Do You Remember the 70s, 80s and 90s?

Famous Five Series 1 out now on DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Johnson) — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:55:00 +0000

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Enid Blyton's Famous Five series of books, the popular 1970s television adaptation is now out on DVD. The three disc set includes the entire first series comprising 13 episodes.

Meet the Famous Five: Julian (Marcus Harris), Dick (Gary Russell), Anne (Jennifer Thanisch), their cousin George (Michelle Gallagher) and her dog Timmy.

Ruined castles and rolling moors; mysterious islands and hidden caves: the five can find adventure wherever they are. Join them at Kirrin Cottage, or away on their holidays as they encounter smugglers, scoundrels and spies. Thankfully, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny are always around to offer lashings of ginger beer.

Based on the best-selling Enid Blyton series of books, this classic 70’s TV series also features the talent of classic British actors, including; Patrick Troughton, Ronald Fraser, Brian Glover, David Rappaport and an early appearance from Rupert Graves.

Head on over to our Facebook page and you could be in with a chance of winning a copy of the DVD set.

Enid Blyton’s Famous Five - Season 1 is out now on DVD from Koch Media. The three-disc set has a running time of approximately 350 approximately minutes and is available from Amazon now for £21.37

Watch a clip from the series:

Tribute to Donna Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:15:00 +0000

She brought sultry 70s disco into our lives with hits including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby. But sadly Hot Stuff singer Donna Summer passed away this week aged 63, after battling cancer. We couldn't let the Queen of D.I.S.C.O's passing go without posting a little tribute...

Mr. T goes from gold to green

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Johnson) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:20:00 +0000

Publisher Mohawk Media has launched its Mr. T series through its range of environmentally-friendly, paperless Eco Comics. Mr. T joins other famous names at Eco Comics including Dracula, Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, and Tough Guy.

The Hollywood hard man, renowned for his image of Mohawk haircut, gold chains and catchphrases, previously appeared in print in the publisher’s graphic novels. Editor Stuart Buckley says: "It was always our intention to release the Mr. T graphic novel as a comic book series. Each chapter was intentionally structured to be the same length as a comic book.

"However, we’ve had to adjust to market demands. The graphic novel has sold out. The digital titles of Eco Comics have no print run, and so will never sell out, meaning every T fan can order a copy. The added satisfaction is that the environment hasn’t suffered as a result of paper production.
"The clean cut art of JL Czerniawski makes this series a joy to behold in any format."

"This is great, and I am truly humbled," is how Mr. T describes becoming the star of a comic book in the foreword. And in the world exclusive interviews throughout the series, he goes further, including stating why he is an even tougher comic book hero than Wolverine. Series writer Chris Bunting adds: "I’ve gone to great lengths to do things never attempted, such as making T as close to a super hero as possible while retaining his classic persona. After over twenty-five years of fame, this action icon finally gets a rogues' gallery, and even a new catchphrase. Old and new T fans can expect plenty of other surprises too. "Plus the amazing formats offered by Eco Comics really help bring this classic character into the digital age."

The first five issues of Mr. T are available to order now in various digital formats via the Eco Comics store: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomicsThe US dollar cover price is 0.99 for the first issue, and 1.95 for subsequent issues.

Look who it is...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 21:03:00 +0000

The other night I was lucky enough to stumble upon the one and only Roger Walker (of Rainbow fame) as he played some brilliant banjo at The Sussex Arms in Twickenham, Greater London. And what a lovely guy he is - not only did he pose for a photo, he asked to be friends on Facebook (you can find him here).

Roger has worked extensively in television, from the 70s onwards - you may remember him for his role as a presenter/musician on kids' TV classics Rainbow (1976-1981) and Bodger and Badger (1989), or as Kipper in Big Deal (1984-1986), and even his role as Bunny in Eldorado (1992-1993). His acting is still going strong, too, with Roger more recently bagging guest parts in Heartbeat, Doc Martin, EastEnders and Holby City. Nothing beats Rainbow in our eyes though!

Spotted a star from the 70s, 80s or 90s? Let us know what they're up to now - we're always interested.

