Space 1999 Set 5:V9 & 10

This two-disc set includes the first six episodes of the show's second season. Episode 25, "Metamorph," introduces Maya (Catherine Schell), a shape-changer and scientific wiz who, after witnessing her nutty dad's dastardly deeds, defects to join our Moonbase Alpha heroes. "Journey to Where" (Episode 29) finds Koenig (Landau) and Helena (costar Barbara Bain) returning to Earth--specifically, and bizarrely, 14th-century Scotland--while "One Moment of Humanity" (Episode 27) sees the evil Zamara (Billie Whitelaw) and her android cronies trying to learn the violent ways of humans. Intriguing ideas, occasionally rather lame execution. In other words, there's plenty here to justify the points of view of the show's adherents and its detractors.

DVD bonus features include production stills, TV promotional spots, and interactive menus. All episodes have been digitally remastered, and some material that was not seen in the original U.S. broadcasts has been restored. --Sam Graham

Witness the excitement of Space: 1999 as never before! Digitally remastered for a superior DVD presentation from the original 35mm elements! Uncut, with 12 minutes of additional footage not seen in areas of the U.S. during original broadcast release! Combining elements of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy, Space: 1999 has claimed a worldwide following--finding a life beyond its titled date and securing a place in the 21st century and beyond.

This international cast stars Martin Landau (Academy Award winner, Ed Wood), Barbara Bain (three-time Emmy winner, Mission Impossible), Catherine Schell (Return of the Pink Panther), and European guest stars Brian Blessed (Flash Gordon), Billie Whitelaw (The Omen), and Freddie Jones (Dune). With cinema styled effects by Brian Johnson (Academy Award winner, Alien, The Empire Strikes Back), Space: 1999 premiered to TV audiences after Star Trek and before Star Wars, influencing the future of the genre.

Episodes: "Metamorph": In this opening episode of Year Two, the alien Maya (Catherine Schell)--a "metamorph"--is introduced to the series, with her power of molecular transformation. "The Exiles": Alien exiles seek a safe-house within Alpha... but with far-reaching plans of vengeance. "One Moment of Humanity": Held hostage, Helena and Tony are transported to the world of Vega, where in one cleverly orchestrated move their humanity will be their death. "All That Glisters": An away team in search of rare elements needed for the Moonbase's sustenance encounters an alien form of life that proves "all is not pure that shines." "Journey to Where": A transport device that could send the Alphans to Earth errs, sending John, Helena, and Carter on a cosmic adventure through time. "The Taybor": An alien who barters for a living holds the navigational key in aiding the Earthmen a way home, but his price is Maya!