Reviews (2)

this episode
This video has two episodes that are highly ranked of my favorite episodes. The seal is my second favorite. BUY THIS DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tense, as usual
Of the two episodes in this video, the best is The Seal. It is always great to watch the IMF in action. In The Seal, an ancient and sacred seal has been stolen from an obscure country and in the interest of obtaining their favor in the Cold War, it is the team's duty to return the seal.

While this is an earlier episode, you can tell the show was hitting its stride. All the elements are there: timed sequences, the fake accents, a magician, hiding in equipment to gain entrances, fake ids and what is always best - watching the team psych out their prey.

I do not recall having seen this episode and I was surprisingly tense watching this show...there is so much going on and you know there is always the unexpected surprise. This show had everything including a trained cat! Don't miss it. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Man from uncle are great
The first one is a little more wild than i like but the second on is the best I have seen.They are great guys I like it that the good guys always win at the end.

George Sanders steals Vol 2 in great dichotomous style
Why 5 stars you may ask? This volume really shows us the dichotomy that existed between the First and Second Seasons of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." television series. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." was a great extension of the James Bond cinematic phenomena created in the 60s. "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" and the follow-up "The Yukon Affair" couldn't be more different in tone. But that's what made this series so dynamic. George Sanders steals both episodes.

An UNCLE classic
The first show on this video is the sparkling Gazebo in the Maze affair, featuring the talented George Sanders as Squire G. Emory Partridge. This one is a classic example of how good this show was to begin with. The dialogue is crisp, and not to be missed are Jeanette Nolan's wacky Edith Partridge and Leo G. Carroll in biking attire! Written by Dean Hargrove, who should've done more episodes, this one has the kind of dialogue in it that made the show so popular. Illya is kidnapped by the Squire, who has a grudge against UNCLE, and it's Napoleon to the rescue (well, sort of, since he promptly gets captured as well). The classic line from this one is when they are escaping through the maze, while being chased by a gamekeeper and a very large, nasty looking wolf. When the gamekeeper accidentally is attacked by the wolf, Illya murmurs, "bon appetit!" Definitely a keeper!

The second title brings back the squire, minus his wife, for a less clever episode. It's okay, but it definitely lacks the sparkle of the first. However, Illya manages to kiss the cute little Eskimo, and both agents wind up in the hospital. Not as clever or as imaginative as the Gazebo affair, but not as silly as some of the third season episodes, either.

Gazebo in the Maze and Yukon Affair
Though "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" and "The Yukon Affair" are something like a two part episode, "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" appeared in UNCLE's first season while "The Yukon Affair" appeared in UNCLE's second season. If you read on you'll find out why I'm only giving this volume only 3 stars.

Episode 27 "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair": A long time ago, Napoleon and Illya stopped the plan of Squire G. Emory Partridge (George Sanders) to control a small country in South America. Now he wants revenge. He kidnaps Illya and lures Napoleon to his manor in Eastsnout. He captures Napoleon and wants to have Napoleon and Illya convince Mr. Waverly come to Eastsnout to try to bring UNCLE down. They refuse though and Partridge, together with his wife Edith (Jeanette Nolan), torture Napoleon and Illya. Peggy Durance (Bonnie Franklin) helps them escape fortunately. The only thing is, the dungeon is right in the center of a maze in which it is filled with all sorts of deadly traps.* Great episode with a great plot. In the second season of UNCLE, they made it so Partridge returned again, in The Yukon Affair. I definitely prefer this first one with Partridge though. The part when Napoleon, Illya, and Peggy are trying to get out of the maze is really exciting, especially with Partridge, his henchman, and a wolf looking for them.

Episode 43 "The Yukon Affair": Sqire G. Emory Partridge (George Sanders) has returned and has acquired in Alaska a large quantity of Quadrillenium X, a very heavy metal with high magnetic powers which THRUSH wants. Napoleon and Illya are sent there to try to stop him but are immediately captured by Eskimos, but are saved by the chief's daughter Murphy (Tianne Gabrielle). Partridge and his niece Victoria (Marion Thompson) again capture them though. Will Napoleon and Illya be able to escape and find the cache of Quadrillenium X? * Weak and stupid plot, not very high up in my list of favorite UNCLE episodes. The scene in the beginning where Illya and Napoleon are in UNCLE headquarters is the best part of the whole episode, the rest is just too silly.

George Sanders returns twice as G. Emory Partridge
Volume 2 in the "Man from U.N.C.L.E." video collection features George Sanders as that most urbane bad guy, G. Emory Partridge in a pair of episodes from 1965. First up is "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" (Episode #27: April 5, 1965), where it turns out that Partridge has not really been dead these seven years since last the boys saw him. Partridge kidnaps Kuryakin as a trap for Solo, with the aid of his strange but deadly wife, marvelously played by Jeanette Nolan. Dean Hargrove and Antony Ellis wrote the script for this above average episode, based on a story by Ellis, while Alf Kjellin was the director. Partridge returns in "The Yukon Affair" (Episode 43: December 24, 1965), although I am sad to report Mrs. Partridge does not make an appearance this time around. Like most sequels it is somewhat disappointing, especially since Sanders and Nolan were such an interesting tag team. Anyhow, Partridge tries to kill Solo with a big rock and then Waverly sends the boys off to the Yukon to track him down. While this certainly gives a whole new meaning to the idea of the Cold War, this is an okay episode that is just not as good as "Gazebo." In both of them the cheif charm is the way Sanders proceeds to do his evil deeds with such charm and grace. Marc Siegel wrote the "Yukon" episode, which was also directed by Kjellin. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fran Rubel Kuzui's 1992 tongue-in-cheek vampire comedy is sugarcoated horror, an unusual mix of the cute and scary, with a splash of postmodern pop nonsense to give culture critics something to think about. Kristy Swanson plays a Valley Girl who learns she belongs to a line of ancient vampire killers. After training under the watchful eye of a mentor (Donald Sutherland), she becomes a spandex-wearing, kung-fu kicking, stake-stabbing babe and the mortal enemy of a narcissistic master vampire (Rutger Hauer). The accent is all on cheery attitude, though the action can be as authentically unnerving as any other halfway decent monster movie. Paul Reubens, formerly Pee-wee Herman, has a small role as Hauer's fanged familiar. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (147)

cute midnight movie
Kristy Swanson (MANNEQUIN ON THE MOVE), stars as blonde, bouncy Buffy, who learns of her calling as "The Chosen One" in the cute cult flick BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Buffy's life changes when she meets tall, dark Merrick (Donald Sutherland) who tells her that she is the one to rid the world of the vampires and their ruler, Lothos (Rutger Hauer). Buffy is even more busy with her scruffy suitor Pike (Luke Perry). Between her boyfriend, school, cheerleading and vampire slaying, it's no wonder she's a nervous wreck!

For her role here, Kristy Swanson was trained in martial arts, cheerleading skills and gymnastics. The comedy also marked the screen debut of Luke Perry, star of the hit series BEVERLY HILLS 90210.

Also featuring Hilary Swank, Paul Reubens, David Arquette, Candy Clark and Liz Smith.

