BBC Choice Idents - The Ident Review

Summary

This episode of 'Ident Review' delves into the evolution of BBC Choice's television idents from 1998 to 2003. Starting with creative pattern-based idents, the channel transitioned to a simplistic single heart motif in 2000, criticized for its lack of innovation. In 2001, a dynamic cube design emerged, foreshadowing the channel's rebranding to BBC Three. The final idents humorously announced BBC Choice's end, paving the way for BBC Three's launch. The video provides an insightful look at the channel's digital journey and its significance in TV history.

Takeaways

• 📺 The script is a review of BBC Choice's television idents, discussing their evolution over the years.
• 🚀 BBC Choice was launched on September 23, 1998, as a digital channel, marking a significant step in the BBC's digital expansion.
• 🔄 The channel underwent several ident changes to appeal to different demographics and reflect its programming variety.
• 💡 The initial idents featured a pattern of three, with various imagery such as hearts, mice, fans, and punches.
• 🔴 A notable ident from 2000 was criticized for being simplistic and lacking the creativity of the launch idents.
• 🔺 In 2001, BBC Choice introduced a new ident motif with three energetic cubes, signaling a return to a more appealing visual style.
• 🔮 The idents from 2001 included foreshadowing of BBC Three, with the use of three blocks, hinting at the channel's upcoming replacement.
• 🎉 The final idents for BBC Choice were bold, announcing the channel's end and the launch of BBC Three, with a mix of fun and respectability.
• 🎬 The script includes examples of idents with specific programming mentions, such as 'EastEnders' and 'I'm Alan Partridge'.
• 📈 BBC Choice's journey reflects the BBC's experimentation with digital channels and its eventual focus on targeting young adult audiences with BBC Three.
• 👋 The final words of the broadcaster signify a bittersweet farewell to BBC Choice, as it transitioned to CBeebies, another digital channel.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'ident review' show?

The 'ident review' show is dedicated to examining and discussing various television idents that have become familiar over the years.

When did BBC Choice launch and what was its significance?

BBC Choice launched on September 23, 1998, as a digital channel over the Internet and later on digital TV receivers. It marked the BBC's expansion into digital broadcasting.

What was unique about the initial idents of BBC Choice in 1998?

The initial idents of BBC Choice in 1998 were unique for their pattern of three theme, featuring different imagery such as hearts, mice, fans, and punches.

Why are the idents from 2000 considered a letdown compared to the initial ones?

The idents from 2000 are considered a letdown because they were seen as lazy and cheap, using a single heart and generic beats, lacking the creativity and simplicity of the initial idents.

What was the motif of the idents introduced in 2001 for BBC Choice?

The motif of the idents introduced in 2001 featured three energetic orange cubes interacting with each other against a green digital background.

Why were the idents with three blocks in 2001 seen as foreshadowing?

The three blocks were seen as foreshadowing because BBC was planning to replace BBC Choice with a new channel called BBC Three, and the presence of three blocks hinted at this upcoming change.

What change did the idents in 2002 reflect for BBC Choice?

The idents in 2002 reflected the impending launch of BBC Three, as they announced that the channel was being replaced and featured a countdown to the new channel.

How did the final idents for BBC Choice differ from the previous ones?

The final idents for BBC Choice were bold and playful, announcing the channel's end and the launch of BBC Three, with a focus on building excitement for the new channel.

What was the final night of BBC Choice like, according to the script?

The final night of BBC Choice was dominated by previews for BBC Three, signaling a transition from one channel to the next.

What is the broadcaster's final message in the script?

The broadcaster's final message is a goodbye to BBC Choice, mentioning the transition to CBeebies and the anticipation of meeting new friends and having fun.