Customer Reviews

The Prisoner - Set 1: Arrival/ Free For All/ Dance of the Dead [VHS]

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Prisoner is one of the most, if not the most, revolutionary science fiction show ever. Produced in the milestone year of 1968, this brief English series (17 episodes) discussed with unique boldness themes like information control, torture and brainwash procedures in authoritarian governments. Esthetically, the show mingles influences so diverse as Franz Kafka's The Trial, Orwell's 1984, Ingmar Bergman's Hour of the Wolf, and the James Bond movies.

The show was sold to ITC as a non-official sequel to the most popular "Secret Agent/Danger Man" series, starred by Patrick McGoohan. This time, McGoohan acted too as creator and producer, and used his freedom to talk about the role of the individual in a increasing oppressing society. He is an anonymous secret agent who resign his position. But he knows too much; doped by a mysterious figure, he awakens in what seemingly is a luxurious resort in a paradise island. But this place is no spa: is a prison in the open, where no one knows what are the others prisoners names, and in whom can trust. They even don't know who really are their captors: are they from "their" side or from the "other" side? They don't know and the viewer don't knows too. The agent himself receives a code, Number Six. "I am no number! I am a free man!", claims he repeatedly. But he will not be a free man till he succeeds in escape from the island. In the meantime, he have other important task in hand: maintains his sanity and individuality in a ambient where all of his movements are monitored, and where he frequently suffers torture and brainwash.

The DVD release is great news. The three episodes are an excelent introduction to the series. "Arrival" is the very first one, where Number Six arrives to the island and meets for the first time the Number Two (the chief warder, a role assumed by a different actor/actress in each episode). "Free for All" is a parody to the election process. "Dance o the Dead" is the first of the "enigmatic" episodes in the show, with a plot that defies understanding. The Prisoner is rich in colors and sounds, that will be more appreciated digitally. The extras are very welcome, too. This series don't have the popularity that deserves, and, consequently, the material about it is very rare.

Can't wait for the release of all The Prisoner episodes on DVD. Something has been made here that the episodes are being released out of order. It may not be that of the original broadcast order, but the release is actually re-ordered to better reflect the original order of the show as McGoohan wanted it. For example, the new order has 'Free For All' second, which makes sense when you see how No.6 acts. He trusts the captors and even says "I'm new here". The original broadcast had this episode 4th. This order has a better progression of No.6's stay in The Village, from confused, trusting captive to rebelling, scheming, untrusting and disharmonious (sp?). This release is being done with consultation with Six of One - The Prisoner Appreciation Society, with the trivia sets by the American Co-ordinator Bruce Clark. The best order of episodes (which the 2 DVDs have followed so far) is: Arrival/Free For All/Dance Of The Dead/Checkmate/The Chimes Of Big Ben/A, B and C/The General/The Schizoid Man/Many Happy Returns/It's Your Funeral/A Change Of Mind/Hammer Into Anvil/Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling/Living In Harmony/The Girl Who Was Death/Once Upon A Time/Fall Out. Enjoy the most fascinating show and a television classic on DVD, I certainly will. be seeing you...

"The Prisoner" remains one of the most original television dramas of all time and one of the first cult classics. Created and produced by actor Patrick McGoohan, the show was seen as a (nudge-nudge, wink-wink) sequel to McGoohan's hit series "Secret Agent," where he played a man named Drake. In "The Prisoner," McGoohan plays an unnamed high level, top secret agent who resigns from his job. As he backs his bags a white gas comes through the keyhole of the front door and knocks him out. He awakes in the Village, a Kafkaesque community in which he apparently imprisoned (actually a resort on Cardigan Ban in North Wales favored by famous writers like George Bernard Shaw, Noel Coward and Bertrand Russell). The three episodes presented here include the pilot episode, but the order in which episodes of "The Prisoner" should be viewed has always been open to debate. However, what we have here are the second episode to be filmed and the episode that was supposed to be aired second. "The Chimes of Big Ben," the second episode to air, is found on a different disc. Feeling confused yet?

"Arrival," written by George Markstein and David Tomblin, and first aired on September 29, 1967. Our hero wakes up in the Village and discovers everyone kept there either has certain knowledge or lived a particular lifestyle of interest to the government. Names are not used here, and our hero is told he is now Number 6. The rules are explained to him by both Number Two (Guy Doleman) and the New Number Two (George Baker), but it is clear that our hero is not about to play well with others. In terms of hooking an audience, "Arrival" certainly accomplishes its mission. However, whereas the key to most stories is having the audience wondering what is happening next, with the Prisoner the viewer is never sure if they know what just happened let alone trying to anticipate the future.

