan alongside David Tennant. Better still, it's by Russell T Davies once again - this time paired with Head Writer for the SJA, Phil Ford. Hooray!!
You can catch a repeat of "Planet of the Dead" today on BBC One and BBC HD at 5pm.
The trailer for "The Waters of Mars" can be located at the official BBCi page. As you can see, it looks ever-so chilling. The enemy in it are known only as the Flood... What they have planned for the Mars station they're invading, and David's Doctor, remains to be seen.
Since then Gareth Roberts has gone on to write a good number of SJA stories - including fan favourite "Whatever Happened to Sarah-Jane?", which was directed by one Graeme Harper.
Harper returns to the director's chair for the next Doctor Who special, which will likely air Saturday 31st October. Or, if you prefer/are stupid enough not to know already, Halloween. It'll be titled "The Waters of Mars" and guest stars the great Lindsey Duncan alongside David Tennant. Better still, it's by Russell T Davies once again - this time paired with Head Writer for the SJA, Phil Ford. Hooray!!
You can catch a repeat of "Planet of the Dead" today on BBC One and BBC HD at 5pm.
The trailer for "The Waters of Mars" can be located at the official BBCi page. As you can see, it looks ever-so chilling. The enemy in it are known only as the Flood... What they have planned for the Mars station they're invading, and David's Doctor, remains to be seen.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Uber Delux Mega Spoiler!
Look away immediately if you don't want to be spoiled regarding future Doctor Who episodes. I have no idea how much this ruins about the finale to David Tennant's era as the Doctor, so to be on the safe side I advise you only read this if you're really, really sure that you don't mind discovering a plot secret almost eight months ahead of broadcast.
You have been warned.
Elisabeth Sladen and Tommy Knight recorded scenes yesterday for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year's Doctor Who specials - which conclude with the Tenth Doctor regenerating into Matt Smith's Eleventh. David Tennant was present, and had a brief scene with Knight (last time their characters interacted was via computer screen - the actors never met).
John Simm's Master was also thought to be present.
Bear in mind that this adventure airs after The Sarah Jane Adventures' third season has concluded on British TV - if the traditional September through to December slot keeps - so this will likely be set after that. The implication means that Sarah Jane and Luke survive the events of series 3 (as if they wouldn't...)
Master filming spy - and former SJ.tv reporter - Scooty has a collection of images from filming.
Russell T Davies is interviewed in today's Telegraph, and states that "It's not quite as easy to guess what's happening as you think - there's nightmare sequences, and layers of fantasy, because the Doctor's coming to the end of his time. It's quite interesting to watch things being filmed, and think: 'Oh, I can see what that would look like...'" So, is this scene everything it first appears?
(The clapperboard confirms it's for Doctor Who, and definitely not the SJA before you ask...)
More on this exciting story when the news comes in to us.
(Oh, and here's my own little crazy theory about "he will knock four times", if you wanna hear. Go ahead and knock twice in very quick succession on the desk infront of you - sounds uncannily like a human heart beat. Now, imagine four knocks - that'd be twice as many heartbeats; the same as a man with two hearts would produce...)
You have been warned.
Elisabeth Sladen and Tommy Knight recorded scenes yesterday for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year's Doctor Who specials - which conclude with the Tenth Doctor regenerating into Matt Smith's Eleventh. David Tennant was present, and had a brief scene with Knight (last time their characters interacted was via computer screen - the actors never met).
John Simm's Master was also thought to be present.
Bear in mind that this adventure airs after The Sarah Jane Adventures' third season has concluded on British TV - if the traditional September through to December slot keeps - so this will likely be set after that. The implication means that Sarah Jane and Luke survive the events of series 3 (as if they wouldn't...)
Master filming spy - and former SJ.tv reporter - Scooty has a collection of images from filming.
Russell T Davies is interviewed in today's Telegraph, and states that "It's not quite as easy to guess what's happening as you think - there's nightmare sequences, and layers of fantasy, because the Doctor's coming to the end of his time. It's quite interesting to watch things being filmed, and think: 'Oh, I can see what that would look like...'" So, is this scene everything it first appears?
