Ok....it just came on. I'm watching.....what's everyone thinking? It's very modernized that's for sure. I already recognize the old cases. Let's see how bad the acting is in these!

LOL Farina you sound just like MALDEN!

LOL!

Wow the stories are updated with new effects and information .. I'm loving it so far.

Hmmm...well so far it's not quite as horrible as I expected. The theme music is kind of goofy. This format almost reminds me of a Forensic Files or Cold Case Files. I like those 2 shows, so maybe this one will be tolerable. Nothing will ever touch the original though.

Wow the stories have expanded information not in the original segments.

i like it, but i dk, it just doesnt seem like unsolved mysteries to me, Farina is doing an ok job, that voice is kind of taking away from the mood a bit

I don't like the small picture ..... and I am really curious to see a older case ... but other than that its better than none at all

I like the new show, but it seems some people will never be happy if they don't have Robert Stack and the old theme .. they just keep complaining about it thinking the show can't change at all.. Get over it.. it's not the old Unsolved Mysteries .. if that's what you want, go watch your VHS tapes and DVDs.

i like it, but i dk, it just doesnt seem like unsolved mysteries to me, Farina is doing an ok job, that voice is kind of taking away from the mood a bit

This.

Really, I'm impressed so far, but it's just not the saaaaaame. The editing down kills a lot of the mood of the original.

I like the new show, but it seems some people will never be happy if they don't have Robert Stack and the old theme .. they just keep complaining about it thinking the show can't change at all.. Get over it.. it's not the old Unsolved Mysteries .. if that's what you want, go watch your VHS tapes and DVDs. Believe me ......If I had every episode ... or at least half the old episodes , i would'nt be sittin here typing this ..... I would have gave a crap less if they redid it or not .
I still don't get the small picture .

Things I don't like so far

Emphasis on action - Really, do we need to see an extended scene of 2 people getting gunned down with an assault rifle? I preferred the low-key approach the old UM used, and usually avoided showing the actual killing being depicted.

Overly flashy editing - Like random negative flashes of people's faces while talkiing. :rolleyes:

Farina - An adequate host but nothing more. They should've got someone with more of a presence like Michael Ironside.

Believe me ......If I had every episode ... or at least half the old episodes , i would'nt be sittin here typing this ..... I would have gave a crap less if they redid it or not .
I still don't get the small picture .

I think it's called HDTV.

They are using some of the old scenes and footage. They really shortened the reinactment clips alot. I will probably still watch the show as it beats alot of other garbage on tv these days, but there is no "mood" to this whatsoever. Like another said, I guess any UM is better than no UM. The background where Farina is looks like some kind of NASA control room rather than a call center. I noticed they use the Google maps feature to focus on the locations, which is a new deal as the old show never emphasized locations unless a missing person was on a route to a destination when they disappeared.

Decent

We are all older and everything is so commercialized now so of course it won't be spooky without Stack and the classic theme. But it's certainly better than nothing.

Still..I wish they had a haunting score to set the mood.

(and yes I will continue to watch old episodes :D )

Not impressed here at all, but, they didn't ask for my vote or say, so...

I'll try to give it a watch or two or three. As someone else pointed out, there's not a lot of other things on TV anymore. And in crime show world, both The New Detectivesand The FBI Files are cancelled; all that's left is FOrensic Files which I'm not really a fan of honestly.

It's okay but I don't like it that much. Can't see myself watching it all the time like I watched the old UM, but it is better than nothing.

I think it's called HDTV. Well usually the whole show would look this way .... when they show farina the screen is wide ..... and this would be the first HD show I HAVE seen that would have bars on the side and top .

I'm enjoying it so far, although I'm a bit disappointed in the Kurt Cobain segment. It was the same old stuff from the original segment. They hardly mentioned Courtney. They didn't talk about where she was at the time, that Kurt was in the process of divorcing her, or that she had been accused of trying to hire someone to kill Kurt. A man who later ended up dead, by the way. They didn't mention that the bullet was found to the left of Kurt's body. That's the wrong side. They also didn't mention that the stupid police waited a month before they even checked the gun for fingerprints!

I was really hoping for more this time... :(

It's not working out for me. It just doesn't feel like Unsolved Mysteries at all. Dennis Farina is a good actor but his voice is not the right fit for the show. I also don't like the way it's being shown with the black bars on each side. It also just seems like they are going too quick with everything. But hey this is just my opinion.

Mattmc, I just realized you're from Mobile too; that's cool!

I noticed the smaller picture as well in the scenes; that's odd. I just wonder why the show comes on during the early afternoon. This should be on prime time if they're trying to promote something new and successful. I think alot of us have the same opinion in that "yeah it's ok, yeah I'll watch it, but no it's not really cool and exciting and no there is no UM mood at all to it."

The host is doing ok. The google maps annoy me for some reason. I like watching though, brings back memories and is interesting. The exorcism is making me laugh though, the priest got a little tough with her, lol. Im impressed that they actually went to a "real" one.

Ooooo the missing semi driver is next.. that was solved.. and it's spooky

Well usually the whole show would look this way .... when they show farina the screen is wide ..... and this would be the first HD show I HAVE seen that would have bars on the side and top .

The old footage is in fullscreen, and the new is in widescreen. They could've resized and cropped the old video to match the new, but for hundreds of episodes? :P

Also, am I the only one who finds this exorcism segment hilarious? :P

The music really detracts from the cases too. The show now seems to be more concerned with it's visual presentation over telling a good story.

The music really detracts from the cases too. The show now seems to be more concerned with it's visual presentation over telling a good story.


Agreed.

While I found solved cases interesting, I don't understand why they show them again. I understood it on Lifetime but it's strange here. It is called UNSOLVED Mysteries afterall.

Did anyone notice they are playing the original theme song during the beginning when they show the upcoming cases?

They probably just do it to stay connected with the old, and keep fans of the original interested.

While I found solved cases interesting, I don't understand why they show them again. I understood it on Lifetime but it's strange here. It is called UNSOLVED Mysteries afterall.

Makes perfect sense to me . . the show is supposed to be continuous from the old Unsolved Mysteries.. they are updating cases that didn't get updated before.

Hey JRA ! Its good to have another bama boy on here :D There was a commercial on here earlier ( at least locally ) about getting tested for aids , that had scarier music than the new UM ! :lol:

I agree the music is annoying.

I wish they'd just play old episodes. Sigh.

Does anyone else think the call center where Farina talks from looks alot like he's on a Star Destroyer from Star Wars?

I'm glad they aren't just playing old episodes.. that show ended.. this isn't the 80's and 90's.

I like the new show, but it seems some people will never be happy if they don't have Robert Stack and the old theme .. they just keep complaining about it thinking the show can't change at all.. Get over it.. it's not the old Unsolved Mysteries .. if that's what you want, go watch your VHS tapes and DVDs.

There are certain things you do not change & this is one of them.

TV Guide lied to me as to when this started (I'm an hour late) but it made sense to show the UPDATE on the semi case as his body location and strange final hours are still Unsolved

this isn't the 80's and 90's.
I would be a whole lot happier if it was .... most stuff now ...well ... sucks .. music /tv / cars ... Unsolved mysteries ..... was all better back then .

There are certain things you do not change & this is one of them.

WHo died and put you in charge? I disagre completely.. that's your opinion.

I'm dying to get the verdict from our almighty UM savant CD! :D

Does anyone else think the call center where Farina talks from looks alot like he's on a Star Destroyer from Star Wars?

Note in one of my previous posts I pointed that out except I described it as some control room for NASA. C'mon, that's just cheezy.

WHo died and put you in charge? I disagre completely.. that's your opinion.

Excuse me? As you can see there are ones who do not like the new version. If you like it that is fine but IMO the show sucks.

I would be a whole lot happier if it was .... most stuff now ...well ... sucks .. music /tv / cars ... Unsolved mysteries ..... was all better back then .

You got that right. The 80s so rocked :D

Jesus Christ I hate to say it, but the episodes are pretty much stripped of
the subtle little things that made it so spooky. It's wild how by having unnecessary sound effects can really effect how the story comes off. The old music during the segments really was well written and appropriate. The new ones had absolutely no music. Just in your face sound effects every 5 seconds. I like the host.

^ I like Dennis as the host but I agree the segments aren't spooky.

^ I like Dennis as the host but I agree the segments aren't spooky.

What requires it to be spooky? I'm sorry people are so disappointed that the show isn't identical to the original, but that wasn't the intent.. it is about Unsolved Mysteries.. it's not about scary music or Robert Stack.

I can't believe I just teared up watching that Animal Rescue commercial.

You got that right. The 80s so rocked :D
Thanks babe .... like totally and some junk :lol:

I don't know if this will attract new audiences. Since we are fans we are just making direct comparisons instead of looking at it as a reinterpretation of an old show. The new 08 style presentation mixed with the 80s reenactments will definitely throw people off. And old audiences are used to the creepy atmosphere of the show, which this one doesn't have. I don't really get the audience they are targeting this show to. It just doesn't flow right.

Thanks babe .... like totally and some junk :lol:

:lol:

I'm dying to get the verdict from our almighty UM savant CD! :D

:lol: Thanks! Well of course it can't hold a candle to our original beloved UM but I thought it was pretty good. Better than I thought. I loved joshypiano's comment about the telecenter....very high tech indeed. :lol:

Does anyone else think that the suspected deputy's attorney in the massage parlor murder case looks like a grown up Steve Urkel. :lol:

Btw lets not get into an argument about the new UM versus the old UM please. I think all of us will agree the older one will always be the best but the new one can be good in its own way and we're all entitled to our own opinions about it whether you like the new one or not. :)

There are certain things you do not change & this is one of them.

I'm with you peachy. This is like another one of my favorite shows the Twilight Zone. Take away the original theme and it's just not the same.


This show is like FBI Files now..nothing distinctive.

(edit: wow fast guitar strings as they wheel out a dead body? No atmosphere whatsoever..i'll still watch from time to time but mercy..)

All I know is ... when I was growing up this was the show I wanted to watch and did'nt want to watch .. at the same time . Robert Stacks naration did make alot of the show ... also did the music , the scary composites , and the creepy marble background :) . When I was young this show was like a thrill ride .... during the show I was hyped up never knowing what to expect , after the show i was over .. my nerves settled and I felt lucky to be alive . and no show or movie has ever done that ... except for the org . dawn of the dead

Well they are finally showing an old one ... Bad Chief . I cant wait to see how they do a really old one ... even though its been solved

MANNN they fricken butchered that my favorite show!! I wanted scary, engaging Unsolved Mysteries of old, not a ****ing CSI rip off, but what do you expect when its on "Redneck Television", of course they had to beef up the action scenes and do chop up the old segments into little 10 second flashes to keep the average caveman's attention, UGH HBO YOU ****ED UP MY FAVORITE SHOW, JUST PLAY THE RERUNS!!!

Music = crap
host = no heart = crap
Graphics = Ok they're "updated" but it definatly doesn't add to the show at all, its totally playing off the popular cop and forensics dramas out now

By the way, i love the way they try to hide the fact that all the segments they show are like 10 or 20 years old and try to make it new, oi vey

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES WAS THE INOVATOR NOT THE IMITATOR, NOW ITS THE OTHER WAY AROUND

all in the name of a buck, thanks for nothing

Then don't watch .. jeez the complaining is getting old. I think there are many people who weren't going to be satisfied no matter what they did because you didn't have your music or Robert Stack.

