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Terry Pratchett's Discworld is one of the best fantasy book series around, and there is one detail, in particular, that sets it apart. Beginning in 1983 with The Colour of Magic, Discworld introduced Pratchett's unique world. Discworld is flat and balanced on the backs of four elephants, who stand on a giant turtle. Pratchett's creativity in the series is matched only by his sense of humor, which ridicules everything from organized religion to consumerism across its 41 astute outings. But it is not social commentary that makes Discworld the most refreshing fantasy series of this size.

Pratchett's distinctive brand of satire probably appeals to older audiences more than most, and is a major selling point of Discworld. All the best Discworld books share one thing in common - they are just as funny as they are moving, with a heart of gold. But of all the many unique things about Discworld,...

There may not be a better time for a proper adaptation of Discworld. After all, fantasy television just keeps getting more popular, and with increasingly massive budgets going into these shows, we've reached a point of spectacle that would have been unthinkable just 30 years ago when Xena: Warrior Princess was as good as genre TV could ever hope to be. Yet with that increase in budget and quality of special effects, there has come a commensurate change in the tone of these shows as they become more and more grim.

Despite Discworld's complicated reading order, it could be the ideal choice for a shift in direction when it comes to the fantasy genre. The books' focus on themes of truth, justice, freedom, and love, have the potential to help make Disworld into a welcome entry into yet another fun, fantasy world.

Discworld Deserves A Faithful TV Show - How It Can Get It Right?...

There have been all kinds of Discworld adaptations over the years, from the animated movies by Cosgrove Hall in the 1990s to the various live-action TV movies and series, yet none of them have been amazing successes. The most recent attempt, the BBC's controversial adaptation of the Night Watch novels, was critically panned for taking too many arbitrary liberties with the setting. Other adaptations have had their own high points and flaws.

There is one thread that explains why none of these adaptations have achieved any lasting success: none of them have quite landed on the tone that makes the original novels so timelessly endearing, even if the Discworld reading order is a little complicated. Emulating Terry Pratchett's unique mix of satire, slapstick, and parable requires an emotional intelligence that even the best adaptations have lacked.

Most Discworld Adaptations Almost Get It Right (But They're Missing Something) Various...

The premise for John Pasquin's 1994 hit Christmas film "The Santa Clause" is amusingly morbid at its heart. On Christmas Eve, divorced schlub Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) hears a clatter on his rooftop. When he goes to investigate, he finds that it's Santa Claus himself, scuttling down his chimney. Scott startles Santa, causing the jolly old fellow to slip off the roof and fall to his death. Yes, a delightful family comedy begins with the death of Santa.

Following some written instructions hidden on a business card in Santa's sleigh, Scott puts on the big guy's red coat and, lo finds he has to take Santa's place for the night. Once all the gifts are delivered, Calvin is taken to the North Pole, where he learns there was some fine print on the business card. In putting on the coat, Scott agreed to become Santa Claus in perpetuity, and will...

The series will be produced by Narrativia, the company originally launched by Terry Prachett.

Narrativia, the independent production company launched by Terry Pratchett in 2012, has signed a development deal with Motive Pictures and Endeavor Content to adapt the author’s Discworld novels for TV.

It is not yet confirmed exactly which of the Discworld novels by Pratchett will be adapted. Prachett died in 2015.

Motive Pictures’ Simon Maxwell and Sam Lavender will executive produce the series; Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales.

The Discworld novels sold more than 100 million copies during Pratchett’s lifetime.

UK-based production company Motive Pictures was launched in 2019 by CEO Maxwell,...

Sir Terry Pratchett, the British fantasy author, has died after eight years battling Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 66.

The news of his passing was announced by Transworld Publishers, whose managing director Larry Finlay described the prolific author as “one of [the world’s] brightest, sharpest minds.” He went on to say:

“In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: He did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention. Terry faced his Alzheimer’s disease (an ‘embuggerance’, as he called it) publicly and bravely. Over the last few years, it was his writing that sustained him. His legacy will endure for decades to come. My sympathies go out to Terry’s wife Lyn, their daughter Rhianna, to his close friend Rob Wilkins, and to all closest to him.”

