12.24.09. It seems like been forever since we were last on the internet airwaves... but better late than never, right? In our latest podcast, we talk about Darien's Rise, Album 51, and make a couple important announcements!
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Running Time: 27:47
Well, we're back! Almost. Haha, it's nice to know we were missed. We'll have a new podcast for you on Christmas Eve, so be sure to check back soon!
Hey all, this is Sarah! YAY! I just wanted to let you all know that Chris and I hope to be recording soon. You definitely do not want to miss this podcast! We will be explaining the partial reason for why it has taken us so long to record. and why I have been so busy. A hint though - the surprise is not AIO related. :) Guess away and tune in to our next podcast to find out the answer! :D
Love you guys and Happy (American) Thanksgiving! :D
Sarah
After months of speculation and anticipation, we finally have new information on the upcoming album! Today, the Official Podcast released its latest episode... a video podcast, in fact. It reveals a plethora of exciting details about Album 51. So what are you waiting for?! Check it out and let us know what you think!
In case you haven't checked out the latest Official Podcast, be sure to head on over and watch the video podcast! Bob and Jesse give us a brief tour of foley room, plus they unveil the finalists for the Passages art contest. What podcast viewers may or may not have caught, however, is a sneak peak of the script for the episode, The Inspiration Station. Thoughts?
Ever wanted to hear what Sarah and I were talking about when we first started our podcast back in 2007? Missed our interview with Dave Griffin (voice of Jimmy Barclay)? Want to catch up on some episodes you've missed? Well, now you can! I recently went through all our older podcast entries, which originally didn't have streaming options, and updated them to include download and streaming links. Simply click on the show latest podcasts link under the Podcast Archive section on the right-hand side. From there, you can access all our podcasts! (Note: Because the link only shows the last twenty podcasts, you'll need to click on "Older Posts" to view older podcasts).
10.10.09. It's been three weeks since Darien's Rise made its official debut on the radio and we're back to talk about the first three episodes! Have a listen and then let us know what you think! Are you happy with Shane Baumel and Rachel Fox as Kyle and Anna? Has Darien's Rise captured your interest or does it leave you wanting more? Don't forget to check out part four over at the Official Site!
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Running Time: 30:24
I hope you all enjoyed our interview with Paul McCusker! As many of you know, one of his latest projects is The Screwtape Letters. This highly anticipated radio drama will be available for purchase on October 15. In case you missed it, the Screwtape Letters website went live late last week. Be sure to check out the site, as there are a lot of audio and video goodies to be found. Plus, don't forget to follow Screwtape and Wormood on Twitter!
09.19.09. After several months of great anticipation, Darien's Rise finally makes its official radio debut today! If you haven't heard it yet, head on over to Whit's End and check out part one of this exciting drama. When you're done, be sure to have a listen to our latest podcast, which features our special guest, Paul McCusker, who joins us to talk about his time with Focus, Passages, his work on various Radio Theatre projects, as well as the upcoming season. You won't want to miss our exclusive interview with this long time writer and director for Adventures in Odyssey!
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Running Time: 50:22
Many thanks to all of you who submitted questions for Paul McCusker. We'll be interviewing him later today and releasing the interview on Saturday. Stay tuned!
With only two days left until the airing of Darien's Rise, consider this your last chance to submit questions for Paul McCusker. We will be closing the submission page around midnight, so get your queries in while you still can!
Just five more days until Darien's Rise airs on radio stations across the country. It seems like it's been forever since we've had a new episode to discuss, but our hunger will soon be appeased! For those of you in the United States, you can purchase your own copy of the album at Christian Book. Canadian listeners may have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the album, but can place their order at the Focus bookstore. And don't forget to submit your questions for Paul McCusker! We will be interviewing him later this week and releasing the podcast on September 19th. Send your questions now!
