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One of ITV's earliest dramas written specifically for children and a precursor to the development of Doctor Who, Sydney Newman's Pathfinders series is one of the most eagerly awaited archive television releases of all time.
Over three series the Pathfinders journeyed to the Moon and other worlds, proving tremendously successful with the viewing public and even getting into the regional top ten on occasion unheard of for a children's programme. With intelligent and engaging scripts by Malcolm Hulke and Eric Paice, the Pathfinders faced drama at every turn - from space hazards to Venusian dinosaurs! and this set contains all three series: Pathfinders in Space, Pathfinders to Mars and Pathfinders to Venus.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
[] Image Gallery (including behind the scenes images)
[] Pathfinders prequel Target Luna script PDFs
[] Production booklet by archive television historian Andrew Pixley
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
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I was intrigued by the info stating that this children's sci-fi series was a precursor to Dr Who. I was only a few months old when the first series was broadcast, so obviously I have no memories of it, I was pleasantly surprised by the stories. As much as I enjoyed the first series, I enjoyed two and three even more, with the performances being mostly OK. IMO Stewart Guidotti as Geoffrey was the pick of the youngsters. The introduction of George Coulouris as Harcourt Brown - the 'mysterious imposter' in the second series was a welcome addition, as further missions took the crew to Mars and Venus.
This ABC Television production may look low budget, with sets and backdrops that reflect this, but the interesting and entertaining storylines provided by writers Malcolm Hulke and Eric Paice more than compensate for any such shortcomings. This series has such a warmth and charm that makes it very pleasant viewing. As young Jimmy would say: THIS IS SMASHING!
As has already been mentioned, no remastering work appears to have been performed, but despite this, the black and white picture quality is generally OK, there are no subtitles.
The extras are:
*A 6-minute image gallery with behind the scenes images.
*Pathfinders prequel Target Luna script PDFs.
*38-page booklet with production details and broadcast dates with episode synopsis.
Each episode runs for around 25 minutes, and the stories are as follows....
PATHFINDERS IN SPACE: 7 episodes.
PATHFINDERS TO MARS: 6 episodes.
PATHFINDERS TO VENUS: 8 episodes.
This ABC Television production may look low budget, with sets and backdrops that reflect this, but the interesting and entertaining storylines provided by writers Malcolm Hulke and Eric Paice more than compensate for any such shortcomings. This series has such a warmth and charm that makes it very pleasant viewing. As young Jimmy would say: THIS IS SMASHING!
As has already been mentioned, no remastering work appears to have been performed, but despite this, the black and white picture quality is generally OK, there are no subtitles.
The extras are:
*A 6-minute image gallery with behind the scenes images.
*Pathfinders prequel Target Luna script PDFs.
*38-page booklet with production details and broadcast dates with episode synopsis.
Each episode runs for around 25 minutes, and the stories are as follows....
PATHFINDERS IN SPACE: 7 episodes.
PATHFINDERS TO MARS: 6 episodes.
PATHFINDERS TO VENUS: 8 episodes.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
This is one of those TV shows that I remember from watching when I was 8 years old.
I never thought I would see again and think it is great that Network have been able to release it.
The acting and effects may at times be suspect but I found the stories to be so interesting that I had to keep watching. Certainly the acting improves as the series progresses and is better in the second story in the trilogy (Pathfinders to Mars).
The picture quality is OK and obviously no restoration work has been done on it. Nevertheless it did not detract from my enjoyment of the programme.
What is remarkable is that a few of the episodes were broadcast live and that of the remainder; each episode had to be recorded in two continuous segments. Any fluffs or problems were either ignored or the whole 15 minute section had to be recorded again.
I would recommend this series for anyone interested in seeing some vintage television as long as you take it for what it is.
I never thought I would see again and think it is great that Network have been able to release it.
The acting and effects may at times be suspect but I found the stories to be so interesting that I had to keep watching. Certainly the acting improves as the series progresses and is better in the second story in the trilogy (Pathfinders to Mars).