Easter viewing

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Here's a little something just right for when you can't move off the sofa because you've eaten waaaay too many Easter eggs - The Equalizer Season 2 has just been released on DVD!

You may remember The Equalizer from the late 80s. If not, Robert McCall (played by Edward Woodward) was kinda like the Jack Bauer of the 80s, on speed dial, promising to help "equalize" your life so the odds aren't against you any more. "Gotta problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer" as the saying goes. The show also boasts a score by Stewart Copeland of The Police, plus cameos from Kevin Spacey and William H Macy.

You can get your hands on season two here.

Paddington Bear: UK's Favourite Animated Character

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:14:00 +0000

Super Ted wasn't quite super enough. Wallace & Gromit won't be wearing the trousers any more. And, the meerkats? Just a bit too "simples". Because at the British Animation Awards in London this week, Paddington Bear from Peru was voted our best animated character of all-time.

Paddington was created in 1958 by former BBC cameraman Michael Bond, when it was unleashed on the public as a story book, of which 35 million copies around the world have been sold to date. The most popular of these were turned into TV animations, aired in the mid-70s, and they're still making kids everywhere consider marmalade sandwiches as a viable lunch option.

Three cheers for Paddington!

Do let us know your favourites below...

Upstairs, Downstairs

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Downton Abbey is sooo 2011... Here at Doyouremember.co.uk we're glued to the Beeb's latest remake of Upstairs, Downstairs.

Starring Ed Stoppard as Sir Hallam Holland and Keeley Hawes as Lady Agnes Holland, the period drama based on the original (pictured above), hasn't lost any of its charm. Filled with sharp-as-cut-crystal one-liners, sumptuous costumes and dramatic storylines, it's a must-watch. You may well remember the original, which aired in 1973 on ITV and followed the lives of the servants downstairs and the masters upstairs at 165 Eaton Place, London, during World War I. It starred Jean Marsh in the role of Rose, who is also involved in the Beeb's remake. We'd love to hear what you think of it!

RIP Whitney Houston

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:44:00 +0000

She was once America's sweetheart, famed for starring in hit movie The Bodyguard opposite Kevin Costner, and for a successful music career. So it's a sad day that we have to say goodbye to Whitney Houston, aged 48. The singer was discovered dead late last night in a Beverly Hills hotel room. It comes on the eve of The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, which she had been due to attend.

Born in 1963, Whitney Houston grew up in New Jersey, Houston, with a childhood steeped in gospel and soul music. Her cousin was Dionne Warwick and godmother Aretha Franklin. With what must be one of the finest voices of all-time, Whitney spent much of the 80s and 90s at the top of the charts (with 11 US number ones), collecting many well-earned awards, including a number of Grammys. Her biggest hit 'I Will Always Love You' remains the best-selling single by a female artist of all time, while others including 'The Greatest Love Of All', 'I Have Nothing' and 'Run To You'. She also achieved great reviews for her acting in The Bodyguard and Waiting To Exhale.

More recently, her life had been tainted by drug abuse and a reportedly violent marriage to singer Bobby Brown which ended in divorce in 2007. All of this had unfortunately taken its toll on her voice.

Fans and celebrities have come out in force to pay their respects to Whitney, with Dolly Parton saying: "I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song ' I Will Always Love You'" and Lionel Ritchie: "She was just a gift in voice".

We'll be celebrating Whitney's life by watching The Bodyguard - one of our favourite films of the 90s. We hope you'll be joining us.

Love is... Smurfy

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

If you can't wait for this summer's blockbuster, The Smurfs: The Movie, to be released, there's good news. As a little taster of what's to come, and to show all Smurf fans some lurrve, Arrow Films and Fabulous Films are releasing My Smurfy Valentine (out Monday) - just in time for you to wrap it up for V-Day!

In this little bundle of love there are four episodes, including 'Romeo and Smurfette' and 'Papas Wedding Day' - that's over 100 minutes of Smurf action. So, relive all your fave moments from this hit 80s show all over again. Get yours here.

