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Section D: Your Additional Comments

In this final section of the survey, space was provided for you to make whatever comments you wanted.  77 of you took the time to do so.   Where permission was obtained from the person who added a comment, their name is provided with their comments.

This comment section has not been tabulated into categories because this would oversimplify your many unique opinions and perspectives.  The strength of this section lies in your heartfelt messages, shaped by the passing years and driven by your hopes for the future.  The future of Lost In Space.


Effra:

For the LIS TV movie: have them reach Alpha Centauri *unless* there is a chance that a cable TV show might be made with an entirely new cast and the same premises.


Joanne Gonzalez:

I LOVED THE SERIES AND THE MOVIE (save a few complaints. i.e. the Will Robinson character as an adult and the actor who played him. The metal spiders were just plain stupid and un-imaginative.) I WANT TO SEE A SEQUEL!!!!!


I hope that NLC pays attention to this survey.


Mark Askren:

My basic feeling is that it is necessary to keep the drama and characterizations of the classic show minus the campiness. Keep the old score, the old robot, make Smith meaner, less campy--but update production so that things don't look fake.


Peter McConalogue:

Jonathan Harris could voice an additional wicked (with a bit of camp) robot, as in a private letter to myself, he indicated he likes doing voiceovers. I think a useful plot could be weaved around this. The plot should not have as many diversions as the 1st movie.


Tom Calhoun:

I enjoyed the new movie very much. I thought the updates to the technology were well done. In a sequel I would like to see more definition from the characters. I think you did an excellent job with Lacey Chabert's Penny and hope the other characters get developed as well.


Don west was too aggressive toward Judy. Bring back Bill Mumy! And the original robot.


Robert Toy:

One survey question asked if the crew should finally arrive at Alpha Centauri, if they did how could you still call the show Lost In Space, or continue the story line any further? What I like about the Lost In Space story line is the crew having to explore new worlds and find their way home. They should introduce the problem of a food shortage.


I honestly feel that most of the young people that saw the movie were disappointed that more references to the classic series were not used. I for one am certain that those 30+ were very disappointed....


The reasons for the popularity of classic LIS are too many and too difficult to pen down without in-depth discussion. The magic of the 60's and the timeless designs won the hearts of it's viewers - and still works to this day! 

The creators of the Star Trek films and modern TV series know not to change something that sells. NLC tried to rewrite and reinvent an already beloved legend. Backed by the fantastic soundtrack from John Williams, viewers are taken on a weekly adventure, in a family sized spaceship complete with B-9 robot, into realms of pure fantasy and endearing emotional drama. Evil yet unbelievably likable Dr. Smith is always trying to get home, causing continual added trauma for our family. This primes alone could make for years of good TV viewing and probably would last much longer with today audiences. Try the Star Trek formula and NLC should realize $$$$ rewards.


Bring back the original characters, robot and the Jupiter 2.


Keep the look of the original show, with better production qualities. Keep the original cast, they are older and still lost in space. Bring closure to the adventure - happy ending.


A very close "second" in the "single biggest improvement" section would be the return of classic hardware (but with definite "'90's" updates). Each time I chose this option elsewhere in the survey, as a matter of fact, it was with this provision.

As you probably noticed, I am in favor of bringing back the entire cast for a sequel, with the condition that the parts be written more in tune with the classic characters. The writing and direction, in my opinion, were the key downfalls of the first effort.

As far as the final section is concerned, I would qualify my preference for early, serious characterizations with a little lightheartedness. Something, perhaps around the time frame of "Wish upon a Star."


A movie sequel should remain fairly consistent with the 1998 film. However, the character of Dr. Smith has got to change. He needs to interact more with the other characters and try to convince them he has changed, even if he continues to scheme their demise. Changes in the design of the Jupiter 2 and the robot are unnecessary if the story is strong.


I still love and identify with the classic characters and all the hardware from the classic series. The best thing to do with the franchise as far as getting an ongoing storyline is to start with the original cast as a basis point and then expand from there with their "children" and perhaps assorted acquaintances made by them slowly carrying future episodes.

I feel strongly about the original cast, by using them as a starting point and then gradually reducing their roles to guest stars you can accomplish the original goal of appeasing the original fans and starting a fresh new series that would also appeal to a new and younger audience.


