101 Films Releasing The Stone Tape

[BW Haggar]

By the way, I see they've recently reprinted Tomato Cain. Have you read it and, if so, would you recommend it?

Sadly, the short answer is, no, I've not read it, so can't comment.

I wasn't aware of the reprint, so thanks for the heads up on that... might add it to my xmas list.

[agent999]

I received my copy of the 101 Stone Tape set in the post this morning, so for anyone who's interested - the script "booklet" is pretty substantial (180+ pages), but unfortunately (from my POV at least) it contains a direct scan of an original shooting script, rather than a newly type-set / properly formatted version of the text, which makes it far less readable and involves a lot of wasted space on the pages, as well as meaning that it presumably won't reflect any changes which were made between Kneale's original draft and the script which was used on set (NB - I have no idea if there actually were any changes, just speculating).

Still, as a Kneale fan, I'm sure I'll make the effort to plough through it, just out of interest.

Cheers, might spring for the limited.

By the way, I see they've recently reprinted Tomato Cain. Have you read it and, if so, would you recommend it?

[BW Haggar]

I received my copy of the 101 Stone Tape set in the post this morning, so for anyone who's interested - the script "booklet" is pretty substantial (180+ pages), but unfortunately (from my POV at least) it contains a direct scan of an original shooting script, rather than a newly type-set / properly formatted version of the text, which makes it far less readable and involves a lot of wasted space on the pages, as well as meaning that it presumably won't reflect any changes which were made between Kneale's original draft and the script which was used on set (NB - I have no idea if there actually were any changes, just speculating).

Still, as a Kneale fan, I'm sure I'll make the effort to plough through it, just out of interest.

[JoeS]

A BBC production that is notable for a quite fascinating teleplay by Nigel Kneale. Expanding upon themes Kneale explored in Quatermass And The Pit and You Must Listen, The Stone Tape explores the connection between science and the supernatural,

Kneale ingeniously ties it all together. In many ways, The Stone Tape is the forefather of all the Ghost hunting investigation shows and films that have proliferated ever since. Amusingly, the script also mentions an early form of Virtual Reality which includes the prescient line: “Not even a visor in front of the eyes.”

On the downside, Director Peter Sasdy (TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA) has the cast shout too many of their lines. Bryant bellows from the get go, and Asher is too wired even as the opening credits roll. Add in the loud machinery and the cacophony of noises and yelling, and it dampens one's appreciation of Kneale's words. The quiet moments still work, and the finale is both genuinely chilling and carefully crafted. One can see why the telefilm was such a sensation in England.



THE STONE TAPE is currently streaming on Shudder and AMC+ and for rental. As well as this DVD

[BW Haggar]

Is it sacrilige to say that Prince of Darkness is better than its inspiration? As much as I hate collectors who collect packaging, I might get this for the tat if the script is complete.

Yes, a Kneale script book is definitely a legit selling point, and the names involved in the other extras are solid too, even though in all likelyhood the film itself will look more-or-less identical to the version on the DVD.

[Randy G]

I really enjoyed it.

[agent999]

Is it sacrilige to say that Prince of Darkness is better than its inspiration? As much as I hate collectors who collect packaging, I might get this for the tat if the script is complete.

[mjeon]

As an American, I did not see this until the DVD came out and I was an adult. It was a bit of a letdown.

[BW Haggar]

I realise this release is total overkill for an SOV TV movie (even a very good one)... but I'm still quite tempted to pre-order.

[Ian Jane]

Coming 12/9/24.

https://101-films-store.com/products...imited-edition

101 Films presents Nigel Kneale’s The Stone Tape (1972), released on Blu-ray for the first time. Broadcast by the BBC on Christmas Day 1972 to critical acclaim, The Stone Tape sees Kneale employing his trademark fusion of science fiction and supernatural horror to terrifying effect, and ranks among the legendary screenwriter’s best work.

A team of scientists, eager to discover a new recording medium, take over a brooding gothic mansion recently purchased and renovated by their employers. On moving in, however, they find one room unfinished and the builders refusing to work there. Claims of strange noises and feelings of unease are dismissed. However, the scientists soon discover that the renovation work on the mansion has disturbed something hidden beneath the stone walls, something ancient and malevolent.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Brand new extras:

‘Children of The Stone Tape’ Documentary on the lasting legacy of The Stone Tape
‘Out of Darkness: A Visionary Manxman’ Short film on writer Nigel Kneale
Commentary with filmmakers Jon Dear and Sean Hogan
Limited edition rigid box packaging
Set of art cards
Script booklet
Booklet including ‘Placememory’ by Andy Murray and ‘Weird Science: The Stone Tape at Fifty’ by John Doran
Archive extra:

Commentary with Nigel Kneale and film critic Kim Newman
The Stone Tape was shot on video tape for broadcast. Please approach the technical quality of this upscale with empathy.