Buffy the (Boring) movie
We are far away from the smart and successful TV show in this lackluster movie. 16 year old valley girl and cheerleader Buffy (no last name) has dreams of past lives, and monsters in the night. And then a strange man named Merrick (Donald Sutherland) arrives and provides answeres; Buffy is a Vampire Slayer, one girl who is chosen to fight all the creatures that go bump in the night. This script is much different from the one I read by Joss Wheddon, it is a lot lighter, and that is not a good thing. I really would have liked to have seen the prom burned down to kill all the vampires. Buffy is played by Kristy Swanson, who is no where near as sweet and convincing as Sarah Michelle Geller. And while we are at it, do not be expecting Willow, Xander, Giles, or Angel. This movie was made long before the series. What we do have is Pike (Luke Perry), a slacker who is accendently cought up in the mess. The threat of the movie is Luthos, played by experienced bad guy actor Rutgar Hauer. Paul Rubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) is Luthos's main underling, and he is so silly it's impossible to take him seriously. There are also a few cameos by future stars; Hilary Swank is another vally girl. David Arquette plays one of Pike's friends who's turned into a vampire. And Ben Affleck is uncredited as a rival basketball team player. Anyway, this movie is too silly . I know that is the point, but it is still not dark enough, and Buffy's attraction to Luthos isn't enough. I know I am horribly biesed by the TV show, but I can't help it. It is still watchable, if it's on TV somewhere.

The one and true Buffy!
I can't really say it's better than the show, for I haven't watched the show. The only info I've heard is from friends and family. I can tell you, without a doubt, that I like Kristy Swanson more than Sarah Gellar. Whenever I hear the name Buffy, I think of Kristy. I like Sarah Gellar in many of her movies, but she just isn't Buffy to me. I would watch a show if someone paid/lend for it, because I can't get TV reception. But I don't buy stuff I'm unfamiliar with, especially when it's fifty dollars. And that's all I've got to say about that.

The Bad Buffy
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is definetly not as successful as it's counterpart T.V. series but it served up a pretty well rounded story.The characters were fairly likeable.Joss Whedon is very creative and intelligant ; I give him thumbs up for trying something new.I just kinda felt weird after watching it.I guess I expected to much from it.If you watch it ; thinking it will be sucky you probably won't feel as bad.Luke Perry did a pretty good job with Kristy Swanson who got very annoying after an hour and a half.The plot was really good but they didn't use it the right way.The vampires seemed to fake and when Buffy staked them they did not turn to dust; I always enjoyed that from the T.V. series.Check this one out only if you have nothing better to do.Blonde, bouncy Buffy is your typical high school cheerleader - her goal is to "marry Christian Slater and die" and nothing gets in her way when it's time to shop.But all that changes when a strange man informs her she's been chosen by ill fate to kill vampires.With the help of a romantic rebel, Buffy is soon spending school nights protecting L.A. from Lothos, The Vampire King, his sidekick, Lefty, and their determined gang of bloodsuckers.It's everything you'd expect from a teen queen in the valley.

"Not bad but pales to the terrific TV show."
-- Gerry Shamray, SUN NEWSPAPERS OF CLEVELAND

Not as Good, But Still Original
It's easy to bag out Kristy Swanson in the role of Buffy after many years of watching Sarah M Gellar, but you have to admit that the girl had talent, looks & the physical fittness to make a good slayer.
Many of the reviews have bagged out this film in relation to the series, however it did lay the ground work for the story and convince a network to green light the series which has made them millions.
The film itself has some good moments and a sense of humour.
If you are a die hard fan you should check it out simply to have the story which leads into the pilot episode and it wouldn't hurt to check out creepy old Don Sutherland as a watcher.
The film does have a simple finale, but on the bright side it comes to an end, unlike many of the open doors the series leaves.
Another great aspect is the cover of Oingo Boingo's 'We close our eyes', which The Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs does for the closing credits (unfortunately spoken over however). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Set 2 in The Avengers '67 includes more episodes of the long-running British television series at its creative peak of great writing, color filming (for the first time on the show), and flawless chemistry between actors Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg. This batch includes six episodes on three tapes, including the unstoppable-corpse mystery "The Living Dead"; the cheeky, killer-feline story "The Hidden Tiger"; the finishing-school drama "The Correct Way to Die"; the scary "Epic"; and the Agatha Christie-like "The Superlative Seven." --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Quirky, Stylish, and Outlandishly Classic
Opening sequence: Close-up of two champagne glasses, one standing, one on its side; camera pans back; John Steed (Patrick MacNee) enters stage left, wearing an impeccable suit and a bowler hat, with an umbrella dangling from one arm; he carries a champagne bottle; camera pans back and right; Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) enters stage right, wearing a pastel body suit and carrying a chrome-plated pistol with bone grips; she shoots the cork out of Steeds champagne bottle; he shows no surprise; he draws a small sword from the handle of his umbrella and uses it to flip a carnation from a vase over to Mrs. Peel; vibrant, upbeat music plays throughout the scene.

Does this give you an idea of the style, quirkiness, and love for the unexpected and slightly outrageous that was the trademark of this series? Steed and Peel were agents were British Intelligence, and each episode dealt with some threat to British national security and/or the keepers thereof. The writers had a penchant for outlandish and just-beyond-credible stories. No matter how outrageous, Steed and Peel were seldom taken off-guard, never flustered, and, of course, always able to somehow overcome the obstacles presented to them.

In this particular set of three tapes (six episodes), Steed and Peel (it's Mrs. Peel, but I don't think we ever see or hear mention of Mr. Peel) deal with a group of spies, living underground, using slave labor, and training an army of infiltrators in "The Living Dead"; there is a very big and very mean cat prowling, and killing intelligence agents in "The Hidden Tiger"; when foreign spies start getting killed, Steed and Peel team up with their foreign (Soviet?) counterparts to identify and stop the third party in the game, in "The Correct Way to Kill"; there is a problem with disappearing corpses and an unkillable super-spy-gone-rogue in "Never, Never Say Die"; Emma gets kidnapped and unwillingly cast in a maniacal directors very lethal movie, with Steed eventually joining in to help out, in "Epic"; Steed is invited to a strange party that is really a try-out for a genetically-enhanced superhuman killing machine, up for sale, in "The Superlative Seven", with Emma joining the party, to help save the day, near the end.

Steed and Peel, Fantastic Duo !!!
One of my favorite adolescent shows and also as an adult. Patrick Macnee as the charismatic John Steed and the beautiful Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel do a great job as this British secret agent team (Diana Riggs also played a Bond girl in Her Majesty's Secret Service released in 1969-see this movie). I believe Mrs. Peel has a doctorate so is very smart and is also a crack shot. See Mrs. Peel's self defense techniques. Steed is also an expert in several weapons. They are called into action whenever there may be a threat to England's internal security. The threats are what is one of the great surprises in this show and at times very unusual. The plots are very good and are very unique most of the time. I have seen most of the shows with Mrs. Peel and she and Steed make a gtreat pair. Their intellectual abilities are great especailly when they must solve problems. Watch this series as it will definitely be well worth the entertainment. The two shows in this video, The Correct Way to Kill and Never Never Say Die show very good plots. This series will grow on you!! Watch It. You won't regret it!

