The Outer Limits: Season 1 [DVD] [1963]

This is science fiction with a mystery, horror, or humorous dimension, drama with a touch of irony here, a touch of sarcasm there, a touch of genius in places. It is unfair to be hypercritical given the vintage, but there will inevitably be comparisons drawn between the television drama of the 60's and contemporary Hollywood, special effects blockbusters ... or even the latest 'Doctor Who'.

Well, the monsters do look a bit plastic ... or maybe rubber. At any rate, they have a certain pneumatic charm to them. This is the era of the bug-eyed monster - first contact is going to be with something horrendous. To be fair to 'The Outer Limits', the aliens are treated with respect - they are never cruel, vicious invaders, but creatures with their own logic, values, and morality. If anything, mankind is portrayed as the more likely villain in the first contact scenarios.

The picture and sound quality is generally very good - these are good transfers, with excellent contrast and good definition. Indeed, one or two of the episodes have a distinct noir feel, and there is some highly original and exciting use of the close-up and camera angles. With limited special effects, much of the drama had to be emphasised by camera angles and editing, and the techniques used in the series are worthy of study. The only technical quibble is that the episode selection menu on some of the discs appears a bit quirky at times.

But those of you interested in the drama rather than the technology will want to know what the show is like.... Well, a curate's egg, generally highly entertaining, but with some considerable variety. There are one of two stunningly good episodes, one or two hilarious ones, one or two which are somewhat embarrassing. With thirty two episodes, each approx. 45 minutes in length, there is a lot of viewing here - this is a marathon, not a sprint. Set aside a weekend, two barbecues, some beers, and maybe a couple of friends.

There are stand out performances - Barry Morse and Carrol O'Connor are hysterical in "Controlled Experiment"; the intensity of some of the camerawork in "The Architects of Fear" highlights a fine performance from Robert Culp; there are interesting explorations of criminology in "The Zanti Misfits" and "The Mice". With thirty two episodes I just don't have the space to offer a comprehensive review of each.

There are weaknesses. Some of the plots look a bit unsophisticated given contemporary scientific knowledge (and cinema / television experience). There is something of a low budget feel from time to time - not itself a criticism, but some of the 'special effects' are a bit early "Thunderbirds", and the computers and technology look decidedly clunky. And there is one lovely juxtaposition of a (Cotswold) village with thatched roofed cottages ... which is supposed to represent a Northern English mining town, with David McCallum strolling around declaring that "there's trouble at't pit".

The acting is excellent - in general. There are lovely performances from Martin Landau, Donald Pleasance, and McCallum (despite his accent). But the series is perhaps defined by its introduction - 'There is nothing wrong with your television set'. It sets a tone for the productions, one which is continued by an introductory voice over at the start of each story, elaborating a scientific or moral problem to set up the tale ... then adding a conclusion at its finish, hammering home the moral.

The moral is generally one of tolerance and understanding. There is genuine concern for the state of the world and risk of nuclear war. Serious questions are asked about mankind's ability to control greed or pursuit of power. The military do not attract a particularly favourable press. Indeed, there is an excellent episode ranging across questions of censorship and misinformation. Given that America was embroiled in the Cold War at the time, the tenor and themes of these episodes is decidedly liberal and humanitarian.

Extraordinary piece of history, extraordinary drama - can you imagine trying to produce a weekly science fiction programme of this quality today? But, outstanding value. Utterly outstanding. Never mind the width, feel the quality!

The eight discs offer the following episodes: Galaxy Being, Hundred Days of the Dragon, The Architects of Fear, The Man with the Power, Sixth Finger, The Man Who Was Never Born, O.B.I.T., Human Factor, Corpus Earthling, Nightmare, It Crawled Out of the Woodwork, The Borderland, Tourist Attraction, The Zanti Misfits, The Mice, Controlled Experiment (1/13/64), Don't Open Until Doomsday, ZZZZZZ, The Invisibles, The Bellero Shield, Children of the Spider County, Specimen: Unknown, Second Chance, Moonstone, The Mutant, The Guests, Fun and Games, The Special One, A Feasibility Study, Production & Decay of Strange Particles, The Chameleon, The Forms of Things Unknown. Read more ›