If you're a sci-fi fan in the US, you're more than likely aware ofDoctor Who(especially if you've found this site). But there might be one major science-fiction series that you're not aware of. If I were to describe a show where the main characters were a group of criminals, on the run from a corrupt galactic government, your first thought might beFireflyorFarscape- both great shows from the past 25 years that left their mark on science-fiction. But before either of those series, there wasBlake's 7.
Beginning in 1978 and told across four seasons,Blake's 7was in many ways a sci-fi series that was ahead of its time. Created by Terry Nation - who also created legendaryDoctor Whomonsters the Daleks - it depicted a group of escaped criminals led by the freedom fighter Roj Blake (Gareth Thomas).
Compared toDoctor Who- and indeed, many other science-fiction series from the same period - there was a slight dose of moral ambiguity given to some of the characters. This was especially true of Kerr Avon.
Played brilliantly by Paul Darrow, Avon was the kind of character that made Han Solo look like a people pleaser. Like Spock, Avon was a character that thought in terms of pure logic. Unlike Spock, Avon would usually consider the most logical option was his own survival, at any cost.
If you're in the US and you're unfamiliar with this series, don't be surprised. While it was released on video in North America back in the '90s, when the series was released on DVD in the UK, it never saw a Region 1 release. So for approximately three decades, there hasn't been a physical North American release available ofBlake's 7. That is, until now.
Blake's 7 - The Collection
Today, on the same day thatDoctor Who: 60th Anniversary Specialshas been given its North American release on DVD and Blu-Ray,Blake's 7: The Collection - Series Onehas also been released. Amazingly, US fans haven't had too long to wait for this one - the box set was only released in the UK last month.
USDoctor Whofans often have to wait a little longer for physical media releases compared to the UK. Sometimes, it's just a few months. In the case of the60th Anniversary Specials, it can even be a year. So a gap of just one month is quite refreshing.
Based on the trailer, the picture quality looks amazing, and all the documentaries and special features look great to watch. You can tell that this box set was produced by the same people who work on the complete season box sets of Classic Who.
What's particularly exciting is the option of brand-new CGI effects for each and every episode.Blake's 7was ahead of its time in many ways, but like Classic Who, it was also a series that was never quite given the budget that it deserved. I'm curious to see how well these new effects work within the episodes themselves.
But most exciting of all is that, for the first time in far too long,Blake's 7finally has a physical media release in North America. Combined with the series being available to watch on BritBox, I'm hopeful that it starts to get a little more recognition as a result.
You can orderBlake's 7: The Collection - Series Onefrom Amazonright now.
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