I prefer the earlier ones
I personally think the earlier ones are much better. The 65's and the 66's. Though this a great set. The attractive Mrs. Peel played by Diana Rigg and the humorous Mr. Steed played by Patrick Macnee. Together they are superb. This set has such epsiodes as The Living Dead, The Hidden Tiger, The Correct Way To Kill, Epic, and The Superlative Seven. This is a pretty good set.

Witty and humorous
"The Avengers," of course was really a comedy series with a few deaths thrown in for good measure. . . even so, the episodes are a welcome break from the vulgarity that passes as humour these days. The recent feature film is rather hopeless in comparison (similar to the ruining of the Saint in its feature presentation). Of course, Honor Blackman, not Diana Rigg, was the first actress to play Steed's partner.

Makes So Much of Today's TV Look Pallid!
This review could stand for any of the sets.

So often when one sees a show again, after years of fond memories, the actual show is a letdown, if not an absolute disappointment. So few shows, after all, hold up after thirty-odd years! And though these shows are undoubtedly "Sixties" in look and feel, it doesn't date them, but adds to their allure. And that allure is still as potent as ever. It shows what high production values, intelligent, witty, literate scripts, fine acting, and above all the superb lead pair of Patrick MacNee and Diana Rigg, and their inimitable chemistry, can accomplish. Each is like a mini-feature film. If the plots sometimes are a bit far-out and far-fetched, if some of the special effects or gadgetry wouldn't pass muster today, nevertheless these films haven't lost a whit of their enjoyability or appeal. And they defined stylishness then, and still are unsurpassed in stylishness now! The unflappable urbanity and resourcefulness of Steed, and the wry wit and smouldering yet utterly controlled sexuality (and intellect!) of Mrs Peel, are a combination that has never been bettered. And the lackluster recent filmization of the series shows how much credit has to go to the original series' two stars and production/writing team, because the series outdoes the film by a parsec. Kudos to those responsible for releasing these gems on video! Now a whole new generation can discover them! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Noteworthy Entry for the Mission: Impossible Collector
THE CONTROLLERS is the first entry in Mission: Impossible's fourth season and features a semi-plausible plot and a somewhat larger cast than the previous seasons. In the two-part episode, the IMF must prevent a scientist from unleashing a mind-controlling drug. THE CONTROLLERS is a good edition to the post-Bain/Landau Mission: Impossible T.V. series, but there is a chemistry that seems to be missing. From a technical standpoint, the series stands out as the first appearance of Dina Merrill as Meredyth and a post-Star Trek Leonard Nimoy as Paris. An enjoyable edition to the series. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

best cult series
i think the bunker is a excellent episode which has a lot going for it.It is a Playdon adventure, personally my favorite writer Bain and Landau are excellent,the only thing that got me was the masks.having two on at the same time is a bit implausible.Otherwise a great episode a must-see for all mission fans!

FINE EPISODE FROM SERIES THAT BROKE THE MOLD
Mission: Impossible is the TV series that broke the mold and proved that an exciting show that doesn't insult the intelligence of the audience can still be very popular. During the 1960's when MI first appeared, most action-adventure series contained a large helping of car chases, fist fights and shoot-outs. Although, in the first season's episodes, we still see some elements of these things, by the second season they had pretty much disappeared and the emphasis became on out-thinking the enemy. It even got to the point that if someone had to be "liquidated", the IMF maneuvered the bad guys into doing it themselves (another major motivation for reducing the amount of violence in the show was the climate of disorder in the United States during this period including the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr, widespread opposition to the War in Vietnam plus the rioting in the major urban areas of the US caused by the racial unrest of the time). Another factor in the success of the series is the music which has become legendary that was written or inspired by Lalo Shifrin. Many scenes consisted of Barney connecting up wires or tinkering with some mechanical device and yet, the musical background kept up the tension and prevented the scene from becoming boring. The two-part episode on this tape was written by Paul Playdon who wrote some of the best stories for the series. There are plenty of clever gadgets and escape-proof prisons plus the presence of a hired assassin from a third country whom the IMF is not in control of to keep any MI fan occupied for two hours. The only reason I gave the story only 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the use of masks (someone even wears two masks at one time!) which I find rather implausible, but it is great entertainment in any event. I hope that more episodes will become available for purchase in the future!

IMF team has to rescue scientist and his wife. Undetected.
A scientist is held captive. He is to perfect the missile. Only the scientist knows what to do. If he is not to do it. His wife will be executed. Also in sub-plot. A assassin is hired to kill the scientist so he can not finish his work. The IMF team has a gaget that might work. Wil they rescue the scientist in time. END ... Read more

Amazon.com

According to one Avengers-appreciation Web site, three of the seven episodes contained in this three-volume boxed set--"Too Many Christmas Trees," "A Surfeit of H20," and "Dial a Deadly Number"--rank among the 10 best episodes from the series' Mrs. Emma Peel era (a fourth, "The Hour That Never Was," is ranked in the top 20), making this the perfect chaser to The Avengers '65 Set 1. "What nasty situation have you got in store for me this time?" Mrs. Peel asks in "The Man-Eater of Surrey Green," another of the vintage, black-and-white episodes from the series' breakthrough fourth season, which introduced Diana Rigg in her signature role. The answers make for diabolically clever entertainment in classic Avengers tradition: a "herbicial" plant from outer space (in "The Man-Eater"), matrimonial matchmaker assassins (in "The Murder Market"), a rainmaking vintner (in "H20"), and a brainwashing dentist (in "The Hour"). "Christmas Trees" alone is worth the price of the boxed set. In this haunting episode for all seasons, Steed is plagued by deadly nightmares that have begun to come true. Outfitted at one point as Oliver Twist, Mrs. Peel proves herself to be the woman of our dreams. Each volume is also available separately. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Steed Pours Champagne - Emma Sparkles
The best thing about The Avengers is that the series is so diverse, a random grab of any half dozen episodes is sure to bring up at least three you're guaranteed to enjoy. With seven available in this set, the odds increase that you'll pull up four.

For those who miss the earlier Honor Blackman crime melodramas in the series, "The Murder Market," "Two's A Crowd" and "Dial A Deadly Number" will fit their bill. "A Surfeit of H2O," "The Hour That Never Was" and "The Man-Eater of Surrey Green" provide a bit of sci-fi and action/adventure, and "Too Many Christmas Trees" - a favorite in anyone's book - is a wonderful psychological suspenser in the espionage/murder vein.

But better than all of that is simply the magnificent chemistry between stars Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg, which livens-up even the weakest episodes in the series with wit, humor and a great abundance of charm. Rarely has any show been so graced with two such appealing actors, let alone writers sparkling enough to make adept use of their native talents. There is a depth of feeling, commitment and moral fortitude, in the characters of John Steed and Emma Peel, that is rarely seen anymore, and is sorely missed.

Enter the world of The Avengers - or reacquaint yourself, if you're already a fan - and immerse yourself in excellence.

A mix of classics and weaker episodes
This collection is a real mixed bag, with classic episodes (including the sharply written, seamless thriller DIAL A DEADLY NUMBER and the enjoyably surreal TOO MANY CHRISTMAS TREES) balanced against definitely weaker episodes (THE HOUR THAT NEVER WAS, MAN-EATER OF SURRY GREEN).

