I think Space: 1999's greatest achievement was its design. The whole aesthetic, from Alpha's styling to the clothing, is simply gorgeous, and easily surpasses the visuals of many series that followed.
The actual plots of Space1999 were pretty laughable but I don’t think the production design has ever been beaten, even it today’s shows. The sets and vehicles look fully functional, even the clothes look perfectly wearable despite being very 70s. Contrast this with Star Trek, with weird consoles and uniforms that look uncomfortable.
The theme is, of course, beyond reproach. I like to imagine the producers couldn’t decide between epic sci-fi chords, funk, and jangly surf guitar so the composer just said screw it and did all three.
Very cool seeing the old techniques described. The classic special effects teams had to be so creative. These days it’s all green screens and digital effects.
I think Space: 1999's greatest achievement was its design. The whole aesthetic, from Alpha's styling to the clothing, is simply gorgeous, and easily surpasses the visuals of many series that followed.
That, and the funky theme, of course.
I strongly agree.
The actual plots of Space1999 were pretty laughable but I don’t think the production design has ever been beaten, even it today’s shows. The sets and vehicles look fully functional, even the clothes look perfectly wearable despite being very 70s. Contrast this with Star Trek, with weird consoles and uniforms that look uncomfortable.
The theme is, of course, beyond reproach. I like to imagine the producers couldn’t decide between epic sci-fi chords, funk, and jangly surf guitar so the composer just said screw it and did all three.
A lot of the special effects and model work was done by Gerry Anderson of thunderbird fame. There is a lot to be said for practical effects.
Very cool seeing the old techniques described. The classic special effects teams had to be so creative. These days it’s all green screens and digital effects.
Interesting, and in a way I can see a tiny bit of Space 1999 in some of Lucus's works.
I really liked the first season, but season 2 seemed to a been a bit worse, too bad the series ended too soon.