In November 2008, BBC Scotland began to air a series documenting Scotland's long and arduous history. Hosted by Neil Oliver, a Scottish archaeologist, author and fairly well known broadcaster, The History of Scotland is a programme of epic beauty and riches, a feast for the eyes and completely satisfying to a historical junkie like me. I've always known Scotland was extraordinarily beautiful with a long, colourful history but to see and hear it all in digital took my breath away. And Oliver certainly delivered, as he described even the most mundane of events with enthusiasm and vigor. His love for country did not escape me and he'll leave you loving it too.Sadly, the series ended in December, with only 5 episodes having aired but BBC Scotland assures us the rest of the series will be shown starting January 17th. If you missed it, all five episodes are now available for download in one pack at UKNova. I'm hoping the programme will be made available on DVD because it's certainly one I would love to own. If so, I will let you know as I realize not everyone fancies downloading such a big programme. If I haven't convinced you how worthwhile this programme is, watch the wee teaser below.
(Let me assure you the original programme does not contain subtitles, unless you turn them on of course. But while we are on the subject I will confess this is a pet-peeve of mine. Yes the Scottish accent, which is a gorgeous one in my opinion, can be difficult to understand from time to time, but I just hit the rewind button and listen again. I think putting permanent subtitling on British programming (meaning you don't have the option to turn it off and something BBC America is guilty of) is an attempt to dumb things down for the viewer. I find it offensive and can't imagine that some Briton's wouldn't be offended as well. Let me be clear- I don't have a problem with a viewer turning on the subtitles, just having them forced on you without the option to turn them off. If we are to understand other cultures, part of that includes listening intently and training our ears to understand different accents. After all, Oliver is speaking English for god sake! I'll leave the soapbox for now.)
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3 clever comments:
We're watching "The History of Scotland" as it unfold on BBC (episode 3 of 5 tonight). It's a great program, but I could do without the fake clouds floating over the map of Scotland they keep showing. We know it's cloudy in Scotland; move the clouds so we can see something!
And I have to confess, when I first moved here and watched shows that featured Scotland or 'gordie' accent, I had to put the subtitles on in order to understand them.
MikeH- Oh, I think the clouds over the model of Scotland bit is pretty cool. LOL! ;)
I don't have an issue with people TURNING ON subtitles as much as I do the programme producers putting subtitles on it and not giving you a choice. I think it assumes a bit of ignorance or laziness about the viewer or insinuates that the person speaking has a problem and therefore we need to help you understand them.
Maybe I'm a bit sensitive about this issue. I've seen shows about people in southern WV (my home state) where they have subtitled it and I was very much offended. I guess I find it so ridiculous because in that case and the case of British subtitles, the person speaking is using English! If they are speaking a foreign language, of course you need subtitles.
Mike-
Turns out you're not alone.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4862652.stm
Many Briton's turn on the subtitles even though they are not hearing impaired. Personally, that would be the only time I would use them. I find them very distracting. I want to to watch the action and not be transfixed on the text.
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