Over the last couple years, we've been extremely privileged to speak with the likes of writers Nathan Hoobler and Marshal Younger, as well as actors Dave Griffin, Lauren Schaffel, Genni Long, and Katie Leigh. (Check out the sidebar to listen to those interviews!) It's been a long time coming since we've spoken with a member of the Odyssey team, but today we're pleased and proud to announce our next interview will be with writer Paul McCusker.
As the creator of the Passages series, Paul recently directed the radio adaptation of Darien's Rise and is currently working on the shows for Album 51. If there's anything you've been dying to know about Passages or Darien's Rise, don't delay!
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Well, I know a lot of the focus lately has been on Passages, but I couldn't pass up on this bit of news. In their product page for Album 51, Tyndale now includes a brief description of what we can expect for this March 2010 release.
It’s back to the basics in Take It from the Top, the long-anticipated 51st album of Adventures in Odyssey! Enter Whit’s new invention, the Inspiration Station, and find out why Connie wants to spend so much time in it. Solve mysteries with local sleuth Emily Jones, and learn why 10-year-old Matthew Parker doesn’t think being “target of the week” is such a good thing. Catch up with Whit, Connie, Eugene, and Wooton, and meet two new families, as they learn lessons about responsibility, revenge, and God-given inspiration. Whether on a baseball field, at home, or at Whit’s End, there’s never a dull moment in the town of Odyssey!
We've known for a while about the Parker family, which includes the brother-sister tandem in Matthew and Camilla. I'm always intrigued whenever new kids are introduced, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of personalities they'll bring to the show. After the first hiatus ended in 1997, there was a complete turnover for their kid actors, and listeners were introduced to characters like Jared DeWhite, Sarah Pratchett, Dwayne Oswald, and Lisa Mulligan. With the presumed departure of Tamika, Marvin, Mandy, and Trent, it seems like the end of this hiatus will see a whole host of of new kids brought to Odyssey. I'm hoping that Matthew, Camilla, and Emily will be able to interact with existing kids, such as Grady or Kelly, but we'll see what happens. Only six months to go until the new season begins!
For those of you keeping track, Darien's Rise airs in only nine days. To celebrate the release of this highly anticipated radio drama, we'll be announcing a very special surprise sometime tomorrow. Stay tuned!
09.05.09. We're finally back after an extended hiatus, just in time to see Odyssey's hiatus come to a close. In this podcast, we address some of the biggest news since sliced bread! Included in our list of topics are Passages: Darien's Rise, Andre Stojka, and Album 51. Leave a comment or email us at aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.
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Running Time: 23:48
Ever wanted to be an actor for Adventures in Odyssey? Well, here's your chance to have your voice heard on an upcoming episode! The good folks over at the Official Site are holding open auditions to anyone interested. All you need to do is record a brief response to the question question, "How am I inspired by Connie Kendall?" Whichever entries the Odyssey team like the most will be included in the season premiere, tentatively called The Inspiration Station, which will air in March 2010. But don't delay! This contest is only open until Friday, September 11th.
For those of you who entered in the Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt, we have some exciting news to share. Tomorrow, on the Odyssey Scoop, we will be announcing the contest winners, in addition to their stories! Be sure to keep any eye on your inbox, as we will be emailing our winners within the next few days.
Over the last couple weeks, a lot of new and exciting stuff has been coming out, the most significant of which was the first episode of Darien's Rise. If you haven't had the opportunity to have a listen, be sure to check it out soon! I'd love to hear your thoughts on Andre Stojka, Shane Baumel, and Rachel Fox.
Also making headlines this past week was the release of the album artwork for Album 51: Take It From the Top. It features a very stylish, green-sweater-deprived Connie with Eugene getting what appears to be a buzz cut. I'm thinking Eugene loses a bet, or maybe does this to raise money for Hand Up. I like how the album title has both a literal interpretation - as seen in the illustration - as well as a figurative meaning, which will probably be made more clear once we hear the episodes. I get the feeling that Odyssey is returning to the style of the more "classic" shows from its earlier years. In many ways, Odyssey will be going back to the beginning... or taking it from the top. ;)
The repackaging project continues its gradual march towards completion, as Album 43: Along for the Ride recently received its re-framed cover. Once again, as is the case with much of Gary Locke's designs, the colors are fresh and vibrant. I probably sound like a broke record by now, but it's true - this new cover is a definite improvement over the original cover.