Pratchett penned some 70 novels during his career,...

Terry Pratchett, whose Discworld series of fantasy novels sold over 80 million copies worldwide, has died following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 66. He was one of Britain’s most beloved authors and was the UK’s bestselling author throughout the 1990s. Pratchett, who was knighted by the Queen in 2009, saw a number of his works adapted for film and TV, including Hogfather in 2006 and Going Postal in 2008. “In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet…...

Terry Pratchett, whose Discworld series of fantasy novels sold over 80 million copies worldwide, has died following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 66. He was one of Britain’s most beloved authors and was the UK’s bestselling author throughout the 1990s. Pratchett, who was knighted by the Queen in 2009, saw a number of his works adapted for film and TV, including Hogfather in 2006 and Going Postal in 2008. “In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet…...

Terry Pratchett: “It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. That is true, it's called Life.”

The much-loved author Terry Prachett, whose books The Hogfather, The Colour Of Magic and Going Postal became popular TV movies, has passed away at the age of 66 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

"Terry took Death’s arm and followed him through the doors and on to the black desert under the endless night," his official Twitter account declared.

Pratchett's publisher, Larry Finlay, said in a statement "I was deeply saddened to learn that Sir Terry Pratchett has died. The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds.

"In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: he did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention.

Exclusive: Vadim Jean directing British comedy with the Fraiser star.

Principal photography has begun in London on independent British comedy Breaking the Bank, starring Kelsey Grammer (Frasier, X-Men).

The film, which plays out against the backdrop of the financial crisis, is directed by Vadim Jean, best known for 1992 comedy Leon the Pig Farmer and fantasy TV movies Hogfather and The Colour of Magic. The script has been written by ex-banker Roger Devlin, who has also provided “substantial finance” to the project.

The story centres on Charles Bunbury (Grammer), the bumbling, affable chairman of 200- year-old bank, Tuftons. Discovering that a rogue trader has left the bank in serious financial trouble - with rival Us and Japanese banks circling - Charles needs to attempt to secure Tuftons future. The only problem is Charles knows nothing about banking.

The cast also includes Episodes star Tamsin Greig as Charles’ frustrated wife; Gavin & Stacey’s Mathew Horne as Charles’ right hand man...

The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, and Bill Hutchens. The Human Centipede 2 has been released to limited theaters, available on VOD and will soon be available on DVD from IFC films. The marketing people have picked a very romantic date for the release; Valentines day! All you love birds and single folk can pick it up on February 14th, 2012 either on DVD or Blu-ray. If your date can sit through this film, you have a sick one on your hands.

The Human Centipede 2 is now available to the mass market. IFC Films has made the controversial ‘show all’ gross out fest available on iTunes, SundanceNow, and Digital Download. Perfect for the Halloween weekend if you’re ready for Martin and his sick ways, which are 100% medically inaccurate. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, and Bill Hutchens.

Late last night we received a brand new The Human Centipede 2 opening day poster. The movie is in theaters today October 7, 2011 in a limited theatrical release nationwide. (Check the theater listing below). The opening day poster for The Human Centipede 2 is a bit sick and more fitting for the movie in my opinion. I would have never imagined a centipede coming out of that part of the body. You can see the original poster at the end of this article. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, and Bill Hutchens.

The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, Bill Hutchens, Dan Burman, Daniel Jude Gennis, Kandace Caine, Maddi Black, Lucas Hansen, Georgia Goodrick and Emma Lock. It turns out that UK horror fans will get the see The Human Centipede 2 after all. After 32 cuts the BBFC is going to approve The Human Centipede 2 for release in the UK with an 18 certificate. Don’t worry those 32 cuts on amounted to a mere 2 minutes and 37 seconds for lost footage. >>...

In clip number 3 of The Human Centipede we get to see the films villain Martin pissing blood and planning his own version of the human centipede. The whole premise in The Human Centipede 2 is for the films director Tom Six to shock and gross out the audience. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, Bill Hutchens, Dan Burman, Daniel Jude Gennis, Kandace Caine, Maddi Black, Lucas Hansen, Georgia Goodrick and Emma Lock.