MANNN they fricken butchered that my favorite show!! I wanted scary, engaging Unsolved Mysteries of old, not a ****ing CSI rip off, but what do you expect when its on "Redneck Television", of course they had to beef up the action scenes and do chop up the old segments into little 10 second flashes to keep the average caveman's attention, UGH HBO YOU ****ED UP MY FAVORITE SHOW, JUST PLAY THE RERUNS!!!

Music = crap
host = no heart = crap
Graphics = Ok they're "updated" but it definatly doesn't add to the show at all, its totally playing off the popular cop and forensics dramas out now

By the way, i love the way they try to hide the fact that all the segments they show are like 10 or 20 years old and try to make it new, oi vey

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES WAS THE INOVATOR NOT THE IMITATOR, NOW ITS THE OTHER WAY AROUND

all in the name of a buck, thanks for nothing

Redneck Television :lol:

As to the rest of your post- my thoughts exactly.

I am going to reserve judgement until the end of the week. My opinion as of now....EH

I can't believe I just teared up watching that Animal Rescue commercial.

:lol:


Overall, it's not as terrible as I imagined it would be, but the segments are far too chopped and over-edited. And I say put more emphasis on the re-enactment and let that tell the story.

I kinda liked the Google map for some reason...

In general I like Dennis Farina. He'd be much better if he slowed the narration down a bit. Heck, everything would be better if it was slowed down a bit. Not bad, but I think I'll stick to my copies of the NBC/Lifetime episodes.

i liked it, but i agree with CD u cant compare the new and the old UM. but i think without Robert Stack it will never be the same, i agree that the old theme should be brought back, but its not spike tv's fault, Robert Stack was/is UM

I think the main problem with the new UM is that it is on SpikeTV. Spike makes it look fast with the segments and the music. I think if another cable channel or network was carrying the show it might have some of same old elements. I think CBS did a good with the show. I think maybe a network like USA or TNT would been good for UM.

Sounds like , we might need to make this the old UM forum ... and start one for the lovers .... i mean lover of the new UM :lol:

I compare this to meeting an old girlfriend years later and trying to recapture the magic. Same people, but now older, tired looking, less fit, not our youthful selves, and different. The people are there but the magic isn't.

That's how it feels right now. I hope I can get over it. When it went to CBS at least UM still felt like UM. I didn't even mind Virginia Madsen (at least Stack was still around, though).

Hopefully I will get over the fact that this isn't and can't be the same Robert Stack show of old. I am glad it is on, but I'm having a hard time warming up to it so far.

Just feels too different now. :(

I don't know if I'll be a regular viewer, but it might be something to check out every now and then. I did like in the Greg Webb case how they aired archive footage of their acting. Not all of that stuff was shown in the original case.

I grew up with Unsolved Mysteries, I never missed an episode, and was very disappointed when the show ended shortly before Robert Stack's death. When I read that they were bringing it back, I was delighted to see it again.

However, I just watched the two new episodes, and so far I am VERY disappointed. If they were going to show old cases, why didn't they just leave them as they were with Robert Stack as the narrator?? It was Robert Stack's voice, and the creepy undertoned music that MADE that show, and now that is all GONE!! Anyone else agree??

Also, did anyone else notice that they aren't giving us any dates of these cases???? Why not??? I went to www.unsolved.com to contact them about that, but all they have available on that website is a tip line.. no room for viewer feedback.

:lol:


Overall, it's not as terrible as I imagined it would be, but the segments are far too chopped and over-edited. And I say put more emphasis on the re-enactment and let that tell the story.

I kinda liked the Google map for some reason...

In general I like Dennis Farina. He'd be much better if he slowed the narration down a bit. Heck, everything would be better if it was slowed down a bit. Not bad, but I think I'll stick to my copies of the NBC/Lifetime episodes.

I agree about Dennis' narrations. Robert Stack narrated slowly to get points and facts across. I think maybe Bill Kurtis would have been a great host for UM. I have been watching America's Game on NFL Network and a few episodes have been narrated by Tom Selleck and Tom has a great slow narration voice which would work for a show like UM. I also remember Tim White on Sightings was a good narrator.

However, I just watched the two new episodes, and so far I am VERY disappointed. If they were going to show old cases, why didn't they just leave them as they were with Robert Stack as the narrator?? It was Robert Stack's voice, and the creepy undertoned music that MADE that show, and now that is all GONE!! Anyone else agree??

I agree with ya. When I talk to others about this show(off of this board) & ask them what made this show stand out, they would always say the creepy music & Robert Stack.

I was very excited to the show. all in all I'm glad it's back. We all knew we would miss bob stack once he was gone. but there isn't anyone else out there who can duplicate his efforts. farina will just have to grow on me and I do hope to see some segs that I haven't seen nor seen often. the segments shown today were cases in which I have seen countless times so not much suspense in that regard. One segement that was rather new for me was the update of the truck driver Mr Williams. I don't think I had seen that update in the past. My wife and I were left to contimplate how he died. My wife actually seemed a lot more into it than I was. all in all I was a tad disappointed with the first day. But I can see it getting better as time goes on.

Rememer the movie "Wayne's World" where they took a cool TV show and then put Hollywood into it and the result was less than stellar?

That's how I feel.

I do agree that some of the new things are cool, like Google Earth. And I don't mind Farrina, but he is certainly no Stack.

I watch CD's DVDs and I don't mind those a bit. Makes me wonder why they couldn't have just spruced up the old episodes and left Stacks voice instead of basically re-doing the whole thing.

[Trying to let go of the past but not having much luck...]

I agree about Dennis' narrations. Robert Stack narrated slowly to get points and facts across. I think maybe Bill Kurtis would have been a great host for UM. I have been watching America's Game on NFL Network and a few episodes have been narrated by Tom Selleck and Tom has a great slow narration voice which would work for a show like UM. I also remember Tim White on Sightings was a good narrator.

I like Bill Kurtis. I think he would have done a great job.

I agree about Dennis' narrations. Robert Stack narrated slowly to get points and facts across. I think maybe Bill Kurtis would have been a great host for UM. I have been watching America's Game on NFL Network and a few episodes have been narrated by Tom Selleck and Tom has a great slow narration voice which would work for a show like UM. I also remember Tim White on Sightings was a good narrator.

I honestly thought Bill Kurtis was going to be the natural choice. I mean, he's quintessentially the voice of today's true crime doc. I definitely wouldn't thought of Tom Selleck initially, but now that you mention it, I think he'd have been great as well.

I should have made a poll when I created this thread. I know CD doesn't want us getting into fights about how this one sucks and the old one is better, but I think all of us are just partial to the original and Stack in general. Without getting into a battle, I think it's obvious that 99% of us feel the same way.

I was very excited to the show. all in all I'm glad it's back. We all knew we would miss bob stack once he was gone. but there isn't anyone else out there who can duplicate his efforts. farina will just have to grow on me and I do hope to see some segs that I haven't seen nor seen often. the segments shown today were cases in which I have seen countless times so not much suspense in that regard. One segement that was rather new for me was the update of the truck driver Mr Williams. I don't think I had seen that update in the past. My wife and I were left to contimplate how he died. My wife actually seemed a lot more into it than I was. all in all I was a tad disappointed with the first day. But I can see it getting better as time goes on.

*crosses fingers*

I think because most of us are stuck in the past, this new show will be hard to accept. people don't accept change well. It is a fact well proven. the one good thing that the show does is hopefully capture a new audience and at the end of the day help solve some of these cases. If we all give it a chance and the new viewers accept the show....then maybe we'll see some new cases and at the end of the day I feel that's what everyone wants here.

I to , think Bill Kurtis would have been perfect ......... " I'm Bill Kurtis ... and I just solved a mystery " :D

Well overall I'd say I'm pretty happy with the new Unsolved Mysteries. I like that Farina isn't trying to be like Robert Stack, because nobody could ever compare. I wonder if one of these days Farina will be wearing a trench coat. :lol:


But the only thing that does bother me is it isn't as creepy as it used to be. It doesn't really scare me too much, and I think that was one of the main appeals of the original.

Oh well. So far, I'm satisfied.

LOL this board hardly represents UM Fans.. and no I don't think 99% agree with your extremist views.

the one good thing that the show does is hopefully capture a new audience and at the end of the day help solve some of these cases. If we all give it a chance and the new viewers accept the show....then maybe we'll see some new cases and at the end of the day I feel that's what everyone wants here.


Good God! The show is not there to solve cases! It's there to entertain US!!!

:crazy:

Sorry... I lost it there for a second. You make some great points, DALLASTEXAN. Hopefully it will help solve some of these cases and bring some much needed closure for the families and friends of those featured.

And I do hope we get some new UM fans on board. That would be nice and if that helps get new cases.... OK. You sold me. ;)

I just realized this was similar to how I felt when Star Wars Episode I came out. Unfortunately it may be impossible to recapture the magic of the original.

Time to go throw in a CD UM compilation episode DVD.... :lol:

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............:rolleyes: not you todd ..

Scotterguy911 it isn't your place to come on here and criticize people that don't seem to like the new UM. You like it, thats fine but everyone else that happens to not like is certainly entitled to come on here and voice their opinion about the show just as you have.

LOL this board hardly represents UM Fans..


Uhh... OK.

:crazy:

Scotterguy911 it isn't your place to come on here and criticize people that don't seem to like the new UM. You like it, thats fine but everyone else that happens to not like is certainly entitled to come on here and voice their opinion about the show just as you have.

Sure I can because they're not doing anything but repeating the reality that we KNEW this show wasn't going to be like the old show ... the old show died in 2003.. go on with your lives.. jeez I've never seen such an obsessive extremist group of people.

... jeez I've never seen such an obsessive extremist group of people.

If you don't like it here, don't post.

Uhh... OK.

:crazy:

What I meant is that this board is not a representative sample of all UM fans.. there are many more fans than are on this site.

Sure I can because they're not doing anything but repeating the reality that we KNEW this show wasn't going to be like the old show ... the old show died in 2003.. go on with your lives.. jeez I've never seen such an obsessive extremist group of people.

So let me get this straight: If someone agrees with you, they are just offering their opinion. But if they disagree with you, they are an "extremist"?

You aren't by chance running for office this fall, are you? Reminds me of a lot of the political commercials I've been seeing. :rolleyes:

So let me get this straight: If someone agrees with you, they are just offering their opinion. But if they disagree with you, they are an "extremist"?

You aren't by chance running for office this fall, are you? Reminds me of a lot of the political commercials I've been seeing. :rolleyes:

That's not what I said at all. Of course people can dislike the new show. But the reasons they are giving are things we knew up front.. the press release said the segments would be shorter.. we knew Robert Stack was dead.. we knew the music wasn't coming back.. and now people can't talk about anything BUT these things.

Extremist? lol appropo hypebole for the current season.

Good God! The show is not there to solve cases! It's there to entertain US!!!


Time will tell how genuine this show is. Someone mentioned the lack of dates, and that's interesting. I mean it's evident that they are attempting to ride the wave of glossy crime shows to get at that increasing 16-25 demographic. However, you would think a few of those intuitive heads would bypass the 'uber' intense action of a car getting pumped and wonder just when these cases took place. I would hope they would add dates and times for the new cases. But I don't know..maybe i'm a cynic but the call in center even seemed fake. :rolleyes:

Slow it down, tell me a story, slow it down, build suspense, did I mention slow it down? I've seen Dateline NBC segments as gripping as that.

Not a great show anymore, but, if I'm bored and there's nothing on, I'll tune in and gripe to myself about how much it sucks in comparison.

You're forever missed Robert Stack! Why can't you just come back as a ghost and go meet up with Terry Cosgrove/Meurer and film more shows?

Not a great show anymore, but, if I'm bored and there's nothing on, I'll tune in and gripe to myself about how much it sucks in comparison.

