Space 1999 TV series to be released on Blu-ray by Network

One of the biggest cult TV shows of the 1970s gets a first-time issue on Blu-ray in the coming weeks - we're talking about Space 1999, which is being released by Network.

Packing more space age design than a high-end Chelsea retailer in 1973 and more stretchy flared trousers than Studio 54, this Gerry Anderson-produced show (as the title suggests) was set from September 13th, 1999 - when a nuclear waste dump explodes, blasting the Moon and Moonbase Alpha out of Earth's orbit and into a world of weird and wonderful, 70s-styled aliens and space hangouts.

Network is releasing the complete first series of this cult sci-fi show from 11th October 2010 as an 8-disc box set - the first time it has been available in HD anywhere in the world. Plenty of extras too for the obsessive fan.

Along with a digitally-restored HD transfer and newly-mixed Dolby soundtrack, the box set offers up a huge list of extras including music-only tracks on all episodes (except Breakaway), Gerry Anderson commentary on Dragon's Domain, Alien Attack trailer, Journey Through the Black Sun trailer, Series One textless generic titles, Barry Gray's theme demo, alternative opening and closing titles, Martin Landau and Barbara Bain US Premier intro and outro, SFX plates and deleted SFX scenes - with music track, 'Concept and Creation' featurette starring Gerry Anderson, Christopher Penfold and Barry Morse, Christopher Penfold, Brian Johnson and Keith Wilson, a special effects and design featurette 'These Episodes' featurettes (selected individual episode analysis) text episode commentaries on 'The Last Sunset' and 'Space Brain', a Clapperboard two-part special on the work of Gerry Anderson from 1975 and finally, 'Guardian of Piri Remembered' - Catherine Schell remembers her time working on the series one episode Guardian of Piri.

Anyway, 8 discs, 1,200 minutes and a pre-order price at Amazon right now of £57.97. Review? Here's hoping.

Find out more at the Amazon website