Space 1999 - 30th Anniversary Edition Megaset (17DVD)

Amazon.com

When it was first broadcast in 1975, there had never been a more lavishly produced science fiction TV series than Space: 1999, a British production whose budget for the first of its two seasons ran an astounding £3.25 million. What keeps us fans enthralled after all these years has only partly to due with the first-rate production values, the plausibly constructed spaceship models, and expert special effects. The tone of the show is one of scientific dispassion, setting it apart from its TV sci-fi predecessors such as Star Trek, whose mood was more convivial. Our heroes here are in dire circumstances that require cool heads as a survival trait. Those circumstances: the 311 crew members of Moonbase Alpha experience a cataclysm that causes the moon to break away from Earth's orbit and travel endlessly through space, turning our heroes into unintentional explorers. No TV series has created a more palpable feel of hard science fiction than this.

Of course the show is not without its detractors; it has been soundly lambasted for its many scientific errors. No less august a figure than Isaac Asimov criticized the show for its premise in the opening episode, "Breakaway," which had nuclear explosions on the "dark side of the moon" somehow propelling it out of Earth's orbit and flying through space without regard to any physical laws. 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. While these are serious complaints, fans tend to remember the scientific seriousness of the series and the sense of awe created by the many strange creatures and phenomena that the crew members encounter on their journey through the galaxy.

The Space: 1999 30th Anniversary Mega Set collects all 48 episodes broadcast over the show's two seasons, contained on 17 DVDs that include vintage interviews, production stills, TV promotional spots, and interactive menus, and some material that was not seen in the original U.S. broadcasts has been restored. The episodes do not use the 2005 high-def remasters, so this is essentially the same as the 2002 Mega Set, but at a fraction of the shelf space (the Thinpak packaging is nicely compact) and a fraction of the price. --Jim Gay

Description

All 48 episodes of this acclaimed space adventure are contained in this complete collection, digitally remastered from the original 35mm film, plus bonus footage, featured extras, and much more! 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 21st century—and beyond.

Customer Reviews:

Especially for definitive collections on genre TV shows........2007-09-08

In 1999 an explosion at a lunar nuclear waste dump sends the moon out of Earth's orbit, and the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha find themselves on an unexpected journey across the universe with no way home. All 48 episodes of this space series have been remastered and are offered in an extensive Anniversary collection that includes bonus footage and many extras. Prior fans of the TV series will relish both the complete set and the extras, while newcomers will find it astonishing space action suitable for any well-stocked science fiction DVD collection; especially for definitive collections on genre TV shows.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

space: 1999.......2007-09-04

just as expected. dvd's came in a timely manner and no problems with yhem so far.

Exactly as I remember it.......2007-08-23

Over the years I've always tried to catch this show any time they rebroadcast it on regular television(not many times let me tell you). I was excited to see them redo the megaset as I'd missed my chance to get the first one. Who knows maybe they'll redo it again? In this case I hope so...remastered apparently means a new box. You would have assumed they would have redone the sound, it's still in a lesser format than 5.1! As with many of Fox tv shows the menus are really not in a way I'd be happy with...Is it just me or does anyone else find the inability to watch a show all the way through annoying? i prefer tv shows on dvd where they allow you to watch all episode without having to go back to the main menu each episode( ala house, how i met your mother, etc..). All in all, I wouldn't recommend this title unless you are just buying it just to have, really not that special.

Better Price? YES! Better Remaster? NO!!!.......2007-08-02

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!

Despite the errors, the show has much to offer.......2007-08-02

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 staining 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.

Average customer rating:

Space 1999
These two planets have been at war with one another, but neither side can gain an advantage. That is, until the Moon shows up.
Space:1999 The Ultimate Adventure Series!
Yes I watched This In The 70's
I've wanted this for years.

Space 1999 Megaset
Director: Bob Brooks (III) , Kevin Connor , Robert Lynn (II) , and Val Guest
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006FD8P
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Amazon.com

The Space: 1999 Mega Set collects all 48 episodes broadcast over the show's two seasons, contained on 17 DVDs that include vintage interviews, production stills, TV promotional spots, and interactive menus. All episodes have been digitally remastered, and some material that was not seen in the original U.S. broadcasts has been restored. --Jim Gay

Description

On September 13, 1999, a massive explosion at a lunar nuclear waste dump sends the Moon out of Earth orbit. Without warning--and with return to Earth impossible--the 311 men and women of Moonbase Alpha find themselves on a perilous journey to the far reaches of space...

Escape into worlds beyond belief with the seminal sci-fi series from producer Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds, UFO, Captain Scarlet). SPACE: 1999 features thought-provoking stories, exceptional special effects by Oscar® winner Brian Johnson (Alien, The Empire Strikes Back) and a remarkable cast. This complete DVD set includes all 48 original episodes, digitally remastered from the original 35mm film elements, along with a cool bonus features, extra footage and more!

