OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttp://danchristopher1960.wix.com/saga-of-a-crew

A 'Review of the Reviews'

Every b-movie gets bad press and of course 'Saga of a Crew' is no exception.
There have been some negative reviews of the Film. All criticism both good and bad is welcome. A reviewer has the responsibility however to be factual or at least make a reasonable effort at observing the subject matter even if they find a Film totally irrelevant or in no way appealing to their particular taste.

One example of this was in regard to soundtrack quality of the 2006 version where a reviewer stated he 'could not understand what the hell anyone was saying.'
The reviewer, obviously angry that he was subjected to a Film released with sound quality issues makes a generalized statement which is false and might deter persons that indeed might enjoy the Film. It's like condemning an early 1930s film print for 'bad sound' or 'Nosferatu' for a 'scratchy picture quality' when in fact it is simply the nature of the beast! Lets not forget that Saga of a Crew consists mainly of archival footage. The 2008 Special Addition version has resolved most sound quality issues. (Please read more about the sound quality subject, covered at length in another post)

Another example regarding a reviewers responsibility to be reasonably observant might be illustrated by a more recent offering where the reviewer seemed to have difficulties following the plot and questioning what the premise of the space mission was about. Well, that's what an opening title narrative is for. Did he read it? Also the storyline of Saga of a Crew is quite simplistic to be truthful. A space fleet from Earth which has been searching for resources suffers a mishap and dispatches a 3 man crew to obtain a vitally needed substance. (an all to familiar [and obvious] theme in science fiction) After becoming stranded they struggle against time and their mental faculties to escape before the fleet goes out of range. Along with a subplot involving the elderly Engineers Daughter mounting a forbidden rescue attempt that is pretty much the story. Pretty simple, yet one reviewer trying to describe the plot starts out with 'as far as I can tell', and suggests the Film's title be changed!

I suppose the Film's producer/director must take some of the blame for bad press. One reviewer when in communication with the Film producer prior to the submission of the dvd stated 'you must be a sucker for punishment' seemingly referring to another negative review by one of his associated writers at the same website. After receiving a comment containing such predetermination how did this Filmmaker dare to think he could expect anything like an independent objective fresh review from a second reviewer at the same website. Well like Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott once said "fool me once shame on you - fool me twice shame on me!" or perhaps even better from Citizen Kane, boss Jim Getty's comment to Kane; "Only you're going to need more than one lesson. And your going to get more than one lesson!" In other words until Saga of a Crew is reviewed by a lover of B-movies or the low budget Film genre (I know they're out there - just look at the 1000s of b-movies in distribution) we shall have to continue reading such dribble from the reviewers whom hold Saga of a Crew to big box office technical standards and who's minds are in the clouds with vision blurred from so much Science Fiction Book reading that they have forgotten how to just have fun with a little Film like SOAC. So to potential reviewers everywhere, no more freebie copies, you'll have to order and PAY for your Saga of a Crew DVD like everyone else!

NETFLIX AVAILABILITY

As of this date you can reserve your rental of SAGA OF A CREW at NETFLIX

ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK

A well respected review website has recently posted their review for Saga of a Crew.

Alot of good criticisms were offered and were greatly appreciated by the producer. Humorous observations about the obvious quirkiness of the production were fun to read.

The review's primary issue of concern is obviously the soundtrack.

On the film's Official Website; www.sagaofacrew.com an honest disclosure is made to inform the public about the audio and visual conditions which one will encounter while viewing the DVD. These conditions are also noted on the DVD packaging. This feature utilizes old film stock that is now around 23 years old. The filmstock shows effects from wear and age.

While the soundtrack issue fully deserves criticism this review seems to give the impression that most or all of the spoken diolog is totally unintelligable. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. In fact, during test screenings people seem to comprehend most everything. Except for a few scenes where the sound was intentially loud (for example; the flight deck with engines warming up) the soundtrack noise , though unmistakable and at times quite annoying DOES NOT FULLY OBSCURE MOST OF THE DIOLOG. Also, some portions of the feature are indeed free of any soundtrack noise! On a home theatre system the soundtrack sounds better on STEREO rather than surround. UPDATE; THE 2008 SPECIAL EDITION NOW AVAILABLE INCLUDES MANY REVISIONS, ADDITIONS, AND IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING A VAST IMPROVEMENT TO THE SOUND QUALITY REMEDYING PREVIOUS SOUND ISSUES. PLEASE READ MORE ABOUT THE 2008 SPECIAL EDITION AT THE FILM'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.sagaofacrew.com

Along with new digital quality footage, Saga of a Crew is presented with original un-restored footage in it's present state of preservation to bring an almost lost science fiction 'B'movie finally to the public.

(framegrab-1983 footage) Sparrow Launch Sequence

Here the Sparrow single seat craft is guided by a Launch Technician using a remotely controlled Vehicle Tow Drone at the start of taxi run.

This full scale mock-up drew the attention of light aircraft pilots flying from a small airfield several miles from the location shoot. Photo copyright2006 Daniel R. Christopher Productions

(framegrab-2005 footage) Actress Judith Christopher pilots a Foreplane Intruder interceptor craft and rondevous in space with the overdue Sparrow craft. This was new footage created in 2005. These new scenes were used to replace some of the 1980s footage since the original actress never completed all the scenes the part required. Photo copyright2006 Daniel R. Christopher Productions

Give us your thoughts about Saga of a Crew.
Suggested subjects:
1) The plot
2) Special effects
3) Cast
4) Effects miniatures
5) Cheese factor!
6) Future technology as depicted in the film
7) Your overall review