Series 2 makes a strong case to be the best of the four. Arguably it brings to an end the story-arc which commenced in "The Way Back" in a way unexpected - but typical of a sci-fi series that challenged the normal way of doing things.
Of course there are some oddities. 70's sci fi requires a suspension of disbelief with most effects (aliens in Star One anyone?) but the moon discs in `Shadow' abuse the privilege. And `Voice from the Past' is a seriously misguided attempt to focus on political intriguing within the Federation (delivery flawed but not intention). And no-one seems to have told Robert Holmes he was writing for Blake in `Killer' - not Dr Who.
But think what we get for the last time.
A decent story arc that allows for a running theme but not one shoved down our throats (are you taking notes Mr Moffatt?) The Federation portrayed as complex with moral ambiguity as opposed to "bad". Doubt as to the righteousness of the cause and certainly the execution. And the end of Avon as a genuinely interesting anti-hero.
The Liberator "origin" story kicks of the series and is an episode of two parts - the exceptional first bit where there is a crescendo towards the takeover, and the second silly bit where there is a lot of running around a power station.
Shadow and Warlord are interesting. The idea that a force for order ultimately controls crime is very 1984. Horizon is under-rated and again we see an ambiguity in the motives of the Federation that gets lost in series 3 and 4. Pressure Point and Trial set the scene for the series conclusion and the "corridor" conversations of Bercol and Rontane add a layer of depth to the politics of the Federation which will be replaced after this series by Servalan cutting her hair shorter and growing her nails longer.
The series ends with Star One - unquestionably the finest that Blakes Seven produced - from the motivation of Avon to Cally's plaintive "are we fanatics?" along with Servalan at Space Command - seizing power through fear re Star One? Because she fears being ousted? Because she is a power fanatic? Then there is the supreme irony of the crew of the Liberator effectively sacrificing themselves to defend the Federation coupled with Space Command racing to the Liberator's aid. The cliff-hanger ending - whilst annoying at the time is with hindsight very fitting. Blakes Seven will be back and it will have some good episodes - not least Sarcophagus, Terminal and Blake. But it won't be consistently the same again in its subtlety, purpose and depth.
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Blake's 7 - Series 2 [DVD]
Gareth Thomas
(Actor),
Paul Darrow
(Actor),
Jonathan Wright Miller
(Director),
Jonathan Miller
(Director)
&
1
more Rated: Parental Guidance Format: DVD
IMDb6.2/10.0
£17.85 with 9 percent savings -9% £17.85
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| Format | PAL |
| Contributor | John Brown, Chris Boucher, Jacqueline Pearce, David Jackson, Sylvia Coleridge, Darien Angadi, Freda Jackson, Roy Evans, Colin Higgins, John Bennett, Gareth Armstrong, Michael Keating, William Squire, Sally Knyvette, Sheila Ruskin, Morris Barry, John Savident, Tom Chadbon, Michael Halsey, Gareth Thomas, John Leeson, Aubrey Woods, Bruce Purchase, Richard Bebb, Deep Roy, Kevin Lloyd, Candace Glendinning, Scott Fredericks, Paul Darrow, Jenny Twigge, Kathleen Byron, Allan Prior, Roger Parkes, Karl Howman, Paul Daneman, Derek Martinus, Brian Croucher, Vernon Dobtcheff, Robert Holmes, Arthur Hewlett, Shaun Curry, Peter Miles, Terry Nation, Jonathan Miller, Jonathan Wright Miller, Vere Lorrimer, Ronald Lacey, John Bryans, Brian Miller, Stephen Greif, Denis Carey, Harriet Philpin, Jane Sherwin, Victoria Fairbrother, David Webb, Jan Chappell, David Maloney, Michael Gaunt, George Spenton Foster, Derek Farr See more |
| Language | English |
| Number of discs | 5 |
| Runtime | 10 hours and 45 minutes |
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Product description
Contains all the episodes from Series 2 of Blakes 7:
- Redemption
- Shadow
- Weapon
- Horizon
- Pressure Point
- Trial
- Killer
- Hostage
- Countdown
- Voice from the Past
- Gambit
- The Keeper
- Star One
- Shadow
Product details
- Language : English
- Package Dimensions : 19 x 14.3 x 3.4 cm; 350 Grams
- Item model number : 5014503118426
- Director : Jonathan Wright Miller, Jonathan Miller, Derek Martinus, George Spenton Foster, David Maloney
- Media Format : PAL
- Run time : 10 hours and 45 minutes
- Release date : 17 Jan. 2005
- Actors : Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Michael Keating, Sally Knyvette, Brian Croucher
- Subtitles: : English
