14.02.02
BBC
Classics unearthed from archives
BBC
Learning releases series of classic programmes on video and DVD
BBC
Learning, a division of BBC Worldwide, has dipped into the BBC's
extensive archives to produce a series of classic television programmes
on video and DVD. Due to popular demand, the first three titles
in the series reinstate some of the BBC's most fondly remembered
and critically acclaimed programmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles
with Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes; The Picture of Dorian Gray
starring Jeremy Brett and Sir John Gielgud; and Count Dracula starring
French movie icon, Louis Jourdan.
The
series marks the beginning of BBC Worldwide's trip into the archives
to release a series of digitally remastered classics on video and
DVD, but with an impressive archive of other programmes waiting
to be unearthed, a whole host of treasures are planned to follow
in the future.
Commenting
on this new special interest series, Jonathan Drake, Head of Lifelong
Learning at BBC Learning, said, "All three programmes received
wide critical acclaim when they were first shown on the BBC and
are still remembered today as classic masterpieces. This series
not only offers people who saw and enjoyed the original programmes
the opportunity to relive the experience again, but also allows
a whole new generation to enjoy them for the first time.
"We've
already had over a thousand advance orders for these limited edition
videos and DVDs, so are confident that they will be a great success.
BBC Learning is committed to producing a range of different creative
vehicles to encourage lifelong learning and this series demonstrates
just how diverse and enjoyable 'learning' can be."
Priced
at £19.99, these titles are accompanied by extensive notes,
which allow viewers to learn more about the production and the relevant
genre. Count Dracula, for example, contains information about the
popular myth of vampirism, details of the development of the novel
Dracula, and examines the BBC production. Similarly, The Hound of
the Baskervilles comes with a booklet tracing Sherlock Holmes' onscreen
career. There is also information about relevant websites, books
and societies, as well as details of other productions which may
be of interest.
So
whether you are a classic television buff, a film student or simply
have a healthy interest in vampirism or whodunits, this series will
have definite appeal!
More
detailed information is available from www.bbcworldwide.com/vet/specialinterests
or by calling 020 8433 3104. And don't forget to register your requests
for future classic programmes on the relevant section of the website.
Notes
to Editors
Special interest videos/DVDs
Videos and DVDs are available:
- by mail from Video Offer, BBC Learning, Room A3040, 80 Wood Lane,
London W12 0TT
- over the telephone by calling 020 8433 3104
- on-line at www.bbcworldwide.com/vet/specialinterests
Count
Dracula was originally broadcast by the BBC in 1977, based on Bram
Stoker's original novel, in which Count Dracula travels from Transylvania
to England where he faces his nemesis, Professor Van Helsing. A
combination of horror, suspense and erotica, The Times hailed it
as 'a tour de force'. Its release on video and DVD coincides with
the recent revival of the horror genre following film successes
such as The Blair Witch Project and The Others.
The
Picture of Dorian Gray, originally broadcast in 1976, tells Oscar
Wilde's witty horror tale of an artist who attempts to secure eternal
youth - with shocking results. Featuring an impressive roll call
of renowned talent including John Osborne, who crafted the script,
John Gielgud and Jeremy Brett, the Daily Express correctly predicted
that it would become 'an immortal piece of television'.
The
Hound of the Baskervilles, Sherlock Holmes' most famous whodunit
story, was first shown on the BBC in 1968. Starring the legendary
Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes, this wonderfully moody and atmospheric
version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel has recently been rediscovered
and praised by critics.
BBC Learning forms part of Global Marketing and Brand Development
(GMBD), the marketing division of BBC Worldwide. GMBD was created
to develop key BBC properties with genuine cross-media potential
for development into global brands across Children's, Music and
Learning. GMBD works closely with the other divisions of BBC Worldwide
and with BBC Television. BBC Learning comprises three business groups:
Children's Learning, Lifelong Learning and English Language Teaching
(ELT) and Languages. Digital media, and especially the Internet,
is revolutionising learning, giving people of all ages the opportunity
to learn whatever they wish from learning providers anywhere in
the world. BBC Learning will be at the heart of this revolution,
a gateway to and provider of learning opportunities that can be
consumed through all media at school, home and work.
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