The first live-action television series from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, UFO remains a benchmark sci-fi production, featuring mature storylines and groundbreaking special effects. Long-awaited on Blu-ray, it is presented here in a stunning new High Definition restoration, with all 26 episodes offering original mono or 5.1 soundtracks alongside a wealth of special features, including: A brand-new feature-length documentary on the making of UFO by Jamie Anderson Rare archive material including textless titles, TV spots, unused footage, Italian trailers, archive interviews, audio outtakes
UFO was Gerry Anderson's first live-action TV series after a decade of producing such children's animated classics as Stingray (1963) and Thunderbirds (1964). The premise of UFO, which ran for a single season of 26 episodes, was like a more serious version of Anderson's Captain Scarlet (1967)--in the near future of 1980 a hi-tech secret organisation, SHADO, waged covert war against mysterious alien attackers. Ed Bishop played the American head of SHADO--he had had previously featured in Captain Scarlet and Anderson's Doppelganger (1969)--though in all other respects this was a thoroughly British production. As with all Anderson series UFO evidenced remarkable technological inventiveness and groundbreaking production values, coupled with startling lapses in fundamental logic too numerous to list. Much more adult in story and content than earlier Anderson productions, and surprisingly dark with its pragmatic view of human nature and downbeat endings, the show now seems like a forerunner of The X Files and the equally short-lived Dark Skies (1996). Barry Gray's memorable theme and atmospheric music greatly enhanced the overall impact. Stylishly made, though terribly sexist by current standards and featuring eye-catching costumes more fitted for a camp fancy dress party than the front line of a futuristic war, this cult classic eventually evolved into Space 1999 (1975). On the DVD: this four-disc deluxe box features the first 13 episodes. The box set has five free postcards and a booklet offering interesting background on the programme. The first disc includes an alternate, more violent opening scene, while later discs feature text transcriptions and photographs from scenes cut due to TV running time restrictions. All discs provide extensive galleries of publicity and behind the scenes photos, as well as character profiles or a history of SHADO. The opening episode, "Identified", features a commentary by Gerry Anderson, in which he talks in general about the production of the series and Ed Bishop does the same for the episode "Sub Smash". From the animated menus onwards these DVDs have been beautifully designed and produced. The mono sound is exceptionally strong and the restored and remastered picture is almost unbelievably good for a 1970 TV show. With barely a flaw anywhere the episodes look so clear, colourful and detailed that they could have been filmed last week. --Gary S Dalkin
The complete second season of Gerry Anderson's classic sci-fi serial. The operatives of the secret Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation (S.H.A.D.O.) defend the earth from extra-terrestrials who are abducting humans to obtain their organs which can be transplanted into their own bodies... Episodes include: Confetti Check A-O-K E.S.P. Kill Straker Sub-smash The Sound Of Silence The Cat With Ten Lives Destruction The Man Who Came Back The Psychobombs Reflections In The Water
When enigmatic school master James Wallraven (Michael Redgrave, Time Without Pity) rents a small room adjacent to Wanda's (Bette Davis, The Nanny), an ageing cellist, he soon realises that the privacy he seeks is clearly unattainable. From there begins a parade of revolving doors through which the occupants of this seedy West London boarding house a sleazy young musician (Alexis Kanner, Goodbye Gemini), a snooping landlady (Kay Walsh, The Rainbow Jacket) all seemingly stuck in purgatories of their own making, desperately attempt to find their place in a tainted society. Featuring a pair of screen legends and based on the stage play The Cellist by Marion Hart, Connecting Rooms is presented on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, and is accompanied by a wealth of archival extras, including a rare recording of Bette Davis in conversation, and two short films by director Franklin Gollings. Product Features 4K restoration Original mono audio The John Player Lecture with Bette Davis (1976): archival interview with the iconic performer, recorded at London's National Film Theatre Spotlight at the Fair (1951): documentary short directed by Franklin Gollings, taking a look at travelling fairs and the amusement park at Blackpool The Way to Wimbledon (1952): documentary short directed by Gollings and narrated by John Mills, focusing on the fifty weeks in a year when Wimbledon isn't hosting the world-famous tennis championships Image gallery: promotional and publicity material New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Laura Mayne, an archival production report on the making of the film, an archival interview with director Franklin Gollings, an overview of contemporary critical responses, new writing on the short films, and film credits UK premiere on Blu-ray Limited edition of 3,000 copies All extras subject to change
Seymour Krelbourne works at a struggling flower shop where he shows the owner Gravis Mushnick a plant hybrid he has been working on. Named Audrey II in honour of Audrey Fulguard the plant proves an instant attraction and business at Mushnick's booms almost overnight. A delighted Mushnick invites Seymour and Audrey out for a meal to celebrate their new found success but Audrey already has a date with her boyfriend and Seymour needs care for the ailing plant. Seymour soon realises
