Reaching for the Skies

[Brigand]

I remembered this gem of a show earlier this evening, and had a look on YouTube and found that the series is on there: (although a little hard to find each episode)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSp3V-w8ISo

I loved this show as a kid, I recorded them off Channel 4 IIRC, even today it still looks fresh and concise.
The theme tune alone brings back memories.

Does anyone else remember this show?

[yorkieboy]

Nope, Don't remember them. Good find though!

[Eric Mc]

I have the entire series on VHS. It was shown in 1988/89 on BBC 2 and narrated by the late Sir Anthony Quayle. It was an excellent series.

[Elroy Blue]

Brilliant series that would never get made today.

[Eric Mc]

Why not?

There was quite a lot of American input into "Reaching for the Skies" so I think one of the PBS channels over there - such as WGBH Boston - might have been involved.

The same team put together the series "The Power and teh Glory" which is one of the best histories of motor sport ever shown on TV. That was shown in 1990.

[Elroy Blue]

It doesn't involve 'celebrity'. Why spend a lot of money producing quality television when you can spend £3.49 on something involving Jordan playing a trumpet, that'll attract far more viewers.

It's a crying shame. I loved this series and the likes of Test Pilot, Fighter Pilot etc. I just don't think we'll see their like on mainstream TV again. (Even the recent programmes on RN deployments involved focusing on the weirdest member of the crew rather than the role of the ship itself)

[Eric Mc]

I agree that there is an over emphasis on having to have well known stars involved in these programme, but, then again, Anthony Quayle was a well known actor at the time.

[Le TVR]

Eric Mc said:

I have the entire series on VHS.

Same here, still get them out from time to time.
Especially 'The quest for speed'.

[scarebus]

This is the program that made me want to be a pilot, fantastic series.

[John_S4x4]

Is this currently available on DVD ?