Yeah, I was a kid from the 80's and early 90's so I've heard about the "After School Specials". Though I was too young to watch them as I was in elementary school at the time, I got out of school later, but that meant that I missed them when they premiered; let alone was probably too busy watching afternoon animated shows like "The Real Ghostbusters" and others. However, I have seen some of the commercials on a few of their films that were upcoming. But also, at the elementary schools I've attended we would have a movie day and sometimes my teachers would show a VHS recording of one of those films.
This anthology program I wouldn't say is on my favorites list, but I do like it, as I kind of have a soft spot for it. But most importantly what I really like and what makes this anthology truly unique is that it's an anthology program for the drama genre which is something I don't see much. This program is more special than ever because unfortunately it's become a lost gem as some but not all the movies never made it to DVD and Blu Ray, let alone VHS at the time. This is a real shame because I know there are plenty of fans of these films just waiting to be seen, hopefully somewhere along the line may 'be "Vinegar Syndrome" or some other company might think of making some Blu-ray box set volumes for these films, since their recently release box sets for made for TV horror films, why not the afterschool specials; a thought to consider anyway.
Now down to business, the after-school specials are an interesting beast indeed, as they were not just educational (in a good way) but entertaining. It can also be seen as a history lesson for kids now to learn a little about what the 70s-90s decades were like when they were their age; but for the adult to reminisce about times long gone.
It's true that not all the films are going to be winners, but that's just how it is with the anthologies their as I said like orchard trees, you going to find plenty of bad apples, peaches, or whatever else is grown but there are also plenty of good ones and they're the ones that count the most. And to me that's part of the joy in anthologies, anyway, finding those stories that truly stick with you.
There are many reasons as to why a lot of us really liked these specials. For one thing all of them the main characters were usually kids and teenagers/young adults. Back then there really weren't that many or any TV programs and even movies where they were, so to be able to see anyone that young and the same age as you were a real treat.
One of the interesting things about the specials is the cast, which some consists of future stars or familiar faces from TV and movies. It's interesting seeing how some of them began, let alone how young they were at the time; and realizing how far they truly came from back then.
Really like that intro which is one of my favorite intros and music of all time in my book. The 70's version is my favorite as we see this strange animated sequence which just consists of this mish mash of a lot of strange and colorful things, all items and things kids would do. But that music is what really did it for me, as it just has this comforting and optimistic feeling to it
Like all anthologies this program went in a lot of directions where some were clearly by their nature educational but in a good way. And personally, I honestly don't mind educational programing if it's something that retains my interest and teaches something that's useful because of the issues being real.
Another reason why watching these specials is interesting is that most to all the issues they were tackling are more relevant today as their still happening. It really shows how people of the past back then had to deal with the same things were dealing with now. But also, that being a kid back then wasn't easy just as it's not easy now; so, there was that sense of relatability which made us feel less alone, but also helped in warning us that each of these issues can happen to anyone. That we should always seek out solutions to our and others' problems otherwise nothing will ever get better.
Like any good fable, Afterschool Specials will always have a place in my heart for the kid in me; they're important now as they were then.
Rating: 3 and a half stars.
