Novacom Boxed Set Review!

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.

Novacom Boxed Set Preview!

If there's one thing I've always enjoyed about Odyssey besides the actual episodes themselves, it's the behind-the-scenes material. Today, we have a special audio clip from the 60-minute bonus disc that will be included in the Novacom Saga. This one features Kathy Buchanan's take on the creation of Connie's love interest, Robert Mitchell. Some of this stuff we've read in the Official Guide and heard in the Official Podcast's interview with Steve Burns, but one thing we've never heard before was the voice of the actor who was originally cast to play the character.



For more exclusive audio clips from the bonus disc, head on over to the AIO Wiki, the Odyssey Scoop, and the Ceiling Fan.

New photos of the Novacom Boxed Set have been circulating around the Odyssey community for a little while, so I thought I'd go ahead and post the high-res versions of them. I was really impressed with the amount of thought that went into designing this product. I especially like the way the top cover opens and has a magnetic edge that keeps the box "locked" when closed. The CD sleeves are a nice touch, as well.

Novacom Boxed Set: Full Details

Back in early October, I posted the artwork for what appeared to be the final cover for the 10-CD Novacom boxed set. We now have the real final artwork! This set will be sold with a cover sleeve highlighting the bonus features.



Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the boxed set will be the tenth disc, a one-hour behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Novacom saga. This disc will feature interviews with cast and crew members such as Katie Leigh, Steve Burns, Jess Harnell, Marshal Younger, Paul McCusker, Rob Jorgensen, Kathy Buchanan, and many more. The bonus disc also includes a five-minute video feature of the actors recording "Exit," although this may be the same clip they aired in the Official Podcast's first video podcast.



Adventures in Odyssey: Novacom Saga will be available in April 2009 for $30-$40. While it's an amazing price for the fan who doesn't own any of the Novacom episodes, the value is definitely lessened for those who've already completed their collection. Still, the boxed set just might be worth getting for the bonus disc alone. What say you?

Novacom Boxed Set?

Back in early August, Jacob Isom over at the Odyssey Scoop announced his discovery of a new special boxed set album that will be released as the Novacom Saga. According to the production description, the album will contain 10 CDs, the first nine of which will includes the 28 episodes that comprise the Novacom Saga. The tenth CD will feature over an hour of behind-the-scenes audio material.



I was recently searching for various Odyssey related products and managed to stumble upon the product page for this particular set on Amazon. I'm not sure if this is the final cover, but it looks pretty spiffy. There's not much else to report, except for the fact that it will retail for approximately $30 when it is released in March 2009. I'm usually quite hesitant to purchase re-released products (unless I don't already own the originally released product), but that hour of bonus material is rather enticing. Your thoughts?