Rick Norcutt:

As a fan of the classic Lost In Space series, I know that we need to see all the original cast members, Jupiter 2, and robot.


Overall I am not totally displeased by the Movie, I actually like it better on VHS. On VHS I am able to slow down and catch the parts that were either out of focus at the theatre or couldn't hear. I sometimes look at the movie and imagine the music of John Williams in it and realize the the exact same movie would be much better as a result.


Concerning the movie version, I just feel it important to have background music that is more suitable for a space opera. No more of that hip-hop trash, but a sweeping score ala John Williams. Create music that is suited for the variable characters! I enjoyed Broughton's score, but it was largely forgettable. Whoever should score the sequel should incorporate more of the classic music from the original series, only more sweeping for the big screen.

I wonder if they could get Williams? If not, how about the composer who did the music for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Now that was fantastic! Especially the music when we introduce the Enterprise. I'd like to see something like that for Lost in Space!!!!


The Jupiter 2 in the film was truly fantastic, however I am confident that through clever writing, there is a way to bring the classic shape of the original back.

The robot is the one item that is the most recognizable Lost In Space Icon from around the world. Thank you for bringing the first version of your robot back in a similar form to the B9 but this must be expanded on further.

The musical score has always been a strong part of the Classic series for setting the tone of a scene and the interjection of familiar aspects of the original can help accomplish this in a sequel.

William Hurt did a fair job of representing John Robinson, especially as the story neared its end. I'm sure you are already planning on expanding on this in the sequel.

I will be truly disappointed if a sequel is not produced. This was only the first time out for Lost In Space and it will only get better from here!


I really liked the movie. NLC did it a disservice by promoting it so poorly. I look forward to an even better one.


Bring back as much of the original classic series feel as possible even with a new younger cast. Don't substitute the hardware icons that we all know and love.


New Line should be responsible to it's fans and begin communicating with them.


Give the audience the feeling that this family is "LOST"in space. The 1st movie moved so fast that the audience did not get the sinking feeling of being "LOST".


The movie was ok, but that's it...I thought all the characters were just like the one's in the TV series. The movie reminded me of part Star Wars/Star Trek/Aliens/Stargate...Of course I can't think of the TV series as being like any of these movies, but perhaps that's because the series came way before these classic movies.


Would like to see a 2 hour movie or mini series documenting the lives of SFR over the last 30 years.

Would also like a new series that runs true to form of the original. Kinda' taking off where the classic ended.


The choices above are too restrictive. Many times 2 or more choices applied and there was not a 'both' or 'all' choice.

Also, the movie did not have a b9 robot. it had 'big blue' and 'battle ravaged.'b9 existed in the classic series only. Section B question 6.

Section B also did not ask about the roles of Angela, Marta, June, and mark. Only Billy and Jonathan. Why?


Location shooting is the best way to create drama and scale. They should scout out some place in the world to shoot outdoors and on location. This would change many viewers opinions about Lost in Space.


Many questions are too "yes/no" with no middle-ground answers. It creates an unnecessary like-the-movie or like-the-series dichotomy.


The movie seems a little rushed. Give the sequel more time, and a bigger budget. Also, I want to point out the importance of keeping Goldsman out of the picture this time.

He claimed to be a fan of the series, and obviously tried to remain true to the original concept, but in the end he gets a "D" as a grade. The dialog was stilted on many occasions, and just plain felt odd.


Music.....try to get the Jerry Goldsmith (who was originally supposed to do the score) or John Williams. Whoever does it, would love to have a sweeping score a la Star Wars, Superman, Star Trek.

After debating the actor issue, I think all actors from LIS movie should be kept, just toned town (Penny) and toned up (John Robinson).


I loved the series but believe today a movie the original cast and a more serious attitude would fare better. Maybe it would be the beginning of several Tv movies or heck, why not a weekly show again. Lots of opportunities to introduce other characters if the Robinson's decided to continue as space explorers.


Mike Tobin:

Definitely return to the style of the classic tv episodes. The film left me cold, the characters were unappealing and disconnected and the music made me leave the theater screaming.


Classic Robot & Jupiter 2, Serious show with some humor.


Peter Ressegue:

I think everyone from the original series should be in the television production. Substitutes will be outrageous. New characters are also welcome. Just keep as much of the classic series intact as possible. That's why it has been around so long.


