The Bunny Collection

Is there someone in there....................Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit............I bet with those long ears you can hear the voices................................I don't have regrets about anythin' anymore..........Put....the.....bunny....back.....in.....the box......What's the matter, snuggle-bunny, finding out the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows?

Click the red link, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.........

The Viable Options Collection

Here on the Nut Blogs, we’ve covered plenty of Remakes, Reboots, and Reenvisionings. We’ve even tackled our fair share of adaptations (1, 2, 3, 4). As rare as it is for any of those to actually improve on their original works, it could be argued that the chances of them being equally worthwhile are even more astronomical. While these pairs (or, in a few cases, trios) may not share the exact same scores, they are considered to be comparable in quality and veritas by at least one of our authors. They are the narratives and experiences for which multiple incarnations deservedly stand side-by-side on our shelves.

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Mickey's Christmas Carol

Scrooged

The Muppet Christmas Carol
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Brimstone and Treacle (1976)

Brimstone and Treacle (1982)
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Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

Worlds of Power: Castlevania II — Simon's Quest

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Constantine (film)

Constantine (game)

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Dune (film)

Frank Herbert's Dune (TV Mini-Series)

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The Fall of the House of Usher (1928)

The Fall of the House of Usher (1960)

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Fist of Fury

Fist of Legend

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The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2009)

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

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La Jetée

12 Monkeys

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The Last Man on Earth

The Omega Man

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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

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The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D

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Mega Man X

Maverick Hunter X

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Piranha (1978)

Piranha (2010)

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Seven Samurai

The Magnificent Seven

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The Shining (novel)

The Shining (film)

Stephen King's The Shining (TV Mini-Series)

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Silent Hill — Harry Mason

Silent Hill — Rose Da Silva

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

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True Grit (1969)

True Grit (2010)

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Yojimbo

A Fistful of Dollars

The Magnificent Seven Collection

It doesn't matter to me whether or not the Western genre is representative of how life really was back in the day. I don't care if it's been exaggerated, romanticised or straight up invented. What matters is that it provides a recognisable framework within which many different types of story can be told: the frontier town, the bandits, the selfless hero, the guns for hire, etc, are versatile tools in the hands of experienced writers. The original Magnificent Seven film is that versatility in action. It's a remake that's respectful to both its Japanese source material and its own parent genre, proving that some stories truly can be universal at heart and it's just the telling that changes. The western appropriation of the seven hired hands is so good that it even spawned a number of imitators and sequels of its own:

The Source:
01. Seven Samurai (1954)

The Films:
01. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
02. Return of the Magnificent Seven (1966)
03. Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969)
04. The Magnificent Seven Ride (1972)

The TV Series:
01. The Magnificent Seven: TV Series (1998–2000)

Films Influenced By TMS:
01. Battle Beyond the Stars (1980)
02. The Seven Magnificent Gladiators (1983)

The Remake of the Remake:
01. The Magnificent Seven (2016)

The Sword and Sorcery Collection

Wiki describes the term as 'a subgenre of fantasy generally characterised by sword-wielding heroes engaged in exciting and violent conflicts,' with elements of 'romance [...] magic and the supernatural.' It mentions also that it often overlaps with Heroic Fantasy films, as does my list below.
The Hyborian Conan is the undisputed king, but there are plenty of other heroes for hire; you'll more than likely find them standing stoutheartedly on hills while the sun sets; temporarily chained in dank castle dungeons; or jovially drinking and wenching in taverns. I still love the genre, but I feel that modern film techniques have sucked most of the soul out of it – its heyday is over, sadly. Here's what we've got so far (arranged alphabetically):

The Planet of the Apes Collection

Using metaphors to highlight human folly is a reliable and standard practice in sci-fi, but for some reason using apes helped the message hit closer to home. Perhaps because we know how similar to us they are genetically, and if evolution had taken a slight detour a few millennia ago...?
If ever you get the opportunity, stare into an ape's eyes and note what you find. There's a level of intelligence that you don't often see in 'lesser' animals.
With regards the films, parallels in how societies develop over time is an obvious thing for me to call attention to, but I know firsthand that something being obvious doesn't mean it's never overlooked, so I'm mentioning it.

