In Search Of... was one of the most intriguing television shows of my childhood. Based off of a couple of television documentaries in the earlier 1970's, In Search Of... aired from 1976 to 1982 during its original run. It's been brought back a few times - twice during the 1990's to cable television networks A&E and The History Channel - and once more in 2002 as a revamped Sci-Fi series. It didn't last long. I'm not sure there's any way to truly recapture the unique nature of this show.
Keeping in mind that I was very, very young (between the ages of 1-7) when the show originally aired, I remember an absurdly large amount of detail about the show.
First, there's the intro music. I'll admit it's very "seventies" - with the disco-like beat. However, it was mysterious-sounding to me, and the little kid in me remembers being frightened by it somewhat. Perhaps it was the music combined with the content that freaked me out. All I know is that theme song captured my attention every time that show came on the television.
Add to the formula Leonard Nimoy as narrator - since my mom was a Trekkie, Nimoy was both a familiar face and voice to me. His appeal to science fiction fans and Trekkies alike helped boost the popularity of the show.
Finally, the content of the show itself was an interesting combination of footage, reenactment, and interviews - all voiced over by Nimoy. If you watch the show now, don't expect to be impressed by any special effects, or fancy film editing. The show is very typical of the period in which it aired. What does stand out however, is the variety of topics explored by the show. Paranormal events, historical or scientific oddities, missing persons, mysterious happenings - all were the basis of various episodes. The one that stands out the most in my mind is the episode about the Bermuda Triangle. I'm not certain if this show has been released on DVD, but I would certainly like to see it be made available.
There are a number of shows today which are similar in approach or content, but none capture my imagination quite like In Search Of... did for me when I was young.
Check out Part 1 of three episodes investigating the mystery of Bigfoot - this episode aired during the first season - in 1977. Watching this really takes me back - to some of my very first memories of television.
Keeping in mind that I was very, very young (between the ages of 1-7) when the show originally aired, I remember an absurdly large amount of detail about the show.
First, there's the intro music. I'll admit it's very "seventies" - with the disco-like beat. However, it was mysterious-sounding to me, and the little kid in me remembers being frightened by it somewhat. Perhaps it was the music combined with the content that freaked me out. All I know is that theme song captured my attention every time that show came on the television.
Add to the formula Leonard Nimoy as narrator - since my mom was a Trekkie, Nimoy was both a familiar face and voice to me. His appeal to science fiction fans and Trekkies alike helped boost the popularity of the show.
Finally, the content of the show itself was an interesting combination of footage, reenactment, and interviews - all voiced over by Nimoy. If you watch the show now, don't expect to be impressed by any special effects, or fancy film editing. The show is very typical of the period in which it aired. What does stand out however, is the variety of topics explored by the show. Paranormal events, historical or scientific oddities, missing persons, mysterious happenings - all were the basis of various episodes. The one that stands out the most in my mind is the episode about the Bermuda Triangle. I'm not certain if this show has been released on DVD, but I would certainly like to see it be made available.
There are a number of shows today which are similar in approach or content, but none capture my imagination quite like In Search Of... did for me when I was young.
Check out Part 1 of three episodes investigating the mystery of Bigfoot - this episode aired during the first season - in 1977. Watching this really takes me back - to some of my very first memories of television.
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