(The clapperboard confirms it's for Doctor Who, and definitely not the SJA before you ask...)
More on this exciting story when the news comes in to us.
(Oh, and here's my own little crazy theory about "he will knock four times", if you wanna hear. Go ahead and knock twice in very quick succession on the desk infront of you - sounds uncannily like a human heart beat. Now, imagine four knocks - that'd be twice as many heartbeats; the same as a man with two hearts would produce...)
Monday, April 06, 2009
Pre-Three Production Work
Nikki Wilson, producer of The Sarah Jane Adventures, confirms in this month's edition of Doctor Who Magazine that pre-production work has already started on the show's third series - with actual filming due to commence at the end of April. "At the time of writing," she reveals, "We've got six weeks to go until filming on Series Three begins. All the scripts are now in, with all the regular characters returning, and a shock or two in store for viewers - and for Sarah Jane!"
She goes on to add, "And I'm delighted to announce that brilliant directors Joss Agnew and Alice Troughton will be returning to the team."
There's also a chance to vote on all 200 Doctor Who television adventures, so that come summer DWM can reveal fandom's absolute loves - and pet hates!
No doubt Sarah Jane Smith's era aboard the TARDIS will rank quite highly - with the likes of "Genesis of the Daleks", "The Ark in Space" and "Pyramids of Mars" propping up the scoreboard.
DWM issue 407 is out now, at £3.99.
***
Meanwhile also released is the latest series companion by BBC Books - this time focusing on the Doctor's "Companions and Allies". The book goes back 46 years to the very beginning and traces every series companion from Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright all the way through to Lady Christina De Souza (who features in this week's Easter special, "Planet of the Dead").
Naturally a large chunk is centred around Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane Smith.
That's "Companions and Allies" - which has an RRP of £7.99 (although Tescos everywhere are selling it for as cheap as £4).
***
Finally I've received word that Big Finish productions are trying to put together a "Companion Chronicles" adventure set during Lis Sladen's time on the show - but Sladen being too costly, the team are having to think up a clever way around the problem, and maybe using a secondary character like Benton or Mike Yates to fill the void.
More news when and if it comes in!
She goes on to add, "And I'm delighted to announce that brilliant directors Joss Agnew and Alice Troughton will be returning to the team."
There's also a chance to vote on all 200 Doctor Who television adventures, so that come summer DWM can reveal fandom's absolute loves - and pet hates!
No doubt Sarah Jane Smith's era aboard the TARDIS will rank quite highly - with the likes of "Genesis of the Daleks", "The Ark in Space" and "Pyramids of Mars" propping up the scoreboard.
DWM issue 407 is out now, at £3.99.
***
Meanwhile also released is the latest series companion by BBC Books - this time focusing on the Doctor's "Companions and Allies". The book goes back 46 years to the very beginning and traces every series companion from Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright all the way through to Lady Christina De Souza (who features in this week's Easter special, "Planet of the Dead").
Naturally a large chunk is centred around Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane Smith.
That's "Companions and Allies" - which has an RRP of £7.99 (although Tescos everywhere are selling it for as cheap as £4).
***
Finally I've received word that Big Finish productions are trying to put together a "Companion Chronicles" adventure set during Lis Sladen's time on the show - but Sladen being too costly, the team are having to think up a clever way around the problem, and maybe using a secondary character like Benton or Mike Yates to fill the void.
More news when and if it comes in!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Music To Our Ears
We bow down to your infinitely superior deductive know-how if you picked up on our April Fools Day antics yesterday :) Most of you were able to figure out that our recent SJA on Blu-ray article was, in fact, fakeity-fake-fake. Despite this, SARAH-JANE.tv's visitor logs showed quite a spike in our unique hits yesterday, due in part to quite a few of you being forwarded onto the story by e-mail! If you fell for it, don't feel bad. My own nephew got me yesterday with the old 'there's something on your back!' trick *sob*.
