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Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 8:57 pm
by Robo
This is a series that might be worth a look. In particular, George Lucas is number 8 in the 8 part series. At the risk of starting a flame war, I wasn't so sure that he deserved to be in the list, as the rest are authors, but then I am not sure Mary Shelley deserved to be there either (also includes HG Wells, Jules Verne, Philip K Dick, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C Clark).
I have seen five out of eight so far, and they aren't bad, if you know the subject pretty well then there will be plenty that isn't new, but there are some interesting perspectives. Ridley Scott is in all I have seen so far, and there are plenty of other talking heads with cred (and some without, I feel).
Anyway, take a look if you get the chance. It's torrentable.
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 5:10 am
by oota goota
sounds good! I'll have to chase that up
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 5:36 am
by Buzz Bumble
I haven't seen it, but the series was released on DVD / Blu-ray last month. Here's what it said in JB Hi-Fi's freebie
Stack magazine (which seems to be hitting the branches later and later each month) ...
Prophets of Science Fiction
Having directed two of the genre's all-time classics (Alien and Blade Runner), Ridley Scott is the perfect host for this 8-part documentary series that looks at the masters of science fiction and how their visionsry work has influenced a number of key scientific and technological discoveries.. The 'Prophets' discussed here are undeniably the best in their field - Mary Shelley, H.G. Wells, Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Jules Verne, Robert Heinlein, and, err, George Lucas. Whether the latter belongs in such esteemed company is open to debate, but there's no denying that collectively they've made the world an amazing place. Detailing both their invaluable contributions to the genre and the practical application of their ideas throughout the decades, this is a must-have for sci-fi fans and anyone interested in how the visionary fiction of yesterday is becoming reality today.
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 6:14 am
by Robo
Good to know. I have watched all of them now <cough>. The approach with Lucas actually does a reasonable job of justifying his presence, but anyone could argue for inclusion or exclusion of anyone really. Frankenstein was barely science fiction, rather than fantasy, and was virtually the only book she wrote that anyone has heard of (well, that I have heard of). HG Wells and Jules Verne are pretty darned impressive, especially the way the docos beat their accomplishments up.
It was a pretty decent series, I think.
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 8:37 am
by fredstar
Or download them ...
Admin note: links to copyrighted material deleted.
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 8:32 pm
by Buzz Bumble
Robo wrote:... anyone could argue for inclusion or exclusion of anyone really.
Yep. You could add Gene Roddenberry, for example (to bring up the "other" franchise). Apparently the "experts" are working on impulse engines and now believe that warp drive is possible, as well as teleportation. Then there's things like the PADD (tablet computers) and communicators (mobile phones) which now already exist, plus an early version of the tricorder diagnostic tool and needle-less injections. Of course, whether Gene Roddenberry actually created those things or re-used other people's ideas is questionable, but then the same goes for all those other people.
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 8:54 pm
by Robo
You make a good point. I doubt that many sci-fi writers are looking to predict the future as such. Sci-fi is often a commentary on current issues framed in a futuristic setting to provoke thought and avoid offending people. I suspect many devices and technologies are merely there because they are cool, or help the story.
I was surprised in particular that Orson Scott Card was not there, and there are plenty of others that maybe deserved a mention, Mr Roddenberry and even possibly Rod Serling (he wrote some episodes of the Twilight Zone and was very influential in many ways).
I am beginning to get a bit tired of documentaries, they can be far too slow, repetitive, and superficial, but I thought this series was not too bad.
Re: Discovery Channel show - the Prophets of Science Fiction
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 9:28 pm
by oota goota
found it on the tube. yeah I enjoyed it too Rob a good short summary of their work, esp Wells and Verne. Some of the production value was a bit cheesy but I really like the way they contextualised those dudes work. nice!