Sapphire and Steel: The Complete Series (Repackaged) [2008] [DVD]

Sapphire & Steel was one of the most genuinely original, not to mention thought-provoking, atmospheric and unsettling, series ever broadcast. All but forgotten now, except by those who saw it when it was on air, it really is ripe for rediscovery. Very slow moving and extremely minimalistic by today's standards, this is actually one of it's greatest strengths as it allows a superbly foreboding atmosphere to build up and the fact that nearly all the episodes were filmed in the studio with sparse sets and a very small cast, helps to add to the claustrophobic and spooky feel. The characters of Sapphire and Steel are wonderfully mysterious and enigmatic characters, it's never really explained who or what they are or where they come from they just turn up at the start of each adventure and the occasional oblique references to 'other elements' just makes them all the more tantalising. Joanna Lumley and David McCallum are superb in their roles and have an extraordinary chemistry together. The stories themselves are all highly imaginative and thought-provoking, dealing with such concepts as time being a physical force that can break into the present and cause havoc, a malevolent 'darkness' that feeds on the emotions of dead WW1 soldiers, a couple from the future living in the present in at time bubble as an experiment but being terrorised by the force that keeps them there, a faceless shape that exists in every photograph ever taken.....that's just a small example of the sheer strangeness and imagination on display in this wonderful series. The series has a reputation for being scary, and it certainly lives up to it - it's the only series I've ever seen that actually manages to induce that childhood feeling of being scared of the dark and the feeling that there are strange 'things' lurking just out of sight in the shadows. The direction is simply stunning - lots of shots of dark empty corridors and shadowed rooms. The sets, while minimal, are still very effective - the old house in the first story being particularly convincing, the music is often spine-chilling (especially in the second story, which I also think is the masterpiece of the series) and the special effects, while quite simple still hold up pretty well today. Overall, I can't praise this series enough - it is a totally unique, still feels incredibly fresh and original today, and still manages to be frightening after all these years. Worth every penny.

I barely remember Sapphire and Steel on TV. I was only 6 when it endedon ITV. I still have great memories of being scared by the faceless man!

This DVD has the complete and unedited episodes and includes the original "End of Part One/Part Two" captions. The picture is very clear although the sound is still in mono.

There are two commentaries from the creator/writer and producer, a nice booklet to read about the shows history and a 25 minute documentary that interviews Lumley, McCallum and the producers about why it was successful and who they think Sapphie and Steel really were.

This show maybe slow for today's audience but the fact its tightly written and each assignment set in an isolated place (Train Station, Garage cafe, house) makes it more effective and spooky. My personal favourite will always be Assignment 4 with the Faceless man and the photos.

Then of course theres the end. Shame we never had a resolution to the cliffhanger at the end of Assignment 6 but great shows always go out with a great ending.

Buy this NOW!

I saw this series on TV when I was a little lad back in the 70s/early 80s. I remembered scant details, but never forgot the chilling atmosphere that pervaded each episode. Watching all the assignments again I can understand why. It is always atmospheric, often creepy, and sometimes disturbing. My wife was frequently covering her eyes.
While the special effects are poor by today's standards, the sets, dialogue, story lines and acting are all superb. It's a fine example of how special effects really don't matter that much.
This is worthy of five stars. If I could give 6, I would give them!