Note: Links will take you to the relevant posts on the other Nut blogs (opens in new tab each time).

The Novel:
01. Planet of the Apes (1963) (aka Monkey Planet)

Original Films:
01. Planet of the Apes (1968)
02. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
03. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
04. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
05. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

Television Series:
01. Planet of the Apes (1974)
02. Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975)

Remake Film:
01. Planet of the Apes (2001)

Reboot Films:
01. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
02. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
03. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

The Trilogies Collection

Who doesn't love a threesome? When it comes to film there's something oddly satisfying about a trilogy. If the first one is lucky enough to be a success then a sequel can build upon it or tie up any threads that were left hanging. A third film can serve as a timely farewell. Or may in fact exist solely to milk cash from completists.

Because what's below the cut is alphabetical, to make life simpler for myself I'm not including the titles of individual films. Instead, I'll put the title by which they're known collectively, followed by links that'll take you to the relevant post on the relevant blog (opens in new window each time). It's a BIG list.

The Reboots Collection

Some films didn't fit comfortably under the Remakes heading and are best described as Reboots. It's usually undertaken because the studio had run the original series into the ground but still wants to milk it, so they make it shiny and new with actors and actresses that are more appealing to a younger audience. (We're probably all thinking it, so I'll go ahead and say it: sometimes it means that men/women are hired based on looks rather than talent.)

There might be some duplication of titles that are currently in the Remakes post. That's because they're either confusingly both or I've not personally seen them and can't make a judgement call on where they belong. I'm happy to take advice and/or suggestions from folks, either in relation to "add this title," or "remove that one, prick!" Sincere thanks to anyone that contributes.

The Remakes Collection

They suck, right? Mostly they do, but not always. In some cases your preference will depend upon which version you saw first. In others, there'll be a clear winner and only a fool would try to argue otherwise, which is not the same thing as loving something for personal reasons.

Below the cut is a list of films that are reviewed here on In a Nutshell and a few TV Miniseries that are reviewed over on Nut Box. The original/first version is on the left, with the remake/subsequent version(s) following. I'm not going to make a distinction between 'actual' remake and 'adapted from same source'. I'm sure I've missed some. Don't be shy. Point them out.

The Game to Movie Collection: Part Two

Adapting a video game to animation should be an easier process than adapting one to live action. The transition is smoothed by not having to realise the game's visual style in real world terms; it can be recreated exactly. But, like before, the fact that games are plotted so very differently to other mediums proves to be a hurdle. I've a lot of sympathy for writers that at least try their best. There are even a significant number of success stories, some of which you'll find linked below. Like Part One it's a lengthy list that'll increase in the future. Click the coloured text below to see the full collection:

The Babylon 5 Collection

It had more than its fair share of production problems over the five years it ran for, and there's some real tripe in Seasons One and Five, but if you stick with it for long enough then you'll feel the love that series creator and producer J. Michael Straczynski put into the Babylon 5 TV Series. When something that priceless is present, even failings can be accepted.
Unlike most long-running shows, the creator(s) didn't set the train in motion and then disappear, leaving it in 'capable hands'. JMS stayed for the duration, writing 92 of the 110 episodes that make up one amazing journey.

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. S1: Signs and Portents (1994)
02. S2: The Coming of Shadows (1995)
03. S3: Point of No Return (1996)
04. S4: No Surrender, No Retreat (1997)
05. S5: The Wheel of Fire (1998)
06. Crusade (1999)

TV Movies on In a Nutshell:
01. The Gathering (1993)
02. In the Beginning (1998)
03. Thirdspace (1998)
04. The River of Souls (1998)
05. A Call to Arms (1999)
06. The Legend of the Rangers: To Live and Die in Starlight (2002)
07. The Lost Tales (2007)

Books on Nut Ink:
01. To Dream in the City of Sorrows (1997)

The Game to Movie Collection: Part One

Forever on the lookout for an existing market to exploit (because originality is hard), and despite multiple past failures, the Hollywood predators often stray into the gaming world. I’d give them credit for repeatedly trying if it was for noble reasons, but mostly it isn't. They hope that an IP with an established fan base can be turned into a profitable venture with minimal effort.

