Customer Reviews

Space: 1999 [VHS]

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I feel ripped off...I really do. I had all the old American releases on DVD (which I will be selling to a local merchant because they deal in used DVDs) to recoup some of the cost I spent on this set. THIS IS NOT THE NETWORK DVD/UK EDITION REMASTERS FOR REGION 1...let's make that VERY clear.

If you have a multi-region/format player, go over to Amazon UK and order the First Season from Network...it is *spectacular*. You can also pre-order the Second Season from Network there as well (release date is Sept 10). The Network DVDs have phenomenal video AND audio, crisp and clear 5.1 audio in fact that gives your sub-woofer a workout. Needless to say, I pre-ordered mine from across the pond the day I got this.

Why 3 stars? Overall story and series would have gotten a 5. Minus four stars for the remaster rip-off, plus a star for slimmer packaging/better price, plus a star for *some* improvement in the audio (now 2.0 stereo as opposed to mono) and a bit of an improvement on Season Two eps video.

If you have this...save your cash, even though the old discs might take up more shelf-space. If you don't and only have a standard Region One player, then by all means get it. If you have a multi region/format player...RUN to Amazon UK and purchase the Network Season One and Two Versions.

There is no comparison...the Network DVDs are spectacular!

As soon as we got this in, we opened a set and checked it out...

This so-called digitally remastered 30th Anniversary edition is NO DIFFERENT than the older Mega Set...just slimmer packaging. You still see all the spots, smudges, hairs, graininess. The only reason to buy this is if you have not already gotten the older set and want to save some money. Sad, really, that we did not get the better UK remastered product.

Having the original MegaSet of Space: 1999, I was hoping to have 'extras' on the 30th Anniversary MegaSet DVD's. The DVD containers have been changed and condensed, but otherwise the offerings are the same as the original MegaSet -- the addded 'Bonus Disc' is the same that has been available at all the Space: 1999 Conventions since 2005. The 'Special Features' throughout the MegaSet are the same as on the original MegaSet. It would have been "special" if the Anniversary MegaSet had 'bloopers', 'behind the scenes' that weren't on the original MegaSet DVD's, et al. A purchase of this MegaSet is more for nostalgia and to support the continuing life (after cancellation) of Space: 1999.

1. The show does have many scientific errors, which can make some of the plots implausible. However, my approach is to watch the show more for its treatment/depiction of philosophical issues than for its scientific treatments/depictions. Look at the episodes as allegories, as science fiction fairy tales, and you will find them enjoyable (after all, most fairy tales are very implausible).

2. Some of the critiques of the plot errors are a bit unfair - they show that the reviewer hasn't really watched the show closely. For instance, the Amazon review bemoans that "In 'Earthbound,' aliens traveling to Earth state it will take them 75 years to reach their destination, making one wonder why it didn't take the moon that long to encounter the aliens." Uhm, maybe because two episodes earlier the Moon had an encounter with a small black hole which caused the Moon to be hurled far away from the Earth. That is why in the episode "Earthbound" the Moonbase Alphans didn't know what direction Earth was in anymore - with help from the aliens they learned at least what direction Earth was in. So while you can certainly argue with some of the science in the show, at least for the fictional/fantasy world the show exists in, there is consistency in it.

Another complaint is how season two has different uniforms and different decoration of the set from season one. The show had a one year hiatus and I suppose they thought the audience would just assume that some time had passed and the Alphans made some modifications - heck we change fashions here on Earth over time, why not for the Moonbase? What is so unbelievable about that? Also, with time, there would be a change in personnel as people die, and/or needs of the Moonbase change and people get reassigned. Of course, this doesn't explain Barry Morse's character being replaced by Maya (the Mr. Spock rip-off). That, I will easily concede, is not a nit-picky minor detail to be overlooked.

3. And other critiques say things like "without regard to any physical laws." Balooney. Without enough regard, I'll agree with. But to insinuate that the show had no regard to _any_ physical laws is harsher than it needs to be. Yes, the show didn't pay enough regard to physical laws.

Anyway, again, treat each episode by itself - treat them as allegories, treat them as futuristic fairy tales, and just enjoy the stories themselves. Back to the episode "Earthbound" (with guest star Christopher Lee), it is a new twist on the "lifeboat" type of philosophical dilemma - if you only have enough room to save one person, who goes? Actually, several moral questions are raised and treated in that episode.

And that is what is best about Space: 1999. It is a very thought provoking show - for some though, they can't stop complaining about the science errors that create some implausible staging for the plots to unfold upon. It's like going to a play and complaining how the set pieces aren't real, or going to a movie and complain that it is implausible for superman to fly. Superman is a metaphor - by straining at the gnat details, you are missing the meaning. The show was never about hard science. So don't expect it.