- Language : English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
- Studio : 2 Entertain Video
- Producers : David Maloney
- ASIN : B0001Y9Z9M
- Country of origin : Czech Republic
- Writers : Chris Boucher, Allan Prior, Roger Parkes, Terry Nation, Robert Holmes
- Number of discs : 5
- Best Sellers Rank: 37,167 in DVD & Blu-ray (See Top 100 in DVD & Blu-ray)
- 2,629 in Science Fiction (DVD & Blu-ray)
- 6,447 in Action & Adventure (DVD & Blu-ray)
- 6,942 in Box Sets (DVD & Blu-ray)
- Customer reviews:
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
129 global ratings
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Top reviews
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2012
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2014
Like many other reviewers I saw Blakes 7 when first broadcast, it was a vivid serial to a teenager of the time, and I long wondered if it would repay watching again on DVD. I remembered the computer Zen, the Liberator ship, characters of Blake and Avon, evil Servelan and the memorable theme music.
I bought series 1 and 2 on DVD recently, and have thoroughly enjoyed them, and realise now what I could not have known as a child, that its strength was in the storylines and characters - unlike the puerile Kirk and friends of Star Trek which had already been repeated ad infinitum on tv, this was intelligent sci fi, and its universe was a negative one controlled by an giant evil superpower (had there been one of those about in the 70s?), and our heroes were a bunch of convicted criminals who by some miracle found themselves on the most powerful ship in the known universe, and wondered what they should be doing first.
In series one, the lack of budget shows in cheap sets, costumes and use of quarries and power stations and ordinary woodland for alien settings, and the few quick fight scenes are very clumsy, BUT this is all completely acceptable when you realise the characters are in the unknown, everything they do is a chance. And what characters they are, Avon perhaps being the most memorable, at least until Servelan makes her evil debut as the arch-enemy. The ship sets are great, Zen the ships computer is a character in itself, and despite a feeling of 1984 about some of the federation costumes, it is completely enjoyable.
Having watched the first two series, series 2 being much improved financially when the BBC realised it had a hit on its hands, I have now purchased series 3 and intend fully enjoying that too!!
I bought series 1 and 2 on DVD recently, and have thoroughly enjoyed them, and realise now what I could not have known as a child, that its strength was in the storylines and characters - unlike the puerile Kirk and friends of Star Trek which had already been repeated ad infinitum on tv, this was intelligent sci fi, and its universe was a negative one controlled by an giant evil superpower (had there been one of those about in the 70s?), and our heroes were a bunch of convicted criminals who by some miracle found themselves on the most powerful ship in the known universe, and wondered what they should be doing first.
In series one, the lack of budget shows in cheap sets, costumes and use of quarries and power stations and ordinary woodland for alien settings, and the few quick fight scenes are very clumsy, BUT this is all completely acceptable when you realise the characters are in the unknown, everything they do is a chance. And what characters they are, Avon perhaps being the most memorable, at least until Servelan makes her evil debut as the arch-enemy. The ship sets are great, Zen the ships computer is a character in itself, and despite a feeling of 1984 about some of the federation costumes, it is completely enjoyable.
Having watched the first two series, series 2 being much improved financially when the BBC realised it had a hit on its hands, I have now purchased series 3 and intend fully enjoying that too!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 February 2008
Excellent follow up to the first series. I missed a lot of these first time around (night school for my apprenticeship at the time and no videos/dvds back then) so it filled in gaps in my "Blake" Knowledge. As others have said this series was more glossy than the first, some lovely costumes for the girls and the glamorous Servalan. Favourite stories are the series opener with The Liberator returned home, Gambit with speed chess baddie Klute, Star One the last of series 2 that ends on a mighty cliffhanger (also good is the sparring between the Liberator Crew esp Avon and Villa) imagine having to wait a whole year to find out what happens next. Good job I am yet to start on the series 3 box set.