Down the road in "Free for All," written by Paddy Fitz and directed by McGoohan, which first aired on October 20, 1967, it is election time in the Village. Number 6 is persuade to stand for the position of the new Number Two (Eric Portman), although by this time it is clear that every episode is going to have a new Number Two. Of course, our hero is not interested in the position, but rather the opportunity to lead a breakout from the prison. He really should know better, because even winning a landslide victory is not going to do him any good. This was actually the second episode filmed, although it aired much later (this is clear to you, right?).

There is more fun to be had in "Dance of the Dead," written by Anthony Skene and aired November 17, 1967, which was intended to be the second episode. It is carnival time in the Village and everybody gets to dress up and have fun. However, Number 6, who only wears a black tuxedo, is more interested in the dead body that has washed up on shore, seeing it as an opportunity to communicate with the outside world. This is one of the more tantalizing episodes because it begins with Number 6 drugged and duped into revealing some secrets and ends with him being tried for "crimes against the community." It seems like we might be close to understanding what is really going on, but, of course, that is but another illusion. Mary Morris plays Number 2 in this episode (Number 2 was in almost all of the episodes, but always played by a different actor. The only other character to appear in all of the episodes was the Butler, played by Angelo Muscat).

You understand, of course, that once you watch these first episodes you will be hooked on the entire series. "The Prisoner" makes "The X-Files" look like a bastion of sanity. These brain candy episodes hold up remarkable well as compared to other television fare from the Sixties.

'The Prisoner' is a one in a million sort of TV production. Not only was it the creation and main task of Patrick McGoohan to flesh out this 17 episode series, but he also starred in it and produced much of it as well. The unique and unconventional material along with its underlying essays about the world, authority, communities and group psychology makes it a work that could only come from one or perhaps two individuals maintaining a firm grasp on the creative side of the project. Made in 1968 it has some rather dated characteristics, yet is far more consuming then anything made these days. Why the DVD contains 3 episodes out of order in the series is a puzzle, although they are 3 very good episodes.

People who love good spy action will love this series instantly. Those who like twisted puzzles and strange situations dealing with outer torment and inner rage will really get into 'The Prisoner'. As will those who love good acting, writting, production value and film work. In my book, this series is perhaps the top valued piece of television entertainment ever produced. With so much expression and skill behind a unique creation I doubt many would have room to argue. Sadly this series is a cult classic, and not recognized as more.

I was thrilled to see this and the 2nd volume come out. I'd remembered this series fondly from its original broadcast and some re-broadcasts on PBS. I'd never managed to track down much of the VHS output--a horrible medium anyway. Don't think much if anything made it to laser disc. So the DVDs were and instant buy for me. As a "work" it does show its age a little. Some of the abrupt dialog and awkward segues hit me now that I guess I'm a little more experienced (or maybe just crankier). It's not a perfect effort by any means, but it still shows an inventive approach to TV then and now. McGoohan's acting is very good throughout, not something all of the guest "stars" bring to the screen. (Leo McKern is a notable exception!) The "high tech" of the series does show its age, but not too badly. Other than the silly spinning tape drives and the hackneyed "computer that gets fried when it's asked a simple question" story in "The General" episode, it's not too distracting. On to the disappointments: #1 is the sound. The picture is superb (almost) all around, but God, that awful underwater echo that comes and goes it annoying as hell. The second is that I consider the first set to be just a gyp--of the four episodes, one is an "alternate" of an episode in Set 2. This is the kind of thing you leave for the *end* set of the series, not the first, no? Put your best foot forward and all that. As noted by others, this alternate "Big Ben" is by far the worst video of all 8 episodes we have so far, and the sound is so muted as to be inaudible. Who's planning these releases? Don't they want us to buy all of them? Leave this kind of garbage till the end. One other minor gripe: I've come to expect more "meat" from the bonus materials, but perhaps this is all that can be dug up, considering McGoohan's non-cooperation with his legacy. Still, I'm buying the next two set when they come in March. (Anyone have a schedule for the complete series?) I'm still waiting for my favorite episode, "Many Happy Returns." Despite the complaints, this is a great thing to have.

In general this is a good release. This set is slightly mis-named. You get the following episodes : Arrival/ Free for All/ Dance of the Dead plus Chimes of Big Ben (alternative version). All episodes of The Prisoner are of excellent quality with the alternative version of the Chimes of Big Ben being the major exception. It appears to be taken from a low quality print, the print is scratchy, and the color is off.

The set does come with some supplimental material on the DVD. A very challenging quiz, photos, and the trailers for each episode. Overall this was was enjoyable, the quality of the Chimes of Big Ben alternative version was notably less than all others. I would have given this a five, but the no explanation behind the alternative version was something I found distracting, as well as no indication if we would see the other version of the Chimes of Big Ben later in this series was frustrating.