We'd like to assert that The Sarah Jane Adventures, unlike its sibling spinoff, is not filmed in high definition. Consequently, we probably won't be seeing a Blu-ray release of the show anytime soon - if ever. :( On the plus side, we have got some genuinely exciting news to report to make it up to you!
You may recall us mentioning that Lis Sladen was due to appear at the Liverpool Philharmonic in a few weeks time, to present a two-hour Music From Outer Space concert. What we didn't know at the time was that SJA composer, Sam Watts, will also be in attendance! According to a recent update to his Myspace page, Sam will be at the Philharmonic organising a short concert suite of his work on The Sarah Jane Adventures!
SARAH-JANE.tv sent along a quick enquiry to Dan Watts, Sam's brother and composing partner, and learnt that the SJA segment of the show wouldn't be longer than 5 minutes. He wanted to keep the content of the segment a surprise, but we assume it'll consist of a medley of the show's most recognisable compositions. It may even include SJA's most signature tune, 'Until Next Time Miss Smith' [aka. the fan-favourite from the cinema trailer].
Performing compositions live in front of an audience has, thus far, been an honour bestowed only upon Doctor Who composer, Murray Gold. Beating out sibling show Torchwood, SJA has become the first Doctor Who spinoff to get a piece of the concert-performing action. Despite the small segment, it's going to be an epic once in a lifetime gig. As such, jackharkness and I won't be missing it for the world! We've got our tickets, we hope you have yours!
We'd like to assert that The Sarah Jane Adventures, unlike its sibling spinoff, is not filmed in high definition. Consequently, we probably won't be seeing a Blu-ray release of the show anytime soon - if ever. :( On the plus side, we have got some genuinely exciting news to report to make it up to you!
You may recall us mentioning that Lis Sladen was due to appear at the Liverpool Philharmonic in a few weeks time, to present a two-hour Music From Outer Space concert. What we didn't know at the time was that SJA composer, Sam Watts, will also be in attendance! According to a recent update to his Myspace page, Sam will be at the Philharmonic organising a short concert suite of his work on The Sarah Jane Adventures!
SARAH-JANE.tv sent along a quick enquiry to Dan Watts, Sam's brother and composing partner, and learnt that the SJA segment of the show wouldn't be longer than 5 minutes. He wanted to keep the content of the segment a surprise, but we assume it'll consist of a medley of the show's most recognisable compositions. It may even include SJA's most signature tune, 'Until Next Time Miss Smith' [aka. the fan-favourite from the cinema trailer].
Performing compositions live in front of an audience has, thus far, been an honour bestowed only upon Doctor Who composer, Murray Gold. Beating out sibling show Torchwood, SJA has become the first Doctor Who spinoff to get a piece of the concert-performing action. Despite the small segment, it's going to be an epic once in a lifetime gig. As such, jackharkness and I won't be missing it for the world! We've got our tickets, we hope you have yours!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Feeling Blu
UPDATE: THIS IS AN APRIL FOOLS' JOKE =D
In a bold move by the BBC, The Sarah Jane Adventures has become the first ever British children's show to get a Blu-ray release! Currently only available in the US under Region 1, Amazon.com has recently put up a placeholder for a high-definition boxset of the first series; due out later this year.
Offering far superior video and sound than anything else available on the consumer market, Blu-ray technology will make watching SJA a truly cinematic experience! We tried to get in touch with the BBC regarding the release, but were unsuccessful in our attempts to get any information. We were, however, later contacted by someone under the alias of frail_polo09, who claimed to be a BBC Worldwide employee. Though there's no way to verify their identity, they were kind enough to leak us what seems to be an initial mock-up of the boxset:
The release date has been penned down for the 'third quarter' [sometime this Autumn] and as such, the cover art may be subject to revision prior to being officially marketed. Is this a response to Russell T. Davies' recent claims that not enough is being invested into children's TV? And as the second show in the Who family to receive a Blu-ray release, will the parent show ever follow in the footsteps of its spinoffs? More information as we get it!
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