July 23rd, 2025
51 comments
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Blake’s 7 The Collection Series 2 Blu-ray UK/USA
Yes we know it’s not Doctor Who but we know some visitors will be interested in this and are already talking about it.
Available to order in the UK from www.amazon.co.uk
Available to order in the USA from www.amazon.com
Also available: Series 1 from www.amazon.co.uk and www.amazon.com
Blake’s 7 Series 2 continues the story of resistance leader Roj Blake and his crew aboard the Liberator as they fight against the totalitarian Terran Federation.
Following the events of Series 1, the Federation, led by Supreme Commander Servalan and her ruthless enforcer Travis, intensifies efforts to destroy Blake and his crew. Over the course of the series, Blake becomes increasingly obsessed with striking a decisive blow against the Federation, leading the team on a series of dangerous missions.
Episodes: Redemption, Shadow, Weapon, Horizon, Pressure Point, Trial, Killer, Hostage, Countdown, Voices From the Past, Gambit, The Keeper, Star One.
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Andrew Peppitt
July 20th, 2025 - 10:46pmI just love Blakes 7 full stop!
Was always my favourite as a kid, and always will be.
I love all 4 seasons, I no particular order.
They all have good and bad bits as do all tv series.
Just to have it on blu ray is a blessing.
Enjoy.
Gordon
July 21st, 2025 - 10:43amHaving read the excellent production diaries for both season 1 and 2 it was astounding this show was ever made at all. It really is a guide of how not to make a sci fi show.
I mean it’s a replacement show for softly softly a cop show that had the same budget despite needing far more elaborate models costumes and sets. Season 1 was completely written by Terry nation who was clearly burned out by the end of the season with late and short scripts. Chris Boucher really was the glue that held that together. It says it all that Terry went from doing 13 eps to 3 a season for 2 and 3 and even that wasnt the original plan for s2.
The filming on season 1 was a bit of a nightmare due to the strike shooting style that worked well on softly softly being unsuitable for Blake’s 7 with so many additional effects causing episodes constantly going over and ending up having to film additional days eating up rehearsal days on other eps. Things were that crazy that they were working on 4 eps one week with 4 different directors also adding Stephen Greif injuring himself after the location filming
The visual effects department was really stretched to ridiculous levels and paid an absolute pittance for 1978 levels. Ian scoones wrote a letter about his frustration over the whole thing that highlights it all and it’s astounding.
They finished shooting season 1 13 days before broadcast and the score was recorded about 4 days before broadcast.
Thankfully things were changed for season 2 with block filming brought in which solved quite a bit of the problems. Not all of them though.
Terry was originally supposed to be writing 5 eps but he couldn’t make the 2 part finale work so was contributions was cut to 3. Replacing Stephen with Brian in the role of travis also brought up unfortunate comparisons despite how fine an actor they both are/were. Brian also had issues with George Spenton-Foster which also effected his usage. There was also the issue in hostage where Duncan Lamont filmed the location material then died before the studio material was shot. His replacement ended up being let go after the location filming was reshot due to his unreliability due to his addiction. Finally John Abineri got the job and did a fantastic job.
The finale had run out of money that they
Finally Gareth and sally left after 2 seasons and would have been 1 but were contractually obligated.
And this is just seasons 1 and 2. Season 3 obviously has a change of cast and pace to deal with as well as a show finale that obviously didn’t end up being that. Season 4 obviously had its issues with being a last minute commission and it also being a season that wasn’t planned.
Looking forward to the season 3 production diary coming out later in the year. How valuable the first 2 releases have been that Chris chapman brought the author on board as a consultant to advise on the season overviews.
This is Ian Scoones letter which tells you all you need to know about his issues with the production. Unsurprisingly he did not return for season 2:
BLAKE’S 7 Re Visual Effects
From Ian Scoones VIS/FX Designer
Now that the first series of thirteen episodes has been completed and transmitted I feel it is my duty to itemise certain difficulties, problems and frustrations which have been experienced by both the visual effects designers and their teams of assistants.
There was no doubt that originally Blake’s 7 offered a huge potential to boost the importance through contribution of excellent effects both in the miniature model area and the live action action sequences on film and in the studio. What happened however, as the series progressed, or rather regressed, and the studio dates got nearer and nearer the transmission dates was compromise – which left a lot the effects – unconvincing and much to be desired.
Our team of effects started off trying to service the commitments of four production teams which was virtually impossible. We eventually found ourselves required on location by one director, in the studio for another, at Ealing by a third, and also trying to obtain complicated model shots for the fourth; all in the same week, and sometimes on the same day!! By episode four, a second team was formed which solved some of the problems, but not all.