I am in favor of using the classic premise. I would be willing to accept a few updates to some of the props and storyline, but keep it as close to classic as possible....and don't make any changes to dear old B-9.


I really enjoyed the movie at the theater and feel that somehow the critics got it all wrong. I think many of them must have grown up hating the series and this carried over in their reviews.

The more I watch the movie at home the more I enjoy it. I see nothing but potential in a sequel and look forward to hearing it is moving into production.


Nancy Drexel:

I think the true Lost in Space fans are SCREAMING for at least a resolution to the original cast's fate. That should be addressed FIRST before continuing on with new cast, new future, new adventures - CLASSIC CAST RESOLUTION (OR CONTINUUM) FIRST!


MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT ABOUT THE MOVIE WAS THAT THE CHARACTERS WERE NOT DEVELOPED ENOUGH; THEY WERE NOT CHARACTERS WE CARED ABOUT LIKE THE ORIGINAL SERIES. THE MOVIE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE ABOUT THEM AND THEIR STRUGGLE IN AN ALIEN ENVIRONMENT WITH HOSTILE FORCES WORKING AGAINST THEM.

THE FILM WAS BASICALLY A REHASH OF THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF THE ORIGINAL SERIES; AND THAT WAS OK. HOWEVER, THERE WAS TOO MUCH GOING ON; TOO MANY ELEMENTS WERE INTRODUCED TO SATISFY A BROAD AUDIENCE, FOR EXAMPLE, SPIDERS, THE BLAWP, TIME TRAVEL, PENNY-VISION, ETC. THE LATTER HALF OF THE MOVIE WAS LESS ENJOYABLE AS IT BEGAN TO BECOME MIND BOGGLING EFFECTS AT A FAST PACE.

NEXT TIME, CUT BACK ON THE SPECIAL EFFECTS. THE EMPHASIS SHOULD BE ON CREATING A GOOD STORY WITH MEANINGFUL DIALOG AND WELL DEVELOPED CHARACTERS. GIVE THE ACTORS A CHANCE TO ACT RATHER THAN REACT TO ONSCREEN EFFECTS.

OVERALL, THE CAST WAS FINE AND CHANGES DO NOT HAVE TO BE MADE. I FOUND ROBOT #1 (BIG BLUE) TO BE MORE INTERESTING THAN ROBOT #2. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN KEPT.

REGARDING, A TV MOVIE WITH THE ORIGINAL CAST, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BACK IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES THE WAY STAR TREK WAS. THIS IS WHAT THE FANS WANTED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A TV MOVIE SHOWING HOW THE ORIGINAL SERIES CHARACTERS HAVE DEVELOPED AFTER THIRTY PLUS YEARS; HOW THEY HAVE GROWN/CHANGED AS CHARACTERS (E.G. AN ADULT WILL ROBINSON NOW LEADING THE EXPEDITION; AN OLDER (WISER?) DR. SMITH BEING SUPPORTIVE RATHER THAN MISCHIEVOUS). I THINK A TV MOVIE COULD BE DONE SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH A SEQUEL TO THE THEATRICAL RELEASE AND THAT BOTH WOULD DO WELL.


There were some wonderful moments of characterization in the film. I did like Maureen gently chastising John for not spending enough time with Will. It made sense and was a logical expansion of the original TV scenario. Needed more of it, though!

The idea of Father-Son bonding troubles is a valid one and could be explored nicely, but in the movie it tended to get "lost" underneath the razzle-dazzle pace of events.


Movie wasn't bad..just needed better story with more solid suspense and less cutesy comedy like the sibling rivalry.  And the disfunctionality was wrong...why would they put a nutty family in charge of such a special mission.  And lets return to Alpha control..Mission control is too ordinary. Lose the cute elements, focus on solid science fiction..family in space and you can have a real winner.


Terry Stueckrath:

Please get rid of the Blarp ! Thanks for your effort to keep LIS alive, remember it was the movie to knock Titanic out of number 1.


I just want to say that I loved the movie, and if you can bring it to TV, I would like to see it done in the same vein as the movie.

I have been a dedicated longtime diehard Lost in Space fan, ever since the day The Classic Series first premiered on CBS TV on September 15, 1965 (I'm 47 years old). It's time for a change, like the movie did for us.