Complete at last
At last all the Diana Rigg episodes are available on video tapes (or DVD if you have the hardware). Here you can view at your leisure exactly what tv is missing today: the exquisitely correct balance of high adventure with tongue-in-cheek plots, dialogue, and world-outlook. The assumption is that the viewers are fairly well educated and can appreciate such references as "Your handbag, Lady Bracknell" in "The Girl from Auntie" episode. This is to a large extent Wildean satire anyway, with a dash of W.S. Gilbert: assume that an absurd situation is normal and follow its logical trail to wherever it leads. On the whole, the black and white episodes are a touch more innocent than the more studio-bound amd self conscious color ones. And it is fun spotting future big stars and lesser ones, none of whom were permitted to appear more than once in the same series. And for a trivia question, what character other than "Brodney" the bumbling Soviet agent appeared in a black and white and then a color episode? Not the same actor, mind you: the same character. Now the question is, Will the Tara King episodes follow? My contact at A&E says no one is sure at this time. But thanks and thanks again for these sets.

JJDBauer@earthlink.net
Great set! Most of the b/w Avengers episodes are better than the color ones. "Murder Market" and "Too Many Christmas Trees" definitely are top of the mark! "Dial A Deadly Number" has that wonderful twist of plot. Definitely worth the purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A toast to A&E Home Video for releasing this three-volume boxed set of vintage episodes from the fourth season of The Avengers. The Avengers debuted in Great Britain in 1961 (predating the James Bond films), but it was not until the late 1960s that it found a welcome home in the United States. Unlike other baby-boomer-era series, The Avengers was not widely syndicated nor officially released on videocassette. This may be one reason why these rarely seen episodes seem as cool as when they first aired. Another reason, of course, is Diana Rigg in her signature role as the ravishing Emma Peel, partner to Patrick Macnee's urbane, umbrella-toting spy John Steed who is every bit his equal in dispatching villains or engaging in provocative banter. What makes this collection of particular interest is that these episodes introduced Mrs. Peel. Steed and Mrs. Peel were the Mulder and Scully of their time; they investigated extraordinary goings-on in the most ordinary locales, such as a seaside town populated by sinister imposters, in "The Town of No Return" (included on volume 1), or a department store that has been rigged with a nuclear bomb, in "Death at Bargain Prices" (volume 2).The second volume also contains "The Cybernauts," which was the first Avengers episode to be broadcast in America. It is representative of the series' best with its automated assassins and a colorful madman who plots to install an electronic dictatorship. Volume 3 contains the haunting "Castle De'ath" and "The Master Minds." All are in glorious black and white and highly recommended. Each volume is also available separately. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Steed calls for help - Emma delivers
These first six episodes of the Diana Rigg era rank as some of the best of the series. The highlights of this set are the fan favorites "The Cybernauts" and "Death at Bargain Prices", both in volume two. Featuring Diana Rigg as the quintessential Avenger girl Emma Peel. So hold on to your hat, and get your boots on, your in for some jolly good fun. This set is a must-have!

Volume one contains the first Emma Peel episode "The Town of No Return", and the delightful "The Gravediggers". Both are highly reccomended. In "The Town of No Return", Steed and Emma are sent to Little Bazely (by the sea) to investigate odd goings on, where the question arises: Where have all the people gone? This haunting episode has a wonderful atmosphere, with plenty of avante garde imagery, such as the introduction in which an agent pops up out of the sea in a giant bag. Also features plenty of cute little touches, such as Steed's bottomless bag on the train. The highlight is Emma's introduction scene, where she and Steed have a sword fight in her apartment while discussing the mission. In "The Gravediggers", Britian's radar systems are being jammed, so Steed and Emma investigate at a hosptal for ailing railway men. This episode is classic Avengers, featuring Steed fighting aboard a miniature steam engine, while Emma has been tied to the track. Many winning moments such as the eccentric Sir Horace Winslip with his train simulator, and the hospital staff conducting a seemingly normal operation, until the surgeon calls for a blow-torch.

Volume two contains two classic episodes, the sci-fi caper "The Cybernauts", and the wonderful "Death at Bargain Prices". In "The Cybernauts", cybernetic assassins are popping off businessmes bidding for shares in a new cercuit element to replace the transistor. Probably the most memorable Avengers episode ever, "The Cybernauts" features a sharp script, great performances, and masterful direction. One might call it the definitive Avengers episode, and you wouldn't be far wrong. In "Death at Bargain Prices", a department store receipt is the only link to an agents murder, so the Avengers shop for clues, and discover an atomic plot to wipe London off the map. A truly great episode, with Brian Clemens' best script of the series, and outstanding direction from Charles Chrichton. Featuring some of the most memorable dialogue of the series, one of the best end battles of the series, and a whallop of a climax. I can't reccomend it enough!

Volume three features the creepy "Castle De'ath", and the somewhat less astounding "The Master Minds". In "Castle De'ath", Steed and Emma investigate at a Scotish castle, to discover the means by which an unknown faction are creating a fishing crisis. An episode with a haunting score, sumptously errie visuals, and some delightful Steed/Emma interplay. Also, watching Emma wander around in her nightgown is a sight not to be forgotten. "The Master Minds" is a pretty average episode, in which eggheads are being hypnotized into taking part in the most dubious of schemes. While the premise seems interesting, this episode suffers from an average script, average direction, and a dull introduction and tag scene, but it does have those lovely set pieces. Still worth it though, for some pretty snappy Steed/Emma interplay.

As I said before, this is a must-have set, for any Avenger fan. Every episode is reccomended, each being unique and quite entertaining. If your just getting into the series, and are looking to buy a set, buy this. You won't regret it!

Emma Peel Volume One
Although somewhat campy at times, The Avengers was an intellectual show, featuring puzzling mysteries, witty dialogue, bits of comedy, and an incredibly suave, cool agent in John Steed. With the introduction of Emma Peel, this great show became a phenomenon sure to remain a part of our culture for decades to come. Diana Rigg as Mrs. Peel is mesmerizing. Here we have a beautiful woman who is a brilliant scientist, a martial arts master, a great detective, and a special agent second to none. While most female television characters of the time tended to their families, Mrs. Peel busied herself in safeguarding her nation. Steed himself is no match for her in terms of intellect, but together they make an unbeatable team, with a magical chemistry that is readily apparent from the very start.

This set contains the first six Emma Peel episodes. Mrs. Peel quickly evolves from Steed's helper to Steed's equal. It took a little while to flesh out the new character, I believe; thus, these episodes seem to get progressively better as they go along. "The Town of No Return" is rather a weak story to my mind, but Mrs. Peel does show us her combat skills, which at this point seem rather contrived. "The Gravediggers" is much more interesting, witty, and satisfying. It is in fact one of my favorite episodes. Beginning with problems with the nation's defense system, the story features cemeteries, doctors of an uncommon sort, and a brilliantly funny eccentric old gentleman with an overpowering love of trains--the train ride he shares with the visiting John Steed is priceless; it ends with Mrs. Peel tied up to a railroad track and almost killed by a miniature locomotive. This is The Avengers at its best. "The Cybernauts," while good, is of great importance because it is the first episode ever shown in the USA and because it spawned two later "sequels." "Death at Bargain Prices" features some of the best dialogue between Steed and Mrs. Peel, full of the sexual tension many reviewers like to point to. Only The Avengers could take the idea of a department store in London housing a nuclear bomb and make it work for audiences. "Castle De'ath" is a dark tale of history, treachery, and dungeon torture. Although the true purpose of the bad guys did not make complete sense to me, the story is very strong , succeeding in disproving my own suspicions (as well as Mrs. Peels') as to the identify of the culprit. Finally, "The Master Minds" rounds out this set with the story of an intellectual society whose members are unwittingly prompted to commit crimes against the Crown.