Long-awaited, long-overdue: The Professionals as you have never seen them before. Bodie and Doyle need little by way of introduction, but if the series had at all escaped you since its debut in 1977 their boss George Cowley, head of CI5, couldn't put it more succinctly than his opening gambit: anarchy, acts of terror, crimes against the public. To combat it I've got special men experts from the army, the police, from every service. These are The Professionals . Featuring the perfect ensemble cast of Martin Shaw, Gordon Jackson (completely against type here) and the much-missed Lewis Collins, the series ran for 57 action-packed episodes and made an immediate impact on British and then international audiences which has sustained 35 years. But the series has never looked this good. Painstakingly restored from the camera-original negatives the series could have been made yesterday. No matter how many times you have seen The Professionals, this is a new experience, like seeing it for the first time. Features: Brand-new, High Definition restorations of all 13 episodes in series two from the camera-original negatives Brand-new 5.1 tracks from original sound elements Remastered original as-broadcast mono tracks Remastered music-only tracks featuring Laurie Johnson's original scores HD photo galleries featuring hundreds of rare and previously unseen images All episodes are presented in their original production order PDF material featuring scripts and memorabilia Archive footage featuring additional material, advert break bumpers, US sales trailer and more English HOH subtitles
Infested with criminals the town of Warlock is in serious need of a strong marshal. Enter Clay Blaisdell (Henry Fonda) a man with a reputation for some serious gun-slinging. Accompanied by his gambler friend Tom Morgan (Anthony Quinn) the two find themselves as the centre of many a controversy due to their brutal methods in dispatching with the criminal element. Eventually a reformed outlaw in town named Johnny (Richard Widmark) is elected sheriff and a showdown with Clay seems i
Neil Simon's curious comedy The Out-of-Towners concerns a pair of non-New Yorkers (Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis) having a hellish visit to the Big Apple on the eve of a job interview for Lemmon's character. Made in 1970 and directed by Arthur (Love Story) Hiller, this hectic film almost seems ahead of its time when compared to more recent misery-piled-on-misery comedies such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The couple in this film endure everything that can go wrong on a trip, including being forced to spend the night in a mugger-happy Central Park. The strange element in Simon's script, though, is that Lemmon's character is so unpleasant. A middle-class, uptight guy who can't believe that New Yorkers in the service profession don't perform their jobs slavishly, he's kind of a one-note joke that quickly wears thin. It was remade with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn in 1999. --Tom Keogh
The only documented exorcism in US history (an event on which The Exorcist was based) took place in the 1950s when Americans watched the skies for nuclear missiles and Senator McCarthy was looking under beds for Communists. After the death of his Aunt Hanna several inexplicable and frightening events take place around Robbie Manheim including screaming obscenities in a voice not his own and summoning the power to throw furniture at tormenting bullies at school. When science and m
An instant hit in 1977, The Professionals was a fast-moving and occasionally sharp-shooting action series about a couple of cool dudes in a fictional secret service organisation, CI5. The creation of Avengers veterans Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell it was often gritty stuff, leavened by the mildly subversive attitudes of Bodie (Lewis Collins) and Doyle (Martin Shaw) who ultimately are always loyal to their gruff boss George Cowley (Gordon Jackson). Helped by witty, if rampantly sexist, dialogue and trousers of sterility defying tightness, Bodie and Doyle enjoyed a good run as 1970s sex symbols. Jacksons often exasperated Cowley kept them in line with just the right degree of Puritanical steel. The first series set the standard for five successful years, milking the dramatic potential of a rich gamut of scenarios, from international espionage to racism and religious evangelism; Bodie and Doyle usually being called upon to protect a controversial figure from the assassin's bullet. Shaw would later dismiss The Professionals for its stereotypical violence and for a long time refused to allow reruns. In fact, as cult television goes, it has weathered well. Many of its themes are as relevant today as they were then. The constantly elliptical script ("I want you to see that he's well taken care of") is tremendous fun. And despite the macho drive, the whole thing has a camp archness which betrays its Avengers pedigree. Great for a nostalgic wallow. On the DVD: The Professionals on disc still displays the slightly ropey quality of late 1970s television film complete with brassy soundtrack. Presented in 4:3 format, the original production values disconcertingly recreate the original post-homework viewing experience. But the DVD extras are the thing here. Interactive menus allow you to drill down into the history of each of the 14 episodes, cross-referencing guest stars. And there's an appropriately camp fashion note.--Piers Ford
Thrown together to join George Cowley's new C15 organisation....Hard men no patience nor time for subtleties. Charged with combating terrorists criminals and corruption wherever they find it. Capable of using any means necessary. The only people they can trust are themselves... Features all 14 episodes from the first series broadcast in 1977 uncut and digitally remastered!
