Merrick here...
A few weeks ago, I giddily announced that SPACE: 1999 would be coming to Blu-Ray later this year. We now have a few more details to share about the forthcoming Season 1 (Series 1) set.
There's been a little bit of confusion regarding whether these Blu-Rays would feature a new HD transfer, or if they'd somehow utilize the very handsome remasters we enjoyed when this series hit DVD a few years back. The answer is...yes...to both. Before the release of the SPACE: 1999 DVDs that are currently on the market, a new HD transfer of the entire series was undertaken. This HD transfer was then down converted for the show's standard DVD release. These new Blu-Rays will utilize the full extent of the same HD transfer (i.e. the one that was downconverted) - but this'll be the first time we've seen the series in actual HD, and I'm told it looks fantastic.
Network DVD, which is releasing the SPACE: 1999 Blus in the UK on October 11, has posted more information about extras to be included in the Season 1 set on its website. Not all of the extras seen on the UK release will make it onto A&E's issuance of the title here in the U.S. So, if you're Geeking for a particular feature you see on the list below, you might consider importing the Blu-Ray from U.K. - which also means you'll need a region free device to play it.
Nonetheless, here's a list that at least gives us a hint at what'll be contained on the U.K. set (even though, annoyingly and illogically, the U.S. set will have less of it).
• Digitally restored, High Definition transfers
• Dolby 5.1 tracks
• Original 'as broadcast' mono track
• Music-only tracks on all episodes except Breakaway and Dragon’s Domain
• Anderson commentary on Breakaway and Dragon’s Domain
• Extensive HD image galleries of rare and previously unseen stills
• HD image galleries of gum and cigarette cards
• HD restored, textless titles
• HD, digitally restored version of series two episode The Metamorph
• "These Episodes" featurettes (selected individual episode analysis – expanded version from that seen on the DVD)
• "Memories of Space” featurette
• Sylvia Anderson interview
• Series One textless generic titles
• "Horizon" behind the scenes footage
• "Concept and Creation" featurette
• Special effects and design featurette
• Text episode commentaries on The Last Sunset and Space Brain’
• "Clapperboard" two-part special on the work of Gerry Anderson from 1975
• "Guardian of Piri Remembered"
• Barry Gray's theme demo
• Alternative opening and closing titles
• Martin Landau and Barbara Bain US Premier intro and outro
• SFX plates and deleted SFX scenes - with music track
• Alien Attack - trailers
• Journey Through the Black Sun – trailer
• ad bumpers
• Lyons Maid ice Lolly advert
• Script PDFs
• Annual PDFs
• Commemorative booklet
SPACE: 1999's UK packaging appears below.
The U.S. release is currently up for pre-order HERE
- it hits November 2.
Season 1 arrives in the U.K. a few weeks earlier, on October 11, and can be pre-ordered HERE.
Crap. Looks like I'm gonna be needing a multi-region Blu-Ray player. Cost is a consideration - any recommendations?
Stay tuned...more to come.
--- Follow Merrick on Twitter! ---
The U.S. release is currently up for pre-order HERE - it hits November 2.
Season 1 arrives in the U.K. a few weeks earlier, on October 11, and can be pre-ordered HERE.
Crap. Looks like I'm gonna be needing a multi-region Blu-Ray player. Cost is a consideration - any recommendations?
Stay tuned...more to come.
--- Follow Merrick on Twitter! ---
