DEPARTMENT S

New release: Department S (1969-1970) Blu-ray. UK distributor Network has announced the release of Blu-ray volumes of the classic ITC program, Department S, starting next month! This imaginative series was the brainchild of Dennis Spooner (The Avengers, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Doctor Who, Thunderbirds, The Baron, Man in a Suitcase, The Champions, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), UFO) and Monty Berman (The Saint, The Baron, The Champions, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), The Adventurer) and focused on stories about international investigations that fell outside the norm. "When a case proves too baffling for the minds of Interpol, they turn to the talents of Department S," declared the opening tagline. Featuring a trio of experts, the series famously became a vehicle for the wonderful Peter Wyngarde (The Avengers, The Prisoner, Jason King) and a launching pad for his character, Jason King. Contributing writers included Dalek-creator Terry Nation (Doctor Who, The Avengers, The Saint, The Baron, The Champions, The Persuaders). This team of stellar talent did not disappoint! From the press release: "This cult ITC series stars Peter Wyngarde as flamboyant, dandified novelist Jason King – who uses his overactive imagination and droll wit to help solve the most difficult of cases – Joel Fabiani as no-nonsense "action man" Stewart Sullivan and Rosemary Nicols as gorgeous computer expert Annabelle Hurst. Newly remastered in HD from the original 35mm film elements for this Blu-ray edition, Department S has never looked better!" Vol 1 includes: The Man in the Elegant Room, The Pied Piper of Hambledown, A Cellar Full of Science, and The Trojan Tanker. As with Network's Blu-ray release of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), pre-orders are now open for Vol 1, and they will release 5 more discs in the series as they are produced. I expect Network will also offer a slipcase at the end for collectors to house their total 6 discs. Volume 1 orders should be dispatched by February 27th. Spy Vibers in the States should take note: these are Region B discs and will require an all-region player. More info at Network. Trailer below. Enjoy!

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