Mrs. Peel really comes into her own in these last two tales. In the final episode, it is her intellect that allows Steed to penetrate the secretive society and learn its secrets (although Mrs. Peel finds herself participating--albeit without conscious knowledge--in the nefarious plans of the master mind); it is also her slyness that essentially saves Steed's life in the end. However, "Castle De'ath" speaks volumes in my mind in terms of Mrs. Peel's position in the society of the 1960s. All of the men in the episode, include John "McSteed" all wear traditional Scottish kilts. While this is nothing unusual for the locale in which the story takes place, nevertheless the fact remains that the only character who wears pants is Emma Peel. By this time, Mrs. Peel has shed any vestiges of being Steed's helper and has become his unchallengeable equal. The Avengers is intelligent, humorous, decidedly "cool" television that towers above just about everything on the air today.

Steed Takes A New Partner - Emma Crosses the Atlantic
The Avengers was one of the hippest shows of its day, and manages to stand the test of time pretty well. It achieved its maximum popularity in 1965-66, when streamlined for exportation to America, which was when Diana Rigg was hired to replace the departing Honor Blackman. Prior, The Avengers was essentially a weekly live crime melodrama a la Agatha Christie, interspersed with some occasional spy hijinks. Once Rigg was brought aboard, the show's budget increased, it was transferred to film with more location shooting, the music got jazzier and the approach sexier (Emma Peel's name was contracted from "M"an-Appeal), and the stories grew to be more laced with science-fiction. It proved at least as popular in the States as it was in its parent Britain, and a legend was born.

The show was never better than in Rigg's first year, the '65-'66 season, the first six episodes of which comprise this set. "The Cybernauts" - first episode aired in the States (third, in England) - set the tone extremely well for what was to follow in episodes to come. Our hero and heroine, Steed and Mrs. Peel, foil a mad industrialist's plan to create a cybernetic police state, by deactivating his earliest experiment: a killer robot. The English debut episode - first on this set of tapes - is "The Town Of No Return," a fifth-column invasion story of typically (for this series) bizarre means. "Death At Bargain Prices" finds the British supersleuths investigating the disappearance of an atomic scientist in a lavish department store. "The Gravediggers" is about a radar-jamming outfit connected to a local cemetery (and an eccentric's life-size model train collection). "Castle De'ath" is where a foreign power utilizes a secret submarine base to disturb the local ecology, and thus its economy. "The Master Minds" are a MENSA-esque high-I.Q. club who recruit the best brains in Britain to devise top-secret sabotages and burglaries.

The Avengers is long overdue for a renaissance, and thanks to these tapes, its comeback time is here. Whether your tastes run to noir melodrama, spy stories, unusual crime, sci-fi, or even just light comedy, you'll find what you're looking for in The Avengers.

Mrs. Emma Peel could put the hurt on you.
The Avengers (John Steed and Mrs. Emma Peel) were always at the right place at the right time and Mrs. Emma Peel could put an unwanted karate chop on your noggin. This series of videos has a lot of action and caper comedy.

A Good Example of a Great Show
I thouroughly enjoyed this set of videos. I am relatively new to the Avengers, meaning that I have not [yet] seen any other episodes, but nonetheless I found this fascinating. After viewing all three videos several times, I have concluded that The Avengers is a show definitely worth anyone's time and attention. The [sexual] tension between Steed and Peel is captivating, and quite interesting, even to a newcomer. I cannot compare Mrs. Peel to Cathy Gale, or um...that other woman (see?), but as soon as I purchase several more of these videos (and believe me, I will), I will get back to you, the public. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not too hot
"The Gurnius Affair" guest-starred future "Laugh-In"
Sock It to Me gal Judy Carne, but it lacks the lustre which
boosted the popularity of this fad series. "The Master's Voice
Affair" is a typical third-year turkey which forecasted the way
for this show's eventual demise.

Judy Carne and the her master's voice affair
Judy Carne guest stars as professional photographer Terry Cook in the Year 4 offering "The Gurnious Affair" which features a takeover the world theme.Illya really let his hair grow in season 4 and is really trying to be ruthless as a military man impersonator.Judy carne's outfits in the episode really fit her style.
"The Her Master's Voice Affair" is a 3rd season offering in which Estelle Winwood plays Miss Partridge who tries to control her girl students at a private school through Brahms lullaby and it throws into a murderous state of mind.Illya is assigned to tutor and protect an Oriental man's daughter played by Victoria Young who develops a crush on Illya.Victoria Young falls from a rail in the house into Illya's arms kissing his face and he's ready to give her a spanking.Even while they watch a romantic movie she wishes Illya would kiss her like that.Talk about teenage girl crushes on adult men. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Devotees of Diana Rigg's Mrs. Emma Peel will be especially thrilled by this three-volume collection of seven black-and-white episodes that closed out the fourth season of The Avengers in high and often provocative style. One Avengers Web site ranks "A Touch of Brimstone" among the 10 best episodes of the Mrs. Peel era; "What the Butler Saw" and "Honey for the Prince" rank among the top 20.

To these add "The House That Jack Built." This mind-bending tour de force finds Mrs. Peel at the mercy of a vengeful techno-obsessed mastermind who has rigged a mansion to drive her insane. Also included in this collection are "The Danger Makers," in which umbrella-toting gentleman spy John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and Mrs. Peel uncover a secret society of thrill-crazed soldiers; "A Sense of History," about a deadly clique of university students; and "How to Succeed... At Murder," in which secretarial assassins take their orders from, yes, a puppet. The mysteries are intriguing, the villains suitably mad, and the banter between Steed and Mrs. Peel charged with erotic possibilities. With the ravishing, knee-weakening sight of Emma decked out as Robin Hood in "A Sense of History," as a harem girl in "Honey for the Prince," and--be still my beating heart--as the Queen of Sin in "A Touch of Brimstone," this Avengers collection boasts very potent Emma "a-Peel." Each volume is also available for purchase separately. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Buy this one
If you're only going to buy one collection of `Avengers' episodes, this should be it. These shows date from the end of the black-and-white season with Diana Rigg, and feature some of the series' best writing and direction. As always, Patrick Macnee's suave potrayal of affable agent John Steed is the heart of the show. While Macnee offered smooth support to all his leading ladies, his chemistry was unmatched with the arch Rigg as slender, fearless woman-about-town Emma Peel. Many of these episodes focus on Emma, and include some her most flamboyant costumes. Most notable is `A Touch of Brimstone,' where Diana Rigg is poured, pushed-up and padded in dominatrix gear designed by the actress to maximize her figure. Peter Wyngarde and Jeremy Young make cold and cruel villains. An ingenious plot and Macnee's cool aplomb make the whole thing work. Another classic episode, `The House that Jack Built,' has a woman-in-jep plot. But when Mrs Peel is lured to a computerized house, it was one of the first times that high-technology snare was ever used. Moreover, unlike other TV females of the time, Avengers women weren't shrinking damsels. Emma relies on brains and courage to save herself. The great op-art set is a pinnacle of Sixties design. `A Sense of History' isn't as atmospheric as `Brimstone' or as tense as `House,' but it offers an offbeat plot and eccentric villain. It also puts Rigg in a very flattering Robin Hood costume, and gives her some nice banter with Macnee. `The Dangermakers,' the opening episode in this collection, is an exciting adventure, as military men find it hard to give up the thrills of war for hum-drum life at home. `What the Butler Saw,' also features the military, although there's a vast difference in tone between scenes of the hard-edged villains and a skirt-chasing RAF man. But it does give Patrick Macnee full reign to revel in a variety of roles, inclduing a gentleman's gentleman. `How to Succeed... at Murder' wastes a good cast and some nice atmospherics in a misogynistic story. Emma and other young women spend considerable time in bodystockings, while Christopher Benjamin in a hoot as a prominent perfumier. `Honey for the Prince' is the most light-hearted episode, and one of the most fully realized of the series. That's a tribute to a sterling cast of eccentric supporting characters, topped by Ron Moody as an imaginative entrepreneur. Some viewers fast-forward to the final 10 minutes, which Emma spends in flimsy harem garb. Deprived of her usual padding, Diana Rigg does her best Kate Moss impersonation trying to fill a tiny bustier, but overflows a pair of low-cut Turkish trousers. Scantily clad, Rigg still dances and fights with panache. The quality of the video transfers vary, but within acceptable limits. The audio is mono, but very good. There are virtually no extras, but these shows stand for themselves.