There are some good extras on the dvd too, Mat Irvines Models and past interviews with cast members. Well worth a look. Although the effects may not stand up, the plots and acting do make you think, something modern telly seldom does these days.
There are some good extras on the dvd too, Mat Irvines Models and past interviews with cast members. Well worth a look. Although the effects may not stand up, the plots and acting do make you think, something modern telly seldom does these days.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2014
It was for my husband but I enjoyed watching it too although it did seem a bit dated. Not sure whether we shall continue with the rest of the series.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2013
For the record - I bought all four series, and am only up to season 2 so far.
My decision to go all in and buy all four series was a top one. I have not regretted it.
Blakes 7 is gripping, nerve wracking, stories that string you along and draw you right, has it's moments of brevity - absolute classic.
Now that I'm into the second series, the personalities within the series are really starting to come to light. It's not just "Blake's 7 versus the Federation", there's a whole box of sub plots going on between the different characters. They're united, but only just. Again, you don't always get this kind of intra team tenseness in the modern "happy happy" Sci Fi series.
Blakes 7 should be mandatory viewing for all aspiring screen writers - it's that good!
My decision to go all in and buy all four series was a top one. I have not regretted it.
Blakes 7 is gripping, nerve wracking, stories that string you along and draw you right, has it's moments of brevity - absolute classic.
Now that I'm into the second series, the personalities within the series are really starting to come to light. It's not just "Blake's 7 versus the Federation", there's a whole box of sub plots going on between the different characters. They're united, but only just. Again, you don't always get this kind of intra team tenseness in the modern "happy happy" Sci Fi series.
Blakes 7 should be mandatory viewing for all aspiring screen writers - it's that good!
Top reviews from other countries
Hermit
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Passion of Blake
Reviewed in the United States on 2 June 2011
The second series sees the addition of Orac, Ensor's cantankerous super computer which is much of a help as it is a hinderance. The usual friction among the crew continues unabated, as Blake and Avon fight over policy direction and Blake is determined to strike at the very heart of the Federation itself. The series' episodes seem to flop back and forth between self-preservation, doing what's right and knocking down the empire.
The crew are torn between following Blake blindly leading to suicidal raids on Federation facilities or following Avon whose main motivation is wealth and staying alive. It's a wonderful dichotomous relationship which is frequently born out in public and private spats between Blake and Avon. Avon: "Imagine you are standing on the edge of a cliff." Blake: "As long as you're not standing behind me."
Series two seems to mature a lot. The actors seem to gel as a group and the Liberator's superior speed and fire-power keeps them mostly out of harm's way. A lot of fun episodes and plenty of character development...
The crew are torn between following Blake blindly leading to suicidal raids on Federation facilities or following Avon whose main motivation is wealth and staying alive. It's a wonderful dichotomous relationship which is frequently born out in public and private spats between Blake and Avon. Avon: "Imagine you are standing on the edge of a cliff." Blake: "As long as you're not standing behind me."
Series two seems to mature a lot. The actors seem to gel as a group and the Liberator's superior speed and fire-power keeps them mostly out of harm's way. A lot of fun episodes and plenty of character development...
2 people found this helpful
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Shaun Bures
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a scam at all
Reviewed in the United States on 9 July 2006
The series is excellent, and the reviewer who wrote "It's a scam" simply failed to note that the DVD is clearly labeled "PAL" and "Region 2." True, it will not play on standard U.S. DVD players -- but that's exactly what the description says. I purchased this set for an academic library that does have a Region-2 DVD player, and the video quality is very good.
6 people found this helpful
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pat aune
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Brit sci fi
Reviewed in the United States on 30 July 2019
Best of the 4 series
Mike Zarquon
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great quality and excellent packaging for a box set.
Reviewed in the United States on 26 November 2013
This is a very good quality DVD and package from the classic hit series and has been remastered too. A bonus for B7 fans. Reasonable price.
Henry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Region 2 DVDs placed fine on PC
Reviewed in the United States on 11 May 2015
Region 2 DVDs placed fine on PC. No problems with shipping, etc. I have placed order for last season!
One person found this helpful
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