I first saw The Prisoner as a small child, and happened to tune in during "Checkmate," the episode where people are used as chess pieces. "Wow, cool," I thought, and watched every other episode at the time, although it went way over my head. Subsequently, I caught it at various times in my life as it reran, finding more and more in this very enigmatic, weird, witty allegory. Not only was the entire series phenomenal, it has one of the strongest and most memorable finales ever created -- and it ultimately does answer the question, "Who is Number One?"

Now, finally, the series is available on DVD, which is the ideal format for it. Not only is the picture quality in this transfer excellent, but you now have the opportunity to pause and study some of the more interesting production details. Why are there no number sevens on the Village information board? Do the Greek letters on that doctor's machinery hide a secret message? Does the first episode really have *two* characters who are number 66?

If there's a flaw to the first two sets of DVD's, it's that the extra material is a little on the light side. Sure, set one has the complete alternate version of "The Chimes of Big Ben," and there are TV teaser commercials (which just demonstrate that the networks had no idea what to make of it), trivia quizzes and production stills -- but where is the audio commentary? Where are the interviews? Where's Patrick McGoohan? Maybe that will come in the final set, and I see that set three does have a behind the scenes interview. On the other hand, the "interactive" map of the Village really isn't, and if you want an excercise in boredom, watch the entire "Foreign File Cabinet" footage on Set One.

But... all of that said, this DVD series is a must-have for fans of the show, and a good addition to the collection of any fan of science fiction, mystery, philosophy, history or what have you. "The Prisoner" is absolutely unique in television. The only other thing that ever came even halfway close was "Twin Peaks," nearly twenty years later, but the issues raised in "The Prisoner" are still relevant today, perhaps even moreso with the rise of both technology and PC groupthink. The Village, after all, is all around us.

Be seeing you...

If you're only interested in purchasing a few episodes of The Prisoner, or just don't want to committ to buying the entire series in one blow, then this is the set I'd recommend- even though, of the five sets, this is one of three sets with only three complete episodes included.

The first episode is the series opener, "Arrival", and it'll really put the hook in you. It introduces No. 6's circumstances and The Village itself.

The second episode is "Free For All" which is a send-up of politcal elections. We also learn more about The Village.

The third episode is "Dance Of The Dead" and focuses on the female quotient at work in The Village- and it has a chase scene near the end that's both funny and nightmarish.

Frankly, these three episodes were among the seven or eight Mcgoohan had originally intend the series to comprise. And they are stronger offerings than a few of the later episodes, some of which served as filler (exceptional filler, though) to kill time until the finale'.

Now, about that alternate "Chimes Of Big Ben" also included in the set. I believe that episode fits best in the fifth slot, so I don't know why they'd put the alternate on the first disk in the set... Also, the sound was so low on the episode that I could barely hear a thing with the T.V. turned all the way up! The other "extras" include some good stills, a not-so-interactive map of the village, fun trailers for the episodes, and some random extra shots that were pretty pointless.

But it's the story that matters, and these three episodes not only start out the series, but they are among the finest entries. Darkly humorous and thought-provoking- Be Seeing You!

While I endorse THE PRISONER as one of the truly artistic programs on commercial television, I understand why it makes people angry. It promises to be a straightforward if offbeat spy thriller, but turns into a surrealistic allegory. If you feel it would be easier to accept THE PRISONER's rhetorical left turn had it come earlier and/or been better foreshadowed, you might try watching the series in A&E's revised order. While its primary intent is to present events in the proper sequence, the new order also provides the foreshadowing that makes the final outcome acceptable.

Of course, the first episode MUST be "Arrival," which sets up the basic situation. A British secret agent (series creator Patrick McGoohan) abruptly resigns, is mysteriously rendered unconscious, and awakens in The Village, the location of which is known only to those who run it. It looks like a vacation resort, but it's definitely a prison camp. Those who won't volunteer desired information have it extracted from them in the hospital. Those who try to escape get to meet Rover, a belligerent weather balloon capable of locomotion, and seemingly of independent thought. Rover deals with fugitives by plastering itself against their faces, rendering them unconscious or dead, depending on its mood. Citizens of The Village are identified only by numbers, our protagonist being No. 6. The Village is run by No. 2, who reports to an unseen and unidentified No. 1 -- apparently an unforgiving boss, because No. 2 is always being replaced. No. 6 is informed that he's there for life, and that his captors want to know why he resigned. Of course, he doesn't want to tell them, and does want to escape and find out who's in charge. And therein lies the conflict around which the series is built.

