Mega-Set
A&E - 70632
STATS
Standard (1.33:1), Color, Original MONO, Languages: English, Subtitles: English, Chapters: 6 per episode, Approx. Total Running Time: 22 hrs., 54 mins., Not Rated, Price: $79.95
Disc 1
EPISODES: Identified, Computer Affair, Flight Path
Disc 2
EPISODES: Exposed, Survival, Conflict
Disc 3
EPISODES: Dalotek Affair, A Question of Priorities, Ordeal
Disc 4
EPISODES: Square Triangle, Court Martial, Close Up, Confetti Check A-OK
Disc 5
EPISODES: The Responsibility Seat, E.S.P., Kill Straker!
Disc 6
EPISODES: Sub Smash, The Sound of Silence, The Cat With Ten Lives
Disc 7
EPISODES: Destruction, The Man Who Came Back, The Psychobombs
Disc 8
EPISODES: Reflections in the Water, Timelash, Mindbender, The Long Sleep
VISUAL
Stunning quality in mastering both from the original elements and digital authoring – color, contrast and hue is rock solid. Quality is both stable within episodes and between episodes. The slightest of visible flaws are only in certain darker space sequences where a light stripe of contrast can be seen traveling down the screen. Why other Carlton based series haven’t looked like this is beyond me – not to mention unfair to consumers. The only other live action A&E transfers which come close are the Year 2 SPACE: 1999s. Rumor has it that UFO has been transferred from the original negatives which could give reason for the excellent quality. Yet Year 2 of SPACE wasn’t – in fact I’m not even sure 35mm elements were used, which makes one wonder – perhaps it’s not all in the elements but rather where the transfers are done and who over sees them?
AUDIO
The nice crisp MONO presentation as originally mixed comes through well severed in the dvd format. It wasn’t until I was working with Carlton Int. on other Gerry Anderson release that I found UFO was mixed for 5.1. I’m still trying to find out why it wasn’t used for this, or the UK release?! I heard from unintelligent comments from UK reviews that UFO sounds bad in the US/aka A&E release due to being too slow. The answer to this is that in the UK the PAL format speeds up the given material beyond the original 24 frames per-second rate. So be assured that UFO in the North America A&E release is the proper speed it was intended to be viewed. Only the thinking process of those who stated otherwise is actually slower.
EXTRAS
Disc 1
GERRY ANDERSON COMMENTARY for episode “Identified” – Well, what can I say? Gerry Anderson isn’t the most electrifying personalities to grace a commentary mic. That is forgiving of course, not all of us can be. However his blatant over usage of self admiration is not only ridiculous but extremely revealing. His constant avoidance of even mentioning, let alone giving due credit to his ex-wife/business partner Sylvia is not only rude but lacking moral fiber. Although this is only an audio commentary the beginning credits are still seen and contradict what is verbally stated. This same problem was obvious on CAPTAIN SCARLET. I always find it amazing how audio commentaries reveal so much of the person doing them. Like finger prints, and handwriting, they identify the person in trait, and personality – sometimes, not for the better. How ironic this episode is entitled, “Identified”
ORIGINAL OPENNING SEQUENCE FOR EPISODE, “IDENTIFIED” – (Running Time - 5:28 secs.) This alternately edited segment contains a bit more violence and blood.
ALTERNATE EDITED (SHORTER) VERSION, LEW GRADE – (Running Time - :45 secs.) A bit flashier and quicker to the point, yet darker at the same time.
PHOTO GALLERY – All the galleries here don’t seem to be from traditional slides but rather screen grabs.Mbr>
Disc 2
ORIGINAL EDIT SEQUENCE 1 FROM "EXPOSED" - (Running Time 3:27 secs.)
ORIGINAL EDIT SEQUENCE 2 FROM "EXPOSED" - (Running Time 8:17 secs. ) Both 1 & 2 contain silent spots. The dialog is missing from these segments which ran longer prior to a final edit.
PHOTO GALLERY
Disc 3
S.I.D. AUDIO TEST 1 (Running Time - 1:19 secs.) S.I.D. AUDIO TEST 2 (Running Time - :18 secs.) Most interesting, in the first test the clapper spells the computer’s name as “SYD”
PHOTO GALLERY
Disc 4
GERRY ANDERSON BIO - Text, PHOTO GALLERY
Disc 5
AUDIO COMMENTARY on episode “KILL STRAKER” with DIRECTOR ALAN PERRY and STAR MICHAEL BILLINGTON – This is a jaunty episode filled listen with barely a pause. The two get on very well and very relaxed. Their exchange is fast and for some Americans might be hard to catch, especially when they start over talking each other. The time will wiz by though and you might even find yourself going back for the fun of it.
VIDEO OUTTAKES – There are 3 in this section, all from the KILL STRAKER episode, with two covering the same scene but from different points of view (Ed Bishop or Michael Billington) – noted with color footage. Running times: 2:25 secs, 2 :06 secs, 1:06 secs.
Mixed with color and b&w shots the viewer is given a glimpse into the visual and sound editing process with these clips using the original studio sound.
