TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
Children Of The Stones [1977]
![Children Of The Stones [1977]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SJTB6NCRL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £5.98 (subject to change)
A charming piece of television
Review date: 2008-07-14 Rating: 8 out of 10
I had never seen this series but took a chance on it based on others reviews; I was pleasantly suprised with the result. Granted it has dated and some of the production is on the cheap side (when the villian's seat swivels you can see his knees moving) but this is part of the charm. The score is brilliant and complements the claustrophobic atmosphere, and unlike childrens series today, it is witty and does not condescend but rather introduces some novel and thoughtful ideas (e.g. at what point do you become responsible for another's actions, thought control, etc.). Well worth it, treat yourself.
Similar Products
- Casting The Runes
- A Warning To The Curious (BBC Ghost Story For Christmas) [1972]
- The Owl Service - Series 1 - Complete
- The Signalman (BBC Ghost Story For Christmas) [1976]
- Beasts - The Complete Series
Reviews
Nostalgia Treat
Review date: 2008-06-03 Rating: 8 out of 10
Difficult for me to write an objective review of this one - it brings back memories of a summer holiday in Wiltshire during the 1976 heatwave, and then watching the scariest thing I'd seen on TV the next year. Much more memorably frightening than Dr Who.
Viewing it now, the music is still distinctly creepy and the general plot of mystery and loss of more & more villagers to the "happy-dayers" makes for a very good drama.
Some nice interviews for the DVD extras as well.
The acting is a bit flakey at times, and the ending which could be called enigmatic and thought-provoking is really more muddled and meaningless.
But its a dvd thats well worth watching - especially for those with fond memories of watching the programmes back in the 70s.
Oh dear........
Review date: 2008-04-27 Rating: 2 out of 10
I can appreciate how this DVD may work for those who watched the TV series when it first came out as nostalgia does tend to provide rose tinted spectacles. However, coming into this "cold", I found it to be pretty much a waste of time. The acting is pretty wooden & the plot takes an age to reach its inevitable & obvious conclusion.
If you're looking for this a better example of 1970's tv series fiction, try Survivors - much better & alot more compelling.
Memories Didnt Let Me Down!! Haunting & Atmospheric...
Review date: 2008-04-16 Rating: 8 out of 10
I first saw this ITV sci-fi series back in early 1977 at the tender age of 8 years old and really enjoyed watching it again 31yrs later!. Very often it can be a real let down watching these old series again with adult eyes but not here. Its very atmospheric despite its modest budget and is not heavily reliant on special effects (perhaps as well as this was pre star wars). The characters are well defined and the actors all acquit themselves well especially Iain Cuthbertson and Gareth(Blakes 7) Thomas. Indeed Cuthbertson's portrayal of the modern day druid/villain Hendrick is a real treat bringing a presence unusual for what was commisioned as childrens drama. Indeed this is far more intelligent than most adult science fiction of the time. It can best be described as a mixture of The Wicker Man & The Prisoner. There are also slight similiarties to the pagan ritual aspects of Halloween 3. The English countryside setting is a real factor here giving this an almost Dark Side Of Emmerdale feel! Much needs to be said about the eerie and haunting music that accompanies this and the highly atmospheric and scene setting titles - You would never think that Standing Stones against a background of cloud and sunbeams could appear so menacing! Id recommend a Google search just to view the opening credits - it will hook you I promise. I just wish the BBC would release The Changes (1975) on DVD as it was another sci-fi treat from my childhood.
Theres a real feeling on Children Of The Stones of the summer of 1976 when this was filmed and for those of us a certain age, its very nostalgic.
Extras are minimal on the DVD, basically 2 interviews, a photo gallery, and filmographies/production notes but for what they are, are decent.
Visual/Audio quality is excellent for a series over 30 years old - Top marks here.
Overall, a successful voyage down memory lane!!
Aaaahh-aahh.........
Review date: 2008-02-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
I remember this series well. I couldn't wait to get home from school to see its next installment (I was 11 yrs old at the time). Roll 30 years forward and I got it for my own daughter(also 11 yrs old!). She loved it just as much and had all her friends round to watch. I cannot understand why it was never repeated. Its a fantastic production for its time and just the right creepy/scare factor for pre-teens to enjoy!
1st class!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
John Woodnutt
Peggy Ann Wood
Richard Mathews
June Barrie
Ian Donnolly
Director(s):
Recording label: Second Sight Films Ltd.
Manufacturer: Second Sight Films Ltd.
EAN: 5028836030393
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2002-10-07
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Theatrical release date: 1977-01-10
Language: English (Original Language)