Blake’s 7 could have been an effects vehicle – instead, we became the least important area of contribution, with the directors giving least thought to our effort as they thought themselves lucky to even get their own commitments in the can, often with pages being dropped, or changed at the last moment.
So tight was the schedule, that some of the artists were being filmed at Ealing, while other members of the cast were on location while the third director would be at outside rehearsal. All this led eventually to effects props being designed, constructed and either never used, as artists hadn’t rehearsed with them, or there was no recording time left to use them, or ‘one take’ explosions – unrehearsed. Not a professional way to carry on.
My assistants have had to work weekends in order to complete special props – only to find that on the day they were not ‘seen’ by the camera, or used in a way not intended, or worse still, not used at all! This has, apart from a demoralising effect, a hidden worry to the department as a whole. Compulsory leave is accumulated on such shows due to the overtime involved which eventually grinds our man-power to a halt, so other show either suffer or can’t be accepted, as there is literally no-one to do them.
My biggest complaint must be directed towards programme planning who presumably had no conception of what extra time, money and expertise a science-fiction series needs in order to lift it out of the common place television serial which does not have ‘hidden areas’.
We no know that Blake’s 7 was planned and given allocations as another police series – initially visual effects was budgeted with just £50 per programme!! Audiences are getting more and more sophisticated with such epics as Star Wars and Close Encounters on the big screen, and TV series backed by the US on the competitive channel. The planning logic of the BBC is just not good enough, and unless the budget and time is increased for visual effects, we cannot even attempt to compete.
The availability of scripts was another problem. We had to design from original drafts so that work could be started – things were subsequently changed adding extra problems. This was also a headache to directors – working sometimes to a new draft, read at breakfast time, yet we were filming it at Ealing that morning!
This unsatisfactory way of working also led to a terrible lack of continuity by the four directors, all working independently to each other which often involved visual effects. I give for example the call by one director: that every time our Liberator gun blasts a piece of masonry (missing its victim) the wall or pillar should be half-demolished. Fair enough, but when the same gun finds its victim; instead of being spread to the four winds – he falls with a little groan, clutching a small smoking shoulder or stomach!!
For my part, the worst let-down to Blake’s 7 was the total lack of understanding where model shots were concerned which led to the eventual loss of exterior model shots, both spaceships and establishing planet terrains – ever necessary to good science-fiction series.
After episode 3, no model shots were cut together to build up a sequences, instead we just had the odd isolated shot or take used here and repeated there; and as little as possible, with graphic shots often chosen in preference!
Directors when editing never had time to see or select everything that had been shot on the effects rolls, cut together for this very purpose. The first likely shot, and certainly not the best arrived at, would be used, and this usually was an ungraded rush print, with the odd wire or model support rod still showing through, often going out like this on transmission – not even being ‘tweaked’ down electronically.
Indeed, certain improved re-takes of the Liberator, were never included on the original effects roll, and therefore never reached the directors in time for inclusion into their particular episodes.
Personally, I’ve never been so frustrated on any programme made by the BBC, by the ‘corner-cutting’ and lack of sympathy in the effects area, in order to get the programme out in time.
As there is another series I hope these points will be noted so that things can improve to make Blake’s 7 a successful hit series instead of middle of the road ‘cardboard space filler’, as one critic called it.
The production and vis/fx achieved a lot more only because of dedicated enthusiasm – which was luck y for the programme – but with more planning, time, money, it could have been so much more commercially slicker.
I know I speak for my co-designer and assistants.
IAN SCOONES
Vis/FX Designer “Blake’s 7”
29th March 1978
Peter
July 21st, 2025 - 7:36pmGordon – amazing summary there! Thank you.
I didn’t realise S1 in particular had been so frantic. The Scoones letter is an extraordinary workplace document. The line manager in me was going “right, this is going to take some tact to respond to…”. 🙂
Ricky
July 22nd, 2025 - 7:33amI’m with you Andrew ,love it all.
Thanks for that post Gordon,incredible info.
beef
July 20th, 2025 - 2:53pmfirst word ends in S, second word starts with S. what were they thinking?
Amypondfan
July 20th, 2025 - 7:21pm???