Many thanks to all of you who participated in the Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt. We received an overwhelming number of responses, with lots of great story ideas. Judging is currently underway, so stay tuned to the Odyssey Scoop to see if you're our grand prize winner!
Last, but not least, Sarah and I will be making our return to the podcast airwaves! There's certainly no lack of news to discuss, so be prepared for an onslaught of Odyssey discussion this weekend. As always, feel free to send us your comments or questions to aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.
Almost a couple months ago, Rachel Fox, voice of Anna in Darien's Rise, posted a video of herself in studio with Shane Baumel (Kyle) and Pete Reneday (Old Judge). Over at the Town of Odyssey, one fan has made another fantastic discovery - a ten minute video clip of Shane Baumel recording a scene with the actors who play Darien and Michelle. What's particularly interesting about the video is getting to hear Paul McCusker direct the two actors. Take a look and let me know what you think!
So you think you're the biggest Passages fan? Well, here's your chance to prove it and win a fabulous prize!
How do I enter?
1. Answer each of the 5 questions posted on The Odyssey Scoop, AIO Wiki, and The Unofficial Podcast. You must answer at least 10 of the 15 questions correctly in order to move on with the contest. It may be wise to answer all 15 questions.
2. Next, come up with your very own Passages episode! Of course, we don't expect a full novel. Simply write a 300-500 word plot summary of a hypothetical story involving Marus. You may use characters from the existing books or you may come up with your own characters. Plot summaries will be judged by their creativity, originality, and Biblical integration. Please pay attention to correct grammar usage, though we will make grammatical corrections before publishing the winners' entries.
3. Submit your answers and plot summary by visiting The Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt Submission Page.
When is the deadline?
You have until August 31st at 11:59pm eastern time to complete the contest. Winners will be announced Saturday, September 5 at The Odyssey Scoop.
What if I have never read Darien's Rise from the Passages series?
There's no need! This contest was created for anyone to enter, regardless of having read the books or not. Don't tell anyone, but you may want to start at the Passages Website for clues.
What do I win?
The participants who answers at least ten questions correctly and offers what we deem to be the best plot summary will win a free copy of the upcoming radio adaptation of Darien's Rise. We will also choose four runner ups, all of whom will win a poster of the cover artwork signed by the crew! All of these fabulous prizes are compliments of Focus on the Family and the creators of Adventures in Odyssey!
Let's Get Started...
The Odyssey Scoop, AIO Wiki, and The Unofficial Podcast are looking for answers! It may be a good idea to keep your answers in a safe place until you have them all. Any questions you may have throughout the course of this contest should be directed to passagescontest@odysseyscoop.com.
6. Which city is an ally of Marus?
7. What's the name of Kyle and Anna's uncle?
8. Who rescues Anna from being sold as a slave?
9. In which city did Darien's defeat Commander Soren?
10. Who is the author of Passages?
Watch the Trailer!
Sorry I haven't updated in a while! Things have been crazy busy on my end, and I'm currently enjoying my final few days on vacation. However, after the latest news released on the Official Site earlier today, I couldn't keep silent any longer.
But first, allow me to quickly get this out of the way. As many of our loyal listeners have astutely pointed out, the cover art for Darien's Rise has been updated to a much more original and artistic design. I love how they kept the castle theme in the artwork, while using the evening setting to highlight the two moons of Marus. A vast improvement, in my opinion, from the original design.