The legendary cast features Oscar®-winner Martin Landau (Ed Wood, Crimes & Misdemeanors), Emmy®-winner Barbara Bain (Mission: Impossible), Catherine Schell (The Return of the Pink Panther) and a host of international guest stars, including Joan Collins, Brian Blessed, Leo McKern and Christopher Lee.

Customer Reviews:

Space 1999.......2007-05-29

Quality of picture is not as good as I expected and no close caption available.

These two planets have been at war with one another, but neither side can gain an advantage. That is, until the Moon shows up........2007-02-07

'Space 1999' has been compared to Star Trek Voyager. If you can get past the premise of the show, that astronauts on 'Moon Base Alpha' are stranded on the Moon after a nuclear accident causes the Moon to leave the solar system, it's a great show. There's a hot shape-shifting alien (Maya), and each week, as the Moon travels thru the galaxy those on Moon Base Alpha meet various other aliens. They have small fighter-like spacecraft, and, who knows, maybe they did have some kind of super-reactor powering their base.

Instead of the whole series, I'd like to review just one episode 'The Last Enemy' that's always stuck with me.

In 'The Last Enemy', as the Moon passes by another star system a ship from one of the planets lands near Moon Base Alpha. The alien ship launches some hellacious looking missiles towards the Base, and, a commercial is cued. After commercial - the missiles roar over Moon Base Alpha - towards another planet in the solar system. The aliens on the ship contact Commander Koenig, saying, 'Not to worry, we have nothing against you, this is a private matter between us and the other planet of the solar system'.

Are these two planets at war?

Commander Koenig take a Moon-buggy out and visits the alien ship. Their commander isn't just female, they're all females. Their whole planet is populated by females. Of course, Koenig (Martin Landau) has a small affair with the commander of the alien ship.

Meanwhile, Moon Base Alpha receives a transmission from the other planet (and they're all men) - a planet filled with men. Their leader saying, 'if you don't put a stop to what's happening yourselves we're going to destroy this enemy ship, and probably you along with it'.

It turns out, these two planets have been at war with one another, but neither side can gain an advantage. That is, until the Moon shows up.

There are some negotiations in 'The Last Enemy', but in the end, Koenig destroys the alien ship, saving Moon Base Alpha once again.

Space:1999 The Ultimate Adventure Series!.......2007-02-05

I was born in 1968, so I was very young when "Space" premiered in 75. Never the less, it has been and always shall be my favorite sci-fi show of all time! As a kid, I preferred the second series to the first. For no reason other than it kept my attention better. I mean, what kid wouldn't love watching the beautiful Maya changing into differant animals and alien monsters every other episode. The second series had a much faster pace to it. Where as the first series was much more contemplative and metaphysical in nature. Which I never really came to appreciate until my adult years. Now I must say that I prefer the first series out of the two. This Megaset contains all 48 episodes over the shows 2 year run, and I believe is a must have for "ANY" fan of the genre. Whether it be science fiction, fantasy, or action adventure that tickles your fancy, this show has it all! Of course, then there is the Eagle Transporter!!! Which I've had an obsession with since the first time I laid eyes on it. It is the most realistic space ship ever depicted in a sci-fi show, and is in every episode but one. So, if you like watching shows with interesting plots, solid acting, action/adventure, fantasy/metaphysical elements, and lots and lots of explosions. Then you'll love Space:1999 and the Magaset is just waiting for you. Go on, Maya won't bite!!! :)
Sincerly, Commander Anderson :)

Yes I watched This In The 70's.......2006-12-14

OK, here goes. I'm ready for the haters to vote me to death here. I want to say that I am a Trekie and a Sci Fi fan. I was born in 1963 and a product of the space race (much more than today's generation, we feel that space is exciting). I was at one of the early Star Trek conventions in 1974 in NYC, I watched the Star Trek cartoon and loved it (Filmways even!), I loved UFO and would try to catch that whenever it was shown in the odd random time slot it would be. Space 1999 comes out and I'm all over it, I'm a big fan, I have my sci fi fix. Than something happenned, I lost interest. Here I am in my pre-teens and I still can't get enough Star Trek or UFO, yet Space 1999 is no big deal. Yeah, I'd still watch it but I hardly remember any of this show. Thats the big thing here, it's a boreing show, period. The origins are exciting, the moon is blown off on its own and there are people living there! Wow that's incredible. OK now what? Well, after that reality sets in and even a pre teen sees that the people don't survive week after week like that. And what was the point after that anyway, the show had no point. I could go on but I'm sure there are those who worship this show. Like I said, I grew up watching Space 1999 and so I feel I can be critical of it. The last straw was seeing that an episode was picked for MST3K. Thats the last straw, Space 1999 is lame. Big money aside, if the show has no endgame it gets old fast. I guess the endgame was they got home, but from what I remember the Earth sucked so I don't even think they wanted to go back, nor did I stay around to find out.

I've wanted this for years........2006-11-03

I take it to work and watch an episode every day while I eat my lunch. I love it.

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