Last night Bhm contributor Crypticpsych was able to see an early press screening of The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence in New York. Check out his review of the movie below. Some horror fans were disappointed in The Human Centipede: First Sequence for not showing enough detail in how the actual human centipede was surgically produced. Not to worry your wish for more gory details on the actual creation of the human centipede will be completed in The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, and Bill Hutchens.

Tonight Bhm contributor Crypticpsych is watching the press screening of The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) watch for his review tomorrow. In the mean time IFC Midnight has finally released the full trailer for The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence), check it out below. The trailer is a full two minutes long. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, Bill Hutchens, Dan Burman, Daniel Jude Gennis, Kandace Caine, Maddi Black, Lucas Hansen, Georgia Goodrick and Emma Lock.

Today we finally have a list of theaters where you will be able to catch The Human Centipede II: Full Sequence, photos and the full synopsis. Take a look below for the date, location and theater name; more locations are to be announced so stay tuned for more details. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather), Vivien Bridson, Lee Harris, Peter Charlton, Bill Hutchens, Dan Burman, Daniel Jude Gennis, Kandace Caine, Maddi Black, Lucas Hansen, Georgia Goodrick and Emma Lock.

Here comes another sick and twisted human centipede. IFC Midnight released the poster for the upcoming horror sequel “The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)” in advance of the screenings at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. The poster was revealed on Slash Film movie blog web site. Here is the film synopsis: Martin is a mentally disturbed loner who lives with his mother in a bleak housing project. He works the night shift as a security guard in an equally grim and foreboding underground parking complex. To escape his dreary existence, Martin loses himself in the fantasy world of the cult horror film “The Human Centipede (First Sequence),” fetishizing the meticulous surgical skills of the gifted Dr. Heiter, whose knowledge of the human gastrointestinal system inspires Martin to attempt the unthinkable. The film stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (“Fetch,” “The Human Centipede (First Sequence)”) and Dominic Borrelli (“The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc,...

The New York Times had the chance to sit down with Tom Six and talk about his cult sensation The Human Centipede. The interview is really interesting and gives a you glimpse into the sick mind of Tom Six. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather). The Human Centipede II: Full Sequence opens tonight at Fantastic Fest in Austin Texas and will open in limited theaters in the United States on October 7, 2011. The film will never been seen in the UK since it has been banned.

The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather). We are finally starting to see what appears to be actual footage from The Human Centipede Part 2 (Full Sequence) this time the film will be 100% medically inaccurate. The Human Centipede Part 2 will first be shown at Fantastic Fest 2011 in Austin Texas on the opening night of the festival. Check out the new trailer below.

The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and stars Laurence R. Harvey , Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather). IFC has officially announced the The Human Centipede Part 2: Full Sequence will open in limited theaters October 7, 2011 in the Us and will not be shown in the UK since it was banned. An official trailer and poster has not been released yet for the film. In the sequel a new villain will be added named Martin, this time expect to see a 12-person centipede!

(Our second review of the latest Doctor Who episode after Jamie’s from Saturday)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In which the Doctor makes a house call and diagnoses a fear of pants.

Indulge me, please, while I begin this review with a quote from Sir Terry Pratchett from his book Hogfather. I do so not just because I think he’s one of the greatest writers in the English language, but because it was running through my head almost every minute of tonight’s episode.

“When you were grown up you only feared, well, logical things. Poverty. Illness. Being found out. At least you weren’t mad with terror because of something under the stairs. The world wasn’t full of arbitrary light and shade. The wonderful world of childhood? Well, it wasn’t a cut-down version of the adult one, that was certain. It was more like the adult...

The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) aka The Human Millipede is currently in production and is due to be released in the Us sometime in 2011. The film will never be shown in the UK since the British Board of Film Classification banned the movie. You will have to read the synopsis below to find out the new use for sandpaper, ouch! I guess Tom Six was correct when he said that The Human Centipede II would make the original look like “My Little Pony.” Who knows what he will say about The Human Centipede III (Final Sequence) due out 2013. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is written and directed by Tom Six (The Human Centipede (First Sequence) ) and stars Laurence R. Harvey , Ashlynn Yennie (Fetch) and Dominic Borrelli (Hogfather).

