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Review of Independence Day UK

Independence Day UK
Produced, written, and directed by Dirk Maggs
Starring Nicky Campbell, Patrick Moore, Toyah Wilcox, Colin Baker, and Simon Treves
1 Cassette – 1 Hour [AUDIO DRAMA]
ISBN: 1858496314
Date Published: 1995
Published by the BBC
Themes: / Science Fiction / UFOs / Alien invasion / First contact

I was very intrigued by this title, because First Contact is one of the themes in science fiction that interests me most. This title appears to have been released as a promotion for the movie called Independence Day. The story is new, though it follows the same lines as the successful film.

In this one, a BBC FM Radio station holds a UFO watch after spending some time previous to the story beaming signals into space with hopes that a UFO will respond. The whole thing is tongue-in-cheek and done in good fun. But then something does respond, and it’s headed this way.

The structure of the story is very much like Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds, which is referenced in the beginning. It starts out in a realistic way, the FM host Nicky Campbell reporting the news as it’s happening, then moving into a third person perspective after the aliens have landed, just like Orson Welles’ 1939 production.

I wasn’t fond of this audio drama for one main reason – the entire “realistic” part of it was simply not believable. Nicky Campbell was on an aircraft along with an astronomer (Patrick Moore) and reported live as they monitored the incoming signal. None of the performers in this part of the production act in a believable manner when presented with evidence of an extraterrestrial craft headed their way. It’s more of a “isn’t this interesting and amusing” attitude rather than a “wow, this is REALLY happening” attitude.

In the production’s favor, the host they used (Nicky Campbell) is a real BBC host, and the astronomer (Patrick Moore) a real astronomer, both of BBC Radio 1. In other words, these folks were not actors. Regardless, it just didn’t work, but perhaps the entire production was not meant to be taken seriously.

The rest of the production? More Dirk Maggs audio magic. UFO’s and jets dueling in the skies, all remarkably done with sound.

Posted by Scott D. Danielson

DON’T PANIC! The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Gala…

SFFaudio Online Audio

DON’T PANIC!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio saga continues this week on BBC Radio 4. Click here for BBC Radio 4’s Hitchhiker page.

The episode will air on September 21 at 6:30pm (England time) and with repeats on Thursdays at 11:00pm. Each episode will be available online for 7 days after the Thursday repeat. Check their website for full details.

Posted by Jesse Willis

Review of The Adventures of Superman

The Adventures of Superman
Written and Directed by Dirk Maggs; Starring a Full Cast
2 Cassettes – 2.5 Hours [AUDIO DRAMA]
ISBN: 056339370X
Publisher: BBC
Published: 1994
Themes: / Fantasy / Superhero / Comics / Audio Drama /

This BBC radio drama (originally heard on BBC Radio 1 FM) tells the story of Superman from his first appearance in the skies to his battles with Lex Luthor, The Bizarro Superman, and Metallo. Dirk Maggs adapted and directed the script, from stories written by John Byrne, Dave Gibbons, and Jerry Ordway, published by DC Comics.

The production is strikingly effective. On the back cover of the package, it says, “A movie without pictures – you won’t believe your ears!” That’s not rhetoric – this audio drama plays exactly like a movie. Scene changes are made, setting is established, and special effects all executed with sound. With headphones on and eyes closed, you can practically see the screen in front you. And the acting is uniformly excellent. Remarkable!

I enjoyed the production much more than I expected to, because not only did it sound great, the story was great too. The tale begins with the first appearance of Superman as he saves a supersonic jet from destruction. From there, Clark Kent sets up his alter ego, dons his costume, then spends the rest of the story fighting Lex Luthor (and his creations) while discovering his own origins. The entire thing was executed brilliantly, and the result is a production that I enjoyed more than any Superman film I’ve seen.

Posted by Scott D. Danielson

Check out our new feature! The SFFAudio Author Fo…

SFFaudio News

Check out our new feature! The SFFAudio Author Focus items will highlight the audio publications of specific authors. Our first is James Patrick Kelly. Check it out here.

Are there any authors you’d like to see? Send us your suggestions by clicking here and sending us an e-mail.

Other news:

Looks like things are finally coming together for the broadcast of the Tertiary Phase of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on BBC Radio 4. Click here for a page announcing the show – looks like September 21, 2004 is the scheduled broadcast date. There is a 4 minute preview on that page which sounds just great. Can’t wait to hear it! Find even more info at Above the Title Productions.

Have an excellent day, and thanks for visiting SFFAudio!

Posted by Scott D. Danielson

Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will be…

Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will be pleased to hear that a six part adaptation of Pratchett’s 8th novel in the series, titled “Guards! Guards!” will be airing on BBC7’s The 7th Dimension starting April 5th 2004.

This coincides with BBC7’s Audio On Demand service, which allows listeners around the world to download streaming content archived for five days from the BBC7 website!

If you’re even half as excited as we are at the prospect of CBC Radio picking up FASTER THAN LIGHT, a new Science Fiction & Fantasy radio show, that will be available through streaming audio around the world, you now have a way to show your support for the idea. Send a quick email to CBC Audience Relations at: [email protected]. You can also call CBC Audience Relations, use this number (416) 205-3700. I know I will!

Posted by Jesse Willis

Good news everyone! BBC7, the current king of Sci…

Good news everyone! BBC7, the current king of Science Fiction and Fantasy radio broadcasting, will be implementing an “Audio On Demand” (AOD) service starting Monday, April 5, 2004. BBC7’s The 7th Dimension has a minimum of 30 minutes of Science Fiction and Fantasy content every day of the week. This means that if you live outside the UK you’ll be able to tune into programs at your convienience – each program will be available through the AOD service for five days following the scheduled broadcast. Keep checking with SFFAudio for specific program announcements and links.

Posted by Jesse Willis