Space Patrol [1963] single disc edition [DVD]

Because the only prints available were 16mm that had been stored (allegedly) in a garage for some 30 years, the video releases had transfers of very variable quality. Here, we are treated to crystal clear transfers - 2 from newly found 35mm prints - that make viewing a joy. The versatility of DVD gives you a chance to view the futuristic model of Space Headquarters in all its glory.

'The Swamps of Jupiter' is the pilot episode and discerning viewers may notice scenes of varying quality with slightly different puppets. For trivia fans, as Roberta Leigh reveals in her interview on the DVD, all the scenes on one set were short for the entire series in one go, then edited together. Nowhere is this more apparent than here where a notably different Husky and Slim discuss the merits of a cake in suspended animation. I kid you not.

'The Wandering Asteroid' is an early take on the story writ large in films like 'Deep Impact' and 'Armageddon'. Only the effects are better there, as the plot is so identical it's a wonder Roberta Leigh didn't sue!

'The Robot Revolution' is an undoubted classic of the series, here seen in the glory of a 35mm film transfer, with the automatons of an undersea farm marching on Space Headquarters. The story begs to defy the limitations of the production - it is all too apparent only two robot puppets were available - but the menace they exude is unmistakeable!...

'The Rings of Saturn' are a defence shield, set up by the native reptiles but a chance encounter with a Saturnian ship gives Larry Dart the chance to visit the planet. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding ensues and it is up to Galasphere 347 to get through the rings in order to clear things up. Not a classic, but the Saturnian's cultured tones make them quite memorable.

'Husky Becomes Invisible' is again somewhat average but also has quite memorable scenes of Husky's uniform - minus hands and head - proving an eerily effective realisation of invisibility. Trivia fans may note the star on his uniform also disappears when he does...

'Mystery on the Moon' is the second 35mm transfer, but is again a rather average story. While it is good to see 'Space Patrol' with the clarity it was intended to be seen, it makes you weep when you realise how much quality has been lost on the other 37 episodes.

The extra interviews, initially spread across video volumes 1-4, add little - mainly because after so long the interviewees remember so little (I know from my own interviews with cast and crew) - but it is nice that Network Video at least tried to make their releases value for money.

The stills gallery is the best bonus, as photographic material of any kind on the series is a rarity. One hopes if there are follow-up releases that they continue the trend, perhaps with a merchandise gallery.

With the series already available in its entirety on video, a full set of DVDs would have to offer quite a lot more to motivate even the most devoted 'Space Patrol' fan. But the improvement on the 16mm transfers shows a difference can be made, and if more extras can be found, they may have a winner that will give this rarely seen series the exposure it deserves. Read more ›

It's a long time ago but I can still vividly remember being mesmerised by the weird, unearthly opening tune (eat you heart out Ron Grainger!). Then there was the opening shot of a boiling, blazing sun (complete with solar flares), quickly giving way to the whirling, mysterious Galasphere wending its way through the Solar system.

Though the show relied on relatively few sets, the ones they used were superb - especially for the time. The signature shot of the view downwards as a Galasphere takes off from United Galactic Organisation HQ, was still fresh in my mind when watching the videos nearly three decades later.

Roberta Leigh, who created, wrote and directed the show, was keen to be as scientifically accurate as possible. To that end she consulted with Colin Ronan, who was then Vice President of the British Astronomical Society. This made the shows seem wonderfully authoritative to me at the time. I was For example, rather than just taking off and arriving "moments" later, the space travellers went into suspended animation to make their journeys. As a dedicated reader of "Look and Learn", I was well impressed with this accuracy. Of course, they didn't get everything right, as episode titles such as "The Swamps of Jupiter" suggest.... In fact most planets were rather Earth-like but, I think we can put this down to dramatic reasons, rather than laziness.

"Space Patrol" was populated by a rich cast of "real" (for a puppet show) characters. The main "star" was Captain Larry Dart, normally accompanied by his trusty sidekicks the Martian Rusty (probably the first person ever to have a gelled-up, spiky haircut), and the Venusian Slim. Perhaps my favourite character was the Martian parrot Gabbladictum who was taught to speak English by Professor Haggerty, who was a bit of a stereotype (begoraah!).

So how well has the series stood up after nearly 30 years? The answer is very well indeed. This is probably down to the strength of its stores. Despite being a 27 year old kid's puppet show (and in black and white), "Space Patrol" is still hugely entertaining viewing.

So, "Engage Yobba Rays!" and buy the videos. Read more ›