A Touch of The Avengers to Liven Up Your Day
I borrowed this set from a friend and couldn't get enough of it. A great collection of episodes, like the well written (and provocative) "A Touch of Brimstone" to the dead funny "What the Butler Saw" and the toying-with-your-mind "The House that Jack Built". This set provides a excellent, varied taste of the show. I recommend it to everyone, but if you really love the show, I say just buy the Emma Peel Megaset on DVD! (now that's what I want for Christmas!)

Steed Dresses Up - Emma Dresses Down
The concluding black-and-white episodes of the Diana Rigg series had a more than usual tendency to show off her figure to fullest advantage. Such is the case especially with "A Sense of History," in which she dresses in a leg-revealing Robin Hood outfit, and "A Touch of Brimstone," where she wears next to nothing as the Queen of Sin (and is attacked with a whip, to boot). "How To Succeed...At Murder" has her in a bodystocking/leotard, practicing ballet for a good portion of the story. And when she isn't dressing down, she's quite the clothes-horse, wearing a gorgeous white pants suit, for instance, in "The House That Jack Built," a memorably striking bit of surrealistic sci-fi.

Oh, yes - Patrick Macnee is here too, lest we forget that he was the only actor to have starred in every season of the show. And he gets to play dress-up in these episodes, as much as Diana Rigg dresses down.

As usual, the interplay between the two is delightfully witty and sparkling, their interaction with numerous flamboyantly unusual villains (and more common thugs) well-choreographed and exciting.

What A Delight! What An Absolute Delight!
Two memories stand out more than any other from my childhood. One, the receipt of a new G.I. Joe -- any G.I. Joe, for any reason and at any occasion (at $5.00 each, which was money in the mid-60s). The other, watching episodes of "The Avengers" with my father. It was our favorite program. And how could it not be? Original, intelligent, loads and loads of fun. All made perfect by the magic of the charming, delightfully arrogant Patrick MacNee and the stupendous, mind-bogglingly stupendous, Diana Rigg. I must confess that I've always had a penchant for buxom blonde bombshells loaded with sin -- e.g., Jayne Mansfield. But no one has ever had more apPeel (sexual and otherwise) than Miss Rigg's Mrs. Peel. I recognized this even as a mere boy.

In this day of fatuous, vulgar entertainment, it is a genuine pleasure to be able to watch Steed and Mrs. Peel battle evil-doers with their incomparable panache. There's nothing on current television that can even hope to compare -- not even the excellent "X-Files," which (not coincidentally) owes so much to "The Avengers."

The episodes in this collection are exceptionally fine. If you have a heart condition, however, you may want to give "A Touch of Brimstone," with Mrs. Peel as the "Queen of Sin," a miss -- her outfit (with her in it, of course!) is heart-stopping.

Come and relive your childhood memories -- with the even more appreciative eye of an adult!

A sense of history encapsulates libraries before computers!
A sense of history deals with some less than innocent high jinks & a hysterical professor who resorts to murder. When a brilliant economist is murdered, Steed persaudes Mrs. Peel to enroll at the university he had intended to visit. As usual Emma deals with a hostile villain (a college student) coolly tossing him over her shoulder. Sly humor abounds. Emma finally knocks out her would be assassin in the library. The title that falls on top of him "How to develop a winning personality"! The motive for murder- the villain felt slighted and unappreciated. "Who was Grindley? Only an archivist- a glorified librarian!" Note the paper, books, lack of computers. Pre-computer age library set. The usual banter & dead bodies. Why does some poor chump always offer to meet Steed "later" only to end up a corpse? Note that this plot device recurs in The Danger Makers Honey for the Prince is my favorite of all the 7 on this set. Diana Rigg's comedic talents as well as her sexuality were showcased in this one. Emma does a steamy "dance of the 6 veils" going undercover- not literally, if she can help it! to foil an assassin. The degraded status of women in the harem, Emma's outrage at this repressive situation are conveyed by Mrs. Peel's look of horror when she reads her name on the duty roster in the harem! The Butler one is pricelessly funny. Emma is instructed to engage the attention of the amorous Captain Miles. Rigg' dodging MIles atempted seduction- his living room is "rigged" with instantly closing curtains, dim light, collapsible sofa, pull out bar etc. is amusing. Steed's repeated interruptions (he is undercover as the butler), and feels that he has to "save" Emma , as well as Miles frustration at Steed's instrusions are great fun. Nevertheless the indomitable Mrs. Peel can always be counted on to be resourceful. although one elderly ex general in his 80s looks at her and observes of her "Most distracting!" This was a better mix than the last boxed set of 7 of the color episodes of Rigg and MacNee. Weaker scripts sometimes the last year( 1967). The black and white set was well worth the price. Honey for the Prince and What the Butler Saw I rank in the top ten. Note Stee'd's delight "The butler did it!" I rate both of them ahead of A touch of Brimstone. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

U.N.C.L.E. family fun...
THE MAN from U.N.C.L.E. was one of the '60's most popular shows.
Robert Vaughn and David McCallum essayed the "We Spy" team of Napoleon Solo and Illa Kuryakin. Leo G. Carroll--formerly of TOPPER fame--was UN spy master who sent them off to weekly
adventures parodying 007 films which had captured imaginations of the cinema-watching world. Despite "cool head" humor of both Vaughn and McCallum, and appealing sang froid/savoir faire they brought to their characters, the material now strikes as dated in many instances. Not so VOLUME 1. THE STRIGAS AFFAIR,is U.N.C.L.E. at its witty best. Along with genuinely clever plot twists to ensnare war-mongering Werner Klemperer(Colonel Klink of HOGAN'S HEROES),there is a typical series gimmick of featuring classy guest stars. In this instance, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy of STAR TREK fame.