You're forever missed Robert Stack! Why can't you just come back as a ghost and go meet up with Terry Cosgrove/Meurer and film more shows?

LOL now that would make the show really spooky :D

Although it is great to see UM back on television, I will admit that the new UM has its share of disadvantages, as well as advantages. One of them is that the segments are a little too fast-paced. Another disadvantage, of course, is the absence of Robert Stack. :(

But here are some advantages of the new UM: One is the reintroduction of old cases, especially the ones that are still unsolved. The other advantage is the show's constant devotion to making a difference. :)

Although it is great to see UM back on television, I will admit that the new UM has its share of disadvantages, as well as advantages. One of them is that the segments are a little too fast-paced. Another disadvantage, of course, is the absence of Robert Stack. :(

But here are some advantages of the new UM: One is the reintroduction of old cases, especially the ones that are still unsolved. The other advantage is the show's constant devotion to making a difference. :)

Well said, Kane!!!
At first the smaller screen weirded me a out a little, I kept thinking it was a setting on my TV that someone had messed with :lol:
And I really miss Robert Stack, obviously...it's just not the same without him. :(
But all in all, I'm happy to see it back on the air. I do wish they would slow down with the stories like many of you said. I mean, with the old UM you really got a feel for what was going on. Stack's narration and the interviews and re-enactments wove together neatly and took you through an entire story. I feel like a lot of this is rushed. But again, I am just glad to see it back and a renewed interest in it!!! I'll keep watching, even though it isn't the same, but I guess that was to be expected...nobody can replace Robert Stack, and nothing can replace the old UM...

Is the New Unsolved Mysteries produced by Michael Bay?

Well said, Kane!!!
At first the smaller screen weirded me a out a little, I kept thinking it was a setting on my TV that someone had messed with :lol:
And I really miss Robert Stack, obviously...it's just not the same without him. :(
But all in all, I'm happy to see it back on the air. I do wish they would slow down with the stories like many of you said. I mean, with the old UM you really got a feel for what was going on. Stack's narration and the interviews and re-enactments wove together neatly and took you through an entire story. I feel like a lot of this is rushed. But again, I am just glad to see it back and a renewed interest in it!!! I'll keep watching, even though it isn't the same, but I guess that was to be expected...nobody can replace Robert Stack, and nothing can replace the old UM...

Yeah apparently the producers and SPIKE think that people dont have the brain power to actually think and have to have it fast or they will turn the channel. Really insulting.

The segments do seem rushed, but once I got used to it, it wasn't so bad.

This new version is definately different, I think it's kinda like getting used to a new Minister at church, it takes awhile. I'm sure it will never replace the original U.M. with me.

I'm happy that these cases, especially the unsolved ones, will get airtime again.

I agree with many that the old U.M. was creepier, we were also all very much younger when it first aired and probably more easily creeped out. We also hadn't been de-sensitized by all the crimes shows that we now watch.

Yeah I enjoyed what I saw, more faced paced but it didn't take away from the show at all.

I missed the first ep and most of the 2nd but saw the last two cases with Joe Cole and Anna Anton.

Anyone know where I can watch a replay on the internet?

I live in Australia btw :) I watched it on TVU.

holy cow! look at this thread go! I have them recorded and won't get a chance to watch them until tomorrow morning, but I think this is the fastest growing thread ever.

wiseguy, you must be working the 11-7 again tonight. Do what I used to do on slow nights at the hotel--just bring your laptop and DVDs and you can watch your UM volumes at work in the back office behind "the magic door" that goes out to the front.

Is the New Unsolved Mysteries produced by Michael Bay?


HAHAHA! I swear I thought the same thing earlier. Maybe it's a Bruckheimer/Bay production.

I think its pretty lame that people are actually arguing while comparing the two UM's. I love the old UM and it will always be my favorite, but I am honestly really glad that they brought it back. The show is intriguing and it is interesting seeing all of the old cases on ACTUAL TV again, and not on a DVD. Anyways, I think of the show as more of a show. I think it is selfish that people are talking crap on this show, the point of this show is, yeah, entertainment and ratings, but also helping families and solving crimes. I think Robert Stack would not want people dwelling on him and tell you to move on and accept change, because he was one that actually cared about helping people. So, in conclusion, Robert Stack wants you to watch the new UM so they will get the ratings they need and begin producing new segments.:)

I saw it tonight and was pleased, no one can beat stack, but i will give it a chance and if you guys signed up to receive updates on unsolved.com i read this e-mail and realized why i am watching it...

Tonight’s the Night!


Unsolved Mysteries returns to the airwaves tonight!

The new host is Dennis Farina of Law and Order, Get Shorty, Snatch,
and many other movies and TV shows.

Spike TV will broadcast the first of 175 episodes beginning tonight at 5 PM. A second episode will follow immediately at 6 PM.

Tune in tomorrow through Friday at 5 PM for two hours of Unsolved Mysteries.

The producers of the show would like to thank you, our dedicated fans, for making Unsolved Mysteries a long-time favorite. It is your support that motivated Spike TV to air this series.

-- The Unsolved Mysteries Staff

My expectations for this new version were really low so I would have to say that the new version has exceeded my expectations. The reality is that we won't get the UM from the early years with this show but I was expecting much worse than what we have gotten here.

I saw them both and they weren't bad. It's not the same as the old days and I really miss Robert Stack but it's good to have this show back on TV. Some observations...

-I don't like the black box around the screen. They need to ditch it.

-Dennis Farina is not a bad host but you can tell he's copying verbatum from the original show. I noticed he said "a story we told you about several weeks ago" when obviously the show hasn't been on in years.

-I like how we're getting these updates. Knew we would but they're cool to see.

-Gotta love those eighties and early-90s hair and mustaches.

Dennis Farina is not a bad host but you can tell he's copying verbatum from the original show. I noticed he said "a story we told you about several weeks ago" when obviously the show hasn't been on in years.

HAHAHA I knew I didn't hear that wrong! :crazy:

So I tuned into the first of the two episodes (I had to leave at 5), and I must say that while I enjoy seeing UM back on the air, they seem to have a lost a bit of what, for me, made UM different from shows such as AMW or anything else like that.

UM was designed around the concept of the narrative. It told a story, with comments from people to describe the situation. It was laid-back, and very powerful in terms of drawing the viewer in. There was an emotional connection to these people, to their struggles and that's why the horror felt much more palpable.

Shows like AMW, which operate at a decently break-neck speed to get the information out there, have their place, and I applaud their efforts. I applaud too UM's efforts, but I feel as if this new iteration has lost some of the jazz. I didn't feel like I was watching stories being told with the hope that someone, somewhere, would able to help.

Farina is a capable host, but I disagree with their decision to have him in the same area over and over. Maybe this changed in ep. 2 or will change in the future, but he needs to be out there in the field. It's tough with a show like this, which can't have too much of a budget, but it should be done.

That being said, I'm not trying to compare the UMs to show that the new one was bad; I think the new show is decent. My problem with it stems from the fact that when it opened, I thought of that one guy from The FBI Files who always walked out in what seemed like the same area.

I wish Spike would stop being so HD-happy, I want my fullscreen, not letterboxed weirdness.

Oh well.

It was fun to hear the name Jesse James Hollywood and smile knowing that piece of scum was caught.

I hated it, I just knew that Spike would dumb it down. Most importantly, there is no atmosphere or sense of dread like I got fromthe original series. UM was the first TV show I ever watched seriously, and I'm glad I taped most of them, since I won't be wathing this.

Anyone know where I can catch a replay?

I guess I'm just sort of indifferent about the whole thing. I didn't like it, yet I didn't really dislike it either. I guess maybe I was expecting more, but I don't really know exactly what the "more" was that I was expecting.

It seems like all of us, the so-called hardcore UM fans, don't have much to gain from watching the new episodes unless they A.) Create new segments, or B.) Show rare segments that we either have never seen or haven't seen in a long time. As it stands, they're just showing, as many have put it, "dumbed-down" versions of the episodes we've already seen dozens of times. We all like Stack better than Farina, and we like the dark, spooky feeling of the original UM, so we'd be better off popping in our VHS tapes or CD's DVDs and watching the old show.

It also doesn't help that they seem to have remade UM's most well-known segments (Kurt Cobain, Elvis, Jesse James Hollywood, Ted Binion, etc.) whereas I and at least a handful of others on here were more intrigued by some of those obscure, bizarre segments about random people that the mainstream media never covered. But again, this is my opinion after only viewing two episodes. I'm willing to give it a shot and see how things shape up in the coming weeks.

Anyone know where I can catch a replay?

It was on earlier in the day than I expected, so was unable to tape it Monday. I notice they have episodes scheduled from 5-7 for the rest of the week. Will it be the same two episodes? Whatever, I'll tape it.

To new fans, the look of certain segments will seem kind of old. Also, all the people wearing glasses are wearing those typical 80's huge lens glasses. :lol:

I wonder how many people in those re-enactments are dead now?

I liked it. I think anyone who liked it enough should watch. If this show loses ratings it might get canceled. Then most of us will be on here finding reasons as to why it's crappiness got it taken off the air. Spike has done a good job. It's not a half @$$ed attempt on their part. They found a new way which isn't THAT terrible, and might just work. Also, I don't think Spike was interested in keeping it's spooky factor. Had it been Court TV, Sci-Fi (possibly), or Chiller, spookiness probably would have stayed. On Spike however..... you know.... it's for the guys. j/k :lol:

I think it'll do just fine with enough viewers. AND it gives me something to watch! But just in case any of you are wondering, this makes me miss Robert that much more.... :crying:

Is this just a trial run or something? I moved up on the scheduler and "Unsolved Mysteries isn't scheduled next week between 5-7 at all.

I totally forgot about it today, but set the tivo for it now on. That is where i saw that it isn't scheduled for next week.


V

I don't get Spike TV so I didn't get to see it. I heard a while back someone said that they will be showing the episodes on their website. Any truth to that? If not, I guess I'll just have to miss out on it.

I don't get Spike TV so I didn't get to see it. I heard a while back someone said that they will be showing the episodes on their website. Any truth to that? If not, I guess I'll just have to miss out on it.

Download TVU (an internet television player) and its on there.

I do not like that Farina guy. He was not a good choice for UM. But I'm glad it's back on.

I agree with with most, that the show lacks atmosphere and substance. I guess these can be attributed to the fast-paced editing and the loss of Robert Stack but I did give the show a fair shot and watched it lastnight. I don't think I will be a regular viewer but if there is nothing else on and I'm terribly bored, I'll watch.

I definitely miss the unsettling atmosphere that the music and locations lent to the old show. This version is too fast paced and choppy, but I'll watch and hopefully some of the more obscure cases will be shown, and possibly new ones.

I agree with with most, that the show lacks atmosphere and substance. I guess these can be attributed to the fast-paced editing and the loss of Robert Stack but I did give the show a fair shot and watched it lastnight. I don't think I will be a regular viewer but if there is nothing else on and I'm terribly bored, I'll watch.

thats exactly what i said!

Here's some Pros and Cons:

PROS:
- I like the google maps. I thought it was an interesting way to show where the different stories take place.
-Dennis Farina has potential. I thought he did a decent job narrarating during the stories.
-Updates on old cases. It's refreshing for an old UM fan to see the old stories updated (or played again).

CONS:
-Too much electric guitar/hard rock music during the stories. I almost felt like the background rock music should be reserved for a monster truck show. It doesn't really capture the foreshadowing the story is about to deliver.
-The format of the cases should be told as a story - not a summary. I felt like each case was kinda rushed through. I want the format of the reenactments to almost be like a movie, but with commentary in between.
-Dennis Farina needs to get out of the space center room. Anywhere else would be better. It's just cheesy.