Relax, and just enjoy the stories for the stories, for their metaphors, for their thought provoking treatment and discussion of moral and philosophical issues. If you want more hard science science fiction, there are other shows you can watch and enjoy.

Speaking on the behalf of all sci-fi fans who watched Space 1999 on its initial broadcast run, Gerry Anderson deserves our respect. With "Supermarination" like "Captain Scarlet," "Secret Service" and the "Thunderbirds," he raised the caliber of Saturday morning TV fare above the usual, two-dimensional animated cartoon.

With "Space 1999" he initiated a new renaissance in science fiction making it respectable with a broad appeal to audiences young and old alike. Not since "Star Trek" which made its debut in 1966, has there been another science fiction series on TV that has made a significant impact or has been more widely recognized.

To compare the two series would be unfair with Star Trek now having now reached the proportions of "epic" on par with the Illiad and the Odyssey in the realm of science fiction let alone the franchises the series has spawned. What detracts from the quality of Space 1999 is not the SFX (expertly orchestrated by Brian Johnson) or the quality of the acting from the leads, but rather, the implausibility of the plots. One tries very hard to enjoy Space 1999 like I have, but I like my science fiction with large dollops of science, and we live in an age where audiences have even a rudimentary understanding of physics and space travel. Sadly, this is the Achilles Heel of Space 1999; ridiculous plots at times matched with dull scripts with empty plots that approximate the size of a black hole.

The first season is generally considered the stronger of the two: the second noted for the addition of Maya (called a "Mr. Spock rip-off" by fans of Roddenberry), a resident of Moonbase Alpha and an alien that can morph into any living organism--an interesting, if wild stopgap to save the sagging ratings of the series at the time. Not surprisingly, many people are divided about Space 1999: people either hate it or love it.

This set, includes interviews, some outtakes, a special feature with SFX expert Brian Johnson, commercials, etc. All in all, Space 1999 was significant because it illustrated the true potential that lay in science fiction paving the way for "Star Wars" and other epics that would follow.

Those interested in learning more about Space 1999, should pick up a copy of John Kenneth Muir's book-length study of the series, "Exploring Space 1999"--a fascinating read if you wish to know more about the series, its impact, and eventual demise.

I give the show itself 5-stars (for nostalgic reasons if nothing else), but I DID have unusual problems with the DVD's. I purchased the SPACE: 1999 30th ANNIVERSARY MEGASET from Amazon New/Factory Sealed in 2007, the first week that it was released. When I opened the set I was concerned to notice that ALL 17 discs had weird looking "blotches" on them. I returned the set to Amazon for a replacement--and--SHOCK!--the replacement set had the EXACT SAME "blotches" on all of the discs! Fast forward to 3 years later, I played back the discs in 2010 and had no playback problems whatsoever--THAT IS until I got to DISC #15 which would NOT PLAY--I examined the disc and was HORRIFIED to see that it was COMPLETELY ROTTED! If you own the SPACE: 1999 30th ANNIVERSARY MEGASET set PLEASE check for weird looking "blotches" on the discs and/or DVD Rot--*hopefully* your set will be blotch and rot-free!!! UPDATE: In early 2011, several other discs in the set had also become ROTTED. I ended up junking the entire 2007 set and (instead) purchased the Big Box--SPACE: 1999 MEGA-SET released in 2001--the original set is both blotch and rot-free!!! I realize that my experience with "blotches" and DVD Rot may have been unique--at least I hope it was! Comparing both sets, I prefer the Big Box SPACE: 1999 MEGA-SET by a wide margin--it is PERFECT in every way! If you found this review usful, please click the "YES" button. (Please read my other reviews as well).

This Megaset was a gift to my husband, who grew up watching the show and remains an avid fan. I never heard of Space 1999 prior to meeting him, so the program is entirely new to me. The following is based solely on the production aspect, not a critique of the show or a rehashing of the plot.

Many of the reviewers were disappointed by the quality of the DVD's. Since the show is so much a part of my husband's notalgia tour, I wanted the best possible edition. Considering this, and at the suggestion of some of the reviewers, I looked into the UK edition. Here's what I found:

1) Although Amazon US is as helpful as possible, staff cannot answer questions specific to UK products. There are no toll-free numbers to Amazon UK. Unless you can call overseas without paying extra, you'll have a big bill.

2) Prices are in British pounds. Amazon US is very helpful in determining the conversion for that day, but the rates fluctuate daily. You'll have to be ready to buy.