PHOTO GALLERY
Disc 6
GERRY ANDERSON BIO - Text, PHOTO GALLERY
AUDIO COMMENTARY on episode “SUB-SMASH” with STAR ED BISHOP – Less a commentary and more a “thoughts on” if Mr. Bishops comments run a total of 15 mins (that being generous) it’s a lot. Unlike the audio commentaries on Discs 5 and 8 this and the Gerry Anderson ones were done in the UK by a different producer and managed with less care – and it shows. Between Gerry Anderson’s mumblings of re-writing history and Mr. Bishops lack of guidance it’s a hard listen, and frankly, just plain boring.
Disc 7
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO OUTTAKES – These wrongly labeled clips are NOT video outtakes but rather various AUDIO takes put to video, for the series’ computer “Sid” singing. Running Times: 41: secs., :42 secs., :46 secs.
Disc 8
AUDIO COMENTARY with SERIES CO-PRODUCER SYLVIA ANDERSON and ACTRESS WANDA VENTHAM – This excellent chatty commentary is ultra relaxed and full of fun times had by both. Sylvia and Wanda get on extremely well creating an atmosphere that is not only pleasant but informative. With only good things to say about cast and crew the two reminisce with glee. On an interesting gossip note: Gerry Anderson seems to have thrown a snit over his past wife’s inclusion in this and other US DVD releases on shows she has worked on. Well, all I have to say is, there were no actors who willingly sat in with him on his commentaries. Finally after years of stressed silence Sylvia has been given a chance to speak and she does so with grace, fun, and plenty of dignity. FAB!
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO OUTTAKES – Again incorrectly labeled this part of the disc is broken down into the following: DAY FOR NIGHT EXAMPLE FROM THE EPISODE “TIMELASH” – Through the use of a optical “wipe” a scene shot in day is shown compared with an applied “night filter” 1:12 secs.
CLAPPER SHOT FROM THE EPISODE “TIMELASH” – This 8 second segment show the scene being recorded prior to shooting.
FROM THE EPISODE “THE LONG SLEEP an unused music sting is paired with video. :49 secs.
Discs
PRESENTATION
The Mega-Set leaves behind the original two set release packaging in lieu of standard black Amarays in a cardboard slip case for all. (Packaging for separate releases Set 1 & 2 follows.) (Leaving their standard packaging behind, the plastic black Amarays in a cardboard sleeve - A&E strives for a new look with a semi-translucent multi-disc casing (used first on the CAPT. SCARLET release). The semi-opaque plastic allows the inner part of the front cover insert sleeve’s printed material viewable from inside, made by Netpak. The first time I saw this done was with another company’s release, FLYNN from VANGUARD (See review for FLYNN). This is a clever, and economic, way of not having to print a separate Scene breakdown, and or bonus materials on an insert. There is also an insert advertising other A&E TV based releases.
The Main Menu has an animated intro with sound. All sub-menus are non-animated/silent.
It should be noted that the screen grabs used in PHOTO GALLERIES weren’t what was originally planned. Through the graciousness of a fan real behind the scene photos and publicity material were planned but for some reason not used?! This is a shame and a poor choice which could have rounded out some very nice bonus material produced for this release.
The voice of actor Ed Bishop (Left)was used for the character of Captain Blue in CAPTIAN SCARLET
In TIMELASH there are unavoidable, and unintentional amusing moments such as actors “making believe they are running in slow-motion”
SIGHTS AND INSIGHTS
Unlike most series this one does take a turn for the worst and ends on a down note in terms of stories and quality. In what is considered by fans one of the best episodes the series has to offer “Timelash” there are unavoidable, and unintentional amusing moments such as actors “making believe they are running in slow-motion” – bringing to mind Bugs Bunny’s ether driven pursuit from the evil scientist, “C-o-m-e b-a-c-k h-e-r-e y-o-u r-a-b-b-i-ttt!” One the other hand the series does take a rather radical turn in tone about midway though becoming much darker pre-dating what would be more fitting in an X-FILES episode. The shows biggest problem was its non-descript dealings in setting the amount of power the aliens held and the lack of defense the humans had to fight with. (especially from space – only one missile per ship?! At its best the eye pleasing look of the show with its ultra-modern, James Bond for sci-fi TV presentation the most interesting aspect for me is the fascinating landmark hybrid it was for the Andersons. There are elements in style, presentation, and production from past marionation shows like CAPTAIN SCARLET and a definite precursor to SPACE: 1999. It’s also very refreshing to once again view a series which isn’t covered in mire and grit. Characters are clean, dress bright, and style emerges everywhere. It is a taste of old style Hollywood that’s thankfully welcomed, and holds up reasonably as well. This presentation of Earth in the future of 1980 is beautiful, and sheik. Even though the looming struggle with an alien race is beginning we as a race seem well structured and proud - not only with our technology, and each other, but emotionally and psychologically. Filled with bright colors, unlike many things today, UFO reflects a society on the verge, and in the midst, of celebrating their hope and pride in the future. It is for this reason it retains its luster to be entertaining even after 30 years.
REVIEW by Scott Michael Bosco©
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