Forgot this one...

I wish they would tell us when each case happened. For some reason I like to know when things occur.

It is personally unwatchable for me. They have basically produced it just like every other show on tru tv out there today. Does not have an authentic feel to it at all. Unsolved Mysteries always showed a lot with the re-enactments. Now we just have lots of investigators and people talking, effects flashing and cases rushed. I'm already done with it. I will enjoy watching my tapes of the old episodes and leave it that. Like some have stated before, the true Unsolved Mysteries passed years ago....I did not even care for the newer Stack episodes in 2002 much either... I did not expect to it be identical to the old shows, but I did not expect this either...Just not for me..

For everyone that asked about watching it online, I did read that you should be able to watch it on www.spike.com but so far I can't find on there where you can. Maybe soon.

Here is a link to the Spike tv listings and says what segments will be on this week. It looks as if the infamous "Sammy Wheeler" segment may be on tonight. I wonder if they'll edit out some of the classic lines:

http://www.spike.com/schedule/spike/

EDIT: I did email Spike and inquired about if and when you could watch complete UM episodes on their website. If I hear anything back, I'll post it.

I don't get Spike TV so I didn't get to see it. I heard a while back someone said that they will be showing the episodes on their website. Any truth to that? If not, I guess I'll just have to miss out on it.

You mean you missed that little weasel on your avatar being led away in handcuffs last night? That alone was worth tuning in for. :D

Sure I can because they're not doing anything but repeating the reality that we KNEW this show wasn't going to be like the old show ... the old show died in 2003.. go on with your lives.. jeez I've never seen such an obsessive extremist group of people.

Dude, if all you're going to do is be bitchy and turn your nose up at us, then go to another board. Voicing your opinion is cool, agreeing with us or not, but being a jerk to the regular posters and others is not.

Well said, Kane!!!
At first the smaller screen weirded me a out a little, I kept thinking it was a setting on my TV that someone had messed with :lol:
And I really miss Robert Stack, obviously...it's just not the same without him. :(
But all in all, I'm happy to see it back on the air. I do wish they would slow down with the stories like many of you said. I mean, with the old UM you really got a feel for what was going on. Stack's narration and the interviews and re-enactments wove together neatly and took you through an entire story. I feel like a lot of this is rushed. But again, I am just glad to see it back and a renewed interest in it!!! I'll keep watching, even though it isn't the same, but I guess that was to be expected...nobody can replace Robert Stack, and nothing can replace the old UM...

I agree. I think we need to let nuUM get the kinks out. All new things take time to find their rhythm. I think in time, while it won't be the original, it will be a show be able to stand on its own, gain our respect, and be able to solve old crimes and new crimes, which is the most important reason of all to watch.

I saw it tonight and was pleased, no one can beat stack, but i will give it a chance and if you guys signed up to receive updates on unsolved.com i read this e-mail and realized why i am watching it...

Tonight’s the Night!


Unsolved Mysteries returns to the airwaves tonight!

The new host is Dennis Farina of Law and Order, Get Shorty, Snatch,
and many other movies and TV shows.

Spike TV will broadcast the first of 175 episodes beginning tonight at 5 PM. A second episode will follow immediately at 6 PM.

Tune in tomorrow through Friday at 5 PM for two hours of Unsolved Mysteries.

The producers of the show would like to thank you, our dedicated fans, for making Unsolved Mysteries a long-time favorite. It is your support that motivated Spike TV to air this series.

-- The Unsolved Mysteries Staff

Yeah, I got this, too and I think it's pretty cool.

-Dennis Farina is not a bad host but you can tell he's copying verbatum from the original show. I noticed he said "a story we told you about several weeks ago" when obviously the show hasn't been on in years.
.

I knew I wasn't hearing things!

You mean you missed that little weasel on your avatar being led away in handcuffs last night? That alone was worth tuning in for. :D

Hey gurl, doncha b hatin' on mi homie, aiiight? :lol:

Although I havent checked on it ... I think its kindof funny that there is this little ad for NBC poping up on this forum , and it shows you being able to watch episodes of the A-team on their site .... I like the A-team as much as the next guy , I have several seasons on DVD .... but why not let us watch shows that havent been on in a while , and are not completly availible on dvd ....like ..... I don't know ....circa 1988 ..... :eek: UNSOLVED MYSTERIES :eek:

I was expecting NEW episodes? Not old ones with new graphics?

And also too many bells/whistles/graphics in the screen. Makes the story seem too quick and choppy. I know, they wanted to make it look more modern. But it seems overboard.

However I do appreciate they are showing 2 episodes everyday this week.

In the 80's and 90's, the only other show like it was AMW, but now, UM is going to have to get into its groove and compete for our attention. UM now just seems like another show in the pack of reality crime shows. Heck, I'll still watch it regardless because I'm a die-hard fan, but I don't know if anyone else will.

ALRIGHT!!!!!! The story with Bob Bean is about to come on today!

EDIT: Aww man, they cut out the line "...and I'm Michael Jordan. I used to play for the Chicago Bulls."

was anyone else in stitches every time they showed sammy wheeler's brother? it was a CO-incedence

Bean .... Bare .... Burgess .... this must be the " B " suspects episode ...... Maybe we'll have the son of sam next David Berkowitz

lol they edited out all the classic lines from Ira.

I can't believe they're fixin to do the bad chief bit again ..... theres another B :lol:

Yesterday I was really upset, but I think I'm getting used to the new format.
I would like to see some new ones.

Woo-Hoo first time posting on here. I've been a long time lurker, so here goes:

I forgot how creepy that dude is from the final segment where they profiled Denise Williams (I think that's her name).

I'm getting used to the show now...they actually showed almost the entire Denise Williams segment.

I think Farina is a great fit. Especially since he used to be a cop. I'm hoping they keep showing a lot of those older segments for people like me who took for granted all of the times they watched the show without taping a single episode. Oh well. Maybe someday I will full length original episodes to watch.

But for now...I'm kind of liking the new format...even if the butt rock background music is a bit distracting.

I'm watching the Jodi Bordeux story which is really sad.

I was expecting NEW episodes? Not old ones with new graphics?

And also too many bells/whistles/graphics in the screen. Makes the story seem too quick and choppy. I know, they wanted to make it look more modern. But it seems overboard.

However I do appreciate they are showing 2 episodes everyday this week.

There were NEVER any promises of NEW cases...read the original press release. Nothing at all saying new cases..they are updating some of the older ones, although I wish they'd say what year the criminal was caught and when they're up for parole/released.

Apparently Michael Jordan is no longer Danny Wheeler's alter ego :p
I was waiing for that comment with baited breath when they aired the Sammy Wheeler segment, but they cut it. I like the fact they kept in the line about Bean hiring a hitman to do in Wheeler (Bean says his finances were investigated and police found he didn't have the financial means to hire a hitman. This bit was left out of the Lifetime version).


The bottom line is, the redo of UM can never match the original. I am glad I had seen most of the stories previously because the new UM seems to zip through the stories pretty fast (it's like UM on speed), leaving out quite a bit of background information. I have a feeling CrystalDawn will be bombarded with requests for re-aired segments on DVD (in their original form or lifetime version). For examle, I have never seen the missing mob boss segment that aired tonight (guy fakes his own drowning). I would love to see the original version. Same with the Kentucky Militia guy. The old UM drew you into the story much more than the new UM does. The new UM reminds me of an A&E show in it's presentation(think Cold case meets Fox's AMW). I love American Justice and Cold Case but the old UM was something different (and the best). I could do without all the visual effects on the new UM (for example on the Wheeler segment, crap kept flashing across the bottom of the screen like "broken windshield", "wallet missing", "attempted arson of vehicle", etc).

All in all, I am just happy to have UM back in some form. I would rather see straight reruns o fthe old UM, but I guess this new presentation format will have to do.

lol they edited out all the classic lines from Ira.


This is my pad and if you don't like it...

ALRIGHT!!!!!! The story with Bob Bean is about to come on today!

EDIT: Aww man, they cut out the line "...and I'm Michael Jordan. I used to play for the Chicago Bulls." Those sons of b*tches! That alone is a worthy reason to cancel it! Jk :p

To sum down my feelings on the new UM, if you take out the atmosphere (the core element of the original UM), you've got nothing. If you can't please the hardcore fans, you've failed. This show is just like all the other crime shows now.

I think it's funny while your watching a serious show like UM then it cuts to an ad break then suddenly there are these shows with all these hot chicks on it. From one extreme to another :)

Those sons of b*tches! That alone is a worthy reason to cancel it! Jk :p

To sum down my feelings on the new UM, if you take out the atmosphere (the core element of the original UM), you've got nothing. If you can't please the hardcore fans, you've failed. This show is just like all the other crime shows now.

Yep..I knew I would be upset after reading about it...and I am. Everything has to be "New and improved" :mad: I miss you Robert and old UM!

I am actually pleasantly surprised. I was expecting it to be really bad, but I like it so far. Sure, there are things I don't like about it but I'm willing to give it a chance.

Im enjoying it so far. That Milita story reminded me of the Colorado cop killers.

I think it's funny while your watching a serious show like UM then it cuts to an ad break then suddenly there are these shows with all these hot chicks on it. From one extreme to another :)

Hehe, i'm disappointed in my inquisitive self for not realizing before that Spike TV was a red herring. All the commericals in between of mixed martial arts, celebrity wrestling, and MANswers tells you all you need to know about the audience their aiming for. I actually dig some of that stuff, but not in the context of my beloved Unsolved Mysteries. So instead of preparing myself I just cautiously hoped for a great new UM. But that's obviously not the case, yet I plan to hold my final verdict until/if I see new cases. It's just difficult to believe they are serious with these rushed segments absent of dates!

You know I remember hearing many a joke about UM being on the Lifetime network back in the day. LOL but I now appreciate that core audience, maybe they knew that Lifetime viewers would actually take in a story, no matter how long it took to tell.

ALRIGHT!!!!!! The story with Bob Bean is about to come on today!

EDIT: Aww man, they cut out the line "...and I'm Michael Jordan. I used to play for the Chicago Bulls."

Man, that sucked. I watched waiting for it. That cut part is the best part.

Originally Posted by JRA2000TL
ALRIGHT!!!!!! The story with Bob Bean is about to come on today!

EDIT: Aww man, they cut out the line "...and I'm Michael Jordan. I used to play for the Chicago Bulls."

Man, that sucked. I watched waiting for it. That cut part is the best part.


I KNOW!!! I was watching it with my wife and I said, "Here comes one of thee, if not thee, funniest lines in UM history..."

And then they cut it.

She said, "'Sure it is?' That isn't all that funny."

To which I said, "Noooooooooooo! They cut the Jordan part!"

But then I thought, if they want younger viewers, most of them would probably say, "Who the heck is Michael Jordan?"

Oh, well. :(

Sammy Wheeler...man, talk about a case with three unlikeable people. I wanted to smack that ex-husband in the face with a shovel.

Wheeler's "I would consider her like a sister and my family doesn't do incest" line was a classic.

Sammy Wheeler...man, talk about a case with three unlikeable people. I wanted to smack that ex-husband in the face with a shovel.

Wheeler's "I would consider her like a sister and my family doesn't do incest" line was a classic.


That is a riot. When he says the incest line, it comes across like, "While many families find that incest is a fun and rewarding activity, my family doesn't do incest, but that is our choice."