Who said romance was dead?

G'day Sullivans!

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Eaglesham) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:04:00 +0000

Just like a trusty boomerang, one of our fave Aussie families are back - this time on DVD, as The Sullivans Season One Volume One is released on 12th March.

Forget Neighbours and Home & Away, cos The Sullivans was the first and longest-running Australian drama to be broadcast on British TV - and how we loved it until the show stopped airing in 1988. Starring Mel Gibson, Paul Cronin, Lorraine Bayly and Andrew McFarlane as your typical family from Melbourne in 1939, we experienced the trials and tribulations of surviving WW2 through their eyes - along with audiences in 20 other countries around the world. And if your memory's as good as ours, you'll know that even the queen of pop, Kylie Minogue, made a cameo. And if it's good enough for our Kyl's... Pick up your DVD box set for £29.99 from Amazon.

Fairdinkum!

The past will be BACK this Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:02:00 +0000

December is one of the most nostalgic months there is, if for not other reason than it's the month of Christmas. Without fail there will be a nostalgia-festival with old James Bond films, retro classics like Mary Poppins or E.T. on, not to mention Morecambe and Wise and then there's the classic music like Slade's "It's Christmas!" and The Wizzards "I wish it could be Christmas every day"!

Well December 2011 is even more retro-themed than usual, as it happens, with a whole host of nostalgic film releases.

First and foremost has to be the fact that Margaret Thatcher of the 1980's is going to be brought back alive - spectacularly - by Meryl Streep. The clips of the biopic film "The Iron Lady" that we've seen so far, have been eery in their accuracy! Meryl looks (and sounds!) just like Margaret Thatcher on the 1980's. The film is also a trip back in time to that turbulent era of strikes, low employment, and social chaos (issues that have been with us a fair bit in 2011, in fact.)

Then there's the return of 1970's cartoon stalwarts "The Chipmunks", who's film franchise continues unabated and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" sees them and their hapless owner (Jason Lee) Shipwrecked. Expect more high pitched singing and hi-jinx, just like the 1983-1990 cartoon, only in this time in optional 3D!

Not yet had enough? Well how about the remake of classic 1979 spy drama "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"? Where Gary Oldman takes Alec Guinness' role, as the put upon spymaster chief "Smiley". It's a classic tale and well worth a modern re-telling. Also 1970's TV series "Mission impossible" returns with it's high-octane Tom Cruisey-ness, more gadgets and explosions than you can shake a stick at! And then there's "Tintin" (who had a big part in my 1980's childhood though the comics). This film comes to the big screen as a massive 3D animation featuring the voice of Daniel Craig among others.

So all in all it looks like there's a lot to remember, this upcoming December! Enjoy it, though don't get so drunk on the past that you forget to buy friends and family presents!

Mark Hall, 1936 - 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:53:00 +0000

We all know the names of our favourite programmes from when we were younger - maybe it was Dangermouse or The Wind in the Willows, Count Duckula, Jamie and the Magic Torch or Cockleshell Bay? Though, the chances are that we probably don't know the names of the writers or creators of those programmes a fraction as well - however large a part of our childhood they were.

Well Mark Hall was one of those almost anonymous creators. Astoundingly, Hall created ALL (!) of the programmes I mentioned above. Alongside his college friend Brain Cosgrove he made surely some of the best childrens programmes of the 1970's and 80's.

Hall, was born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and was an artistic child who put on his own string-puppet shows for friends and then used those skills to good effect in his working life (so buy your kids some puppets now, if his work is anything to go by....) From 1969 he worked as a stop-frame animator, immediately working on some of the 1970's iconic kids programmes - such as the Noddy series.

Then, along with Brian Cosgrove, he started the hugely successful "Cosgrove Hall Productions" in 1976. First came the cartoon Jamie and the Magic Torch (1976-79), then the surreal Chorlton and the Wheelies (1976-79), then Danger Mouse, 1981-92, the secret agent operating out of a London postbox, Count Duckula (1988-93), about a vegetarian vampire duck, Cockleshell Bay (1980-86), Creepy Crawlies (1987-89), Noddy's Toyland Adventures (1992-94), they even made the brilliant 1989 film version of Roald Dahl's book The BFG - one of my all time favorite films.