Bringing LIS back to television would be so much better than making a movie for the silver screen, because we need these space colonists back in our living room each week. They have been lost and away much too long. Besides, there's nothing but junk on TV now, anyway... So, we need Lost in Space!!! Now!!!


Not really. This survey has just about covered it.


Staffordshire:

Bring back the classic Jupiter 2 saucer. Make the movie more like the tv series.


The next movie needs to be less busy, and have more plot.


To me the opening sequence and credits in a movie are very important. I was disappointed in the opening credits for "Lost in Space." A very easy, and effective, fix would have been to simply move the closing credit sequence (with the Apollo Four Forty LIS theme) to the beginning starting immediately after the Don West dogfight scene. That would have been hot! hot! hot!


Movie II: Should not be a clone of the series. Should account for the aging of the young actors. story should focus on the characters, not non-stop action.

TV Movie: I would like to see the SFR encounter Smith's Master (Aeolis 14 Umbra).


The tv movie should pick up 20 some years after the show ended, how did they make it thru those years.


There is a quality to the characters, especially in the early episodes of the televison series, sorely lacking from the movie; but, on the other hand, the movie was able to make the women stronger.

What needs to be exorcised from the new movie is the ludicrous psych-babble dysfunctionalism employed in the first movie. Also, BRIGHTEN THE MOVIE--it's simply a bit too dark.


Karen Hamilton:

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU MADE LIS FOR THE 90'S BUT YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT LIKED THE OLD VERSION.

TAKE THEM BACK WHERE THEY LEFT OFF IN JUNK YARD IN SPACE, LET DON AND JUDY GET MARRIED AND GIVE THEM CHILDREN, THAT WILL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO DO FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT, AND FOR GOD SAKES, MAKE IT IN MEMORY OF THE LATE JOHN ROBINSON, YOU KNOW THAT NO ONE CAN REPLACE THAT MAN, THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS TOO MUCH CRAP ON THE AIR WAYS, I KNOW THAT PEOPLE WANT TO SEE ACTION BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT USE TO REMEMBER WHEN THINGS WERE NICE, AND THE OLD FAMILY WAS NICE, TRY IT, AND I CAN BET THAT THE OLD SERIES OUT WEIGHS THE MOVIE BY 30 TO 1.

IF YOU WANT TO BRING IN SOME OTHER PEOPLE, HAVE OTHER SPACE TRAVELERS FROM EARTH.  HAVE WILL AND PENNY MARRIED, AND MAKE MAUREEN A GRAND MOTHER.

BUT DO ME A FAVOR AND TIE UP THE LOSE ENDS WILL YA, IF IT WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY BRING BACK THE BLOOP!!!!!!!! AND ASK BILL MUMY TO HELP OUT IN THIS DEPT I KNOW HE HAS SOMETHING THAT HE PRESENTED TO IRWIN ALLEN YRS. AGO, TAKE IT FROM THERE BOYS, AND MAKE THE "OLD" ER FANS HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!


The drama and adventure in the early classic episodes are the best. They should be used as an example for any future LIS production.


I would like to see John Robinsons body in stasis and brought back to earth for a proper burial as part of the ending. I would like to see them reach Alpha Centauri and also return to earth as heroes. This could be achieved by the advancement in space travel while they were lost.


I desperately wanted to see a reunion movie. I loved the old Jupiter 2 and B9 robot.


If a sequel is to be made it should at the very least reflect the original hardware (which still looks futuristic today). The B-9 robot should replace the car-jack robot from the movie (very low tech looking design and not at all a mechanical man).

I rate the movie a 7 out of 10 for sci-fi, and 3 out of 10 for Lost in Space content. Wouldn't go see another like this, must be much more classic-like.

I liked Gary Oldman as Dr. Smith, but I didn't like the way NLC presented the Dr. Smith character. Way too dark. Every good sci-fi movie needs some comic relief and the LIS didn't have that, suspense, or drama...just special effects.

If a TV series is made, it should start over from the beginning (Alpha Control launch) and feature the classic hardware, and a similar crew to the original (in character).


This would make a great animated series!


I would like to see the TV series revived, but not with the original cast. Face it, they're too old. I would like to see the props designed more like the classic series, especially all the main props. More technical accuracy. Less campiness, more like the first season. Less time spent on one planet. More time spent searching for Alpha Centaur. More equal screen time for the characters.


