138 replies to this topic

[Reaver]

I only needed one reason to miss this series. And it can be summed up in 2 words:

FUR SPEEDO



I loved Ralf in Gladiator and in Universal Soldier. He has a great look, and he's a decent actor (for a musclehead). But the production values of that show, not to mention a butchering of the Conan universe that makes Milius look like a purist, made me physically ill. I loved Hercules (Xena, not so much unless Bruce Campbell was in the episode), but Conan was just a cheap money-grab knock-off.

[Kortoso]

Actually you can probably pick it up through Netflix.

[korak]

reaver writes- But the production values of that show, not to mention a butchering of the Conan universe that makes Milius look like a purist, made me physically ill.


Yeah, but they did adapt some Howard stories throughout the show, especially the pilot episode, probably the best of the lot, and which was a better Conan movie in my opinion than CTB. It was kind of a remake of CTB, with Conan finding the sword in the crypt and then adapting Tower of the Elephant a lot more closely to the book than the CTB movie.

But you are right that the Hyborian Age of that show is highly peculiar, though I would not consider it moreso than the CTB movie, which bore no resemblance to the Hyborian Age in the Conan stories.

[Officer Aggro]

I should be thankful that I never subjected myself to this atrocity, despite the fact that I've been a fan of Conan ever since the first movie. Judging from what I've read here tonight, the show is a complete mockery.

[Strom]

It is bad - but it is also so bad it is funny. And it's harmless to watch with the kids. Which is what I did with my youngest. It was fun to sit down and watch an episode every other night with my son. We were kinda sad when the series was over, believe it or not!

So, I told him we would watch the animated Conan series....but it never came out on DVD!

[Eamon]

So, I told him we would watch the animated Conan series....but it never came out on DVD! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It was released on DVD in the UK so you should be able to pick it up!
It's got a really great cover!!

[Reaver]

though I would not consider it moreso than the CTB movie, which bore no resemblance to the Hyborian Age in the Conan stories.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have to disagree. CtB had the same look and feel as the stories for me. Very dark and gritty. Most of the world being barren and wild. The fact that Arny wasn't 90% naked in most of the scenes. It wasn't just a bodybuilding competition with swords. Yeah, I admit, the story only marginally borrowed from the original Howard writings. But I think Milius captured the look and feel of Hyborea very well.

But this show, ugh. I saw the episode with the sword in the crypt. It was disgustingly cheezy. I actually preferred the CtB version better. It made more sense. Even though the thing didn't actually come to life (like it did in the story), you could tell that in Conan's mind, it may as well have, for all of his superstitious fear.

[korak]

reaver writes- I have to disagree. CtB had the same look and feel as the stories for me. Very dark and gritty. Most of the world being barren and wild.


Here is one quote from Howard: "...when shining kingdoms lay spread across the world like blue mantles beneath the stars..." -Phoenix on the Sword


Now this may largely be a matter of taste, but to me that sounds like the way Windsor-Smith drew it in Dark Horse's Conan Chronicles volumes 1-4. True, the wild areas are EXTREMELY wild, but the cities are fabulous. I like that in my escapist fantasy. If I want to experience nothing but grim and gritty, I can just drive out to Panky Arkansas tonight. That's not fantasy-- that is just reality.

[Eamon]

Well I thought CtB hit the nail on the head. The more times I watch it the more I think it. Some may strongly disagree but honestly think that CtB is a master piece.

[Kull1964]

Well I thought CtB hit the nail on the head. The more times I watch it the more I think it. Some may strongly disagree but honestly think that CtB is a master piece.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Crom you're not the only one to think that CtB is one of the greatest movies ever. We're more than you (or someone else...) thinks...

[korak]

Did it ever occur to you that it doesn't matter how many of you there are?

[Eamon]

Did it ever occur to you that it doesn't matter how many of you there are? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What kind of arsey statement is that?

[korak]

True art is inherently great or its not, it is not a matter of taking a vote. At least that is my opinion.

I like the Conan TV show okay, but you know... it has its drawbacks. It has some good points, and some bad points. I own the DVD box. That is the subject of this topic, BTW.

[Eamon]

Ah, ya see I thought you were having dig at people who think CtB is a masterpiece? My bad!

[korak]

No problem!

[savage bard]

I believe CBT was 'great'.... but there is still room for improvement. The CONAN TV series was awefully bad, but the pilot was the only episode worth seating through.

Just a couple of days ago, (I'm from Singapore.) we had a marathon screening of 'Fantasy - Sword & Socery' movies on TV. (It was a Public Holiday.)Included films like 'Beastmaster'(Mark Singer), Dragon Slayer, Excalibur, Krull and the 2 CONAN movies - CTB & CTD back to back.

Praying that WB does decide on a good script for a new 'LIVE' Action CONAN movie.

CHEERS !!!

[skrapmetal]

I bought Conan The Live tv series dvds and I enjoyed watching them.

Edited by skrapmetal, 12 January 2006 - 03:17 AM.

[PainBrush]

I think I saw ''part' of one episode when it was on t.v., it came on Detroit television LATE-late night , & I was never home because I was a bouncer at a bar , & usually still occupied a few hours after closing at 2 . I might get the d.v.d's just for 5h1ts & giggles , I do think Ralf Moeller did look definitely like Conan ! I make a point of watching the goofiest 'B' movies & horror flicks , I think I can accept 'Adventurer' in that group (isn't that the name C./T./Adventurer?) - , I'll just pretend it's some 'other' Conan again haha - From all I ever heard about the series & read here , he did the best he could with the kinds of hokey scripts & sidekick stories they gave him . I wouldn't mind seeing him , if none of the other guys we all mull around as Conan in the 'rumored' new Conan movie even . He looks like he'd stab a guy !l.o.l.

[Irvius]

I found this tv series a little annoying regarding the stage of the adventures (always mexican jungle...)
Conan did travel all around the world, that's one of the strongest point that make Howard a great writer, so seeing all episodes in the same jungle didn't please me.
But I like the Moller's acting and the group traveling with Conan. Women weared too much make up but action scenes were often challenging and good to see (despite the plastic swords...)

Definitively a 6.5/10

[Rothgar of Nordheim]

I purchased the dvd box set dirt cheep when Media Play went out of buisness. True it's campy,cheasy, comedicly bad at best and utterly lame at worst. I could even forgive the lousy effects if the writing were better. But Crom help me, I enjoy watching it. despite all it's faults and shortcomings, I find it thurroughly entertaining. I've also just today ordered the cartoon series on dvd through eBay from canada. those of you interested in finding it may wish to try your luck.