Now to the biggest news we've heard since Walker Edmiston's passing. John Avery Whittaker, perhaps the most beloved character to grace the show, will no longer be voiced by Paul Herlinger. After fourteen years of dedicated service, Paul will be handing the reigns over to Andre Stojka, a talented actor who has reprised the role of several characters played by Hal Smith (including Owl from Winnie the Pooh). You can find out all the details by checking out the Official Podcast's latest episode. Have a listen and let me know what you think! I'll be posting my full thoughts on it later this month.
We now have the final artwork for both the two highly anticipated dramas coming this fall! The first one features virtually the same illustration as the book. It's definitely disappointing not to see much originality in the design, save for the titles. This could have been a really exciting cover.
In my opinion, the cover for The Screwtape Letters is significantly better. It's unique, it's eye-catching, and it's not a replica of a previous book cover.
And the video clips keep pouring in - this one courtesy of Focus on the Family and blogger Christopher Kou. There's plenty to enjoy in this preview, including thoughts from director Paul McCusker, Douglas Gresham, Andy "Screwtape" Serkis, and Philip "Malachi" Glassborrow!
One fan over at the Town of Odyssey discovered the following YouTube video of Rachel Fox in studio recording for the upcoming radio adaption of Darien's Rise. In it, she also has a short "interview" with Jim Cummings, voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.
Although we're still eleven weeks away from the first episode of Darien's Rise, we're steadily getting more and more information. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting excited! Here's a rundown of the known actors' list.
Rachel Fox - Anna
Shane Baumel - Kyle
Pete Renaday - the Old Judge
Jim Cummings - King Lawrence
YAY! I talked to my secret source and well I think we got things figured out. So here's the recipe like I promised everyone:
You take ------
WAIT A MINUTE!!!!! You guys were trying to trick me into giving you the recipe! Well that didn't work on Jason with Raspberry Ripple and it won't work on me with WodFamChocSod's either. Remember, Me + Jesus is ALWAYS a majority. ;)
I'm sorry guys, I tried, but I just can't tell you how to make one. My source made me promise to never ever tell anyone EVER! Apparently it's a matter of national security or something like that...hmm you know..they DO have the Air Force Base or Academy or something right near them...hmmm...I wonder..... Anyway, I guess you will just have to go to Whit's End in Colorado Springs to taste one! Sorry I couldn't help guys, but I promised on pain of death, and well, if I give in and tell you then we'd probably get cut off from all our inside information, and then we wouldn't be able to make you happy as a listener, and THEN where would we be?!
Ok for now this is Sarah signing off
If it's seemed like forever since we've last had a album repack update, it's because it has. This past January saw new designs released for Album 22 - and today, over five months later, we finally have new artwork to unveil! This particular cover was briefly featured in the last video podcast, in which we saw a preliminary sketch for Album 28. But now we have the full, completed art in all its high resolution glory!
As I've mentioned several times in the past, I'm a huge fan of Gary Locke's illustrations - and once again, I'm thrilled with this new design. Not only is it a vast improvement from the original cover, which had one glaring inaccuracy with Jason depicted at City Hall, but it also conveys a lot more vigor and excitement. What do you think?
Ever since Dave Arnold spilled the beans about The Screwtape Letters being dramatized for Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre, fans of C.S. Lews' classic novel have been waiting on pins and needles for more news. At least I have anyway. As we saw at the end of the last video podcast, Andy Serkis will be lending his voice for the role of Screwtape.
According to product descriptions from Christian Book and Tyndale Publishers, the final product will include three or four CDs as well as a behind-the-scenes DVD documentary and is slated for an October 2009 release. I don't know about you, but this is definitely something for which I'm extremely excited!
06.20.09. It's our first summer podcast and we're back to talk about the latest Odyssey news. Plus, we unveil our first ever top five list! Leave us a comment or send us an email at aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.
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Running Time: 27:12
Things sure have heated up in the Odyssey world since my last post. Starting with the Washington Secret Word Contest, fans will have the opportunity to access special bonus contest from the Official Site by listening to the weekend shows this summer. Don't miss out!