And I agree that all three of them are losers. I love how they all blame each other and then it turns out to be a random act. If you were from another country and saw this, I would think you would have to say, "Is this what Americans are really like?" Not our finest hour, that's for sure. :lol:

And I agree that all three of them are losers. I love how they all blame each other and then it turns out to be a random act. If you were from another country and saw this, I would think you would have to say, "Is this what Americans are really like?" Not our finest hour, that's for sure. :lol:

Hey, that doesn't just occur with lowlife white trash. Remember the U-Haul family segment?

So, it looks as if I have both missed four episodes, and not missed anything. The first one was on before I expected, the second I tried to record by hitting the record button on the VCR as I had to go somewhere. The third and fourth I tried timer recording and it still didn't work. I think what happened was that when I set the VCR up, there wasn't any signal on the channel that is now Spike, so that channel was blocked out. Now that I have reprogrammed the VCR it should work.

I don't mind the new show but do wish it had new stories. I do agree that the editing is so fast that they omit details and cleverly hide the fact the segments are really older than they actually are. I mean the actual case dates aren't even mentioned at all during the cases. The fact cases are also referenced within as if they aired the segments not too long ago is odd too. The widescreen bit is sad thet they went this route of current TV's and show the stories within an black frame since the old series was full screen 4:3. This is an unfortunate thing but they also didn't have to go like this either. To look consistant it should've stayed full screen. I also agree the music isn't scary and actually feels odd as the new '08 UM is very modern, flashy and no mood. The old theme tune can only be heard briefly at shows start. The constant animating flashes during cases just gets annoying. I don't get it just cause Spike got the rights to the show they change it this drastically? Lifetime still left the UM format alone as of 2002. The end credits even credit UM as a Spike original. My brother and I couldn't even get ourselves to watch todays shows. It was like in the end are we missing anything? The only thing we'd miss is any of the new Lifetime segments we hadn't seen and the updates. Also cases we aren't as familiar with that we hadn't seen in a longtime. Dennis Farina is ok as host. I can't see why people are so mixed on his hosting? He can only be good as the way he's told to do it. Hoping I'll get myself back to watching it. I just don't know if I can watch a daily double dose of nothing new though. What is with the call center set? That is strange if they don't have the toll free number up anymore. 2008 UM's its not bad but could be better.

I'm really trying to like the new UM but maybe it'll just take a while for me. I wasn't impressed. Dennis Farina really does nothing for me or the show, IMO. I don't know...I'm so use to that famous Robert Stack voice that would give me chills and Robert's demeanor...I know Dennis is no Robert Stack and I don't mean to make the comparisons. I guess it'll take me a little more time to get use to him as host. I wish they would get some new stories although I do like seeing the updates on the cases that I remember so well.


I'm not giving on UM. I'll still definitely watch regardless of who is hosting the show or how the format is, it's still a great show.

Not the same without Stack,but they did a good job cleaning up the Video,and giving it a fresh look.I am really happy with the fresh updates. Two updates i really was happy to see,were The Wheeler case,where his twin brother,his girlfriend,and her ex husband all pointed the finger at each other over his murder.I was happy to see none of them were involved.The other update that i often wondered about was the guy who drove his 18 wheeler into the forrest and was acting unstable.It was sad to see he died,but at least his family has closure.Wish they could determine cause of death.The one thing i would like to see if NEW FRESH cases,rather then just rehash old ones

I'm really trying to like the new UM but maybe it'll just take a while for me. I wasn't impressed. Dennis Farina really does nothing for me or the show, IMO. I don't know...I'm so use to that famous Robert Stack voice that would give me chills and Robert's demeanor...I know Dennis is no Robert Stack and I don't mean to make the comparisons. I guess it'll take me a little more time to get use to him as host. I wish they would get some new stories although I do like seeing the updates on the cases that I remember so well.


I'm not giving on UM. I'll still definitely watch regardless of who is hosting the show or how the format is, it's still a great show.

I'm not giving up on UM, either. I've been too invested in the show for too long to even consider forsaking the show. But the messages on this forum prove an important point: if a show must be given a makeover, don't overdo it!

Admittedly, Dennis Farina is no Robert Stack. But at the same, I wasn't looking for a "Robert Stack II." (That would be too much to ask, wouldn't it?) I just wanted someone who would be compatible into the show. Although Farina's voice doesn't add much to the atmosphere of UM, his background in law enforcement - both onscreen and in real life - makes him an attractive choice, IMO.

The criticism about Dennis Farina being the new host was anticipated. I would compare it to what happens when a new actor is cast as James Bond. The general consensus is that the new actor is no Sean Connery (and there's no denying that). So it is to be expected that the new James Bond would be getting his share of criticism (e.g., Daniel Craig earning the nicknames "James Blond" and "James Bland").

Seeing someone else hosting UM is a sad reminder that Robert Stack is no longer with us. But if we truly want the show to continue, it will, sadly, have to be done without him. :( If we are to ever get used to seeing the show with a new host, there is no fast way to do that; it will obviously take a considerable amount of time and effort.

By the way, DJ_Foxx, I too wish that new segments would be made. I recommend writing to Spike TV, urging them to commission new episodes. UM can't produce new episodes without the network's explicit order to do so.

I don't really mind Dennis Farina as the host. Though, I'd rather have Stack back. Bill Curtis was really meant to replace Stack in my eyes. Even the host from City Confidential could have a done a good job of replacing Stack.

The two things about the show that bother me is the music, and over-editing. Trying to watch an interesting case while cheap rock music is playing, well, it hurts the atmosphere. And the over-editing is just a nuisance on the eyes. It's very annoying. Other than that, the show is alright.

Even the host from City Confidential could have a done a good job of replacing Stack.

Which one: Keith David or the late Paul Winfield?

Which one: Keith David or the late Paul Winfield?
Keith David. His deep voice would give the show a nice edge. Easily better than Farina IMO.

Has anyone else noticed , that they are not telling the years in which the events took place ?

Has anyone else noticed , that they are not telling the years in which the events took place ?

That bugs me!!! I want to know when something is taking place...it's like leaving a big piece out of the puzzle!! I remember most of Stack's narrations started out with the date to help set the scene. I mean the place is important, and I like the google map thing, but I think the date is just as important.

Plus I don't really like the electric music in the background, but I guess I'll get used to it...

OH! And what up with the spacecraft-looking set??? :lol:

That is a riot. When he says the incest line, it comes across like, "While many families find that incest is a fun and rewarding activity, my family doesn't do incest, but that is our choice."

And I agree that all three of them are losers. I love how they all blame each other and then it turns out to be a random act. If you were from another country and saw this, I would think you would have to say, "Is this what Americans are really like?" Not our finest hour, that's for sure. :lol:

Heheh. No argument there.

Decent

We are all older and everything is so commercialized now so of course it won't be spooky without Stack and the classic theme. But it's certainly better than nothing.

Still..I wish they had a haunting score to set the mood.

(and yes I will continue to watch old episodes :D )

Yeah, this new theme music is AWFUL. It's nothing like the spooky cool sounding old theme music.

They could've picked a better host but my main problem is with the theme music.

BRING THE OLD THEME MUSIC BACK!!

Plus why just show old segments again and again some with brief updates? When are they doing NEW stories?

And what happened to the 1-800-876-5353 phone number?? How can Dennis be hosting the show in a call center with all those operators yet there's no phone number to call? LOL!

Keith David. His deep voice would give the show a nice edge.

I thought so, only because Paul Winfield is, sadly, no longer among the living. :( I liked Keith David's performance as Cameron Diaz's stepfather in There's Something About Mary.

Has anyone else noticed , that they are not telling the years in which the events took place ?


Yes, that is annoyin.

I did notice that the year WAS mentioned in the Kurt Cobain segment (1994).

I think the main thing that is missing from the new Unsolved Mysteries is the humanity of the original. The original series let you inside the lives of everyday people that had been visited by tragedy, luck or some unexplained phenomenon. The new Unsolved Mysteries never pauses long enough to reflect on the tragedy or magic of an event, so it doesn't resonate with the viewer.

I think the main thing that is missing from the new Unsolved Mysteries is the humanity of the original. The original series let you inside the lives of everyday people that had been visited by tragedy, luck or some unexplained phenomenon. The new Unsolved Mysteries never pauses long enough to reflect on the tragedy or magic of an event, so it doesn't resonate with the viewer.
That is so true ... the new UM does'nt go slow enough to have that one on one with the viewer , and tell a story ... this is like unsolved mysteries cliff notes :crazy:

That is so true ... the new UM does'nt go slow enough to have that one on one with the viewer , and tell a story ... this is like unsolved mysteries cliff notes :crazy:

I agree unsolved mysteries cliff notes.

That "Starship Enterprise" call center cracks me up. Dennis Farina doesn't even give out a phone number to call with tips, they only tell you to go to their website but if you'll notice these people are busy pretending they're answering all these phone calls. What a joke...:lol:

Btw love your signature Mattmc....those commercials crack me up! :)

I tried to watch the episodes yesterday.I only watched the first one because it was so disappointing.I wish Spike would just air reruns of segments Stack hosted.

Btw love your signature Mattmc....those commercials crack me up! :)
Thanks , I love that he did those commercials , and kindof had fun with this persona he has , much the way Robert Stack did with the Pepsi Commercials .

I'm Bill Kurtis and .... wheres my signature ?

I don't mind the new show but do wish it had new stories. I do agree that the editing is so fast that they omit details and cleverly hide the fact the segments are really older than they actually are. I mean the actual case dates aren't even mentioned at all during the cases. The fact cases are also referenced within as if they aired the segments not too long ago is odd too. The widescreen bit is sad thet they went this route of current TV's and show the stories within an black frame since the old series was full screen 4:3. This is an unfortunate thing but they also didn't have to go like this either. To look consistant it should've stayed full screen. I also agree the music isn't scary and actually feels odd as the new '08 UM is very modern, flashy and no mood. The old theme tune can only be heard briefly at shows start. The constant animating flashes during cases just gets annoying. I don't get it just cause Spike got the rights to the show they change it this drastically? Lifetime still left the UM format alone as of 2002. The end credits even credit UM as a Spike original. My brother and I couldn't even get ourselves to watch todays shows. It was like in the end are we missing anything? The only thing we'd miss is any of the new Lifetime segments we hadn't seen and the updates. Also cases we aren't as familiar with that we hadn't seen in a longtime. Dennis Farina is ok as host. I can't see why people are so mixed on his hosting? He can only be good as the way he's told to do it. Hoping I'll get myself back to watching it. I just don't know if I can watch a daily double dose of nothing new though. What is with the call center set? That is strange if they don't have the toll free number up anymore. 2008 UM's its not bad but could be better.

I wish UM would cover new stories. There are many unsolved murders and missing persons cases that UM could film stories on. Montell Williams did a few episodes about missing adults in the past few years.I could see some of those cases being on UM.

I think the new show is missing one important thing...the disclaimer: :)

"This program is about unsolved mysteries. Whenever possible, the actual family members and police officials have participated in recreating the events. What you are about to see is not a news broadcast."

I have to echo many of the comments here about the new show: too fast paced, no dates, not telling a good story or creating a compelling reason to watch and inspire fans (that's why the original is so revered after 20 years). I do think Dennis Farina is pretty good however and admittedly I never noticed the background music, only the absence of the original score.

I'm at a loss for what the producers were trying to accomplish. Their logic seems to be: "Let's re-package the old segments, get a host and a set and try to get people to believe that these are still unsolved mysteries that were 'solved' by viewers." At best, it seems disingenuous to the audience.

I think the producers would have been better served to just show the old episodes in their entirety and then use the money to produce some modern updates. That would be compelling.