Get ready for a whole host of TV shows and movies to get you through the festive period - it's our look at UK telly...!

We've taken a scythe to the Christmas telly schedule to help you sort the geek from the chav. We hope the listing of shows and films will help brighten your holiday via the warm rays of the living room telly.

If we missed any of your favourites, please have a ho-ho-ho in the comments section, with our thanks and best wishes for a happy holiday.

Thursday December 23rd

Terry Pratchett's Hogfather Part 1 4:00pm Sky1 (repeats through 1st Jan)

24 series 8 6:00am Sky 2 (marathon consecutive run of the series' episodes)

8 Out Of 10 Cats Christmas Special 10:00pm Channel 4 (repeats 00:05am 27th Dec)

The Royle Family Christmas Special (2009) 00:45am Gold (repeats through 30th Dec)

Christmas Eve Friday December 24th

Terry Pratchett's Hogfather Part...

Nigel Planer is to join the Doctor Who Live stage show at The Nia, Birmingham, from October 18 to 20, BBC Worldwide has announced.

Planer played Neil in BBC comedy The Young Ones, appeared in the TV adaptations of Terry Pratchett's Hogfather and The Colour of Magic and has been in several West End musicals including Evita, Chicago and We Will Rock You.

In Doctor Who Live, the actor will play Vorgenson, an intergalactic showman who is the Time Lord's biggest fan. The character has been exclusively created for the tour by the show's executive producer and lead writer Steven Moffat. 

Nigel said: "I'm incredibly excited to be joining Doctor Who Live and this role is something of a boyhood dream come true.

"My character Vorgenson, who has been developed specially for the show by Steven Moffat, is the Greatest Showman in the Galaxy and using his incredible invention, The Minimiser, he...

Sky1's latest Terry Pratchett adaptation was the most-watched multichannel programme on Sunday night, early viewing figures indicate. Going Postal, starring David Suchet, pulled in 879k (5%) for its first instalment between 6pm and 8pm, ahead of BBC Two and Five's offerings. It's the channel's third series of Pratchett adaptations, following Hogfather and Colour of Magic. On the main networks, Lewis's final story of the year logged 6.08m (27.6%) for ITV1 from 8pm. Despite suffering a steady decline in numbers over its four-week run, series four has averaged an impressive 6.69m (28.1%), marginally superior to last year's 6.34m (26.2%). BBC One's offerings of Countryfile and The Big Personality Test could only manage 3.65m (16.8%) and 2.74m (12.3%) at 8pm and 9pm. Prior to that however, Halcyon (more)...

A two-part telemovie heading to our screens in May, here's the trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Going Postal...

Following on from the excellent TV adaptations of Terry Pratchett's Hogfather and The Colour Of Magic, another hugely popular Discworld novel is soon to be aired on Sky 1. Screening at the end of May, the next adaptation will be based upon Sir Pratchett's 33rd book in the Discworld series, Going Postal.

Starring Richard Coyle, (whom we're especially pleased to see return to telly in a big way in this production, as he was this writer's personal favourite nominee for Doctor Who back when we were all guessing and fancying actors' chances) the story revolves around Moist Von Lipwig (Coyle), a con artist set to hang for his crimes in the Discworld city-state of Ankh-Morpork. Saved from his grizzly fate, he's recruited to manage the now decrepit Ankh-Morpork postal service.

The First image of the animated Doctor Who as he will appear in new cartoon Dreamland has been released by the BBC.

Then series will premiere as six seven-minute episodes on the BBC Red Button on BBC One and the Doctor Who website.

The 45-minute animation, featuring the David Tennant version of the Time Lord, will be broadcast in its entirety on Cbbc on BBC2 this autumn and also on the BBC HD channel.

Written by Phil Ford (Doctor Who, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures) Dreamland will see the Doctor arrive at infamous alien hotspot Roswell in New Mexico.

During a visit to a local diner he stumbles upon a mysterious alien artefact that leads him on a mission to rescue Rivesh Mantilax from the threat of the Viperox and the clutches of the American military.

