For the past few days I have been in Bristol helping RetroRoadTrips film maker Elliott Bristow prepare his website for the launch of an online shop.

The shop launches on 5 November, when people will for the first time be able to purchase his films on DVD, as well as a range of other products.

Elliott Bristow travelled the length and breadth of the United States from the late 60s to the early 80s, recording a remarkable Super 8 film diary along the way.

I worked with him in New York in 1981 but lost contact.

In the early 90s the films were compiled into the Road Dreams series which was screened on Channel 4.

I finally made contact with him again a few years ago and have worked with him to build the www.retroroadtrips.com website. This website is his concept and general design but uses my web building skills. It is entirely hand-coded by me. I also helped him to set up his WordPress weblog, which has a lot of interesting material giving the background to the films.

Even if I didn’t know Elliott Bristow personally, I would be a huge fan of his films, they have remarkable visual qualities, atmosphere and nostalgia.

From November 5, these films, along with music specially commissioned to accompany them, will be available to purchase for the first time. Elliott has given me a copy of the DVD, and I am very impressed with the picture quality, sharpness and vibrancy of the colours. I watched one on a video iPod and it looked great.

Be sure to check in to www.retroroadtrips.com on Tuesday 5 November and pick up your own copy of this remarkable piece of work.

This update of Eye On Manchester made from Strensham Services on the M5 on my way back from Bristol to Manchester (c160 miles)