Blu-ray update & National Séance 2024

So... delays, hold-ups, lags, more delays, obstructions, downtime, hindrances, impediments, and finally delays. But hopefully, not many more to come!

It seems as though certain things cannot be rushed. In fact, certain things cannot be rushed, even when you do your best to rush them. Certain things are decidedly rushless in nature, inasmuch as they simply avoid being rushed, even when you ask nicely atop Mount Rushmore during rush hour drinking a Prussian Crusha. Come to think of it, these sluggish stragglers actively resist rushing on every ruddy level you can think of.

Fortunately, almost all the groundwork for a Lawman Productions Special Edition DVD was laid around 2012. Two years ago, or thereabouts, the aforementioned 1/6 scale production company picked up the rights to Ghostwatch for the territories of Australia & New Zealand, and these assets were expected to port over to the new Blu-ray format as effortlessly as a malevolent poltergeist slipping on a grubby petticoat.

For the most part, the transition is now virtually complete - which means the finish line is at last in sight. Almost all that remains now is some outstanding QC, which essentially involves watching Ghostwatch over-and-over until all remaining post-its have been scrunched-up.

Even Jason Robertson's monumental undertaking to restore the original Ceefax subtitle track for the programme is now all but complete; care of his own software and many thousands of lines of hand-checked code.

The waiting game has been, at times, a frustrating one, but this release has been on the metaphysical cards now for well over a decade, and we fully intend on seeing it through to the end. In fact, we genuinely cannot wait for you to see the final product; every one of its constituent elements we are so very proud of.

With kind permission of Paul Draper

So, as we wait for concrete news, worthy of Wikipedia, to reach us, we thought you might like to check out the above/below sneak peek from artists and fiends friends to Foxhill, Arfon Jones & Paul Draper. So evocative and atmospheric are these pieces, that a limited twin-set shall accompany the Blu-ray in the form of exclusive collectible art cards. We cannot thank Paul & Arfon enough for their astounding contributions, and shall be revealing them in all their glory closer to Hallowe'en.

On that front, Arfon has put together a fascinating behind the scenes video chronicling the making of his latest rendering - a cunning extension to his announcement poster artwork for Behind the Curtains back in the day; an instantly iconic piece that somehow summed-up the project entirely.

Incidentally, Arfon also recently discovered the very same Hallowe'en mask (below) worn by one of the local Trick or Treaters that follow Craig about during the programme (but likely not Katie of situation comedy Billy & Katie though, as she is seen wearing a completely different witch getup earlier on...) What a find!

'Witchwatch' hosted by Arfon 'Two-Thumbs' Jones

It's been so quiet on the Ghostwatch front of late. The programme has featured on plenty of Top Ten Scary movies lists, as per usual. A handful of screenings have taken place here and there, I understand. Such a contrast to 2012. Ahh... the gloryhole years.

Believe it or not, our 14th annual National Séance tweet-cast is still on course for October 31st at 21:28 sharp. Details can be found by clicking the above tab. I guarantee* it will be fun. Not least of which as the theme for this year's special annual event takes its cue from an exciting new publication (now available to purchase) from fellow Ghostwatcher, Killian H. Gore, The GHOSTWATCH Unauthorised Quiz Book.

Fortunately, the suitably taxing questions for our first-ever Ghostwatch Pub Quiz shall be sampled directly from Killian's expertly-chosen list of 100+ brain-teasers. If it were down to me, you'd have to put up with this sort of bottom-lip-chewing nonsense...

• How many times does Parky's tie change its paisley pattern throughout the programme?
• Which nearest constellation did Mike Aiton face during his Ade Edmondson impersonation?
  
• What is the exact number of nanoseconds that passes between Kevin Tripp saying 'Cheese' and 'Pickle' during his infamous call to the studio?

... Rest assured, I'm sure Killian's questions will be far saner. Best of luck to those taking part. If you get at least one question right, you shall be entitled to an exclusive commemorative digital certificate with a cash value of approximately zero pounds.

You might also see a special thank-you to yours truly within the book's opening pages, which is a real honour, not least of which as I feel Behind the Curtains has always been a true #teameffort. Thank you, Killian.

Until next time, Ghostwatchers... try not to have sleepless nights.

Speaking of which, I think my apparently fusion-powered son is awake again. Great stuff.

*not a guarantee

Oh, and here's the new trailer.