Join Cassy Gus and Verne as they go on amazing adventures with the Ultimate Book Of Spells.... Episodes comprise: 1. Three Is A Charm 2. Man Or Mortie? 3. He Who Laughs Last...
Stargate SG-1 is the TV spin-off from the 1994 big-screen movie. In the roles of Colonel Jack O'Neill and Dr Daniel Jackson respectively are Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks. They're joined by Captain Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and guilt-stricken former alien baddie Teal'c (Christopher Judge) to form the primary unit SG-1. With a seemingly endless network of Stargates found to exist on planets all across the known universe, their mission is to make first contact with as many friendly races as possible. Episodes on this DVD:"Red Sky". A picturesque location shoot and a questioning of faiths distinguishes this episode. After an unavoidable accident initiates a global catastrophe on planet K'Tau, Sam forces Jack and the others to decide between technology or primitive faith. Naturally, Daniel is for the latter, and ultimately the show stands tall by leaving its resolution up to the interpretation of the viewer. "The Rite of Passage". Some Stargate guest stars just don't get a break. Cassandra, the poor little girl turned into a human bomb four years ago ("Singularity") is now a teenager experiencing a far more problematic "Rite of Passage" than she deserves. Infected with a secretly dormant retro-virus, she also seems to be seeing a ghostly form no one else can see. And for once, there's an opportunity for Dr Fraiser to do more than jab needles too! "Beast of Burden". An interesting mix of the movie Enemy Mine and the Biblical tale of Daniel and the Lion. Here it's Daniel Jackson who had previously befriended the Unas "Beast" Chaka (Dion Johnstone) in "The First Ones". There's an agreeable political stance taken on slave labour and animal captivity too, aided enormously by the star calibre cameo of Larry Drake."The Tomb". Paired up with their on/off adversaries the Russians(!), SG-1 enjoys a spot of Indiana Jonesing around "The Tomb". Throw in a little Alien-style hunt and seek with an unseen predator, and you have a terrific movie mish-mash in which Jack manages an all-time high in sarcastic barbs. --Paul Tonks
Gerry Anderson's classic sci-fi series. The operatives of the secret Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation (S.H.A.D.O.) defend the earth from extra-terrestrials who are abducting humans to obtain their organs which can be transplanted into their own bodies... Episodes include: Confetti Check A-O-K E.S.P Kill Straker
Gerry Anderson's classic sci-fi series. The operatives of the secret Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation (S.H.A.D.O.) defend the earth from extra-terrestrials who are abducting humans to obtain their organs which can be transplanted into their own bodies... Episodes include: The Sqyare Triangle Court Martial Close Up
Gerry Anderson's classic sci-fi series. The operatives of the secret Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation (S.H.A.D.O.) defend the earth from extra-terrestrials who are abducting humans to obtain their organs which can be transplanted into their own bodies... Episodes include: Identified Computer Affair Flight Path Exposed
Gerry Anderson's classic sci-fi series. The operatives of the secret Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation (S.H.A.D.O.) defend the earth from extra-terrestrials who are abducting humans to obtain their organs which can be transplanted into their own bodies... Episodes include: A Question Of Priorities Ordeal The Responsibility Seat
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