A long time ago.
When the series The Woodwright’ Shop launched, I was living and working overseas. I watched the show only during vacation, maybe one or two shows during our six-week vacation; this was the time spent in the U.S. Fortunately, the series is coming back, thanks to the work by our friends at Popular Woodworking Magazine.
Today.
Roy Underhill, The Woodwright’s Shop, ©PBS.org
To me, the amazing part is that Roy Underhill has changed very little in appearance since he started the show. After meeting him in person, and watching him work his magic at Woodworking in America conferences, I can say he is just as funny today, always knowledgeable about our craft, and inimitable in his humor. I have written several articles about him on the blog.
By sheer coincidence, as I was drafting this article, I read David Thiel’s post at the magazine’s web site. He is the guy charged with converting the entire series into digital form, for streaming on the site, and for sale as DVDs. This is what brings me to the reason for this article.
I have had an opportunity to view 30-year old episodes. And there are two options – your choice!
- Buy entire seasons of the show on DVD for $29.99, or
- Buy viewing privilege on a per-episode basis.
I might buy one season or two on DVD. But I know I will always be able to rent one episode at a time, no matter where I am. It will depend on what’s going on, and what I feel like doing. How cool is that? You will have similar choices. It will be entirely up to you!
As a teaser, the following is a link to the The Woodwright’s Shop 20th Anniversary Episode.
As I find nuggets, I will share here on the blog. Meanwhile, I will say only one thing: ENJOY! if you decide to start viewing the early episodes.
— Al Navas
About Al Navas
I found Roy in 1980. I had just rotated to shore duty in the Navy and I immediately wanted to buy an axe and go into the woods build everything I would need with it. 30 years later, retired from the navy, Roy has brought back those dreams again.
ralph
That is cool, Ralph – glad we are both dreaming together!