Paul McCusker and Dave Arnold were recently interviewed on the Cornerstone Television Network about their time working on Odyssey. The broadcast ran an hour long and featured several scenes from the AIO: Live! DVD. It was certainly a welcomed sight to see Odyssey getting this type of publicity. Right-click and save here to download... or click the play button below to stream it.
Last, but certainly not least, we'll be releasing our next podcast this Saturday!
Darien's Rise
by Paul McCusker
Summary: Rising out of obscurity into a position of prestige and power, a young man remains humble as he demonstrates abiding loyalty to his king. Sound familiar? Maybe that's because it is! Except this tale has a twist involving two siblings from Odyssey. When Kyle and Anna find themselves inside the strange and mystical land of Marus, they are initially incredulous of their surroundings. With swords and pistols being brandished as modern weaponry, the two children seem to have been transported a couple centuries back into the past. However, they aren't just any normal strangers to Marus; it appears they have both been called for a purpose. As the plot unfolds, Kyle and Anna find themselves on two different paths. Yet by the end of it all, they both learn valuable lessons that will stick with them for a lifetime.
Review: I had the "advantage" of reading 1 Samuel at the same time, so I was constantly making comparisons as I read Darien's Rise. One of the things which stood out to me was the tale of David and Goliath retold as Darien and Soren. It's one of the most well-known Bible stories and has even morphed into one of the most commonly used themes in film and literature - "overcoming the giants in your life." I'd heard the story so many times I'd never really given it a second thought. Until I read it again in Darien's Rise. David used a pebble and slingshot to kill Goliath. What an incredible demonstration of faith! How it must frustrate our Lord when we gripe and complain about our difficulties. We so quickly forget that us plus Jesus equals a majority! I've heard it said before that we need to stop telling God how big our mountains are and start telling our mountains how big our God is. That's what Darien did. Amidst relentless persecution from the very person he swore to protect, Darien remained steadfast in his faith.
Another person who never wavered was Anna, the one called by the Unseen One to be a prophetic voice. She believed the Unseen One would protect her and Kyle - even when it seemed like the odds were stacked up against them. Much like Darien, Anna gradually grew into spiritual maturity by stepping into and then exercising faith. Kyle, on the other hand, never fully accepted his calling and instead began to allow pride to get in the way. His actions mirrored that of King Lawrence, who glorified himself instead of the Unseen One. In a way, it was fitting that they both met their doom in the Valley of the Rocks. As the Palatian soldiers closed in them, Kyle and Lawrence each recognized that the cause of their impending demise was lack of faith. Furthermore, they both lacked humility. Kyle wanted to be the hero and Lawrence wanted to remain king. But as Luke 14:11 reminds, "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
I especially enjoy how Paul McCusker's Passages series, which is essentially a contemporary version of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, creates an environment in which the Unseen One is so tangibly real and alive. As Christians, we often forget that God is real and alive in our own world. The problem isn't that He isn't doing anything - the problem is that we aren't paying enough attention! Like Kyle and Anna discovered, we too have a specific and unique purpose in life. Our responsibility is to pursue Christ so that he will reveal his good and perfect will to us. Are we up for the challenge?
Rating: 4 out of 5
We've hit the summer lull where Odyssey news is about as scarce as water in the Saraha. But that doesn't mean the fans haven't been busy! Over at the Ceiling Fan, hosts Kevin and Mark have recently posted a video podcast in which they combine regular elements of their show with a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the production of a typical podcast. It's definitely worth checking it. Also, don't miss their first ever contest, in which you take over the Ceiling Fan! The winner will have their production aired and will also receive a free t-shirt!
Unless you've been living under a rock the last couple weeks, you've probably already watched the most recent video podcast. It was a real treat to actually see the Odyssey crew in action and hard at work - proof that they've been keeping busy during the current hiatus. And they shared a lot of inside information. All this time I thought they were just lounging around eating fizzy cola, greasly chips, and jello pudding pops.