Joining David Tennant will be Georgia Moffett (who played the Doctor's daughter) in the...

The BBC has released the first image from a new animated spin-off of Doctor Who. The image (below) shows the Doctor as he will appear in the new series, which is called Dreamland.

The Doctor will be played by David Tennant and will presumably match Tennant's incarnation of the character in Doctor Who. Tennant's interpretation is the latest to air in the live-action BBC series and has been hugely popular. He has, however, passed on the role to Matt Smith for the next season of Doctor Who.

Alongside Tennant's Doctor in Dreamland will be a new companion, Cassie Rick, played by Georgia Moffett (Doctor Who, Spooks).

Dreamland was written by Phil Ford, who has also penned episodes of the Doctor Who spin-offs Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The plot sees the Doctor stumble on a mysterious alien artefact at a diner. This leads him to Roswell and a confrontation with the ruthless Viperox,...

London -- Following the success of its Terry Pratchett adaptations "Hogfather" and "The Colour of Magic," Sky said Monday that David Suchet, Charles Dance and Richard Coyle will head the cast of "Going Postal," a forthcoming Sky1 high definition production of the novel from fantasy writer Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.

Commissioned by Sky 1 HD head of drama Elaine Pyke and produced for Sky by The Mob film company, "Going Postal" will be broadcast on Sky1 HD and Sky1 next Easter, the broadcaster said Monday.

The fantasy tale of revenge and romance follows the adventures of arch-swindler Moist Von Lipwig and his love affair with the beautiful and vengeful Adore Belle Dearheart, whose family he has unwittingly ruined.

"Going Postal" is the 33rd novel in Pratchett's "Discworld" series of magical romance novels and the third that has been adapted for television by Sky. International distribution for the series will be handled by All3Media International.

LONDON -- Fresh off her best actress Oscar for The Queen, Helen Mirren is in the running for the Royal Television Society's top acting nod, this time for reprising the role of Detective Inspector Jane Tennyson in the final Prime Suspect, it was announced Monday.

The annual RTS awards will be held March 13 at the Grosvenor House hotel on London's Park Lane.

The Granada-produced drama that has gripped audiences since Mirren debuted the role in 1991 also has been nominated in the best drama series category along with Channel 4 cop drama Low Winter Sun and Sky One fairytale Hogfather.

Nominated alongside Mirren in the best actress category are Susan Lynch for her portrayal of a police sign-language interpreter who becomes involved with a deaf murder suspect in the BBC2/Blast Films production Soundproof and Julia Davis for her portrayal of '60s TV cook Fanny Cradock in BBC4 drama Fear of Fanny.

Jim Broadbent's portrayal of the British peer who attempted to befriend Moors murderer Myra Hindley in Longford, a Granada/HBO production for Channel 4, will compete for best actor against Philip Glenister in Life on Mars and Michael Sheen for his role in Kenneth Williams biopic Fantabulosa.

Controversial Channel 4 drama Death of a President will compete for the best digital channel program against BBC3 classical music extravaganza Manchester Passion and BBC4 entertainment show Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe.

Doctor Who, Life on Mars and The Street are in competition for the best drama series award, while in the international category the HBO-produced Baghdad E.R. takes on Entourage and Canal Plus-produced Spiral.

LONDON -- Sky One scored its highest-ever ratings for a homegrown show with Sunday night's airing of seasonal fantasy fairytale Hogfather.

The two-part drama, based on the novel by Terry Pratchett, won an average of 2.6 million viewers, peaking at 2.8 million.

Underlining the increasingly strong ratings performances on digital networks, Hogfather was the fourth highest-rated U.K. show across all networks, beating Channel 4 and Five in its slot.

Sky's heavy promotion of the family drama that aired at 8 p.m. paid off, earning a debut audience higher than that of Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, the year's biggest digital channel launch to date.

Hogfather, which stars David Jason, was Sky One's second-highest rated show to date, beaten only by an episode of Friends that aired six years ago. Sky One expects Hogfather's final audience numbers to eclipse the Friends episode when repeats and PVR recorded episodes are included in the ratings tally.