The Enid Blyton Society

Since Region 2 (UK) DVDs work in standard DVD players in Australia (I know because I've sent some to my family), I'm assuming Region 4 (Australia) DVDs — which these are — would work in standard DVD players in Britain??

(Not that I'm thinking of getting them for myself — just wondering for the sake of any fans here who might.)

I honestly don't know. I have seen some DVDs marked as Region 2&4 so there must be some crossover. I have a multi-region player so I never have to worry.

Just get the torch and use the DVD's as coasters!!

I really like that marvellous looking torch.

That's a lovely looking set and I really like the torch, but it's a bit too pricey for me, especially when I already have a very similar looking metal torch .

I was amazed at how much similar torches go for - even used ones!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-60s-F ... Swp5JWWbGn" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Although,whilst we are talking torches,I've recently bought three of these - I found them to be the best value for money in any torch I have ever bought.The led beam is fantastic!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/9-Bright-LED- ... LvYbgcubOQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Really nice collector's set - but I would be put off by the postage. It would be good value if it was available over here.

Has anyone checked that they are willing to post to the UK?

The eBay link does say worldwide postage of $16, so according to my currency converter, it's £35.50 roughly all in.

Ah, that's all right then — $16 is quite reasonable for overseas postage from Australia.

I'll be interested to hear if anyone here gets the box set and whether it's the quality one would expect! The 1978 FF series was very popular in Australia — I'm sure it must have been repeated at least once, as it was definitely on c. 1984 when I was really little. It's among my earliest memories, hearing it come on the telly ("We are the Fa-mous Five! Julian, Dick and Anne, George and Timmy the Do-og!"). So I should think there's a big nostalgic market for it in Australia as well.

Am I the only one who prefers the theme music to the 90's series better? I think it sounds more right for the time and more 'Blytonish' .

The 90s theme suits the stories and atmosphere but the 70s theme is more fun as it has words so you can sing along!

All together now...

Famous Five Theme Song with lyrics

I can't find the 1990s theme tune for some reason, although all or most of the episodes are available on YouTube.

As for which series I like better... I've never sat down and watched either to any great extent (I know, I know, scandalous ), so I wouldn't want to make a final judgment on either. But although the '70's series gives me a real nostalgic buzz when I hear that song, and it's lots of fun, as an adult I just find the show itself a bit... well, '70s. Whereas the later series portrays the characters in the 1940s/'50s era that the books were originally set in, which I now find makes the whole thing feel more "Blytonish" and more appealing. But they both have their good points and their downsides — swings and roundabouts, as you say in Britain.

I like both for different reasons - I think the 1970's wins on nostalgia, because it brings back memories of how I saw The Five as a child - particularly in the annual of 'Five Go To Mystery Moor' which tied in with the TV series and gave me 'my' black and white Timmy! I also loved the theme song...sung slightly out of tune...very nostalgic! They were pretty good actors, especially George...but I hate the way most of the villains are portrayed as comical and bungling. Growing up, these 1970's children WERE The Famous Five, but the series made in the 1990's is truer to Blyton and to the original characters.

I really should give the 1990s series a proper watch. When I have tried a few episodes in the past the acting from one or two of them (Julian in particular) reminded me too much of 'Five Go Mad in Dorset' and it seemed to take itself a little too seriously.

I enjoy the music for both of them in different ways but must say, to the surprise of no-one, that The Castle of Adventure features the best music of any Blyton adaptation imo.