I don't see the point. The producers already had a good thing in the box. Sadly, I can't see this show sticking around for renewal to where they can tweak it with the suggestions the hard core fans have made here.

I think the producers would have been better served to just show the old episodes in their entirety and then use the money to produce some modern updates. That would be compelling.


Exactly!!I don't understand why the don't.

The guy who narrates Forensic Files would've been the best. Either that or that lady who narrates Autopsy on HBO. I know those of us used to Stack would find it hard to believe but she has a chilling voice plus the music on Autopsy is really creepy and should be here although they should just bring back the music from the original UM!!

The one thing Stack had that cannot be duplicated is that he could seamlessly jump from murder cases to lost love cases. He was just spooky enough to make wanted cases even more dramatic but wa sgood natured enough to lend a sweetness to lost-love cases. His smirk was priceless on "The unexplained" cases (especially the fertility statues case and the magic rock case). they should re-air "The Rock" segment. That would bury the new UM for sure. "It looks like the Martians did it. It's really neat." "It's got all the aspects of nature.":lol:

Which one: Keith David or the late Paul Winfield?


I preferred Winfield (he would be GREAT on murder cases). Unfortunately, he too has passed on.

Monday and Tuesday I was unable to tape, Wednesday I did and didn't have time to look, Thursday I forgot. Sounds like I'm not missing much. :confused:

It's a terrible shame Rod Serling passed on so young. Among other reasons, he'd have been a perfect UM host. I, too, am hard pressed to think of any living human being who could approach Robert Stack.

I watched an episode today. It was the one with Tupac, Bigfoot and Fred Russell.

I didn't care for it. There were too many special effects and the segments were edited pretty heavily. For example, the Bigfoot segment completely deleted one of the eyewitness accounts and the Tupac segment deleted any mention of the death of that other rapper (was it Biggie? I can't remember).

The show has become too sensational, too commercial, and too typical of "America's Most Wanted" and similar programs.

I actually thought Ferrina did okay. I can't really bash him. He's no Robert Stack, but I think we all know that.

I can see what Spike is trying to do and I can see the type of audience they are trying to attract, but this version of the show just doesn't appeal to me.

I think I'll be sticking to my tapes and DVDs for now. :)

haven't read all ten pages but here is my 2 cents....the atmosphere and vibe is what really seperated UM from shows like America's Most Wanted. This new one has a similar feel to other crime shows on A&E/DC etc. etc. but that's pretty much what I expected. One complaint is that segments seem to way too short and they come at you like news briefs which in my opinion takes away from the effectiveness. Farina seems pretty cool and I think it will get better once they start airing newer cases.

im almost glad they haven't tried to re-create the original format. I know you don't mess with perfection, but you can't put a #23 jersey on just anyone and tell them to go be the greatest of all time. I think our friend Mr. Wheeler would agree.

The one thing Stack had that cannot be duplicated is that he could seamlessly jump from murder cases to lost love cases. He was just spooky enough to make wanted cases even more dramatic but wa sgood natured enough to lend a sweetness to lost-love cases. His smirk was priceless on "The unexplained" cases (especially the fertility statues case and the magic rock case). they should re-air "The Rock" segment. That would bury the new UM for sure. "It looks like the Martians did it. It's really neat." "It's got all the aspects of nature.":lol:

The other thing I don't get is they don't feature lost love on the show, but they have a section on their website.....

I saw it last night and found it mediocre.

It lacks all the characteristics that made classic UM stand out from the crowd of real life crime shows. While Stack's episodes relied heavily on building up the atmosphere, the new rendition focuses on the action, hence this weird editing.

Seems to me that mostly updates may lure the fans of the original series.

Watching it right now---anyone ever notice that the anonymous caller in the Monika Rizzo segment and the "crazy from Detroit" in the Kurt Sova segment are the same actor? He's got a distinct voice. Never caught that before.

I like it fine. Funny how everyone wanted it back and now you're are whining because it's not a clone of the original. The new exposure may help get some murder cases solved and justice for the victims. That's what matters to me, not Farina or the set or the editing or the fact that it's on SpkeTV. Jeez, sometimes I wonder how many of you really want to see these cases solved. I guess Jack the Ripper's not Jack the Ripper anymore once you know his name.

tonight was the first time that i wached it and i dont think that its too bad

Here's the thing...I had high hopes for the relaunch after seeing the new website and official opening theme. I guess I was just glad to see they were not going with the rock music theme. Or so I thought for the time.

After catching a week's worth of new episodes, here's what I think: I'm not surprised this show has turned out to be disappointing. As I stated in my previous post, I disagree with the majority of the entertainment industry's approach to suspense films/shows these days. And that definitely goes for Spike TV's Unsolved Mysteries. With all the high-pumping music, flashy computer effects and quick cutting madness they try to cram into an hour's episode, I feel it really destroys and distracts away from what makes a show like this work effectively. I don't care what anybody says about needing to modernize the content for today's audiences. This content, in particular, should not be edited like an extreme sports show. If you can see past all the bells and whistles attached to the new UM, I guess the original content is still there. But, it definitely has lost what made the original connect. That was the atmosphere. A number of things made this work for the original: the amazing production value of nearly every segment, Stack's narration, and the haunting score. Now, with the majority of those things missing, it's lost much of it's charm and appeal.

I found many of the re-edited segments to be almost laughable. The constant freeze-frame turned black and white effect is so over-used. Stop distracting us with all the effects and tell the story! We can wait. That's how you build suspense. It's pointless entertainment otherwise.

pretty much seems like america's most wanted, only with a different host

I am at a loss here. Can ANYONE come up with a host who could stack up to Stack? So far, I have: Orson Welles, Raymond Burr, Karl Malden, Rod Serling, Jack Palance, and Darrin McGavin. Unfortunately, they are ALL DEAD--some of them years before Stack was! Anyone still alive and breathing who could hope to fit the bill?

I am at a loss here. Can ANYONE come up with a host who could stack up to Stack? So far, I have: Orson Welles, Raymond Burr, Karl Malden, Rod Serling, Jack Palance, and Darrin McGavin. Unfortunately, they are ALL DEAD--some of them years before Stack was! Anyone still alive and breathing who could hope to fit the bill?

The Forensic Files guy would definitely be better than Dennis. This Dennis guy just has a bland news anchor voice but it's better than nothing and I'm glad the show is back.

So, I'm at school and 95% sure that I don't get Spike TV. I'm bummed I haven't been able to see the new show! Is there any way to watch it online, or am I going to have to wait until Thanksgiving to see it??

I am at a loss here. Can ANYONE come up with a host who could stack up to Stack? So far, I have: Orson Welles, Raymond Burr, Karl Malden, Rod Serling, Jack Palance, and Darrin McGavin. Unfortunately, they are ALL DEAD--some of them years before Stack was! Anyone still alive and breathing who could hope to fit the bill?

I think Bill Kurtis would be the best person to stack up to Stack. Another person that would be a good narrator for show would be Tim White who hosted Sightings back in the 90's. Sightings used to come out on Fox and syndication and it covered some of the same stories as UM such as the Allagash Four and a couple of ghost stories. Tim White was a good narrator for that show and he is currently a news anchor in Cleveland. I mentioned on previous post on this thread about Tom Selleck's narration on America's Game on the NFL Network. I think Tom could do a good narration of show like UM.

Yeah, this show isn't really for me. The changes they have made have made this a different show. That's probably what they were going for, but not what I was hoping for. Oh well. I'll try it again if they start to do new stories.

The Forensic Files guy would definitely be better than Dennis. This Dennis guy just has a bland news anchor voice but it's better than nothing and I'm glad the show is back.

That's Peter Thomas who does Forensic Files. He's really busy with voiceover work with all the "election commericals" going on these days. Plus, he's almost 85 years old, and he doesn't do on-camera work. He's a really nice man. He answers e-mails and sends autographed pictures whenever requested.

My thoughts on the show: It's ok, but it's lost much of its soul; it's kind of like Price is Right without Bob Barker. There'll never be another Robert Stack.

The first couple beats of the music made me think yay, this is going to be an update of the original music, but that's just a trick! It turns into this tuneless ...junk...for lack of a better word.

The editing, lack of story development (due to trying to squash so many stories into an hour's time), lack of atmosphere really take away from the "feel" of what made Unsolved Mysteries special.

Dennis is ok, but he's just a regular gray haired actor with no distinct voice, looks, or mannerisms that make him stand out from anyone else. I would've thought they'd try to get someone with some unique qualities.

Overall, the show's watchable, just glad to see UM on the air in any form, but this isn't "must see" to me by any means.

The other thing I don't get is they don't feature lost love on the show, but they have a section on their website.....

Yeah I was wondering about the lost loves as well. I wonder if they will ever update or air any of them.

It's strange they pretty much copied the original dialogue by saying viewers called "our" telecenter to report where the people are, despite the update being 15 years old. I do like finding out how much prison time they are serving or have served. I'm not understanding Spike's decision to broadcast the show letterboxed since the old material is 4x3 and center cropped. It'd work better if I watched the show in HD since the new material is shot that way. Overall I'm underwhelmed, but I can't not watch. Updates are great when they have them, so I'll watch every episode the tivo records.

The Show is slowly growing on me, it will never be the same without Robert Stack ,but life goes on

I like the new show. I wouldn't trade my memories of the original show for anything but this show is great viewing as well. Even though its on early my time here in Australia :(

I'm going to geek out for a minute and go on record to say I remember the original telephone number for tips: 1-800-876-5353

Did Unsolved Mysteries keep this phone number over the years? Is it possible it still gets calls for tips even though they aren't displaying it on the newer episodes on Spike?

Just a thought...

Something positive about the new UM I've noticed is that sometimes you'll find a few lines that I don't remember seeing in the original UM. I'm assuming it was just something that original UM cut that the new UM wanted to put in. For example tonight on the Bobbi Parker case. I have seen this case many, many times but had never heard the lines where Randolph Dial says they should go into business together and Bobbi says how much the prison is making off of their work.

I'm going to geek out for a minute and go on record to say I remember the original telephone number for tips: 1-800-876-5353

Did Unsolved Mysteries keep this phone number over the years? Is it possible it still gets calls for tips even though they aren't displaying it on the newer episodes on Spike?

Just a thought...

I just called it and the answer is Yes!

it will never be the same without Robert Stack

I agree and I thought the trench coat the Mr. Stack wore made him look like a detective and a perfect touch for him and the show.

I am watching the New Unsolved Mysteries as I type this and it is the same mysteries with a different narrator but I really like it , I guess I am so happy to have it back on that I really don't care who narrates it.

I wonder if they'll mention if the new airings will lead to any solved cases.

I agree with the consensus here that says the new UM doesn't measure up to the old. The atmosphere and chills are largely gone. Stack and the original music score (the one from '87, not the later, neutered version on CBS) were part and parcel of the show's effect, as was the production quality, which was already noticeably on its way downhill during the CBS run.

Aside from the new stylistic approach, lack of good theme music, and the seriously inferior Farina, I think what bothers me most of all is what seems like a minor aspect: the missing mention of dates. I just don't understand the purpose of that omission at all, and it annoys me to no end. I like to know details of crimes if I am to get absorbed in their telling, and that fundamentally includes dates, names, and photos of the subjects involved, after which I would appreciate details like addresses/locations, maps, etc. "Wednesday, 6 p.m." just doesn't cut it as a preamble.

As for the host, I think a good one, aside from Bill Kurtis, would have been either Stacy Keach or William Shatner. Before you laugh about Shatner, remember what a good job he did hosting/narrating Rescue 911. And Keach was terrific hosting a show called Missing/Reward in the late-'80s and early-'90s. He has a gravelly voice not too dissimilar to Stack's.