I had no idea how far and wide Mark Hall's influence stretched into my childhood imagination! I think, in homage, tonight I will crack open a DVD of "Chorlton and the Wheelies" I have from a few years ago. I've been meaning to watch it for a while and this seems a fitting tribute. What a brilliant imagination Mark Hall had, he will undoubtedly be missed.

The Hitchikers Guide to 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:43:00 +0000

It’s exactly 30 years since the TV series of Hitch Hikers guide to the Galaxy popularized the book to millions of people, and the genius of Douglas Adams was writ large on the nations consciousness.

30 years is a long time, and many things can happen, many developments can occur, and while it is true that the Earth has NOT been bull-dozered to make way for an intergalactic superhighway, it is striking how many of the things Douglas Adams wrote about in his futuristic fiction have come to life!

For a start, there’s the Internet, that in 1981 that was barely a twinkle in Bill Gates’ eye. But when Adams described the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy (the magical book with the answer to everything...) it sounds almost exactly like the internet

“It has the answer to everything known, compiled by people all round the galaxy beaming in their copy and it being instantly available to anybody to read – over something called the subethernet.”

Or then there’s the Ipad/ Smart phone technology he describes:

“It's sort of like an electronic book, you press the screen, and it lights up and gives you an index and characters appear upon the surface.”

Visionary! There’s even predictions that came true about Artificial Intelligence, Genetically Modified Animals, Biological Computers, and satellite technology!

It’s almost to the point where I wouldn’t be surprised if the earth ended up being a giant super computer run by mice! Well, I would be surprised, just not as much as I could be.

Pick up the books again if you get the chance – they’re a staple at second hand shops – and have a laugh, they are truly as brilliant and as funny as you remember them! And you might even get a clue as to what the future holds for the 2020’s!

Sir Jimmy Savile 1926 - 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Sir Jimmy Savile was an iconic figure for almost half a century in the UK, a one-of-a-kind British celebrity that was as unique as he was recognizable. He will be missed by British people of every generation.

If you were a child of the 1970's or 1980's there's no doubt that you spent hours watching or listening to Jimmy.

He was a huge part of so many pivotal cultural TV and Radio programmes. He was the first presenter of Top of the Pops (and also presented the last one as well 42 years later!). He was one of the first DJ's on BBC Radio 1, and Radio Caroline. He even had his own comic impersonators in Harry Enfield's "Smashie and Nicey"

In the 1970s, he started presenting Jim'll fix it. Astonishingly it ran for 20 years, and made the dreams of over 1500 children come true! It was a constant presence on TV early evening on a Saturday during my childhood. The featured children would be brought forth at the end of each programme to receive his bling "Jim'll fix it" medallion. I always wanted one of those (Even more than a Blue Peter badge)

Sir Jimmy had an amazing life - he is credited with running the first ever disco's in the UK, he was a friend to Princess Diana and the other royals, he spent 5 years as a professional wrestler, smoked Havana cigars and wore more jewellery than BA Baracas.

He was also a tireless charity campaigner, giving away 90% of his income to charitable causes and earning a staggering £30 Million for charities in his lifetime. £30 million! ("how about that then guys and gals!") Extraordinary! He ran the London Marathon countless times too, and ran marathons well into his 70's.

So why not get him up on you tube, and have a nostalgic evening with good old Jimmy. He was classic, truly classic. Watch just a few snippets and you'll remember why...

The Complete Stone Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Do you ever think back to some of the best gigs you've ever been to and think "Ah, I'll never have a night like that again"? Well, perhaps you will.

In the last few months and years there have been a constant stream of bands you NEVER thought would reform, reforming - or at the very least talking about getting together very soon!

