Review: Fortean TV – The Complete Series
DVD: Fortean TV – The Complete Series (1997-98)
The Fortean Times magazine first came into being in 1973 and I remember seeing it on the shelves and occasionally buying the odd copy too, specifically during the 1980s and 90’s.
What I don’t remember seeing though is the Fortean TV show which was broadcast on Channel 4 between 1997-98, but thanks to this 3 disc set from Network I am now familiar with this quirky show.
Hosted by Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe (who also ends each episode with a little song that he’s made up about one of the stories which has been shown and is accompanied by of of his mates on an instrument…guitar, violin, etc) we’re taken across the world to discover weird and delightfully entertaining people and places involved in bizarre paranormal activities, the occult and decidedly mind boggling events.
There’s sightings of ghosts, yeti’s and sea creatures, along with Mother Teresa appearing in a muffin and a pork scratching that resembles the Virgin Mary. That alone should give you a little taster of what to expect.
As well as every episode from Series 1 & 2, Series 3 “Fortean TV Uncut” is also included; 4 episodes with unseen material from S1 & 2 as well as new stories. The set concludes with with a Christmas Special called “Xmas Files”.
I found every episode to be a hoot to watch, and as the end credits rolled (along with Reverend Lionel singing his song) I couldn’t help but find myself going “just one more episode” repeatedly until I’d flown through them all.
An absolute delight to watch.
Review by Dave from discs kindly supplied by Network on Air via Alternate Current.