Hello
Scapers
Well,
I finally got my hands on a copy of the so-called "pilot"
Farscape episode. Of course, there never was a true pilot
filmed for the show. This tape is simply a rough edit of
the Premiere. Perhaps it was originally shown to the Sci-Fi
Channel or investors or whoever before the final product
was ready. I bought my copy on ebay and it is a must-have
only for the most hard-core of Farscape fans.
What
makes it different
At
least 90% of the episode is exactly the same as the US broadcast
version. The only scene included here that is an "extra"
on the DVD version is Zhaan giving Crichton a Delvian kiss
after the big escape. However, there are three major scenes
on this tape, including the entire ending, that are not
seen in either the broadcast or DVD Premiere episodes. Links
to the photos and transcripts of those scenes are located
below. The opening credits with the Farscape music isn't
on the tape and probably wasn't even made when this episode
was edited. Other than that, there are only a couple of
minor post-production elements that are missing or different.
Overall, I feel the broadcast version of the Premiere is
superior to this version. The changes, particularly to the
ending, are well worth Henson's extra effort and expense.
The
tape
I
"won" this tape with a bid of $20.50. The fact
only one other person (who may have been the seller for
all I know) was bidding against me suggest there wasn't
much interest in this tape. I paid with PayPal and the tape
was mailed promptly as promised. Unfortunately, the quality
of the sound and picture was appropriate for a copy of a
copy, of a copy, of a copy, and so on, and so on, and so
on, and on, and on, and on....you get the point. It sucks.
What
you will find here
You will find a photo gallery - containing 44 video stills
- open. There is also a transcript, with corresponding photos,
of all three major scenes. If you want to see the scenes
for yourself, they are available in both QuickTime and Windows
Media. Enjoy!