The most recent news is that 1980's band, The Stone Roses, who quit acrimoniously in 1995 after cancelling their Glastonbury gig the same year are reforming for a special gig. The band have barely spoken in 15 years, but the original members of the band - Mani, Reni, Ian Brown and John Squire have decided to bury the hatchet and it looks like the news everyone was waiting for - tickets for their shows sold out in 14 minutes! Yes, 14 Minutes! And tickets for the gig are reportedly selling for over £1000! The tour is certainly on the cards, so keep your eyes peeled!

With prices like that being bandied around it’s no surprise that even Oasis' Noel Gallagher thinks he could start talking to his brother Liam again soon - though their timescale is a lot more sober - they say Oasis could get together to mark the milestone of their 20th anniversary in 2015. The band split in 2009 after the pair fell out backstage before a gig in Paris.

'In 2015, if we can put our differences aside, we can tour and play the album (Definitely Maybe) in its entirety for the 20th anniversary,' he told Rolling Stone.

In the past few years it has been the trend of trends. But who can tell what bands will come back - Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley had once said "Hell would freeze over before we play together again.", and, well it must be chilly in Hades, as they've just finished a reunion tour! Is this illegal? Perhaps someone should call The Police? Ah, they already have, and Sting and his fellow musicians have reformed and are touring too!

Of course over a year ago there was the announcement that Robbie Williams would be re-joining Take That and touring with them. And then this week, well the inevitable (post tour) news that Robbie is leaving Take That again, and that he will never play with them. Never, ever, ever, again. Hmmmm, well, lets wait and see, it's amazing what 15 years can do to change your mindset...

Going back in time - to save money!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Nostalgia, isn't just about the toys, films, fashion, or celebrities of past decades, sometimes you can just look back and wish life was simpler and well, cheaper than it is today!

My Father's eyes mist over when he talks about being able to buy a pint of beer for 50 pence, or when he used to buy stamps for 4 pence each. Those days are surely gone for good? Well, perhaps not...

The cool people at liftshare.com have come up with a nice little idea to merge those nostalgic reverie's and a desire for a cheaper life into a smile-creating little advertising campaign!

They make the point that car sharing and being economical with your petrol can bring your petrol costs right down to 1980's prices! This is of course great, and also you’d produce fewer of those pesky excess greenhouse gasses that are creating global warming….

To highlight this point they've made a fun faux board game that literally takes you back in time through our recent history. You travel back through events like David Tennant becoming Dr Who, Britney Spears' first single, the first Harry Potter book, and first Toy Story film, way back into the 1980's when the Berlin Wall fell and there were Live Aid concerts.... And where do you find yourself? At petrol prices being 37 pence a litre (!).

Take a look as it seems a solid plan to help you travel back in time financially! (My Dad will be off to the pub with his 50p's shortly to give that a go too). Look it up here and you can find out about saving almost £1000 a year on your petrol prices, and also help save the environment into the bargain!

Thundercats! Ho!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:45:00 +0000

If you walk behind any 30 year old and say the three words “Thunder! Thunder! Thundercats…” there is a more than fair chance they will swing round and shout “Ho!!!!!’ – or well at least think it!

Thundercats were a massive part of an 1980's childhood – mine included. But they have been largely absent from our screen in recent years. I thought perhaps Mumm-ra the ever-living had finally caught up with them? Well, no they are alive and kicking and have been rebooted! Indeed, they started airing a brand new series on 11th September 2011 – Thundercats are BACK!

They are returning to the national consciousness faster than you think, with Thundercats action figures being released for this Christmas and even Peaches Geldof dressing up as Cheetara for the press launch of “Cartoon Network HD” - the channel that is promoting the new Thundercats series!

In fact demand for the new Thundercat figures has already outstripped supply.

There are a host of these new toys – so if you have children, be alert! Start looking now! The toy range consists of Thundercats figures, vehicles and role-play items from the brand new cartoon series, as well as Classic Collector Figures of Lion-O and Tygra from the original 80's TV show. The predicted top seller in the range looks set to be Lion-O's legendary weapon, the “Sword of Omens”.

I don’t know what the new series is like, I will seek it out soon, but they better not have messed with Snarf’s bad jokes at the end of each episode! They were classic indeed! Snarf!

