“I know what’s real.”

Picking up right where the last bulletin left off, after the initial drop of a plot synopsis and the first images of Blade Runner 2099 yesterday, we’ve now got a release date and a trailer! The series will release on Amazon Prime on November 25th, which is interesting as it was very recently being projected for release in 2027. I think there’s been some talk of trouble with the production of this one, and two years of post production/a shroud of mystery over the project probably fuels that stuff. Let’s hope it’s more of a case of them making sure they really nail the visuals of such a rich world and that it will live up to the two films in that regard at least.

The trailer looks very promising as far as I’m concerned, but sure, when you’re building off of two sci-fi masterpieces it’s just a hard act to follow in every possible way. I think at a glance there seems to be an understanding of the aesthetic and a real effort to maintain and build upon it. I can’t wait to see it.

An interesting piece of physical media news, it appears that Network are back! Well, kind of. The UK label closed its doors a few years ago, and being home to such a vast catalogue of British television and films it was really disheartening to hear it was folding. I was surprised to hear today through a YouTube video that they were back up and running, but upon closer inspection it appears an entirely new team have resurrected the brand.

Looking through the website is quite interesting and you can take a look at the original address for yourself: www.networkonair.com There’s an “archive” section to basically preserve information on all of Network’s releases, and just over 150 titles on sale, including some out of print releases, with some of them being branded “pre-loved.” It’s an interesting start and I’d be intrigued to see where it moves forward, even if a large majority of Network’s original output wasn’t of huge interest to me, I’ve bought and enjoyed quite a few of their releases over the years.

Given how excellent their blu-ray set of the entire 7 Up series was (the reborn site currently has a standalone blu-ray of the last film from 2019: 63 Up), it might be a big deal if the new Network team can revive that collection and then strike a deal to release 70 Up on blu-ray after it comes out later this year. For anyone who isn’t aware of that series, look it up, they’re truly fascinating documentaries and a huge part of British television history. Collectively those films are an incredible piece of work and I’m so glad it’s (presumably) being brought to a proper close this year with the tenth installment after sixty three years!

I spent most of my time watching The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) today thinking: “IS that Tom Baker?” And while Lucas wasn’t as thoroughly engaged with this one, by the time the centaur and griffin fight went down at the end he was gasping in awe. This time, he told me gravely that the two fallen creatures would need a “spooky doctor.” While it didn’t quite have the same kind of feeling as the previous Sinbad film, which came right out of the gate with a big setpiece featuring a cyclops, Golden Voyage was absolutely brilliant. The writing was great, and the pacing, sense of adventure and effects all worked in very effective unison. A true high bar in adventure films!

The sequence with the six armed statue coming to life was jaw-dropping to behold, and in general the way these elements are all brought together on screen is just so ambitious and impressive. They really went for it, integrating the stop motion animation with real life actors on a partial set that is then blended with a miniature set, all in the same shot! The blu-ray features Super 8 versions of the film, short sequences, some in colour with sound, and others in black and white with no sound. I watched some of the six armed statue reel, which was a silent one, and holy shit did it look awesome.

Coming from the gorgeous 2K restoration it obviously can’t compare quality wise, but due to the grainier black and white, that integration of the live action and stop motion looked so seamless. Such a fascinating piece of film/”home video” history to see, and to imagine watching one of those Super 8 reels fifty years ago… so cool.

Lastly, Spaceballs: The New One is being featured at Comic Con at the moment, and I’m VERY invested in how this particular legacy sequel will play out, the original being one of my all time favourites. Still no trailer, but they played a brilliant gag out in the room by unveiling a Spaceballs Cinematic Universe of sorts, and their plans to milk the franchise for all its worth. I hope they release full res versions of these layouts because it’s so fucking funny.

Some of my favourites: Dark Helmet Origins 2 (Even Younger), Spaceballs: The Snyder Cut, Spaceballs Vs. Spaceballs Vs. Spaceballs, Spaceballs: Enough is Enough (2039), Spaceballs: Enough is Never Enough (2040), Dark Helmet Origin Origins (Where It All Began), along with all of the playful and confusing layouts of release dates, phases and viewing orders. Perfect.

Update: they did in fact post the full res versions on the official Spaceballs social media account, so I’ve arranged the ENTIRE roadmap for the sheer ludicrousness of it all, enjoy!

That reminds me, I’ve got to change the combination on my luggage!

Luke