Please make another Movie!!!!!!! With a better looking silver robot but keep the bubble head!


Glenn Joy:

1. Needs a GREAT plot.

2.Has to be somewhat believable.(the movie)

3.Robot should look like an updated version of the classic B-9 NOT like a piece of junk.

4.Get rid of Blurp!!!


The ship, robot, chariot and pod in the films should be an updated version of the original and not a total redesign.


For robot - I choose either Big Blue or the classic B9 but not that in-between thing at the end. It seems like a cool futuristic look can be given to the classic B9.

Gary Oldman was great. However the is only one Dr. Smith, just like there could ever only be one Capt. Kirk. Certainly a creative clever way could be devised to include him despite his age.


Kraig Rogers:

The NLC movie was too "freaky". Tone the sequel down a bit. We want to get to know these characters. Give us more character development and interplay. Leave out the gratuitous profanity and sexual innuendo. Introduce elements from the original series.


Don't forget to cure Dr. Smith of the spider's techno-virus before proceeding into the next story, or he will have to be destroyed.


I loved the Classic series. All the original characters. I enjoyed the movie as something new with a little of the classic added. I'd love to see a second movie with the 1998 cast. And a TV movie with the original cast ending their trip. They have been lost too long.


I, for one, enjoyed the designs of the new movie. If they could pick up with the Robinsons shortly after the 1st movie left off, I'd be happy. One thing, it's caused "Lost in Space," not "Out of Fuel" in space. Let them Robinsons travel. And bring in the Pod and Chariot: updated, but paying homage to the classic TV show.


They should have used more stuff from the classic series.


Joel Tavera:

The die is now cast for style, set design and actors for any upcoming Lost In Space movie from NLC. I believe that the egg shaped Jupiter 2 and technology designs should be kept, but focus more on "classic" characterizations for the chosen actors and a better script than previously written. Yet the predicaments our family faces can be more substantial than what could be presented in the time that the early classic episodes were allowed.


Keep the movie at some distance from the series. What has been done on the series has already been done. It's time to move on, Lost in Space is an adventure and needs to be treated that way. Lost in Space 2 should be on there own and not use any of the original cast. Time to move on.


The original has only increased in popularity. Who doesn't recognize the B-9 robot, Will, or Dr. Smith. Classics! Bring them back. Finish the story. We suffered through endless Gilligans Islands movies. Give us ours!!!


Dion Hayman:

The thing I lease disliked about the movie was the dysfunctional family. That was not the Robinsons.

And I would I appreciate 90s-style enhancement, I believe the J2, the Robot etc are sacrosanct and should be left in their original form.

The actors were fine but some of the characters they portrayed were not true to LIS.


Jane Henderson:

Make the women less dependent on the men for protection. Have them defend themselves like they do on Deep Space Nine.


Jay:

Write a good story. It's not about special effects. The concept is there. Just write a good story. The second half of the movie was disastrous. (Blarp & Time Bubbles)


Make Judy a stronger character in the show. Give her more knowledge and more courage in everyday conflicts.


Comparing both the movie and the show was fun, but they are so different in many ways. I believe the characters are too soft, more of like the older version which was portrayed back in a more close minded world. Maybe making the cast have more of a modern appeal would catch more attention.

Also, another strong improvement would be that of the robot. In such a modern world we have a head of us, I believe he plays a serious link in what we can do with that type of technology. He seems so harsh. Too big and noisy. I also would would stick with the original head as opposed to the bubble. Maybe a special visit from our old friend would be a great treat!

Your story line was too blurred together and not well blended with the fabulous special effects. I liked the cast, the ship, the effects and the track. I hope someone reads this and actually takes into consideration all I've said.


The potential for a great movie was lessened by the current writer and producer. They deviated too far from what made the original a hit - a FUNCTIONAL family struggling to survive in space. Most people were turned off by how dysfunctional the NLC version is.


George Silva:

Need to add some of original John Williams theme and excellent music used throughout show!!!


Suggest doing what worked so well for Star Trek's second film outing (Wrath of Khan)--take one of the best serious episodes and follow through with the concept and plotline.

Contrary to what you'll read in this survey, Chabert's performance was riveting and I adored the updated direction of Penny's character. The U.K. CGI is second rate--definitely well below par compared to recent films. And lose the Blarp.


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