Tripods - The Complete Series 1 & 2 [DVD]

Science fiction fans viewing British television in the 1980s had much to contend with. Limited budgets and unconvincing special effects often required a leap of faith of such size as to put people off. But, in the midst of this, emerged The Tripods, a fondly-remembered sci-fi hit of the time, of which both series are present on this DVD set.

Adapted from the books by John Christopher, The Tripods is set late in the 21st century, with humanity living in peaceful servitude, albeit under the eye of huge alien machines. These machines--The Tripods--fit the young with special headgear that will ensure future humans are similarly subservient to the alien invaders, and it’s when two teenagers, Will and Henry, look to evade such treatment that the adventure begins.

Hearing stories of other ‘uncapped’ humans in the south, they set off on a journey to find them, while being pursued by The Tripods, who naturally aren’t best happy.

There are many pleasant surprises to The Tripods, even rewatching it today, and the programme has stood up really very well to the rigours of time. The limited budget means that the deployment of the Tripods themselves is kept for carefully chosen moments, and they’re convincing, at time intimidating invaders. But it’s the storytelling that’s key here, and it’s that which should ensure this DVD release earns The Tripods a new collection of fans. Well worth picking up. --Jon Foster

First broadcast in 1984, post-apocalyptic adventure The Tripods remains one of the UK’s best-loved science-fiction series. This DVD set contains both series of The Tripods as well as fascinating extra material.

The year is 2089. An alien race stalks the land in towering machines known as Tripods. They have taken over the earth and enslaved mankind with a mind-controlling device, ceremoniously implanted at adolescence.

Will Parker, desperate to escape this ritual, leaves the village with his cousin, Henry and attempts to link up with the human resistance movement. On the run, their life is fraught with danger as they try to elude the giant machines and the Black Guard, the alien’s human servants. On a thrilling journey, their adventures take them to the ruins of Paris and on through Europe until, eventually, Will infiltrates Tripod City itself – a perilous world of Masters and Cognoscs…

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Booklet, Box Set, Documentary, Interactive Menu, Multi-DVD Set, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: The year is 2089. An alien race stalks the land in towering machines known as Tripods. They have taken over the earth and enslaved mankind with a mind-controlling device, ceremoniously implanted at the age of fourteen. Will Parker anxiously awaits this ritual but hears of a place where a group of people is organising a resistance movement. Together with his cousin they leave their village, hoping to join them. They have not left unnoticed however, and the giant alien machines are in pursuit. Based on the novels by John Christopher, The Tripods was one of the most expensive productions ever undertaken by the BBC, using a huge cast and many new special effects. Originally aired in the Saturday afternoon slot previously occupied by Doctor Who, The Tripods is another classic sci-fi serial from the BBC. Includes the whole of series 1 and 2. ...The Tripods - Series 1 & 2 - 4-DVD Set ( The Tripods - Series One & Two )