AIO Live! Preview

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.

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.

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 54

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!



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Running Time: 51:35

Updated Official Podcast Page

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!

YAY!!

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!!!!

Upcoming Podcast

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?

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 53

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!



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Running Time: 23:22

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.

A Response to the Latest Official Podcast

In case you haven't heard, the latest edition of the Official Podcast was just released. In it, Paul McCusker and Dave Arnold discuss some of the upcoming changes to the show. Click play to listen and then check out my commentary on the highlights.



1. Farewell to the Washingtons

This comes as no surprise, as the actors for Tamika (Courtney Brown) and Marvin (Kendre Barry) have reached the point-of-no-return age. I feel both could have remained for at least one more season, but I don't think most listeners will be shedding too many tears over their departure. It will, however, make for an awkward scenario if Kelly stays. Perhaps she will be returning to her mother? Paul and Dave did not address whether or not Kelly would remain, but at this point it doesn't look good.

2. The Return of ... Clara?

Many listeners, myself included, quickly became fans of actress Aria Curzon when she made her Odyssey debut in the episode, Clara. It's understandable why the writers haven't brought back Clara to this point, since Aria also played Mandy Straussberg. Having both characters existing concurrently would only confuse the audience. But if the Straussberg family is written off as we are expecting, then this would be an excellent way of retaining a talented voice actor in Aria while re-introducing a beloved character.

3. Video Footage on AIO Live! DVD

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Nathan Hoobler mentions an added incentive to purchase this incredibly jam-packed set. Seventeen minutes of live video footage from the live show will be included on the DVD, which will come as a pleasant surprise to those who were not able to attend the show last August. As one who had the privilege of attending all three shows, I'm anxious to see which takes they used for the final cut. Trust me - this is something you won't want to miss.

4. The Return of ... Malachi?

Those who have read the Official Guide already know that Philip Glassborow played the voice of Malachi in Album 32. In many ways, Malachi's Message kick-started a number of changes in Odyssey, not the least of which was the Timothy Center. Of course, the inspiration for the retreat center was Tom's son, Timmy - the co-discoverer of the alternate reality, Marus, in Passages. With all this news about Passages returning to the airwaves, it makes me wonder if Malachi is somehow connected to it all. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part. And maybe Philip Glassborow just randomly happened to be visiting when they recorded the Official Podcast. Hmm.

5. Passages

Paul McCusker confirmed Passages will be the newest installment of Odyssey to hit the radio this fall. This time, however, it will be an adaption of his novel, Darien's Rise. No word yet on the length of the dramatization or whether it will be contained within Album 51. I would like to think it'd be included in the next album, but that may not be the case since Dave Arnold stated that episodes for Album 51 won't be out until next year.

6. Album 51 Releases March 2010

In an earlier podcast, the producers had alluded to the possibility of putting the the albums out earlier. It appears they've made their decision as Album 51 is slated to release one year from now and will be available while the episodes are airing. Obviously, the upside to this format is that we won't have to wait for each new weekly show. We can simply order the album and hear them all at once. But the downside is evident - we have to wait six months longer than what was previously announced before we can hear any episodes for the new season.

Assuming Passages ends up being a 3-part series airing at the beginning of September, it means listeners will have to wait an additional five months before getting to hear any new episodes. I'm disappointed it's going to take that long, especially since it'll be nearly two full years between Album 50 and Album 51. But if it provides the writers with the opportunity to fine tune their scripts and the producers a chance to create a better product overall, then I'm all for it.

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 52

03.07.09. You asked and we delivered! After six long weeks, we finally have a new podcast! Granted, it's a little later than expected, but I say better late than never. In this episode, guests Catspaw and Boswell from the Town of Odyssey join me for a round table discussion on the live show in Colorado, the future of Odyssey, and the awesomeness of Canadians. We had so much to talk about that I ended up splitting everything into two parts - stay tuned for part deux later this month!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to us at aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.



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Running Time: 44:53