Stars: Ed Bishop, Gabrielle Drake, George Sewell, Grant Taylor, Michael Billington, Vladek Sheybal, George Cole, Peter Gordeno, George Cole, Harry Baird

Summary: Episodes are: 'Identified', 'Computer Affair', 'Flight Path', 'Exposed', 'Survival', 'Conflict', 'The Dalotek Affair', 'A Question Of Priorities', 'Ordeal', 'The Responsibility Seat', 'The Square Triangle', 'Court Martial' and 'Close Up'.

This 1970s live-action Gerry Anderson sci-fi series is set in (the then-futuristic world of) 1980, a time when alien invaders have begun to kidnap humans for ghastly purposes. Earth's only hope is the secret SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation), led by Commander Ed Straker (Ed Bishop). This four-disc set features 13 episodes from the first season, including "Identified," "Computer Affair," "Conflict," "The Dalotek Affair," "The Square Triangle," and more.

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UFOwas 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 Scarletand Anderson's Doppelganger(1969)--though in all other respects this was a thoroughly British production. As with all Anderson series UFOevidenced 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 Filesand 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

Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Gerry Anderson Commentary, Alternate Opening Sequence, Production Gallery, Deleted Scenes Gallery, Behind The Scenes, Main Character Profile, SHADO Dossiers
Year:	1970
Release Date:	March 18, 2002
Runtime:	620 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	37115 02413
Keywords:	Box, General, Four, Series, Set, Ufo, Tv, Childrens, Discs, Volumes
Genre:	Childrens