It's a lengthy list (sorted alphabetically) that will no doubt increase in the future, so I've put it after the cut. Click it to see the full collection:

The Dennis Potter Collection

Potter (1935-94) was one of the few dramatists that managed to work within the BBC system but at the same time work around it, creating stories that were both a personal reflection of his own worldview and thematically far-reaching. His methods may have been alienating to some folks, but discerning viewers could relate to the flaws in his fictionalised protagonists, most of whom were more real than the kind of 'real lives' presented in Auntie's regular output. The channel was lucky to have such a unique talent.

Television plays and Films on In a Nutshell:
01. Brimstone and Treacle (1976)
02. Blade on the Feather (1980)
03. Rain on the Roof (1980)
04. Cream in My Coffee (1980)
05. Brimstone and Treacle (1982)
06. Dreamchild (1985)
07. Track 29 (1988)
08. Midnight Movie (1994)

TV miniseries on Nut Box:
01. Blackeyes (1989)
02. Lipstick on Your Collar (1993)
03. Karaoke (1996)
04. Cold Lazarus (1996)

The Superman Collection

Think of him however you want, as the man of steel or as the alien who wears underpants over his pants, but Superman is a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one. Initially, he seems overpowered, you know he’s always going to win with his super strength and game-changing ability to fly, but in the hands of a good writer the hero can be brought to his knees by emotion, which is something that even Kryptonian skin can’t protect against.

Comic books and annuals on Nut Ink:
01. Superman.

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. He's so super that he has his own label. Includes both live action and DC animated movies. Click HERE.

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. Justice League (2001-04)

The Batman Collection

Batman's my favourite hero for the same reason he's many other people's favourite: he has no super powers, so he has no unfair advantage, unless you consider inherited wealth to be one. His filmic adventures over the years have been pretty varied. He's been comical, camp, serious, and more recently moody and broody. Personally, I think the best of the animated adventures trounce the best of the live action films. You may disagree. Luckily, there are enough variations on a theme to keep almost everyone happy.

Comic books and annuals on Nut Ink:
01. Batman.

Films on In a Nutshell (inc animated):
01. Batman.

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. Batman Beyond: Complete Series (1999-2001)
02. Justice League (2001-04)

Video Games on Nut Load:
01. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

The Doctor Who Collection

It's bigger on the inside.

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. The Sarah Jane Adventures
02. Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest (2007)
03. Doctor Who: Dreamland (2009)

Books on Nut Ink:
01. Doctor Who Books

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. Doctor Who and the Daleks (1965)
02. Doctor Who: Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966)
03. K-9 and Company: A Girl's Best Friend (1981)
04. Doctor Who (1996)
05. Doctor Who: The Curse of Fatal Death (1999)
06. An Adventure in Space and Time (2013)

The Edgar Allan Poe Collection

American-born author and poet Edgar Allan Poe was a master of the short story. His calculated, complex structures and recurring thematic obsession with the macabre can be off-putting to some readers but a glittering draw to others. While each of us teeter on the edge of sanity, Poe appears to have stared directly into the face of its opposite and reported on his findings. There was both method in his madness and madness in his method.