Cardinal Hordriss
July 18th, 2025 - 11:29pmZen always gets overlooked as one of the seven…
Zen
July 19th, 2025 - 3:55pmConfirmed
Prof Horner
July 18th, 2025 - 3:42pmSo which series of Blake’s Seven is the best do we think? For me it’s series three followed by series one and two. With series four well last.
roj
July 18th, 2025 - 6:05pmBeginning of series one is the best, it goes downhill when they find the Liberator
Duncan
July 18th, 2025 - 9:31pmI’ve never seen B7 even though I’m old enough to remember it being on the telly. Dunno if I’m dicing with death but I’m holding back on these blu rays until they’re all released. Hopefully, there will be a Complete Series Boxset, in which case …take my dosh !!!!!
Gordon
July 19th, 2025 - 8:40amSeason 1 is probably my favourite season as it’s got a lot of my favourite episodes like the way back, space-fall, seek, locate destroy, duel and orac but overall season 2 is better produced and written. There is a couple of duds but I think every season has duds and the duds in season 2 are more entertaining than ones in season 1. Even the keeper which I feel is the worst of season 2 has some entertainment. Season 2 highlights and important eps include Redemption, shadow, pressure point, trial, killer countdown, and not forgetting star one which is up there with the best b7.
When it comes to season 3 and 4 I’m less familiar with it. I’ve seen both maybe 2-3 times. I do prefer 3 to 4. 3 has less clunkers to 4. Aftermath, powerplay, city at the edge of the world (worth it for Colin baker alone), children of auron, sarcophagus and terminal.
Season 4 never hugely gelled with me. Apart from orbit and the excellent finale I’m not sure what else to recommend as most didn’t really leave much of an impression. A very mixed bag of a season
Peter
July 19th, 2025 - 7:40pm2, 3, 4 and 1 is the order for me.
I wonder when this boxset is going to be out in the UK? Also, anyone know what episode they are showing at the August 9th event in Newcastle? I hope it’s my fav, “Gambit”. 🙂
Gordon
July 20th, 2025 - 4:20amI’m expecting it October/November time. I suspect things are still being delivered for it. Chris chapman delivered something that was 1 hour 52 mins earlier this week that I fully expect to be the making of for s2 Blake 7. Just called it one of his moon balloon documentaries and no mention of who ray suggests to me that it’s not doctor who related.
As for what episode that is being shown at I have no idea. It’s not bbc affiliated so I would be surprised if it’s any of the new s2 remasters. I suspect the debut will be getting saved for the inevitable bfi screening whenever that is
Prowl 1701
July 20th, 2025 - 4:45amI wonder if this series will get updated effects like series 1 did.
Gordon
July 20th, 2025 - 5:10amThat’s an absolute certainty. Chris Thompson who did the s1 effects has been busy working on it for months
Prof Horner
July 18th, 2025 - 3:31pmSo which series of Blake’s Seven do we think is the best ? For me it’s series three. With series one ,then two and with series four well last. Having said that Glynis Barber is very nice!
Bellal
July 18th, 2025 - 6:08pmSeries 3 BT far the peak. Series 2 second, 1 is third with Series 4 last. However I must say, not at all a dud season, didn’t outstay its welcome
Gordon
July 18th, 2025 - 1:01pmLee binding posted the artwork on his socials
Ricky
June 11th, 2025 - 1:53pmChalkys store have a release date of 10/11/25 for this ,maybe guess work on their part as I would of thought its more likely to be out late summer.
Gordon
June 11th, 2025 - 2:07pmThat’s pretty much bang on a year since season 1. Suppose it’s possible. Though I’m hoping it’s a lot earlier
Gordon
June 6th, 2025 - 9:17pmChris Thompson posted on his ct design and illustration facebook page: season 2 delivered.
Tardis 2
May 21st, 2025 - 9:43pmI wonder when it’ll be released?
Gordon
May 22nd, 2025 - 12:05amStill being worked on according to mat Irvine at a convention a couple of weeks back.
My guess is they put the pre order up early as to reassure people it’s continuing
Tardis2
May 22nd, 2025 - 8:18amThanks Gordon.
Auton
March 17th, 2025 - 8:27amI wonder when we will get a trailer and list of new special features for this release?
Craig F
March 24th, 2025 - 9:59pmWith any luck next month with a possible May/June release.
Walter Hardback
March 10th, 2025 - 7:14amThe perfect seats on which to watch B7?
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/stamford/catalogue-id-the-st10136/lot-53957a04-d164-404e-a764-b29200abf67a?queryid=50539244acf94cf52d0b1fbc7abd0c99
Ricky
June 10th, 2025 - 9:37amThanks for posting this ,it did amuse me . Shame we don’t have a like option on the posts .
