Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

On 2 DVD discs:
• "These Episodes" Featurettes - select individual episode analysis (1:35:18)
• "Memories of Space" Featurette (7:16)
• Sylvia Anderson Interview (16:13)
• Season 1 Textless Generic Titles (1:44)
• "Concept and Creation" Featurette (12:38)
• Special Effects and Design Featurette (16:52)
• Text Episode Commentaries on "The Last Sunset" and "Space Brain"
• "Clapperboard" Two-Part Special On The Work of Gerry Anderson from 1975 (38:58)
• "Guardian of Piri Remembered" (1:36)
• Barry Gray's Theme Demo (1:23)
• Alternative Opening and Closing Titles (2:58)
• Martin Landau and Barbara Bain U.S. Premiere Intro and Outro (1:54)
• SFX Plates and Deleted SFX Scenes with Music Track (11:41)

• Ad Bumpers (:38)

Disc One Bitrate:

 

Product Description: In the year 1999, a spectacular explosion at a lunar nuclear waste dump sends the moon out of Earth’s orbit. In this seminal sci-fi series from producer Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds, UFO), the men and women of Moonbase Alpha are suddenly propelled on a treacherous journey across the universe in search of extraordinary new worlds. Left with no way home, the Earthling citizens are forced to embark upon the greatest adventure of their lives, encountering bizarre life forms and strange phenomena as they struggle to survive among the awe-inspiring wonders of outer space. All 24 first season episodes of this acclaimed space adventure have been restored in stunning high definition and presented with newly-created 5.1 surround soundtracks, and hours of brand-new bonus features.

With its progressive plotlines, an outstanding cast, and astonishing special effects from Oscar® winner Brian Johnson (Alien, The Empire Strikes Back), SPACE: 1999 has secured its place as one of the most thought-provoking series of the 20th century—and beyond.

DISC 1:

Breakaway / Matter of Life and Death / Black Sun / Ring Around the Moon / Earthbound
DISC 2:

Another Time, Another Place / Missing Link / Guardian of Piri / Force of Life / Alpha Child
DISC 3:

The Last Sunset / Voyager’s Return / Collision Course / Death’s Other Dominion / The Full Circle
DISC 4:

End Of Eternity / War Games / The Last Enemy / The Troubled Spirit / Space Brain
DISC 5:

The Infernal Machine / Mission Of The Darians / Dragon’s Domain / Testament Of Arkadia
DISC 6: Bonus Features

 

 

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

 

 

Audio :

BOTTOM LINE:
I watched this quite regularly when I was growing up - doing some math, I guess I was about 13-years old. I didn't know at the time that this series, like UFO, was a Gerry Anderson creation. He also did children's animated classics - that I wasn't around for - like Stingray (1963) and Thunderbirds (1964). It shouldn't have been too hard to guess the link to UFO though. Actually, I bought the UFO Complete Megset HERE on DVD, but am still plodding my way through it. I may have enjoyed Space: 1999 a bit more as an early teen but both shows are very dated. I don't really consider that a negative - it kind of adds to the nostalgic charm with hokey uniforms and decent, for the time, space effects. It's a better show that I would have given credit for in recent years. Indulging in the Blu-ray will depend solely on your appreciation of this type of, mid-70's sci-fi, TV show. Each disc was getting better for me as I sunk deeper into the stories, characters and restrained-science plots. Morse, Landau and Bain are great and the supporting cast is excellent as well. The package is done up to the '9's and those keen should temper their judgment based on the appeal that the show had/or will have for them - it certainly hasn't gotten any better but it retains its charm. Not surprisingly the show has a huge following who should be pleased that it's a solid Blu-ray effort and worthwhile production package for a/v and extras. I'll definitely be indulging in the Second Season too.