Space 1999 Megaset (1975)

Another jewel in Gerry Anderson's crown...

For Gerry Anderson fans, this set is a must-have, along with the UFO megaset. To me, it's the pinnacle of Anderson's live-action shows, with Derek Meddings incredible models and special effects, with Rudi Gernrich's mod costumes, with all the designer furniture we could never afford, with the spacious and fabulous sets, this series overall is truly great.

I don't think Fred Frieberger did the series any favors, however, and I feel he screwed up this series like he did the last season of Star Trek. As the series went on, the costumes changed for the worse, the characters changed for the worse, the leaps (and chasm-wide gaps) in logic became worse, and the storytelling became worse. It's similar to what happened with Miami Vice when the whole look of the show changed.

However, the quality of the transfer is excellent, and upconverted to 480p, looks really sharp as a tack. Better than seeing it on 70's era TV tubes.

Don't miss this set. Fans of the show will party like it's...well, you know. April 18, 2008

Great Series

If the 1980s, for me, are defined by Pong, Atari 2600, Apple IIe, Commodore 64, IBM clones, Jeffersons, and Sledge Hammer, 1970s are defined by comic books, Bonanza and Space 1999.

I really do think Space 1999 under a new name, say, Space 2099, would be a hit today. The Eagle design, in my opinion, is perfect and would still be acceptable by today's standards. With modern CGI, that Eagle would soar over the lunar surface and explore new worlds. the images would be spectacular. I dare say it would be better than Star Trek - The Next Generation. April 9, 2008

Space 1999

Quality of picture is not as good as I expected and no close caption available. May 29, 2007

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' 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. February 7, 2007

Space:1999 The Ultimate Adventure Series!

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 :)

February 5, 2007

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