Gordon
February 28th, 2025 - 8:44pmChris Thompson on x/twitter: Not going to say much until we have something to show but if you liked the new FX for Series A then we may have gone a bit nuts for series B…
LondonJustin
March 3rd, 2025 - 9:05amThere is a LOT they could do for Star One (to replace the intergalactic invasion of the kitchen implements) and I am totally excited to see what they’re going to do there!
Craig F
February 28th, 2025 - 7:04pmIt’s number one already in Amazons best sellers chart.
D84
February 28th, 2025 - 11:46amInstant pre order
Cant wait
Lee
February 28th, 2025 - 3:33amI hadn’t expected this until the end of the year, season 2 is outstanding. My personal favourite episode is Redemption. A perfect sequel to season 1’s “Orac”, I just love the reveal of the creators of the Liberator. Really looking forward to this.
Gordon
February 27th, 2025 - 11:53pmI wasn’t expecting this to get announced today. I
I’m hoping for a may/june release. Leaves the door open for November release of season 3 and a mid may 2026 release of s4.
I know at least there was new commentaries planned to be recorded as jan Chappell and Brian croucher said back in November they were going to record in January.
As for the extras I’d guess:
Alternative fx on all 13 eps
Liberation: making of season 2 (new Chris chapman 2025 version)
Gareth Thomas tribute
In conversation: Brian Croucher
In conversation: Jan Chappell
The making of Blake 7 season 2 (archival kevin Jon Davies version)
New Commentaries
Some convention footage
Previous dvd extras and commentaries
Some pdf material (there is far less pdf material than season 1 so don’t expect a lot)
Craig F
February 28th, 2025 - 12:20amI’m still hopeful of new finds of film trims/inserts & possibly scripts donated or loaned.
Time will tell I suppose.
Prowl 1701
February 28th, 2025 - 6:43amWas there any film elements that survive for series 2?
Gordon
February 28th, 2025 - 10:05amI asked around and the only film elements that are said to exist for 2,3 and 4 are for s3 ep 7 Children of Auron.
There isn’t much paperwork that survives either according to Richard bignell. Only 1 production file for each of the remaining seasons remain and each is for the opening episode of each season and for either season 3 or 4 (he can’t remember which) just contains an editing script. The majority of 2,3 and 4 are microfilm scripts but they are hunting for hard copies as they are higher quality due to the lower resolution the microfilm scripts were scanned in
Walter Hardback
February 28th, 2025 - 12:20pmDon’t forget that Steve Roberts saved the final episode film inserts from a bin (as used on the DVD). Paul V acquired the Auron film relatively recently.
Prowl 1701
February 28th, 2025 - 5:30pmSo seems series 1 had the most surviving film elements of the show. I’m enjoying series 1 and looking forward to series 2.
Craig F
February 28th, 2025 - 6:32pmWith no original film elements available for season 2 maybe this was why we had a quicker than expected announcement.
Less restoration needed so would say season 3 should be out by the end of the year.
The Final Act…
February 27th, 2025 - 11:34pmOne of the greatest and most influential seasons of TV ever made.
Duncan
July 18th, 2025 - 9:33pmNow I’m definitely interested. I haven’t seen B7, even though I’m old enough to have been around when it was on. Just hanging back for a Complete Series Boxset in a few years – fingers crossed!
Nick
February 27th, 2025 - 9:43pmAmazing !
MIKK89
February 27th, 2025 - 8:47pmSTAR ONE With a New Fleet of Alien Ships and new effects… HELL YEAH!
ChrisP
February 27th, 2025 - 9:22pmAlternative ending with daleks!
(I can dream)
Craig F
February 28th, 2025 - 12:15amWas thinking that too, I always thought the ending was a cop out.
In reality they just couldn’t afford to do a major space battle until now.
ChrisP
February 27th, 2025 - 8:07pmNormally I am a bit neutral about new effects but I loved the new fx on series 1. So have already preordered immediately.
ChrisP
February 27th, 2025 - 8:05pmWorth it for Gambit alone!
Craig F
February 28th, 2025 - 12:11amAgreed by far the best episode of all 4 seasons with orbit in second place.
You can’t beat a Robert Holmes story in my opinion.
Peter
February 28th, 2025 - 10:14amTotally agree with you guys: it may not be an exactly typical story, but ‘Gambit’ is by my fav of the whole show. “You 10 credit touch!”. Wasn’t expecting this release so soon, so that’s a nice end to the week. 🙂