| The Starlost - Complete Series | 
| Directors: Joseph L Scanlon, Ed Richardson, Harvey Hart, George Mccowan, Leo Orenstein
Actors: Keir Dullea, Gay Rowan, Robin Ward, William Osler
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $49.99
Buy New: $24.80
You Save: $25.19 (50%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $24.80
Avg. Customer Rating:   (11 reviews)
Sales Rank: 10758
Format: Color, Digital Sound, Full Screen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 800 minutes
Number Of Items: 4
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: UTED8540D
UPC: 089859854026
EAN: 0089859854026
ASIN: B001DW2BG0
Release Date: September 30, 2008
Theatrical Release Date: 1976
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
After an Earth-destroying threat endangers the planet, Mankind builds a gigantic Earthship Ark spacecraft to save the last of humanity. After an accident takes place and kills the crew, the airlocks connecting the ship's domes are sealed. Cut off from the outside world, many communities simply forgot that they were on a spacecraft. As the centuries pass, each culture evolves in an enclosed society, each a world unto itself that is fifty miles in diameter. Unbeknownst to the ARK s inhabitants, they are drifting through deep space on a collision course with a sun. In 2790 A.D., a young man named Devon (Keir Dullea from 2001: A Space Odyssey ), a resident of a biosphere called Cypress Corners, discovers that his world is much larger than he was taught to believe and uncovers the Ark s fate. Devon and friends Rachel (Gay Rowan) and Garth (Robin Ward) must learn all they can about the Ark if they are to save it and the colonists aboard. The Starlost was a Canadian-produced science fiction television series that broadcasted in 1973 on CTV in Canada and on NBC in the United States. Now for the first time all 16 episodes are available in this collection. Some of these episodes have not been seen since their original airdates. Bonus Features: Scene Selection, Trailers Product Specs: 4-DVD9s; Dolby Digital; 800 min.; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA NR; Year 1976; SRP - $49.99
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 the worst television sci fi series ever November 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The characters: an overweight Eddie Money look-alike tough guy who never does anything tough, carries a crossbow in some shots, not in all shots, and NEVER fires it. A John Holmes look-alike that is an expert on computers, nuclear reactors, and biotechnology even though he grew up an AMISH FARMER? He is comatose mellow but has hyper acting outbursts for no apparent reason or motivation. A Homely Girl who's only dialog is "we have to help them." John Holmes and Homely Girl are supposed to be in love, yet they show no physical or visible signs of affection toward each other. When Homely Girl gets captured, John Holmes could care less, oh she'll turn up. They are on an ark of biospheres, but in 16 episodes only actually visit 4 biospheres, because most encounters occur in a hallway or in the same control room with the same sets, props, triangle doors, blinking lights, other characters with the same costumes, and that same black star map. The horrible chroma key effects make people way bigger and out of proportion to the background. This also prevent the actors from interacting or fighting with the villains or monsters, all they can do is stare at the monsters and look scared. Every time an alarm goes off, the warning is repeated twice "explosion in 60 seconds, repeat explosion in 60 seconds." This gets really annoying real fast. The show looks like a bad Dr. Who episode, without the humor and with no drama or pace at all. I Give it 2 stars because I liked seeing John Collicos, Barry Morse, Sterling Haden, Simon Oakland, and other character actors who are wasted doing this horrendous drek. This series and the Logans Run, and Planet of the Apes series all demonstrate the dismal state of Sci Fi the year "STAR WARS" came on the scene and truly revolutionized the genre. The impact is obvious and was long overdue.
 Starlost series on DVD at last November 29, 2008
I waited a long time for this one to appear on DVD, just because I never saw the entire series when it was on TV back in the seveties. Missed the VHS release several years ago, but didn't want to pay exhorbitant price to a reseller. You resellers need to re-evaluate what you think the break-point price is for your items sometimes. Things you think people would pay a premium for, that haven't moved for some time, probably are overpriced, don't ya' think?
Anyway, the acting was just as bad as I remember, not so much the fault of the actors but moreso the directors. Sets were good for the time it was produced, but hopelessly outdated now. I bought the book (Phoenix Without Ashes - Edward Bryant-Harlan Ellison) before the series launched and enjoyed it much more than the series. The biggest thrill for me then was just getting to see ANY sci-fi ANYWHERE. Buy it for nostalgia at least.