The picture quality is OK and obviously no restoration work has been done on it. Nevertheless it did not detract from my enjoyment of the programme.
What is remarkable is that a few of the episodes were broadcast live and that of the remainder; each episode had to be recorded in two continuous segments. Any fluffs or problems were either ignored or the whole 15 minute section had to be recorded again.
I would recommend this series for anyone interested in seeing some vintage television as long as you take it for what it is.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
INFLUENTIAL early sixties TV sci-fi series Pathfinders is to be released on DVD for the first time after the one missing episode was discovered - in the ITV archives.
Until recently it was long thought that episode 1 of Pathfinders to Venus, "SOS From Venus", was lost save for the soundtrack.
But earlier this year the entire eight-part 1961 serial was found complete within the archives and will be released this October by Network DVD along with earlier series Pathfinders in Space and Pathfinders to Mars.
One of ITV's earliest dramas written specifically for children, Sydney Newman's Pathfinders series has been described as the "missing link" between seminal BBC radio show Journey Into Space and Doctor Who, the latter of which Newman also created.
Over three series broadcast during 1960 and 1961 the Pathfinders journeyed to the moon and other worlds, facing drama at every turn - from space hazards to Venusian dinosaurs.
With intelligent and engaging scripts by Malcolm Hulke and Eric Paice, and a strong cast including actors Gerald Flood (Conway Henderson) and George Coulouris (Harcourt Brown), the series proved tremendously successful with the viewing public and even got into the regional top ten - unheard of for a children's programme.
In addition to all 21 episodes, The Pathfinders in Space Omnibus DVD also features an image gallery and production booklet by noted archive television historian Andrew Pixley. It is released on December 31, 2011
Until recently it was long thought that episode 1 of Pathfinders to Venus, "SOS From Venus", was lost save for the soundtrack.
But earlier this year the entire eight-part 1961 serial was found complete within the archives and will be released this October by Network DVD along with earlier series Pathfinders in Space and Pathfinders to Mars.
One of ITV's earliest dramas written specifically for children, Sydney Newman's Pathfinders series has been described as the "missing link" between seminal BBC radio show Journey Into Space and Doctor Who, the latter of which Newman also created.
Over three series broadcast during 1960 and 1961 the Pathfinders journeyed to the moon and other worlds, facing drama at every turn - from space hazards to Venusian dinosaurs.
With intelligent and engaging scripts by Malcolm Hulke and Eric Paice, and a strong cast including actors Gerald Flood (Conway Henderson) and George Coulouris (Harcourt Brown), the series proved tremendously successful with the viewing public and even got into the regional top ten - unheard of for a children's programme.
In addition to all 21 episodes, The Pathfinders in Space Omnibus DVD also features an image gallery and production booklet by noted archive television historian Andrew Pixley. It is released on December 31, 2011
Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Wonderful trip Down Memory Lane
I originally watched the last two "Pathfinders" series at ages twelve and thirteen. I hesitated a bit over buying the dvds - as others have noted, it's sometimes better not to try... Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. W. Stone
Your mileage may vary
For fans of Doctor Who, this TV series is akin to finding the holy grail in children's sci-fi telly. So many of the elements which would later help to make Who a success are there. Read more
Published 4 months ago by The Hamster Factor
Not what my memory had made it.
I remembered the Pathfinder series from its original screening in the early 1960's, and when this DVD set became available, I did not hesitate to buy it; but on balance, I now wish... Read more
Published 6 months ago by S.C.Forest
Fantastic vintage sci-fi
This is a long-awaited DVD of a classic children's science fiction series from ABC. Network have done a fantastic job with this release, which includes a meticulously researched... Read more
Published 7 months ago by S. J. Walker
poorly remastered
yet again i have to complain about poor remastering of a network product,whilst the series is excellent and enjoyable,i feel that such an historic piece of television should have... Read more
Published 7 months ago by pepperhead
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