The Prisoner (1967): UK, September 21

[dominic*]

Thank you for the photo (could you do a few more please).Is this boxset a limited edition if so is there a number on the box ?

[Ispoke]

Here you go









There is a number there, 7957003, not very limited if it means that though

[Ispoke]

By the way for those interested it is region B locked.

[Ispoke]

Last one



Note disc 5 & 6 are PAL DVD9.

[dominic*]

very nice , thank you for the pics

[Ispoke]

Another thumbs up from DVDBeaver with plenty of great looking screen caps.

BOTTOM LINE:
While the region 'B' enforcement will make the impatient North American fan wait - it's just under a month. This series is iconic and has only grown in stature in the past decade with a new generation being exposed to its addictive eccentricities. The Blu-ray is up for Best of the Year accolades with the inclusion of the informative 290-page book and exhaustive supplements. Advertised as "Available here for the first time is the complete series, digitally restored in High Definition from the original 35mm film elements, presented at a quality level never previously seen" - that statement seems very accurate. For fans of The Prisoner this is the ultimate gift package and we surely give it our highest endorsement!

[Tchotchke]

The package looks awesome. But let's be honest - if they released that here in the US, we'd have all the usual moaners over a number of different forums complaining that it "doesn't fit their shelves" and is non-standardized etc etc.

They should be very happy with A&E's release. I like THIS one.

[persfave]

Are we 100% certain that A&E is using the same masters as Network?

The US set is listed as 5 discs. Are they 5 BDs, or are there 4 BDs and just one of the DVDs from the Network set?

[John Hodson]

The Network set is, as you say, four BDs and 2 DVDs; IIRC the content on the DVDs could have fit on one, but for obvious marketing reasons they went for six discs

BTW, I'm one of a handful of folks (as reported by DVD Beaver) who have had a problem playing disc six in that set. My Samsung BD player just spits it out; Network blames the player saiyng it must have a problem with discs containing PDF content. But other discs - including others by Network - containing such content play fine.

[Reduman]

I was just 5 years old when "The Prisoner" was first broadcast. I never bought, or even viewed any of its home movie incarnations to date. Mmmh, did that make me a neglected child? ... But I digress ... I read a review on this blu-ray release recently and on account of the great picture quality alone, I made a blind purchase - something I very rarely do.

My boxset arrived from the UK after just 3 days and I fed Disc 1 to my hungry PS3. What a revelation! The PQ is astounding, one of the best I have seen on blu-ray so far! It really puts some more recent Blu-ray releases to shame! I know the series was filmed on 35mm, which largely accounts for its quality, but as most people probably only had b/w TV sets way back when, this version will astound those old enough to remember the original broadcasts, or even more recent DVD versions. The series itself is fantastic, sure it is dated in parts, but the plot lines, acting, scenery and setting make this series unique. I have now finished watching the episode "Many Happy Returns". The only serious question I see being raised by the series so far, is not finding out why Number 6 resigned, but why someone hasn't yet got a ruddy great pin and pricked that damn "balloon" by now ....

The Blu-ray boxset includes a mixture of Blu-rays containing the actual episodes and 2 DVDs for the supplemental bumpf. In addition, there is a paperback book of some detail which includes viewing notes on this cult TV series. If you are a new "prisoner", it is probably best to read ithe book after viewing the entires series. That's what I'm doing, anyhow. My only small gripe on the boxset, as a whole, is that the book looks and feels a little ...erm .. cheap. But that really is such a minor matter that I feel bad even mentioning it. If you have a blu-ray player, this set is the real reason you got one in the first place. If you have yet to dive into deep blu(e) waters, this set should be the first thing you watch on your hi-def set-up. Yep, it really is that good ...

[Mr. Brightside]

Given the price (which I totally understand), this one will have to be a Xmas present for me. Can't wait to see it, and it's great to read this marvellous series looks stunning on Blu. Well done to all concerned for this release.

[Reduman]

Mr. Brightside, I am sure if you ask Santa Claus nicely, he'll grant you your Christmas wish LOL
This year is going to see another financial crisis loom -- mine! With all these fantastic (expensive) boxsets coming out, I can't earn money quick enough to buy the 'must haves' not to mind the 'love to haves' -- Seriously though, I am lucky to still have a job and some spare cash for movies, so I will count my blessings ...

[Mr. Brightside]

Originally Posted by Reduman

Mr. Brightside, I am sure if you ask Santa Claus nicely, he'll grant you your Christmas wish LOL
This year is going to see another financial crisis loom -- mine! With all these fantastic (expensive) boxsets coming out, I can't earn money quick enough to buy the 'must haves' not to mind the 'love to haves' -- Seriously though, I am lucky to still have a job and some spare cash for movies, so I will count my blessings ...

This boxset really does sound like wonderful value for money.

[dominic*]

amazon have dropped the price £32.57