Sonic the 20 year old hedgehog!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:54:00 +0000

Time flies doesn't it. One moment you're a 7 year old playing Sega Master system, battling the villains in the new sonic the hedgehog game. Next you're a 27 year old, playing a Nintendo 3DS, battling the villains in the new Sonic the Hedgehog game... hang on? It seems just technology changes!

But it’s amazing to think that Sonic is now an aged gent of the video game world. When he burst onto the scene as a Sega rival to the ubiquitous Mario Brothers Franchise he became an instant hit, an instant icon.

Really, you can’t argue with 70 million game sales! By the time he is only 20 years old too! If only I was that precocious.

All his original fans are now in their late 20’s and 30’s! I remember having to save up for a Sega Mega Drive – but not having enough money to buy one so I had to buy the Sega Master System instead, but that still had the Sonic Hedgehog game installed so I was happy as Larry! (Larry is very happy isn’t he?)

And Sonic continues on as strong as ever – the news is that there is going to be a whole new Sonic Game for the Olympic games in London! Long gone are the days when Sonic and Mario battled against each other for ownership of the games market – now instead they battle on screen as fierce, but friendly, rivals.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is actually happening! It’s almost finished – being developed by Sega Japan. The game will be released on the Wii on November 18, 2011 in Europe. It will also be released for the Nintendo 3DS in February 2012.

So keep on battling, get YOUR kids involved, and ready to get nostalgic again when Sonic reaches his 40th birthday! (My goodness I’ll be 57!)

Lovejoy!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:52:00 +0000

Ah, Ian Mcshane. He seems a whole world away from Lovejoy now – these days with his appearances in the iconic US series Deadwood, and as “Blackbeard” in “Pirates of the Caribbean 4”, it’s difficult to remember the humble beginnings of the actor.

But as "Lovejoy" Ian Mcshane was every part a charismatic talisman for 1980's Britain. The show was brilliantly British in it’s view and aspirations – what other country would choose one of it’s most popular programmes of the era to be about the antiques trade? Lovejoy was a loveable rogue, always with an eye for a bargain – and robin hood tendencies.

First shown in 1986, the show ran sporadically until 1994, for a total of 6 series. There were a few changes of actors in the series but the essential characters stayed the same.

One fairly big thing that did change was Lovejoy’s haircut! Lovejoy's mullet hairstyle came in for the second series and was a very very funny thing to behold – it’s worth buying an episode for that haircut alone!

Well, now, for the first time the whole boxed set of Lovejoy DVD’s are available to buy! Yes, all 73 episodes over the 6 series.

There are a whole host of cameo’s over the series – Joanna Lumley, Brian Blessed, Linda Grey, James Nesbitt!

Lovejoy the TV programme was actually based on a series of books by a novelist called John Grant. And in the series the Antiques trade became quite exciting to an outsider - Lovejoy had a reputation in the antiques trade as a "divvie", meaning one with a talent for recognising brilliant items. So it gave him a hero-like super power! Or that’s how my 11 year old brain saw it.

So, I you are watching the new Pirates of the Carribean movie and instead of a blast from the aft cannons, you fancy a blast from the past – buy up the boxed set! Lovejoy is waiting – with his mullet!

Get Telly on your Telly!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:23:00 +0000

He was perhaps the coolest cop that ever made it to the TV screens. He was certainly the Baldest one! While William Shatner was being all cool as TJ Hooker, and Peter Falk was hamming it up as Colombo, Telly Savalas was keeping it real with Kojak.

Kojak was a detective on the mean streets of 1970’s New York, as Telly said of the character: "he was basically an honest guy, tough but with feelings – he understood the criminals because maybe they grew up on the same kind of block."

The character was ranked 18th greatest TV character of all time by TV Guide. And it’s easy to see why.

Here, for the first time on DVD you can get the 4th and 5th series, and well worth the trip back in time they are too. He’s the coolest cat on the block – maybe just buy the DVD's so you can start emulating his “cool” at the next 70’s themed disco…

The show aired from 1973, to 1978. Kojak's Greek American heritage, the same as actor Savalas', was a big part of the series and the character and the series.

