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Jamaica Inn

(107 Posts)
whenim64 Mon 21-Apr-14 21:39:43

Anyone watching? I love this book and have been anticipating watching the series with enjoyment, but the sound is terrible - music drowning out conversation, actors mumbling or muffled sound. Looked on the BBC feedback and see others have the same complaint. I hope it bucks up!

Nonnie Tue 22-Apr-14 09:12:08

Coped with the dark but we both thought we needed to get our hearing tested! Glad to know we don't. Thanks all.

dorsetpennt Tue 22-Apr-14 09:00:55

Well it is a dark story but this dark? I put the sub-titles on as the mumbling made it extremely hard for this tinnitus sufferer . Loved the book and was so looking forward to it. Why is it so difficult to make accurate historical programmes? I don't watch them as there are so many errors in speech and historical details I end up chucking stuff at my TV. It's the same when they adapt novels. They change them.
However, Fargo that was brilliant. Loved the film and this programme is super. Billy Bob Thornton is sinister but hilarious.
The Americans are turning out great programme after great programme, ie The Wire, Breaking Bad, The Good Wife. It's been a long time since we've done the same.

liminetta Tue 22-Apr-14 08:37:10

Same here. I lasted 20 minutes and gave up!Couldnt tell what they were mumbling about.Thought it was my hearing, but, sadly, no.Very disappointing.sad

Marelli Tue 22-Apr-14 08:36:22

Watched it all, but not going to bother with the rest of it. Like the others have said, I could neither hear nor see it properly and it really is a shame, because the bleak, dreary scenery and the lack of 'romance' in the story makes for a good programme. Read the book years ago, and have looked forward to seeing the drama.

J52 Tue 22-Apr-14 08:28:18

I too gave up after 30mins, for all the same reasons as others. X

HollyDaze Tue 22-Apr-14 08:02:32

Lona - many thanks, I shall give that a miss too then. If anyone can recommend a good, true to story version I would be very grateful.

I did write to the BBC a couple of years ago and asked them why they don't do more series on British history; if this is the best that they can come up with ...

PRINTMISS Tue 22-Apr-14 08:01:59

It was DIRE! I had been looking forward to it too, but dark picture, indecipherable speaking and very little thought. Ah! well, back to the drawing board. Nfk you should have a button on your control with 'sbtl' and a sort of wavy line on it which ought to bring up the sub-titles for you. Press it again when you do not want the subtitling on. Hope that works.

Sook Tue 22-Apr-14 07:56:09

Although I had been looking forward to it I thought it was dreadful. Far too dark and totally boring.

felice Tue 22-Apr-14 07:18:19

I am glad I am not the only one who disliked this, the music was driving me nuts within minutes, pity as I love the story. Wouls love to know how Mary-Ellens clothes went from being muddy and wet to clean and dry in the same scene, even when she came out of the bog, and her shoes seemed fine too ?????

ninathenana Tue 22-Apr-14 01:06:04

I gave up too. Dark and dreary. Lots of walking across hills and not much else. I lasted 35mins then turned to the Tommy Cooper story.

Nelliemoser Mon 21-Apr-14 23:17:46

I gave up as well for the same reasons as most of you. Too dark, too mumbled, couldn't hear what they were saying. The whole "action" was too slow. Too much time wasted wandering about the Cornish countryside looking soulful.

I think the dark sinister mood setting was over played to the extent of becoming ridiculous.
What is it with BBC drama lately The Crimson Fields and this both seem to be very disappointing.

No more thank you. If you get put off in the first 15 to 20 minutes there is little hope.

MiniMouse Mon 21-Apr-14 23:02:32

Oh, I'm so relieved others feel the same as I do! I stuck through it, but only because I refused to give in, but was so disappointed. Same as others have said, muffled sound, dismal and too dark to see what was happening. I'd been so looking forward to this. Just hoping episode 2 is better!

Lona Mon 21-Apr-14 23:02:03

Holly The Hitchcock version isn't true to the book unlike this tv version.
Just saying.

Anne58 Mon 21-Apr-14 23:00:02

Meant to watch it and then didn't. Doesn't seem as if I've missed much.

I get very frustrated with things where a lot goes in the dark, also frustrated if I'm straining to hear.

My comments are perhaps unfair as I haven't seen it, but I was just remarking on the comments that have already been made.

HollyDaze Mon 21-Apr-14 22:40:05

I was looking forward to this but only stuck with it for about 25 minutes - thoroughly depressing. I didn't have a problem hearing them but part of me wishes I did.

I have checked on youtube and I shall try watching Alfred Hitcock's version instead with Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara and hope that doesn't leave me feeling I want to reach for anti-depressants.

Lona Mon 21-Apr-14 22:32:01

I couldn't hear it very well, but I could see it clearly. I loved it anyway.

NfkDumpling Mon 21-Apr-14 22:30:00

(how do you turn subtitles on?)

NfkDumpling Mon 21-Apr-14 22:29:09

I'd looked forward to Jamaica Inn, it's a great story. Sean Harris (Joss) is well cast but he does talk through his nose! I had trouble understanding him in The Borgias but this is worse.
Turning the room lights down made it more visible but turning the sound up did nothing to help decipher the Mumbling. I'm so relieved others had problems comprehending the speech. I thought it may just have been the interference from my tinnitus.

janeainsworth Mon 21-Apr-14 22:25:04

We recorded it and watched BBC4 instead - fantastic programme about music in Britain in the 18th century and how it reflected and encouraged social change.
Mishap I was wondering if you were watching it, there was a lot about choirs and community singing.
Don't think I'll bother watching Jamaica Inn after all!

merlotgran Mon 21-Apr-14 22:10:08

Such a shame. I was really looking forward to it. Couldn't understand a bloody word. angry

Aka Mon 21-Apr-14 22:08:34

I did turn the subtitles on but still gave up. Dire.

Atqui Mon 21-Apr-14 22:06:26

Terrible! Needed subtitles!

grumppa Mon 21-Apr-14 22:06:07

Inaudible, invisible, God only knows what was going on.

Mind you, Endeavour last night was just as badly lit.

whenim64 Mon 21-Apr-14 21:59:54

Twitter is full of complaints about the mumbling.

Treebee Mon 21-Apr-14 21:58:05

Well, it's on, but I've given up on it too. Can't make out what they're saying either. Open your mouth, silly man!