As we've known for the last month or so, Darien's Rise will be adapted for an epic 9-part radio dramatization. I'm a huge fan of Paul McCusker's work, so it'll be fun to see this Odyssey classic turned into an audio drama - much like Focus' Radio Theatre has already done with books like The Chronicles of Narnia. Like the beloved series by C.S. Lewis, Passages is built around this idea of normal kids visiting an alternate reality. But the similarities don't end there. Many Biblical parallels are drawn throughout the kids' journeys in the land of Marus. What's particularly special about Passages is that it offers a story simple enough for children and yet deep enough to be enjoyed by adults.
Something that hasn't been brought up much is the casting for Passages. Up until the video podcast was released, we didn't know who would be voicing the two main characters, Anna and Kyle. After hearing the short clip from Jonathan Crowe, we now know that these two roles will be filled by Rachel Fox and Shane Baumel. These two actors are better known for playing Kelly and Everett, so it'll be interesting to see if those two characters will be returning in Album 51. I've already made it clear that I wouldn't mind hearing more from Kelly now that she's a Christian, but what I'd really love is to hear episodes with Everett and his father, Leonard. Either way, I'm looking forward to hearing from both Rachel and Shane in Passages.
Most book adaptions will inevitably involve some sort of change to the script. Darien's Rise is no exception, as it appears Whit will be narrating at least part of the drama. With news leaking out that there will be a new Whit, it would definitely make for an interesting surprise if listeners tuned in on September 12 to hear part one of Darien's Rise and were greeted by a new John Avery.
Speaking of surprises, I really enjoyed getting a look inside the renowned Odyssey vault - otherwise known as Focus' audio library. Among the multitude of audio cases neatly arranged on the shelves sat some real gems, such as Bonhoeffer and Father Gilbert. With thousands of individual episodes and radio broadcast archives sitting on those shelves, it's no wonder they're all stored inside a locked room! Watching the guys recreate the scene from A New Hope was priceless, especially Rudy's "call" for C-3PO. Haha.
It was nice of Paul McCusker to invite the Official Podcast hosts to his home - it took me a moment before I realized that. We hadn't heard much about what's going to happen in Album 51 since the March 11th Q&A with the producers. And, sadly, Paul doesn't divulge too more information, other than the fact that the first episode of the March 2010 season is tentatively called The Inspiration Station and will probably be a two-parter.
Does this Inspiration Station have anything to do with the red button Connie pushed at the end of The Best Small Town? Quite possibly. Over at the Town of Odyssey, different theories have been floating around. All we know for sure is that it was part of Whit's new invention that looked like a radio. That immediately makes me think is has something to do with story-telling, although I'm not sure in what way. Does it alter the way Adventures in Odyssey is told? Or would that be breaking the third wall too much?
One thing we know with absolute certainty is that several new families will be introduced, including the Parkers. We also know a little bit about one of the Parker kids, Camilla - she's an eight year old athlete who reminds me of a young woman who helped raise seven kids in Austria (hint: she climbs a tree and scrapes her knee). According to the character description we heard from Carol Rusk, Camilla is also "prone to pranks and trouble." Between her boisterous and tomboy-ish personality, Camilla sounds like a cross between a Curt Stevens and Traci Needlemeyer.
While there's still ten months to go before Album 51 episodes air on the radio, there's only three months left until Passages: Darien's Rise hits the airwaves. But if you're the impatient sort, you can always pre-order your copy of the 9-part drama at Amazon.com or Amazon.ca. Then let me know your thoughts on the future of Odyssey!
What did you think of the latest video podcast? And which was the best moment?
(a) Jesse high-fiving Whit
(b) Jonathan asking for a sound of a guy being punched in the face
(c) Bob skipping out of Christopher Dehl's studio
(d) The recreation of the garbage compactor scene
(e) Carol Rusk inviting Tom Hanks and George Clooney to a party
(f) Andy Serkis
And now for the one you've all been waiting for... Dave Griffin returns to reprise his role as Jimmy "Donna!" Barclay.