Interesting fact – which kind of reminds you about what the 1970’s was like - In the early episodes of the series, Kojak smoked heavily; but there was a growing anti-smoking campaign in America at the time and so the writers decided that Kojak had quit smoking. So.. he began sucking on lollipops as a substitute! What the Dentists of America would say about we aren’t sure…

He had a great catchphrase, "Who loves ya, baby?", yeah, who loves ya? We at DYR can only wish we were that cool. Perhaps we’ll crack open the lollipops, get in the wide lapelled suits and shave our heads and see where that gets us…? Or perhaps not.

The Day of the Smurf

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:19:00 +0000

July 29th and the Day of The Smurf has come.

We at doyouremember.co.uk saw the Smurf Movie today and can say that is was certainly not a disappointment - all the waiting was definitely worth it!

Indeed, we are still quite dazzled by the 3D effects, so maybe that is what has won us over? I mean who wouldn't want to be able to reach out and touch a real-life Smurf? But it was everything we hoped it would be. And we have a funny new pair of spectacles to wear whenever we want as well.

The plot of the movie has the Smurfs arrive in present-day Manhattan, chased out of their village and though a water portal (yes, one of those!), by Gargamel. They then have to find their way back to Smurf village before Gargamel finds them! It's very strange to see the Smurfs outside their normal setting of Smurf Village, but refreshingly fun too - when I was a child I always wanted to see them leave of the enchanted forest that they lived in...

Sure the voices of all the characters are slightly different from the original, but that's expected. Hank Azaira as Gargamel is brilliant though - there are some very funny moments with him and his cat Azrael.

It was a shame not to see so much of Jokey Smurf as he was my favourite when I was younger - always with an exploding birthday gift (why did any Smurf EVER accept a gift from him in good faith?). And they also introduced a brand new Smurf called "Gutsy Smurf", which was interesting (I guess they needed the guts in New York).

All in all it's a great movie, it was so cute and perfect summer holiday fodder for your little-uns. Those little blue Smurfs remain hilarious and adorable. And for the Dads - well Smurfette is also still strangely attractive (thanks to Katy Perry for that).

Smurf-thing old, Smurf-thing new

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:30:00 +0000

So, in preparation for the all new 3D Smurf movie, it is surely the right time to re-aquaint yourself with the 2D Smurfs of old! The wizened Papa Smurf, to remembering how Smurf-ette came into being! The whole story!

If the forthcoming 3D movie release is anything, it's the best excuse in the world to douse and bathe yourself in all things 1980's Smurf.

If you look, you'll still find snippets of the Smurfs on youtube as well as a healthy market for old collectable models and Smurf figures and games.

Indeed, this might be the perfect time to get your little ones into the “traditional” Smurf world, that way you can get your hit of nostalgia as the new generation gets hooked on what hooked you all those years ago!

There is in fact the whole original Smurf world out there for you to own, both series, in their full glory as well as an original feature length movie "The Smurfs and the Magic Flute". Of couse if you’re not a fanatic, and you didn't fancy every episode (or the cost that goes with a boxed set) there is even something special coming to all 2D smurf fans in the next few weeks...

In sync with the movie release there is a re-release of four favourite episodes from the Original classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon series: The Smurfette, The Good the Bad and the Smurfy, Papa's Wedding, All's Smurfy That Ends Smurfy!

So look into them! And then close you eyes and hear the familiar song and get transported that little mushroom village with those little blue pixies in short trousers and white bonnets that are only as tall as three apples! (English Cox's I believe)

July is the month of the Smurf!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:09:00 +0000

This month on doyouremember.co.uk, to celebrate the movie release of everyone’s favourite 80’s cartoon, we are bringing you a series of Smurf related blogs!

I’m sure you all remember the Smurfs, there was a time when they were everywhere and, well, it looks like they’re about to be everywhere again. In fact this month, once the release of the final Harry Potter film has come and gone, it will be the Smurfs theme tune that you’re humming along to while tucking into your Walls Feast!

