"The time: the distant future. Man has reached the farther stars, but has also uncovered dark, mysterious galaxies. And, as Star Command heads into the unknown, danger lies in wait."
Originally broadcast in the wake of the "Star Wars" phenomenon as a 15-minute live action segment of CBS's "Tarzan and the Super 7" show during the 1978-1979 season, "Jason of Command" had proved to be so popular (and the most expensive Filmation series) it became a separate half-hour Saturday morning show a season later.
Set in the 22nd century, the "Space Academy" spinoff (utilizing the sets, costumes and props) featured Craig Littler as Jason, the Han Solo-esque space explorer vital to Star Command's defense against the Dragonship attacks of deliciously evil "Master of the Cosmos" Dragos played by Sid Haig. Star Command itself was actually a special ops division of the Space Academy.
The supporting cast includes Susan O'Hanlon ("All My Children") as computer expert Capt. Nicole Davidoff; James Doohan (TV's "Star Trek") as Season One Commander Canarvin; Charlie Dell as inventor Professor E.J. Parsafoot; Tamara Dobson ("Cleopatra Jones") as Season Two super-strong alien telepath Samantha (replacing Nicole); and John Russell ("Pale Rider") as Season Two blue-skinned Commander Stone (replacing Canarvin); plus outer space-ready pocket droid "Wiki" (W1K1), and Peepo the robot.
Though obviously inspired by Star Wars and Ray Harryhausen model animated epics, Jason of Star Command most closely resembled the sci-fi serials of the 1930s and 40s, with a single-storied overall first season told in 16 chapters. Unlike previous Filmation shows, the stories focused more on action (non-violent, of course) than education. Nonetheless, "Jason" still commands respect among those who fondly remember it as arguably Saturday morning's most ambitious live action series this side of Battlestar Galactica.
Jason of Star Command - The Complete Series is 3-disc set featuring all 28 episodes in Full Frame (1.33:1) Video. BCI Eclipse even tracked down Jason himself, Craig Littler and got him to do commentary for the set! Special Features include:
* The all-new half-hour documentary, "The Adventures of Jason of Star Command," featuring interviews with the producer, stars, and visual effects artists.
* Two commentary tracks for Season One episodes "Attack of the Dragonship" and "The Disappearing Man" hosted by Andy Mangels with executive producer Lou Scheimer, and actors Craig Littler and John Berwick.
* Special effects commentary track for Season Two episode "Beyond the Stars!" hosted by Andy Mangels with visual effects supervisor Chuck Comisky, stop motion animator Jim Aupperle, and live action creature effects artist John Carl Beuchler.
* Jason of Star Command special effects demo reel
* Extensive gallery of promotional photos
* Extensive gallery of behind the scenes photos
* Gallery of cast & crew renunion photos
* Art gallery style guide for proposed "Jason of Star Command" animated series
* Booklet with episode guide and trivia
* DVD-ROM scripts from the series
* Easter eggs
* More previews from Ink & Paint
Season One:
1. Attack of the Dragonship
2. Prisoner of Dragos
3. Escape from the Dragons
4. A Cry for Help
5. Wiki to the Rescue
6. Planet of the Lost
7. Marooned in Time
8. Attack of the Dragons
9. Peepo's Last Chance
10. The Disappearing Man
11. The Haunted Planet
12. Escape from Kesh
13. Return of the Creature
14. Peepo on Trial
15. The Trojan Horse
16. The Victory of Star Command
Season Two:
1. Mission to the Stars
2. Frozen in Space
3. Web of the Star Witch
4. Beyond the Stars!
5. Secret of the Ancients
6. The Power of the Star Disk
7. Through the Stargate
8. Face to Face
9. Phantom Force
10. Little Girl Lost
11. Mimi's Secret
12. Battle for Freedom
