BF Changing Format?

Joined : 01 Mar 2007 Posts : 100

I noticed on the BF site that the new Dark Shadows series are now also in the talking books, or "dramatic reading" format, such as Companion Chronicles and Stargate.

Does BF seem to be changing the overall format?
This format of newer efforts seems to be coming more common.
DW, the just barely renewed S&S, and Bernice Summerfield are still audio productions, but are these now the exceptions?

Joined : 08 Jan 2008 Posts : 60

I just saw that on the BF site. Personally, I am not happy about the format change for Dark Shadows. The stories were decent but now having only two characters (no Quentin or Angelique even) is a letdown. The Stargate ones though are fine because of the way the story is being played out (the last one with Claudia being the best of the 3 so far). I don't get why S&S was barely renewed when reviews have always been consistent (above average) for the audios (unlike the DW line). Then there's Bernie - personally, the best of the batch has always been the first season and the rest relied too heavily on a continuing story.

On the DW audios, if you look on the back at the credits you'll see that most of the time (for quite some time) certain cast member so more than one role. It appears to me as cost-cutting choice. Either case, some of these changes are not good (particularly the DS one) and hopefully with enough feedback, they'll re-evaluate what is accepted and not accepted by the customers. I hope at least we'll get a couple of regular Paul McGann (Doctor # Cool

audios rather than these one hour ones. Finished venting...

Joined : 04 Feb 2007 Posts : 95

I hope this "talking book" phase does not hit other series - personally I HATE the talking books and will not have anything to do with them. I love the Sapphire and Steel audios, but if it switches to that format, forget it. I can't even stand the DW talking books. Yuck.

Joined : 08 Jan 2008 Posts : 60

I'm basically ignoring the BBC DW audios myself since the stuff they are releasing are for shows that are available still on video. If they released those that have been lost to us, then I'd reconsider.

Joined : 04 Feb 2007 Posts : 95

The BBC have finished all the stories that no longer exist on video, such as "The Massacre,""The Macra Terror," and many others. Why they're putting out audio stories that exist on DVD or in video form is beyond me.