The Smurf Film comes out on 29th July, at the end of this month, and the hype will be growing every day no doubt. In fact, last week was the Birthday of Peyo (1928-1992), the Belgian creator of the Smurfs comics, and was announced as … “Global Smurfs Day”!!

For Global Smurfs day, London's O2 arena became the O-Blue Arena (get it..?), Taiwan's landmark Red House turned into the Blue House and New York City's South Street Seaport turns into Smurf Street Blueport (bit of a stretch that one).

Adjudicators from Guinness World Records confirmed that a total of 4,891 people turned up at all these locations and more all dressed as Smurfs to beat the previous record of 2,510. People showed up in Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Holland, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Russia, South Africa, USA and UK!

The Independent Newspaper is already calling 2011 the year of the “Smurf Renaissance”, with opinion pieces in magazines asking everything from “Who is the coolest smurf?” to, “how to work your look like Smurfette” and in one health magazine “How to get Smurfit”!

So keep your eyes peeled and next week we’ll be looking at some of the coolest Smurf related buys you can make in the run up to July the 29th

Museums of Nostalgia!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Nostalgia is all around us these days - Vintage clothes are all the rage, every other films is a remake from the 1970's or 1980's, and even bands from our youth are re-forming and playing to packed out arenas.

Even so, there is a way that you can get even more immersed in your childhood this summer, and that is by visiting a nostalgia museum!

There are quite a few museums in the UK that offer trips back into the 1970, 80's and 90's. DYR visited a few recently and was rather surprised at how much we had forgotten about our recent past!

The "Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising" in London is perhaps one of the most remarkable and enthralling, and is definitely worth popping into when you are next in London. There you will find all manner of adverts, jingles, paraphernalia, that you didn't even know you hadn't forgotten! Likewise, (also in London) is the "toy museum" which is a must see with a lot of toys from the 1970's and 80's including the full range of Rubik's puzzles (he made a lot more than the simple cube you'll see!)

Further a-field there are even more, among them the magnificent "Land of the Lost Continent" museum in Craven Arms, Shropshire, and also the Museum of Jersey is holding a special showing of toys and memorabilia from people's childhood this summer. So why not incorporate a visit to one of these into a holiday? Maybe go all out and drive there in your ford Capri, drinking Capri sun, playing i-spy, eating wagon wheels, singing "We're all going on a summer holiday" and stay in a Butlins?

You know you'd love it!

Ford Capri's at the ready! The Professionals come to the Big Screen!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Ferns) — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Back in the 1970's TV criminals and terrorists were mostly taken into custody by the coolest Capri-riding, flare-wearing, perm-sporting, crime-fighting team you can imagine - "The Professionals"

Well, the news is that they are going to be back, and this time they are going to be hitting criminals on the cinema screen rather than television screens.

It ran for 57 episodes in all on ITV and had a big cultural impact on the 1970's and early 80's. I still remember a teacher at school who had a Ford Capri, and a leather jacket. I think he thought he was as cool as Doyle, but he was comically mistaken (as were, I am sure many middle aged men in the 1980's).

The 'team' were together between 1977 and 1983 and were played by Lewis Collins and Martin Shaw who played "Bodie and Doyle", they were led by a "not very civil servant" Gordon Jackson. They fought crime in a very similar way to Starsky and Hutch, some might say they were merely an imitation - but Starsky never drove an Escort RS2000!

It was high octane police work, as they felt up the collars of hit men, racist groups, espionage rings and terrorists. Often working beyond the law. They weren't afraid of disobeying orders to get a job done.

Well, Lionsgate films are going to adapt "The Professionals" for the big screen. It's official. They haven't cast actors yet, but they are promising "an exhiliarating, emotionally charged action thriller that re-forges the seminal TV series for a new generation". It will chart how they met and will be produced by the same person who made recent James Bond movies Casino Royal and Quantum of Solace!

So keep an eye out on cinema screens for a souped up Capri, or some very large flares, because the 1970's are about to come back and hit the big screen!