The new second and third episodes are "Free for All," originally shown fourth*, and "Dance of the Dead," originally shown eighth*. To me, these are the weirdest (except for "Fall Out"), most disturbing, and most depressing episodes, which I suspect is why they were originally postponed. A&E begins with these episodes because they both call No. 6 a recent arrival This placement makes sense to me because both episodes show No. 6 trying to get his bearings and learning the hard way about the darker side of Village life. In fact, "Dance" seems more concerned with atmosphere than plot. But to me, the major advantage of starting with these episodes is that their twisted, nightmarish logic foreshadows the surrealism of THE PRISONER's conclusion. There's also a piece of dialog in "Free for All" that might even foreshadow the identity of No. 1, but I won't include it here because "that would be telling."

BTW, "Free for All" shows No. 6 getting the nonalcoholic liquor spiel that he gives Nadia in "Chimes of Big Ben," which was originally shown second*. Another thing that struck me about watching "Free" before "Chimes" was that we see No. 6 getting that whirlpool treatment from Rover before we see it happen to Nadia, so that when No. 6 looks at the unconscious Nadia on the beach in "Chimes," we now see it as a knowing look from someone who's been there.

The picture quality of all episodes is far superior to that of MPI's original VHS release. Especially improved is the scene in "Free for All" where we see No. 6 stumble down a corridor bathed in red light. An inherent problem with VHS is that such red scenes tend to appear grainy.

The sound is also superior as far as fidelity goes,, although it's still mono. I realize you can argue that a movie or television program on DVD should have the same mix in which it was originally presented, and from the standpoint of historical accuracy I agree. From an aesthetic standpoint, however, I think it depends on how the movie/TV program's creators would have presented it if the capability had existed. I can't help but wonder whether McGoohan would have used surround sound if he'd had the option. In any case, I think a few surround effects at strategic moments might have spiced the DVD release up a bit.

Even in mono, however, these episodes are enhanced by a good home theater system with a decent subwoofer. I'm thinking specifically of (a) the marching band sequences in "Free for All," with that booming bass drum, (b) Rover's "awakening" and rising from the ocean floor, (c) the automatically opening doors, (d) the slamming prison door that ends each episode.

Regarding the bonus features, I was mildly disappointed by the "foreign file cabinet" footage, used for the opening sequence in non-English versions of the series. It includes only the cutaways of the "RESIGNED" label on the drawer. I was hoping it would include some part of the opening sequence to provide context.

The "Alternate Chimes of Big Ben" is part of any definitive PRISONER collection (despite its poor sound quality, which I wish A&E had tried to enhance). This is a preliminary cut, using different theme music and sound effects, and including a scene in which No. 6 uses a navigational device to try and determine the location of The Village. However, I think it would have made more sense to package it with the official version. Alas, the "Alternate Arrival" isn't included here or on any of the A&E sets.

The "textless intro" provides an unobstructed view of some shots usually covered by opening credits. The "textless outro" didn't do much for me, though, because the cool thing about the closing is the way the credits are fit in with the construction of the bicycle. The interactive map, I just plain didn't get. The trivia showed me I really haven't been paying as much attention to detail as I should have.

*In both the U.S. and U.K.

"The Prisoner" remains the most unique, brilliant, frustrating, complex, and captivating popular television drama ever made, thanks almost wholly to the Herculean efforts made by its creator, lead actor, frequent writer and director, and executive producer, American-born Patrick McGoohan, who made the series in Wales and England in the mid-1960's. Fresh from a long stretch playing John Drake in the "Secret Agent"/"Danger Man" series, McGoohan wanted to try something else, but play off of his established spy image---and he came up with this ingenious storyline: here he plays another British secret agent (whose true identity is never revealed), who resigns his post, seeking a better life, only to be abducted and taken to a kind of Lewis Carroll-like fantasy kingdom, from which he is told he can never escape---unless he should decide to collaborate fully with his own captors. For only 17 episodes, this series plays out his battle with the mysterious powers-that-be, even as he tries to maintain his own individuality amongst a colony of people, himself included, who are addressed and known only by numerals---his own being Number 6. He battles Number 2, the colony's mayor, in each show, and always tries to answer the question: "Who is Number 1?" This tape contains "Arrival," the first story, which beautifully sets up the main elements of the series, "Free for All" (written and directed by McGoohan), a savage parody of the so-called democratic process, and "Dance of the Dead," a social and political satire worthy of Jonathan Swift, but with the trappings of George Orwell and Edgar Allan Poe. This show is absolutely a must-see for any serious fan of either the secret-agent genre, or of that rare creature known as "worthwhile television." Thirty-odd years later, it appears somewhat dated visually (a "supercomputer" that covers an entire wall of a room is hardly as cutting edge as the desktop PC on which I'm writing this), but its themes are timeless, and its execution superb.