 Did "The Starlost" influence "STAR WARS" and other "quest/journey" sci-fi shows?!? November 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
THE STARLOST is a neat little show. The production values are nowhere near a prime-time level, being on par with mid-70's Saturday Morning Live Action shows. The low (VERY low!) production values no doubt account for its reputation as the "worst sci-fi show of all-time". THE STARLOST is definitely NOT the worst sci-fi show of all time (that dubious honor belongs to SCI-FI Channel's "Flash Gordon" series, but that's another story....). It's interesting to note that the "quest/journey" format of THE STARLOST was later utilized by PLANET OF THE APES: The Series (1974), ARK II (1976), LOGAN'S RUN: The Series (1977-78), THE FANTASTIC JOURNEY (1977), OTHERWORLD (1985) and SLIDERS (1995-2000). I'm also convinced that THE STARLOST *may* have had some (albeit minor) influence on the creation of the first STAR WARS film...consider, young Devon--an innocent farmer--is living peacefully in his farming community when he discovers the "larger world" (The Ark). He leaves his peaceful, farming life behind to find his "destiny" (searching for a way to control the Ark and prevent it from falling into a distant sun). Also--is it my imagination or are Devon and Rachel's "farm-costumes" extremely similar to Luke Skywalker's "farmboy" outfit in STAR WARS?!? There are minor differences to be sure, but the costume design is very similar! Heck, Devon and Luke Skywalker even have similar haircuts! Also, what about Garth, Devon's "macho" (Han Solo-like?) friend and partner WHO CARRIES A CROSSBOW(!!!)--just like Chewbacca in STAR WARS! To my knowledge, Garth in THE STARLOST was the first-ever character in a Science Fiction/Futuristic drama to wield an "ancient" weapon like the crossbow--and he did it 4 years before Chewbacca in STAR WARS. Even the clumsily executed Love Triangle between Devon, Rachel and Garth is somewhat reminiscent of the Luke/Leia/Han relationship in STAR WARS. If you're a fan of classic Saturday morning shows like ARK II, JASON OF STAR COMMAND and SPACE ACADEMY, I heartily recommend THE STARLOST. I watched all 16 episodes over several days and wasn't bored for a second...Don't hesitate to add THE STARLOST to your DVD collection!!!
The TV On DVD Fad Has A Useful Purpose After All November 8, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
And rest assured, while awkwardly executed & downright creepy, "The Starlost" is not as bad as urban legend might suggest. I'll let others describe the series, the box set rules (though for a retail cost of $50 VCI should have given us an actual box & some more extensive supplemental materials) with every one of the 16 episodes produced included. One of the creepiest things about the show is that like "Gilligan's Island" they're still out there, you know. The series never had a resolution episode that brought it all together, so Devon, Garth, Rachel and all the rest are still wandering the universe, trying to figure out how to avert disaster & find a new home. In a conceptual sense, at least.
One unmentioned useful function of this show is for curing hangovers, by the way. There is something about it's plodding, hesitant nature crossed with the funky retro SF production design that works with your brain's receptors to induce a sort of waking coma state that makes the ill effects of excessive alcohol consumption less uncomfortable, especially when watched on a glum rainy Saturday afternoon in one's slippers. Bake up a tray of chicken tenders & open a bottle of Powerade, at 800 minutes total length it's going to be a long day. Ohh, my aching head ...
Yes, I Own The DVD Set And Watched It!!!! November 7, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Unlike most all the previous reviews, I have received my copy of The Starlost and am very impressed with the quality of the dvd. It's a 4 dvd set and contains all the 16 episodes that were filmed and finished. They have been remastered and have a good quality to them. If you've been used to watching these episodes on a grainy youtube video you will be pleasantly surprised on the quality. No, it's not like today's sci fi quality but for the early 70's it's fantastic. There are scenes I have watched on youtube but on dvd it's much clearer and you see everything. It's funny, this is the first time I have seen a clear picture of the show in color. In 1973 I was a kid and we didn't own a color tv then. If you are a fan it's a must have. Bless you VCI. If you'd like to know more about The Starlost check out this fan site at [...]
Now go out and buy it!
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