Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18222 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-09-17
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 6
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 6
• Running time: 860 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
First broadcast in 1967, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons was the most grown-up of all Gerry Anderson's SuperMarionation adventures. There are gadgets and toy-friendly machines galore, of course--like the Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle, the Angel Aircraft and Cloudbase itself--but, unlike the colourful fantasies of Stingray and Thunderbirds, this series' concern with an implacable, vengeful enemy, conspiracies and double-agents drew its inspiration from James Bond and the Cold War spy dramas of the 1960s. Special effects whiz Derek Meddings imbues the action sequences with a truly Bondian grandeur and, like the sinister Spectre of the Bond films, the Martian Mysterons seem all the more hostile for their unseen presence, their agents infiltrating every organisation dedicated to their destruction just as it seemed the Soviets were doing at the time. The indestructible Captain Scarlet is killed then resurrected every week (though not like South Park's Kenny), and more often than not the unstoppable Mysterons emerge triumphant, and always undefeated. The varied cast of Spectrum agents and their voice characterisations also aim at verisimilitude (Captain Scarlet, voiced by Francis Matt hews, sounds like a grim Cary Grant), while the puppetry is more realistic than ever.

This box set contains all 32 episodes, with newly remastered picture and Dolby 5.1 surround sound. The DVD box also includes extra features on each disc, plus a sixth documentary disc, "Captain Scarlet: S.I.G.". In its new digital incarnation, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons still looks and sounds like the epitome of 60s cool. --Mark Walker

Synopsis

The Captain Scarlet - Complete Series Box Set presents every episode of Gerry Anderson's sci-fi puppet series "Captain Scarlet & The Mysterons"--the show that always ends with the famous last words: "Captain Scarlet is indestructible. You are not. Remember this. Do not try to imitate him." This complete box set is presented in a digitally-remastered format and also includes a behind-the-scenes bonus disc, Captain Scarlet S.I.G., which contains additional insights and interviews with puppeteers and directors.

Customer Reviews

SIG!
This is a nicely produced set. The box is well presented with the disc boxes forming the Spectrum symbol on their spines and various physical extras inside including postcards. The image transfer is extraordinary, obviously direct from the original celluloid, revealing deep colour and amazing attention to detail on the part of the model makers. The audio takes a bit of getting used to. I've heard the kettle drum transition for over 30 years but never bouncing around the room in Dolby 5.1! The use of Dolby-Digital(TM) is clever but you'll need a decent centre speaker to pick the voices out of the various explosive effects. The animated menus are amazing. Seeing the Spectrum logo revolving in CGI 3D is a joy and the various disc extras are fun... Basically it's hard to imagine a better quality effort than this and above all else there is 'Destiny Angel'. Say no more... :-)

absolute must for any captain scarlet fans!!
Finally, a chance to relive Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's finest work (im my opinion!). I've watched every one of the 32 episodes included in this complete box set box when i was a child and now at 35, still feel the warmth of nostalgia whenever the opening titles appear. Apparently aimed at a more "mature" children's audience, it relates the war between the agents of Spectrum and the martian Mysterons. Produced after the very popular Thunderbirds series, slightly more puppetry realism has been added with regard to the cast members. Each episode lasts for approximately 25 minutes, enough time to tell a less structured but equally as exciting plotline than the longer Thunderbird episodes. All of the 32 episodes which were made in 1967 are on eight 100 min video cassettes with a introductory explanation and background detail about Spectrum etc on a ninth. I've given it five stars because, although it is rather expensive as a single purchase, it is the definitive collection of a classic series which has entertained myself despite multiple viewing for many years, The bookcase packaging is very good with a sturdy fold down flap for access to the individual tapes. In conclusion, an essential purchase if you're already a fan, highly recommended if you're new to this series or are unsure as to it's appeal.

The Andersons at their best.
Although everyone probably best remembers Gerry Anderson for "Thunderbirds", "Captain Scarlet" is considerably superior. Both the effects and the puppets are more realistic, and the the writing has a stronger darker edge.

The shows were back to 30 mins, which kept the pace up, where "Thunderbirds" could begin to drag by that point. After this, there were "Joe 90 and "The Secret Service", but neither show had that dark element, which only reappeared with the first live action Century 21 series, the excellent "UFO".

As for the DVD set, there are lots of goodies and extras which I was pleasantly surprised to find, and the image quality is clear and sharp.

I just have two gripes, hence the 4 stars. Firstly, and not so importantly, I recently purchased "Thunderbirds" 8 disc set in a slim, VHS box sized set. All the discs were tidy and compact. The "Captain Scarlet" however comes in six discs, each in an individual full-sized DVD pack. The box is bloody enormous at three times the size of the "Thunderbirds" set. I cannot see why this set cannot be repackaged instead of taking up half a shelf just to display the logo. It may be that they made it this big in some attempt to justify my second BIG irritation:

The price.

£35 for six disks is frankly taking the P*** - Particularly for a 30 year old kids TV show. I know the distributors are screwing people because this isn't being sold to kids at all, but 40yo+ adults with money seeking nostalgia.

Well I think it's exploitative, and I hope Carlton gets taken over by Mysterons.