Episode 2,THE NEVER-NEVER AFFAIR is also serious fun with Barbara Feldon (Agent 99)of GET SMART facing-off against THRUSH, U.N.C.L.E. series' SPECTRE clone led --this time--by Caesar Romero. Some think the best of the BOND spy parodies was OUR MAN FLINT. Some think it was--and remain--Peter Sellers' Jacques Clousea, PINK PANTHER adventures. It's a debate of weight to be sure. Nevertheless: if you were a series fan; thought you were one; or wanted to be part of the U.N.C.L.E. family; Volume I is...in my estimate...a blank-filled, but on target sure-shot.

a great review for a great show!
If you love action, twists, and humor all rolled into one, get this video!! The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Vol. 1 is a great example of how the 60s reinvented cool! In this volume, the episodes are "The Project Strigas Affair" and "The Never Never Affair".

In the "Project Strigas Affair" William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy delight us with their first great performance together.(even though they were only in a couple scenes together)The episode sorta has a "Mission Impossible" feel to it. It's full of twists and schemes. We also see Illya test out some of his disguises! A must see!

"The Never Never Affair" has to be my FAVORITE episode of the whole series! In this episode Barbara Feldon (Agent 99 on "Get Smart") guest stars as the innocent Many Stevenson who longs for the glamour and excitment of espionage. Mandy bugs Napoleon to his breaking point, but instead of a real mission he gives her a fake one with the "Evasion Pattern Eight".(You sorta feel sorry for the girl.)He gives her a humadore(spelling?) and tells her to ask a guy at the tobbaco store to open it. Of course, she misleads a scientest into thinking she is a real courier and is handed a microdot(which she cleverly hides). This episode shows how they used humor in the series. My favorite parts were 1.)When Illya and Napoleon go into the movie theater and shoot it out with THRUSH, a guy gets shot and stands in front of someone. The person goes, "Hey, Down in front!"(the dead guy falls into a seat), "Thanks!" 2.)When Mandy goes throughout the streets thinking she's a REAL spy.3.) When Cesar Romero questions her on what the humadore is: CR:"It looks like a hum. and even smells like a hum., what is it?" MS:"Um, ah..humadore?(laughs)" 4.) The Over- The-Shoulder shot!
To make this simple(too late) get this video! You won't be disappointed!

One Of The Best One
This Is the best that i have seen.
Soom of the others i would just like one on the videos but i love them all

The Project Strigas Affair and The Never Never Affair
"The Project Strigas Affair" and "The Never Never Affair" are what I think are the best episodes in all of UNCLE's episodes. You just have to watch these two episodes if you love "Man from UNCLE".

Episode 9 "The Project Strigas Affair": Though usually UNCLE doesn't get involved in politics, Mr. Waverly asks Napoleon and Illya to make some 'diabolical scheme' to bring down a certain Balkan intelligence chief Kurasov (Werner Klemperer), who is trying to enflame America and U.S.S.R. tensions. Kurasov's assistant is (Leonard Nimoy). Napoleon and Illya (him disguised as a KGB spy), with the help of bankrupt couple, (William Shatner and Peggy Ann Garner), make up a fictional gas to catch Kurasov's attention: the gas named Strigas. * This has one of the best plots of all the UNCLE episodes. There are plenty of twists and turns, humor when needed, yet serious at some places. This is another episode of many which shows Illya as the master of disguises. This is the first time for the secondary villain, Woodrow Parfey, to play in the Man from UNCLE show. He would be playing in many more episodes in the time to come. This is also the first time for Star Trek William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy to act together. One of my favorite parts in the show is when says, "But that's absolutely diabolical," to which Napoleon replies, smiling, "We try."

Episode 25 "The Never Never Affair": Mandy Stevenson (Barbara Feldon) is an UNCLE Portuguese translator who wants excitement. Napoleon Solo feels sorry for her so he send her out on a fake mission to get Waverly's tobacco and Mandy mistakenly takes an important microfilm that THRUSH is after. Napoleon and Illya search the streets looking for her before THRUSH gets to her. Eventually, Mandy and Napoleon are caught by THRUSH leader Victor Gervais (Cesar Romero). The only thing is, the microfilm is on a microdot and Mandy has hidden it so well that THRUSH can't find it!* I love, love, love this episode! Everyone's great in here; Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, and especially Barbara Feldon as Mandy Stevenson. She's great! The plot is good, everyone's acting is good, and it's so funny, yet serious where it's supposed to be. Here are a couple of my favorite parts. 1) When Mandy tries to convince Napoleon to give her a mission and Napoleon gives the fake mission and 'evasion pattern number 8', which is a fictional route. 2) When Napoleon tries to explain to Mr. Waverly and Illya about sending Mandy on a fake mission. Especially when Mr. Waverly asks what route she's going by and Napoleon says, "Evasion Pattern 6". The look on Mr. Waverly and Illya's faces are so funny! 3) In the beginning when Illya's trying to get away from THRUSH. 4) When Victor Gervais is trying to convince Mandy to tell him where the microdot is. She tells him, "Let me warn you. I don't crack under pressure." He says, "Not at all?" Mandy replies, "Not... noticeably, no." And basically the rest of the show is great.

Napoleon Solo uses Captain Kirk & 99 to help save the world!
Whoever put together Volume 1 in the "Man From U.N.C.L.E." Collection apparently decided the classic spy spoof series of the Sixties could not be marketed on its own merits and offers a pair of episodes featuring future television icons William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy from "Star Trek" and Barbara Feldon from "Get Smart." However, that does not take away from the surprising discovery that these are two of the best episodes from the show's first season. "The Project Strigas Affair" (Episode #9: November 24, 1964), finds Shatner and Peggy Ann Garner as a couple who are recruited for Napoleon Solo's scheme to stop a diplomat, played by Werner Kemperer of "Hogan's Heroes" fame, who is trying to heat up the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Technically Shatner and Nimoy are in some scenes "together," but they do not really act together. Still, this is there first appearance on screen together. This episode was written by Henry Misrock and directed by Joseph Sargent.

In "The Never-Never Affair" (Episode #25: March 22, 1965), Feldon plays Mandy Stevenson, a translator at U.N.C.L.E. who wants excitement and gets more than she bargained for. Solo sends her out to get more pipe tobacco for Mr. Waverly, but tells her it is a secret mission. Of course she ends up with a microdot containing key information about THRUSH., which means bad guy Victor Gervais (Cesar Romero, the Joker on "Batman") is after poor Mandy. "The Never-Never Affair" is one of the best lighthearted episodes from the series, although Illya Kuryakin again gets little to do. Also directed by Sargent, this was writer Dean Hargrove's first "U.N.C.L.E." episode. Here we have one of the few times Volume 1 of a video collection of a television series actually has nothing but great episodes on it. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

In Spanish too
I feel happy that tv series that I watched many years ago . Now I can get them in DVD, but these serios were no popular just in USA in other countries of Latin America was popular too. It should be make in Spanish too or with subtitles in several languages. Thanks

When's the DVD coming out????
I see all of these other old school TV shows coming out on DVD. Mission: Impossible was a great show and deserves its spot for a DVD release for each season.