Can we not get Cosgrove/Meurer to take a look at the outpouring of passion from long-time fans here at this forum and change the direction of the show? With the number of dedicated fans of the show, a faithful rendition of the original style, with all new cases, would probably be a hit. Or at least, if they're going to continue with the current format, host, and music, at least start mentioning dates again. I might stop watching for that reason alone.


P.S. As to the music, anyone here have any idea why the original isn't being used? Is it a rights issue?

As for the host, I think a good one, aside from Bill Kurtis, would have been either Stacy Keach or William Shatner. Before you laugh about Shatner, remember what a good job he did hosting/narrating Rescue 911. And Keach was terrific hosting a show called Missing/Reward in the late-'80s and early-'90s. He has a gravelly voice not too dissimilar to Stack's.

Can we not get Cosgrove/Meurer to take a look at the outpouring of passion from long-time fans here at this forum and change the direction of the show? With the number of dedicated fans of the show, a faithful rendition of the original style, with all new cases, would probably be a hit. Or at least, if they're going to continue with the current format, host, and music, at least start mentioning dates again. I might stop watching for that reason alone.


P.S. As to the music, anyone here have any idea why the original isn't being used? Is it a rights issue?

Oh God, anyone but William Shatner. I don't think you can find a celebrity that's as rude to their fans as Shatner. He would not be a good fit for UM at all.

Oh God, anyone but William Shatner. I don't think you can find a celebrity that's as rude to their fans as Shatner. He would not be a good fit for UM at all.

It would be hard to take him seriously as an UM host anyway, especially with all the comedy that he's been doing in recent year. Plus, I see what you mean, wiseguy182.

Although I liked William Shatner in Star Trek and T.J. Hooker, unfortunately he has a reputation for being difficult to work with. For that reason, I'm not so sure if the UM staff could handle him.

Is it gonna be anything new...I mean I have seen both episodes and its just cases aired before ..just cut in a faster phase and added some irritating sound effects..If this gonna be the consept of the the so called new Unsolved Mysteries I am very dissapoited

Is it gonna be anything new...I mean I have seen both episodes and its just cases aired before ..just cut in a faster phase and added some irritating sound effects..If this gonna be the consept of the the so called new Unsolved Mysteries I am very dissapoited

If you mean whether there's going to be all-new episodes, none are currently being developed. Just so that there isn't any confusion here, this is not to say that they couldn't make new episodes at some point (as the possibility of that has been noted in some articles); there's just no sign of any immediate plan to do so.

But if you really want UM to produce brand new episodes, I would strongly encourage you to write to Spike TV (via snail mail, since physical letters are generally more effective than emails or phone calls). Since the network has the rights to the show, they would have to make the decision to commission new episodes.

Oh God, anyone but William Shatner. I don't think you can find a celebrity that's as rude to their fans as Shatner. He would not be a good fit for UM at all.

I always laugh when people suggest Shatner for UM. I can see it now...

Maybe you....could help solve.....a MYSTERY!

I agree with the consensus here that says the new UM doesn't measure up to the old. The atmosphere and chills are largely gone. Stack and the original music score (the one from '87, not the later, neutered version on CBS) were part and parcel of the show's effect, as was the production quality, which was already noticeably on its way downhill during the CBS run.

Aside from the new stylistic approach, lack of good theme music, and the seriously inferior Farina, I think what bothers me most of all is what seems like a minor aspect: the missing mention of dates. I just don't understand the purpose of that omission at all, and it annoys me to no end. I like to know details of crimes if I am to get absorbed in their telling, and that fundamentally includes dates, names, and photos of the subjects involved, after which I would appreciate details like addresses/locations, maps, etc. "Wednesday, 6 p.m." just doesn't cut it as a preamble.

As for the host, I think a good one, aside from Bill Kurtis, would have been either Stacy Keach or William Shatner. Before you laugh about Shatner, remember what a good job he did hosting/narrating Rescue 911. And Keach was terrific hosting a show called Missing/Reward in the late-'80s and early-'90s. He has a gravelly voice not too dissimilar to Stack's.

Can we not get Cosgrove/Meurer to take a look at the outpouring of passion from long-time fans here at this forum and change the direction of the show? With the number of dedicated fans of the show, a faithful rendition of the original style, with all new cases, would probably be a hit. Or at least, if they're going to continue with the current format, host, and music, at least start mentioning dates again. I might stop watching for that reason alone.


P.S. As to the music, anyone here have any idea why the original isn't being used? Is it a rights issue?

I agree I think Stacy Keach would be a good host.

I'm not a fan of Shatner's. The only reason I proposed him is because I remember being impressed with his hosting of Rescue 911. He certainly doesn't have less gravitas than Farina (not that I have anything against Farina; he just isn't right for the show).

But yeah, of the two I mentioned, I would definitely go with Stacy Keach. Great mysterious voice, quietly authoritative manner.

I'm not a fan of Shatner's. The only reason I proposed him is because I remember being impressed with his hosting of Rescue 911.

Exactly. I proposed him once long ago because I thought he had a nice narrative voice in Rescue 911 but Farina is doing a nice job.

I agree with crystaldawn. I think that Dennis Farina is doing a good job. He does not have the presence that Robert Stack had, but he is a good narrator. Farina had some big shoes to fill, and he's doing pretty well in my opinion.

I'm glad that the show is back on tv, but it's definitely not as engaging as before. I don't like the music and the way that the segments have been cut. But I've had a chance to see some segments that I have not seen in years, and some that I've never seen.

has anyone seen the little temper tantrum Shatner threw on the $10,000 Pyramid (or whatever monetary denomination it was that week), throwing a chair out of the winner's circle? Coincidentally, I just picked up 11 of the 12 $100,000 tournament wins in a trade earlier this week. That show had the most exciting bonus round of any game show I think.

I think Farina is doing a fine job.

As stated before, Stacy Keach was the man!!! I was a big fan of Missing Reward back in the day.

I'm also a huge trekkie but what killed Unsolved Mysteries for me in the first place was when the format was transformed into Rescue 911.

Dunno if it was intentional or not, but Fedrich Velendich's (I butchered that) UFO encounter covered today happened 30 years ago today or yesterday...

http://theozfiles.blogspot.com/2008/10/valentich-ufo-mystery-after-30-years.html

Is it just me or did they play the Ted Binion segment just last week? I could be wrong, I've been watching a lot of crime shows lately.

If you mean whether there's going to be all-new episodes, none are currently being developed. Just so that there isn't any confusion here, this is not to say that they couldn't make new episodes at some point (as the possibility of that has been noted in some articles); there's just no sign of any immediate plan to do so.

But if you really want UM to produce brand new episodes, I would strongly encourage you to write to Spike TV (via snail mail, since physical letters are generally more effective than emails or phone calls). Since the network has the rights to the show, they would have to make the decision to commission new episodes.
Maybe Spike Tv dont have the resources to make new episodes. If it is a small company I guess they dont have the resources. Cause it is pretty expensive to make good reattachments like many of the good old Unsolved Mysteries, I mean some of the stories made must have included hundreds of people in the production.

In the middle of watching the 5 PM episode. I had no idea Kevin Poulsen went on to develop a program that catches sex offenders on Myspace. As much as that guy totally got on my nerves (I get irritated just looking at his picture), I think it's pretty cool he found something constructive and helpful to do with his skills.

I agree with the consensus here that says the new UM doesn't measure up to the old. The atmosphere and chills are largely gone. Stack and the original music score (the one from '87, not the later, neutered version on CBS) were part and parcel of the show's effect, as was the production quality, which was already noticeably on its way downhill during the CBS run.

Aside from the new stylistic approach, lack of good theme music, and the seriously inferior Farina, I think what bothers me most of all is what seems like a minor aspect: the missing mention of dates. I just don't understand the purpose of that omission at all, and it annoys me to no end. I like to know details of crimes if I am to get absorbed in their telling, and that fundamentally includes dates, names, and photos of the subjects involved, after which I would appreciate details like addresses/locations, maps, etc. "Wednesday, 6 p.m." just doesn't cut it as a preamble.

As for the host, I think a good one, aside from Bill Kurtis, would have been either Stacy Keach or William Shatner. Before you laugh about Shatner, remember what a good job he did hosting/narrating Rescue 911. And Keach was terrific hosting a show called Missing/Reward in the late-'80s and early-'90s. He has a gravelly voice not too dissimilar to Stack's.

Can we not get Cosgrove/Meurer to take a look at the outpouring of passion from long-time fans here at this forum and change the direction of the show? With the number of dedicated fans of the show, a faithful rendition of the original style, with all new cases, would probably be a hit. Or at least, if they're going to continue with the current format, host, and music, at least start mentioning dates again. I might stop watching for that reason alone.


P.S. As to the music, anyone here have any idea why the original isn't being used? Is it a rights issue?

This new UM is better than I expected but the "dates" issue really bothers me as well. Wouldn't the date be important in solving the crime? For example, say that Joe Smith is watching in Winnipeg, Manitoba and sees something on the new UM which seems vaguely familiar to him from his personal life, wouldn't it be useful to have the date to provide Joe with more context that could be the key in Joe helping to solve the crime? The date might even serve to help Joe or someone else perk up and pay more attention and perhaps jog their memory about the crime. I simply don't understand why they would not mention the dates in the new UM. It is a glaring omission IMO.

It would be hard to take him seriously as an UM host anyway, especially with all the comedy that he's been doing in recent year. Plus, I see what you mean, wiseguy182.

Although I liked William Shatner in Star Trek and T.J. Hooker, unfortunately he has a reputation for being difficult to work with. For that reason, I'm not so sure if the UM staff could handle him.

George Takei would be a better choice than Shatner but I think that Farina is doing a credible job.

I am at a loss here. Can ANYONE come up with a host who could stack up to Stack? So far, I have: Orson Welles, Raymond Burr, Karl Malden, Rod Serling, Jack Palance, and Darrin McGavin. Unfortunately, they are ALL DEAD--some of them years before Stack was! Anyone still alive and breathing who could hope to fit the bill?

Karl Malden is still alive. However, at 96 years of age, I doubt that he has much interest in the job. He hasn't worked since 2000 when he did an episode of The West Wing. I would love to hear his narration on one of the early UMs that he did though.

Karl Malden is still alive. However, at 96 years of age, I doubt that he has much interest in the job. He hasn't worked since 2000 when he did an episode of The West Wing. I would love to hear his narration on one of the early UMs that he did though.

Don't forget that both he and Raymond Burr were ruled out because they both asked for too much money.

Maybe Spike Tv dont have the resources to make new episodes. If it is a small company I guess they dont have the resources. Cause it is pretty expensive to make good reattachments like many of the good old Unsolved Mysteries, I mean some of the stories made must have included hundreds of people in the production.

Good point. I think to film the segments and reenactments it would cost a lot due to actors' fees, use of vehicles and sets.

This new UM is better than I expected but the "dates" issue really bothers me as well. Wouldn't the date be important in solving the crime? For example, say that Joe Smith is watching in Winnipeg, Manitoba and sees something on the new UM which seems vaguely familiar to him from his personal life, wouldn't it be useful to have the date to provide Joe with more context that could be the key in Joe helping to solve the crime? The date might even serve to help Joe or someone else perk up and pay more attention and perhaps jog their memory about the crime. I simply don't understand why they would not mention the dates in the new UM. It is a glaring omission IMO.
Totally agree. Maybe complaining to U.M. will change this practice. I just can't seem to find an email address that doesn't pertain to tips.
Good point. I think to film the segments and reenactments it would cost a lot due to actors' fees, use of vehicles and sets.
Any re-enactment costs money of course, as opposed to a pure documentary format like "Cold Case Files", which uses nothing but establishing shots and already existing material like photos, but as far as the actors go, we're not talking about Kelsey Grammer or Seinfeld here. These people are working actors who I'm sure are paid scale wages. I'm sure it's still quite costly to mount such a production, but cheaper than most if not all fiction shows that involve "name" actors, producers, and directors.
If there's enough demand for it, maybe Spike will produce new shows. Perhaps we should start a petition with that objective, and link to it from here and other forums, blogs, etc.