The Roger Corman Films on In a Nutshell:
01. The Fall of the House of Usher (1960)
02. The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
03. The Premature Burial (1962)
04. Tales of Terror (1962)
05. The Raven (1963)
06. The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
07. The Tomb of Ligeia (1965)

Other Films on In a Nutshell:
01. The Fall of the House of Usher (1928)
02. The Haunted Palace (1963)
03. Spirits of the Dead (1968)
04. The Oblong Box (1969)
05. An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe (1970)
06. Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972)
07. The Mansion of Madness (1973)
08. The Black Cat (1981)
09. Two Evil Eyes (1990)
10. The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)
11. The Pit and the Pendulum (2009)
12. The Raven (2012)
13. Extraordinary Tales (2013)

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. Masters of Horror: Series 2: Vol 1 - The Black Cat (2006)

Music on Nut Suite:
02. Music/Audio Based on or Inspired by Poe

The Star Trek Collection

"Space, the final frontier..." and what it signifies is meaningful to people the world over regardless of race, gender, age or class. The message at the heart of Trek breaks through societal barriers and speaks to the individual. It connects them to other individuals and the unity that Roddenberry envisioned exists for a short time. Besides that, the show gave us some classic science fiction reworked and some new ideas as food for thought. It wasn’t always great, in fact there were times it was just plain awful, but over the years it’s become so multifaceted that you can pick and choose what works for you.

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. Star Trek: The Original Series
01. Star Trek: The Next Generation
01. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
01. Star Trek: Voyager
01. Star Trek: Enterprise

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. All the official films to date can be found HERE

Books on Nut Ink:
01. Star Trek Novels and Comic Books

The Conquer Yourself Collection

"What is he?"

"He is you. Your Opposite. Your Negative."

For some people in this world the most daunting and terrifying foe they will ever face is themselves. Appropriately, these pieces of media have their heroes facing off with what they see when they look in the mirror (or, in one case, enter it). Dark, Shadow, Nega, Mad, The Memory of…—all terms that simply denote that the destructive part of one’s own nature has been given physical form and a confrontation is inevitable.

Who will win?

The outcome is literally in your own hands.

Films on In A Nutshell:

01: The Matrix Collection

02: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

03. The Dark Half
04. Army of Darkness

Video Games on Nut Load:

01: Silent Hill 3

02: The Legend of Zelda Collection

03. Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

04: The .hack//Collection

Music on Nut Suite:

01: GREEN DAY/ 21st Century Breakdown

The John Wyndham Collection

Perhaps best-known for giving the world creepy plants and creepy children, John Wyndham’s stories were about more than just invading horrors hiding in familiar forms. They were thought-provoking explorations of a dominant species' response to crises, using relatable tools that were themselves metaphors for many other things, each conceived in a markedly British, post-war frame of mind. The filmed versions may lack the same kind of layering depth, but are still mostly enjoyable on their own terms.

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. Village of the Damned (1960)
02. The Day of the Triffids (1963)
03. Children of the Damned (1964)
04. Village of the Damned (1995)
05. Quest for Love (1971)

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. Chocky (1984)
02. Chocky's Children (1985)
03. Chocky's Challenge (1986)
04. The Day of the Triffids (2009)

The Kaijū Collection

Kaijū eiga (often shortened to kaijū in the West) is a Japanese term for what are essentially giant monster movies. More often than not it’s an actor in a rubber suit laying waste to amazingly detailed scale model towns, but the best have an important subtext that explores deeper concerns.
The most famous is Toho’s Gojira/Godzilla, affectionately called King of the Monsters, but there’s more than just Godzilla in the pantheon, so if you're interested in the merits of the genre don't stop there:

Genre Films on In a Nutshell:
01. Godzilla (1954—)
02. Rodan (1956—)
03. Mothra ((1961—)
04. Gamera (1965—)
05. Daimajin I, Daimajin II, Daimajin III (1966)
06. The X from Outer Space (1967)
07. Daigoro vs. Goliath (1971)
08. Attack of the Super Monsters (1982)

Films influenced by the genre on In a Nutshell:
01. The Host (2006)
02. Cloverfield (2008)
03. Pacific Rim (2013)

TV Series on Nut Box:
01. Daimajin Kanon (2010)

Comics on Nut Ink:
01. Godzilla