Impossible to Match
I saw many of the Mission Impossible series as a teenager. I also read the original paperback book when it came out which was made as Vol. #7. Steven Hill playing Daniell Briggs (the first season)and Peter Graves ( all subsequent seasons) as Jim Phelps both play excellent as the genius mastermind Team leader of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) a top American government group virtually unknown to the rest of the top secret agencies. During his college days Dan or Jim majored in psychology at a top west coast university and was a chess champion. The rest of the IMF is composed of the beautiful model and Fem Fatale, Cinnamon Carter played by Barbara Bain is excellent. The academy award winner, Martin Landau who eventually married Barbara plays Rollin Hand, the magician and master of disguise. Black actor, Greg Morris does a superb job as Barney Collier, electronics genius with a prestigious background. The strong man or weight lifting world record holder, William (Willie) Armitage played by Peter Lupus is the brawn on the Team. he certainly looked the part also. Together the IMF carries out missions against impossible odds to rescue people, con enemy states, and change the courses of governments for the betterment of the free world especially without causing wars. This first volume is excellent in introducing this Team of specialists with exciting and intruiging plots and ways the IMF thwarts and bamboozles the opponent in the pilot and also in the second story called the Photographer which Anthony Zerbe stars. All of the Mission Impossible series are excellent and demonstrates how things can be accomplished through nonviolent methods also. The CIA actually did accomplish some similiar things which are now becoming declassified. This show was one of my favorite TV shows in the sixties and early seventies. You will enjoy them as well!!

Introducing you to the Cold War and the IMF Team
"Mission Impossible" originally ran from 1966 and 1973, telling tales of the Impossible Mission Force, a group of highly specialized government agents who were usually involved in disrupting the activities of small foreign powers trying to mess with the United States and the Free World. The group leader, Daniel Briggs (Steven Hill) in the first season and Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) for the rest of the show's run, put together the team and developed the complex plan to pull off the impossible mission; Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain) was the the beautiful female member of the team, Rollin Hand (Martin Landau) the master of disguise, Barney Collier (Greg Morris) was the electronics expert, and William Armitage (Peter Lupus) the muscle.

This first tape in the "Mission Impossible" series has the pilot and a choice episode from the show's second season. In the pilot episode (9/17/66), Wally Cox plays a safecracker who has to sneak into the vault of a hotel to steal a couple of nuclear warheads from a military dictator. This was the only episode of the show written by series creator Bruce Geller. This is not a classic episode per se, but it clearly sets the template for the entire series. "The Photographer" (12/17/67), written by two of the show's most productive writers, William Read Woodfield and Allan Balter, deals with biological warfare. Enemy agents intend to spread pneumonic plague and a top photographer (Anthony Zerbe) is the key contact. The IMF fakes a nuclear attack on New York to get the key to the code. Yes, there is a large degree of irony in watching this particular episode today, but remember what things were like in the Sixties. "The Photographer" is a classic MI episode and along with the pilot makes this an excellent tape to have for fans of the series.

Final Note: For my money the title sequence for this show is definitely one of the ten best ever, not just because of Lalo Schifrin's memorable theme music but because of the way shots from the episode were mixed in with the burning fuse and shots of the cast. You always saw enough to get interested in what was to happen, but they never let the cat out of the bag enough to ruin the episode.

Mission: Impossible, Vol. 1
I Thought that these two episodes were two of the best. One the first episode had Steven Hill starring who I think in some cases is better at the part than Peter Graves is. Two the second episode had a clever set up. But I won't explain it to you I want you to see it for youself. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Exchange
There are two episodes on this tape. The Mercenaries and The Exchange. The Exchange is a major and exciting departure for M.I. It is the only episode where an MI agent is captured (Cinnamon) at the beginning. The entire show is based on an exciting and creative "rescue".

This is a show that the creator (Bruce Gellar) did not want to make. Later this became one of his favorite shows. Phelps is clearly pained by Cinnamons capture and the rescue is a "cold war" stroke of genius. A must see!!

The Mercenaries
I renember of watching "The Mercenaries" for the first time. I consider it one of the bets MI episodes ever! It was very inteligent.

I have the picture of the villian (with a Fidel Castro looking) shooting Rollin when he fiunds ot that Rollin is an IMF agent.

The golden stealing scene was really well planed and really well done (I hear that the golden bars whre Ice Creams tablets). I read in a megazine that this scene became very famous.

It was always good to see IMF on action. In my opinion, "The Mercenaries is the second best episode of MI's season 3. It only looses for "The Mind of Staphan Miklos". ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Put this show on DVD
This entire series needs to be put on DVD soon and with many special features! I loved this show since I was a kid. The original TV show blows the movies away ... BIG TIME.

SLP Recording really ruins video quality !
Good video. Poor delivery.

I was really annoyed by the fact that the video producers decided to shave pennies off of their costs by recoding in SLP (Super Long Play) mode.

Fantastic plots sold here
Want to bend your mind a bit? Let the IMF do it with these two as Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) matches wits with hyperintelligent secret agent Stefan Miklos (Steve Ihnat in one of his best performances ever) as Phelps seeks to destroy a spy ring that has penetrated American intelligence by leading the enemy's most accomplished thinker through turn after turn to completely dupe him in the process. When your brain stops hurting with the dense plot and amazing attention to logical detail, try the even more phenomenal "Live Bait" where Phelps and the IMF must keep American spy Orin Selby (John Crawford) by being unmasked by enemy security chief Helmut Kellerman (Anthony Zerbe in another fine guest role). Watch for the great subplot with Kellerman's faithless assistant Brock (Martin Sheen) and his scheming girlfriend (Diana Ewing). Buy this video *now*.

A Must-See
Two of the most intelligent and elegantly-wrtten episodes of the all-time great, "Graves-and the Landaus season" Mission: Impossible. If you haven't seen these two, you haven't watched Mission: Impossible at all. Don't miss them. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Doesn't have the greatest of plots, but still fun to watch!
Volume 5 has episodes "The Off-Broadway Affair" and "The Take Me To Your Leader Affair", both which appeared on Man from UNCLE's third season. The Man from UNCLE series is one of my favorite TV series ever to watch! But I must confess, these episodes do not have great plot (thus the 3 stars) but still I love the episodes! Lots of funny parts! The main characters are Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn, "Bullit" and "The Magnificent Seven") and favorite the enigmatic and quiet Russian, Illya Kuryakin played to perfection by actor David McCallum (another great movie with him is "The Great Escape").

Episode 69 "The Off-Broadway Affair": When an off-broadway actress is killed after trying to contact UNCLE, Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) are sent to investigate. They feel that the murdered actress had information about how THRUSH has recently been getting information through UNCLE's main computers. With the help of understudy, Janet Jarrod (Shari Lewis), they go up against THRUSH agents Machina (Leon Askin) and Linda (Joan Huntington) before anymore of UNCLE's valuable information is stolen. * A so-so episode with fun Shari Lewis, who I'm sure everyone knows her from her TV show, "Lamb Chops". We get to see her sing "All God's Children Have Rhythm" and watch her perform the song "Stand Up and March". And what a surprise, we get to see David M