3) No free shipping deal outside of the UK.

4) Returns can be made only to Amazon UK.

You also need a multi-region DVD player. We have one, but you may not and that's an extra expense.

Here is the summation of the US version:

1) My husband is 100% satisfied. His family had a black-and-white set. Until the Megaset arrived, he had never seen it in color. This was like a trip to Disneyland for him.

2) My training was in production. The show, to me, appeared to be a straight transfer from the original. No enhancements, no digitalization, nothing fancy. It had the look and feel of the '70's. My husband tells me that's the beauty of it. He expects to 'return' to that time. Upgrades that make the Star Trek shows pop now, he insists, would change the whole ambience. Not all sci-fi should be assertive.

His advice is to enjoy it for what it is--a classic tv show from a more innocent, hopeful time.

This product is almost exactly like the first one released in 2002. Just different pakaging. Don't let that stop you because A&E just stopped producing the first megaset a few years back. This is a great TV series for sci-fi lovers. In conlusion.
1. Space: 1999 megaset 30th annaversary edition is more compact.
2. It is less expensive, not cheep or a rip off, just less expensive.
3. It is a child freindly program for children estimate 9+.

Hope this review helped customers,
starwars42097

It was nice to see the old series again. I haven't seen an episode since it's original run back in the day. It will take most fans a while to get thru this entire set of 17 Discs, with each episode over 50 minutes. The Series ran for 2 seasons and almost plays out like 2 DIFFERENT SHOWS in each season. The first season was more in the thought provoking slower paced British style of Sci Fi at the time with some great acting. Then in season 2 they felt like they needed to revamp the show, and it became more Action Packed & Faster Paced with more Creatures & Aliens than you can shake a stick at. They also added a Sexy Female alien in the 2nd year who had the ability to shape shift, making things even more interesting.
Since they are so different, even with the same old Moonbase Alpha as their home base, I can't pick One season over the other. I like them both and thought they were both relatively successful in what they were trying to accomplish. One thing I HATED was the dropping of certain main characters from Season one without even an explanation, with Barry Morse as Professor Victor Bergman being the Prime example. They also dropped Paul who appeared to be second in command and had a relationship going with Sandra, which added to the storylines occassionally.
Speaking of Sandra, she showed up for some of season 2 but just didn't seem to be as involved in things, more like a Prop. Because of his huge popularity, they were forced to bring back Alan to the show for most of the season. The additions of Maya, and Chief Security Officer Tony, were indeed fine additions, especially adding their own romantic relationship to things. The 2nd season also went for some more (sometimes successful) Humor,such as Tony's ongoing attempt to create his own special beer recipe on Alpha with not so good results.
As for the storys, Most of them were very good or at least interesting, for Both Seasons. Hard to watch too much in marathon sittings, I found it more enjoyable watching a handful of episodes a week.
Finally, I should mention that the extras were pretty weak. There were a few VERY SHORT interviews w/actors and special f/x artists, and then a bunch of rehashed junk - Like the Season 2 Previews where they gave a ton of versions which were EXACTLY IDENTICAL except for the TV Station Call letters. And also the old fallback for when you have no extras, Pictures/Images from scenes of the episode you just finished watching....OK, there were a handful of Promo pictures thrown in as well, but the majority were from the episodes.
Bottom Line, Not as good as the Classic Star Trek Series, But Probably sits on the next tier down like Lost in Space or the Original Battlestar Galctica. I had waited a long time to see this series, since it retailed for around $150 for the 17 disc set for years, but when It finally came down to under a third of that, an excellent value, It was time to revisit Moonbase Alpha.

Ignore the comments about the sound quality, these shows are meant to be seen as they were watched all those decades ago. Playing too much with the pictures and sound is like putting a brand spanking new Ferrari engine in an E-Type Jaguar. Okay it runs better and faster, but it just is not an E-Type Jag any more - and where is the fun in that?

The first time I watched this show was on a black and white mono TV, so seeing the series in color is always an improvement.

The only thing I remembered about Space 1999 before buying this series was that I loved the show and the cool space vehicles that were on the show. Watching the episodes again was like watching them for the first time but with a twist. Constantly I was saying to myself "ah yeah, I remember that!"

Like UFO, you need to watch this show in the context of the time it was made. Don't expect ILS quality special effects and you will not be disappointed.

As a side bar - I always loved how shows made around that time in the UK often had a token American in them to help sell them `over the pond"!

Don't miss this series and at the price it is a bargain.....17 DVD's for under $50...wow!