Just one clip to share today - I mentioned in our last podcast that there was a "moment" between Will Ryan and Katie Leigh. Here is that scene!
Today marks the official release date of AIO: Live! As of this afternoon, it isn't available for ordering yet - but I'm sure that'll change within the next few days. In the meanwhile, I thought I'd kick off the weekend with a couple videos clip from the second Q&A session. Check back for more clips this weekend!
It's hard to believe it's already the end of April! With the AIO Live! CD/DVD available in only a couple days, I thought it'd be neat if I posted some of the videos I shot during the Q&A sessions following each Saturday show. Those of you who have already listened to our latest podcast will remember the question posed to Dave Griffin at the end of one of the Q&A sessions. Since the Q&A video footage will not be featured on CD or DVD, I figured this would be a great opportunity to show you guys some of my footage.
Want to see the video? Then cast your vote on the poll in the sidebar!
04.25.09. It's been a long time coming, but we finally did it! It's the long-awaited conclusion to our recap of the birthday bash in Colorado Springs! After a three month hiatus of her own, Sarah returns to the podcast with renewed vigor (like Mitch's flossing) as she recounts some of her most memorable experiences. And then I talk for a little bit, too. Lots of fun stories, some un-aired clips from our interviews at the podcast booth, and a whole lot more!
Celebrating 20 years of Adventures in Odyssey!
Inside Whit's End
Inside the recording studio
Chris Anthony and Aria Curzon
Hundreds of fans crowded into Focus' Chapelteria
Sarah with the 7-foot tall "Eugene"
Chris with Genni and Don Long
The amazing cast of Odyssey actors... and Eugene!
Right-click and save here to download.
Running Time: 1:01:47
Almost eight months to this day, I sat in the Focus auditorium with over a thousand Odyssey fans, cheering, laughing, and watching in sheer amazement as the actors performed BTV: Live! It truly was a once in a lifetime experience like never before. While I knew they were recording the episode, I didn't know that they would be producing a DVD product - and am I ever glad they chose to do so. Not only will it give me and the five thousand other fans who attended a chance to relive the moment, but it'll give the rest of you the opportunity to check out what you missed!
I recently received a preview copy of the DVD from Focus - here's a quick preview of what you should expect:
1. B-TV: Live! Motion Slideshow
This 45-minute presentation features numerous video clips and hundreds of photos from all three shows. What I particularly enojoyed about the slideshow were all the close-ups of the actors. You don't truly get an appreciation for what the actors do until you actually see them perform. I was somewhat disappointed the video quality wasn't consistent throughout the entire slideshow, but most of it is pretty good. The seventeen minutes of footage accounts for over one-third of the presentation and it's absolutely hilarious to watch. Check out a short clip from the show by clicking the play button below.
At the end of the show, there's also a 3-minute blooper segment with Chris Anthony desperately trying to pronounce, Rashonmyfeet, one of the characters in the show. Hilarious.
2. Event Slideshow
This 5-minute presentation features 43 photos recapping the everything from the live shows, podcast recordings, autograph session... and lots of cast and crew photos. Great stuff!
3. Fan on the Street Interviews
They aired this same 5-minute clip on the Official Podcast, but it's nice to have a high resolution version of the interviews. I'm definitely liking the new question menus!
4. Special Call-In Broadcast
Back in 2007, during Odyssey's official 20th anniversary, they had a special two-part tribute to the show on Focus' daily broadcast with John Fuller and Dr. James Dobson. Hearing from fans across the country (and even one caller from Australia!) express their appreciation for Odyssey is a huge treat and something you won't want to miss. I found it interesting that they included this segment on the DVD rather than the CD, especially considering this is something you might want to listen in your car rather than watch on your TV.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the DVD. I'm glad it was edited and produced at 16:9 widescreen format rather than the standard 4:3 aspect ratio. It looks great on the HD television, that's for sure! Adventures in Odyssey: Live! will be available on May 1st. If you haven't already pre-ordered your copy, I highly recommend doing it now - the links are in the sidebar.
