Fortean TV (1996/1997) DVD Review

4 star exploration into the psyche of a generation.

Fortean TV was a documentary show presented by the biker jacket clad Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe (Bloodline, The History of the Devil) who brought tales of the weird and wonderful into our homes on a weekly basis.

Directed by Luke Campbell (Dare Devils, Bodyshock), it was originally aired in 1996/1997 and is very representative of the era.

It is available to buy in the UK on DVD for the first time exclusively available from Network.

“I’m Father Lionel Fanthorpe. Welcome to the world of Fortean TV. A celebration of the miraculous, the mysterious and the downright weird.”

Towards the end of the nineteen nineties, with the Millenium fast approaching and the world changing at a dizzying pace, more and more people were beginning to take an interest in the occult, the supernatural and the unexplained. The X Files were at the height of their popularity, raising interest even further.

The Fortean Times Magazine, a publication dedicated to the world of the wierd and based on the writings of Charles Fort, was also gaining popularity and into this world was born Fortean TV, a televised version of this magazine. Delivered to us in the soothing tones of Lionel Fanthorpe, this series sought to investigate the truth (or otherwise) behind the fascinating stories which were gripping the nation and indeed the world.

In 24 minute long episodes, presided over by Lionel Fanthorpe in ever stranger situations and using clever camera trickery, we are introduced to strange happenings from all over the world. The show always features interviews with people who have experienced unusual phenomena which the show then investigates, enlisting the help of scientists and experts to try and get to the meat of the matter. It also features a fascinating segment where members of the public could tell of their own experiences.

“Some of you may be wondering why a priest is presenting a programme on the paranormal. Well, our bible itself is full of very strange mysteries and miracles which a lot of people today might want to write off as new age hoaxes or crackpot theories.”

In its 2 season, 18 episode run, there are plenty of topics covered, including people who can communicate with animals and help people with their pets, a wax model of Hitler with real human hair which continues to grow and a man in America who has rediscovered the ancient art of Mummification. We also meet a woman who has made her fortune channeling the words of an ancient deity from Atlantis.

Although still a captivating watch, many years later the main takeaway overall seems to be that there is an awful lot of money to be had if people are susceptible to believing whatever they are told, and this show seems to capture that reality very well. The truth is out there and it’s not necessarily pretty.

This package contains all 18 episodes of the show, as well as the four late night uncut episodes, which included items deemed too graphic for family viewing. There is also the brilliant Christmas special, examining the origins of our Christmas beliefs and traditions, with a guest appearance from Patrick Moore.