Man....I just found some time to watch the new episodes and I'm pretty disappointed. They've just butchered the lore and mystique that the old one had. Now I feel like I'm just watching another cookie-cutter murder investigation show. I wish they at least kept the update music. The music in the new one is generic and lame.

As for Farina, I'm sorry but he's all wrong for this role. That nasal tone of his just doesn't strike fear into me the way Bob's did (haha). Farina's a fine actor, but he really should have passed on UM. I would have loved for them to somehow get Bill Kurtis. That would have been awesome.

And what's the point of showing cases like Kevin Poulsen's? Just to let the public know that he redeemed himself? I would rather see new cases and ones that are still unsolved.

Wow, this thread has expanded far and wide.

Honestly, I haven't taken to Dennis at all. Although I'm a fan of RS and think that he was the perfect fit as the host, and while the cases should be the main attraction rather than dwell on how the host fares, the host's presence and delivery play a part in it as well. I feel that there are other potential individuals who should've been hired. Maybe within time I'll warm up to Dennis, but as of right now, no.

I'm not a fan of Shatner's. The only reason I proposed him is because I remember being impressed with his hosting of Rescue 911. He certainly doesn't have less gravitas than Farina (not that I have anything against Farina; he just isn't right for the show).

But yeah, of the two I mentioned, I would definitely go with Stacy Keach. Great mysterious voice, quietly authoritative manner.


What about George Clooney's dad Nick Clooney?

What about George Clooney's dad Nick Clooney?

I'm not sure how he would fit into the show. What I mean is: does he have a particular image or presence that he would work into the show? :confused:

So, does the new UM do new segments, or are they just repackaging older ones?

So, does the new UM do new segments, or are they just repackaging older ones?

It is the latter, plus new updates.

Okay, thanks.

horrible.
i thought i was watching The Ultimate Fighter.
wack-ass format.
the reenactments were cut out BIGTIME.
bad death-metal music on every fricken segment.
yeah that'll set the mood.
google maps, are you serious?
sad.

*goes back to crystal dawn's unsolved mysteries dvds*

Not to play devil's advocate but I am actually a bit more pleased with the show than most people. Although, yes there are some things that obviously could be better.

I am actually okay with Farina as host. His resonance and clarity are fair to good. Unfortunately, his vocal inflection and pacing could be a bit better. The reality is that they didn't have great selection to pick from compared to 20 years ago. I do think that farina is better than Burr who was quite monotone on that one episode. I was 11 when I saw that pilot, and couldn't take his voice after 15 minutes. Burr is more Perry Mason than UM.

Karl Malden was IMHO an improvement, and Stack's appearance and distinctive voice, hit the nail in the head for the show. He could be eerie, deductive, and even displayed moments of sincere emotion. I still remember how outraged and how saddened he was after the Jenny Pratt story, how the family was devasted with the medical expenses. He probably thought about his own daughter. Also he had a touch of humor on some of the lighter stories as those chocalates that increased libido.

The intro music is okay for the new show. But I agree that there could be better music to match the overall atmosphere and mood of the individual story. Although, I disagree about the death metal comment. It is more like basic 3 power chord riffs and chops. Death metal is far more intense than that. The tempos often exceed 200 beats per minute, the trembolo picking, and semitone chromatic scales. Obviously, spike tv wanted to add testestorone to the show. :lol:, but not chaotic distortion.

The makeshift pseudo call center is a bit tacky, but I don't think it would make sense to have farina on location on stories that are just re-narrated. I am okay with the use of letter box, google map, and the typing of clues and timelines. I do agree with the comments that the update on the Sohus story was a major omission. Even if it was already recorded, they could have re-edited and even put a typed update stating the recent arrest of Christopher Rocancourt (if that is his real name).

I am pleased that the show has minimized the Miracle and Lost Loves segments that saturated lifetime, making room for more unsolved crime related ones. As a result, I got to see some crime segments I haven't seen in years, as the kentucky militia, separatist group, and Darlene Routier one. I am sure that I will come across several segments that I have totally forgot about.

The reality is that they didn't have great selection to pick from compared to 20 years ago.

Well, in one of the Broadcasting Cable articles announcing the show's return, it was mentioned that there was a "short list of candidates." This gave me the impression that the list was limited to candidates who most closely matched what the producers were seeking. It could very well have been a matter of not wanting to pick just anybody.

In any case, there might be some validity to your claim that about not having a "great selection." But I would imagine that the UM folks wanted the new host to be someone who was not only compatible with the show, but also likable. Robert Stack had both of those qualities, and I am convinced that both compatibility and likability are very necessary qualifications for the job. UM was so special in so many ways that I believe the last thing the UM folks wanted to do was choose someone who was neither compatible nor likable.

Robert Stack was consistently likable. He was obviously the type of person who generally did not come across as egotistical or arrogant (or at least, he never struck me as such). That was a probable factor in his likability. Sadly, there aren't too many actors of his ilk these days. And that is probably one of the reasons why it had to have been a challenge for the UM staff to find a new host.

Whatever people may opine about Dennis Farina, it hasn't changed my belief that he is a fitting choice to host the show. If anything, however, he just needs to improve his vocal interpretation. Because of his former career in law enforcement and reputation for playing tough guys and cops on screen, I think he was destined to host a crimefighting TV series. Someone with that background is undoubtedly a viable candidate for such a job.

The funniest (lamest?) thing is the way Farina pauses in between words for what I imagine is dramatic effect. Sometimes it's needless, therefore funny.

For example, during the Roswell segment, describing the bad weather the night of the crash, he describes it as "thunder.........and lightning", but he says "lightning" with a rise in his voice that's almost giddy.

The funniest (lamest?) thing is the way Farina pauses in between words for what I imagine is dramatic effect. Sometimes it's needless, therefore funny.

For example, during the Roswell segment, describing the bad weather the night of the crash, he describes it as "thunder.........and lightning", but he says "lightning" with a rise in his voice that's almost giddy.

I agree. He's really phoning it in, IMO. The way he speaks some of the lines, which are meant to be dramatic just come off like he's "amused." I don't like him as host one bit. Look at his pic at the top of the page for cryin' out loud. :rolleyes:

I know some people here like him and that's fine but I just think he is completely wrong for this.

Has anyone else noticed that they have gone back to a full screen this week?

I also noticed that they got rid of the letterbox. The producers must read this messageboard.

The music has really grown on me.

Unfortunately, Farina's voiceovers remind me of a fifth grader giving a book report in front of his classmates.

The show in general seems like Unsolved Mysteries Cliff's Notes for people with ADD. Then again, all TV seems like that these days. Especially stuff on Spike TV. TV has killed my attention span! I can't even read a paragraph of writing anymore.

The new Unsolved also uses that fingernails-on-blackboard screeching sound effect that I hate so much. It's also used in a lot of reality shows.

Maybe we should send some emails to SPIKETV to let them know how we feel and give them some ideas as to how to make it better ?/

I think the new Unsolved Mysteries is ok and I hope it gets better, and it is on at the sametime M*A*S*H is on so i have to tape Unsolved Mysteries and watch it after M*A*S*H is over

It's grown on me.

It's still not nearly the show the classic version was.

However I still feel it's better than 95 percent of what's on tv, even in it's inferior state.

Maybe we should send some emails to SPIKETV to let them know how we feel and give them some ideas as to how to make it better ?/

Here's a better idea: Write to them via snail mail. Physical letters carry more weight than emails.

Please remember to keep the letter concise; it would be wise to limit the letter to only one page. Long-winded, multi-page letters will do no good.

Also, of course, keep it civil. Rants and raves are easily dismissed. Attack issues, not people.

Spike TV
1515 Broadway, 37th floor
New York, NY 10036

Here's a better idea: Write to them via snail mail. Physical letters carry more weight than emails.

Please remember to keep the letter concise; it would be wise to limit the letter to only one page. Long-winded, multi-page letters will do no good.

Also, of course, keep it civil. Rants and raves are easily dismissed. Attack issues, not people.

Spike TV
1515 Broadway, 37th floor
New York, NY 10036

Has anyone done this on here?

Do people on here still watch the new show?

It's grown on me.

It's still not nearly the show the classic version was.

However I still feel it's better than 95 percent of what's on tv, even in it's inferior state.

Right. Some UM is better than ZERO UM.

But they should make at least a few new episodes!! WHERE the hell are the new episodes!! :mad:

Originally Posted by ComedÿGuÿ
Maybe we should send some emails to SPIKETV to let them know how we feel and give them some ideas as to how to make it better ?/

Here's a better idea: Write to them via snail mail. Physical letters carry more weight than emails.

Please remember to keep the letter concise; it would be wise to limit the letter to only one page. Long-winded, multi-page letters will do no good.

Also, of course, keep it civil. Rants and raves are easily dismissed. Attack issues, not people.

Spike TV
1515 Broadway, 37th floor
New York, NY 10036

How about we write

"You el sickos better fix Unsolved Mysteries NOW!

signed
Circleville Writer
:lol:

I like the new show. If Robert Stack was still alive or something like that, then I would be outraged about it, but that's gone. I think the show does what it supposed to and although it shouldn't be a replacement for the old show, it's nice for it to follow it. Also it's been showing a lot of cases I never saw before and that in itself its good. That and also the updates like with the Sohus case or the case about the little girl who had an incurable disease and got cured by a prayer from her uncle (they showed a pic of her as a present day teenager). I't's also great for all the updates on the prison sentences. I think it might be better than the final years of repetion in lifetime because those became too repetitive since Lifetime showed a lot of the same cases over and over since they had a lot of cases they never showed. Those final Elementary school bombing/Resurrection Mary years were tough.

Kind of cool thing I noticed today--Spike kept the original music played during the portion of the Aeileen Conway segment in which all of the "weird" things in the house are shown, as well the piece played during the closing scenes with Pat.

The new Unsolved also uses that fingernails-on-blackboard screeching sound effect that I hate so much. It's also used in a lot of reality shows.

True story. How I HATE that sound.

Having UM is better than no UM. There's also the hope that one day they will do new episodes.

There are already some segments that I've seen which I never saw on the Robert Stack UM.

Overall- Grade D for disappointed

Admittedly, I'll sometimes watch the new UM whenever the hell it's actually on and when it is, the only thing else on at 2 AM are infomercials

I don't really have a problem with Farina either

Now, that being said - I do have a problem with the new UM. I really dislike that fact that all they've done is repackaged the old show. If that's the case then why doesn't Spike just run the old RS episodes? I was hoping that Cosgrove-Muerer (sic?) were gonna produce all-new episodes and/ or renew old cases. It's kinda sad that really, all Farina is doing is reading Stack's old scripts verbatim.

And what the hell is up with the people in the background? There's no hotline to call or email, so what's the point? The music doesn't even come close to the old UM in terms of mood, atmosphere and effect.

What also really disappoints me is that I'm given the impression the reason they have this show is that it's more for " Eighties Nostalgia" rather than actually trying to help people. It's like the Spike version isn't really taking this stuff seriously at all :(

I have over 100 cases from the original UM so I just watch those (for the most part)