After knowing about this product for over six months, I finally received my copy of the Novacom boxed set in the mail last week. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the box (to which I will refer henceforth as the Novabox) was significantly smaller than I had expected it to be. Compared to a typical CD album, the Novabox is not that much bigger - which is a definite plus in my mind. Since it's so compact, it makes for a great traveling package. It's a lot more convenient, for instance, to bring something like this on a road trip than four CD albums.
Another thing I liked about this set is the whole look of the Novabox. Not only is the cover art fantastic, but the gloss finish is also a nice touch. The packaging is rather durable as well - none of this cheap, flimsy cardboard. As for the actual contents inside the box, you've got the "Top Secret" document as well as the ten discs. You can check out the high-res photos of the Novacom set here.
Obviously, you must be wondering what's contained in the Top Secret document. It basically offers a quick introduction to the saga, a casting listing for the main characters, and an episode guide listing the episodes and a short synopsis for each.
Then you have the only information that's truly new - Novacom's "evil" master plan. Essentially, it's the entire story arc summarized through various plot points as written in a letter from the Chairman to Bennett Charles. It lists the ultimate goal of Operation Think Tank, its purposes, and initiatives required in order to accomplish the master plan. It's quite an interesting read, as it explains various plot points not explained in the actual radio series - for instance, it reveals the person responsible for convincing Mary Hopkins to install security cameras in Whit's End Connellsville.
I've only listened to the first few minutes of the bonus disc because I'm trying to save some of the behind-the-scenes material for later. I'm sure I'll have more to say on that in a few weeks. It's pretty hard for me to find any fault with the Novabox, although I'm a little concerned with the binding right at the hinge, which, over time, could definitely wear out. But overall, I'm very impressed.
If you don't own all the Novacom episodes, this is a must have product. And even if you do, you won't want to miss the one hour bonus disc. Listening to Jess Harnell create the voice for Bennett Charles is absolutely priceless.
04.11.09. More Canadian goodness returns to the podcast as Catspaw and Boswell join me once again for another round table discussion about all things Odyssey. Mostly. Be sure to check out Boswell's recent discovery of the next upcoming Odyssey album - the Dusty Episodes!
Right-click and save here to download.
Running Time: 51:35
If in case you haven't seen it already, I wanted to quickly point out that the Official Podcast has made an exciting update to their webpage! They've reformatted it into more of a blog, allowing fans to post comments on each entry. It's definitely a major improvement to the website and I'm looking forward to hearing from the more 'casual' fan - those who might not have time for or interest in joining a message board. ;) Be sure to check out the blog and leave a question for the actors who play all four Washington family members!
Hey y'all it's Sarah! I just wanted you to know I'm still alive and well. I'm busy with school and stuff but I can tell you that you MIGHT get to hear from me soon...maybe - if you are good and behave yourselves and obey your parents and eat all your vegetables (this includes chocolate). ;)
Hope you all are well and I miss you all and I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Easter!
Love ya,
Sarah
PS don't forget the Novacom box set is out now and that the AIO Live! show will be out in a few weeks for purchase! I can't wait to get my hands on them - especially the Live! cd! YAY!!!!
Things have slowed down on the Odyssey news front, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to talk about! In last week's episode of the Official Podcast, we heard a variety of clips that didn't make the final edit for the bonus disc for the Novacom Boxed Set. That very set is currently available for preordering - check out the sidebar for links.
In other news, we'll be releasing our next podcast on April 11th. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please drop us an email at aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.
EDIT: Nathan Hoobler has a blog?
03.21.09. In part two of our round table discussion, we talk more about the future of Odyssey and its characters. Keep in mind that we recorded this more than two weeks ago - before all the Passages discussion had started. If you enjoyed this and would like to hear more from these crazy Canadians (and even if you didn't), leave a comment!
Right-click and save here to download.
Running Time: 23:22
