DVD released: March 28th, 2006
Approximate running time: 330 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Full Frame
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
DVD Release: Dark Sky Films
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: $29.98

Peter Brady is a scientist who works for the British government who accidentally discovers the formula for invisibility. He agrees to work as an undercover agent for the British government while he works on an antidote to reverse his invisibility.

The 13 episodes that make up season one are “Secret Experiment”, “Crisis in the Desert”, “Behind the Mask”, “The Locked Room”, “Picnic With Death”, “Play to Kill”, “Shadow on the Screen”, “The Mink Coat”, “Blind Justice”, “Jailbreak”, “Bank Raid”, “Odds Against Death” and “Strange Partners.”

Anyone who is remotely knowledgeable about the novel written by H.G. Wells or the film directed by James Whale which stars Claude Rains will quickly notice just how different this version of the Invisible man is from its predecessors.

These episodes are equal parts espionage and science fiction with some minor instances off humor that rarely hits the mark. Turning the Invisible Man into a secret agent ruins the great premise originated by H.G.Wells in his novel.

In the novel the Invisible Man’s greatest enemy is himself as he struggles with his new found invisibility. The series approach of making him into a hero reduces the character into a caricature that chases the latest nemesis each week. Special effects wise there are few impressive effects that will make your jaw drop, still many other effects are standard and obvious at best.

Fans of action adventure series will enjoy this series immensely while those looking for an Invisible Man more like the one H.G. Welles created will feel let down by the changes made to the character.

The DVD:

Dark Sky Films present H.G. Wells’ Invisible Man in its original full frame aspect ratio. Black levels are strong, contrast is solid and detail looks sharp through out. For a T.V. series that is nearly fifty years old the overall quality of the transfer is simple amazing.

This release comes with three audio options English, Spanish and French language tracks which are all presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 remix. The audio is equally as impressive as the video as it is free of any hiss or distortion and the music, effects and dialog sound evenly mixed.

Sadly no bonus features have been included for this release. It would have been cool if more background information on the series had been included. To Dark Sky Films credit they do list each episodes original air date when you access the episodes via the chapter menu. They have gone the extra mile with their cover art for this release which is a see through hologram cover.

Despite the lack of extras Dark Sky Films H.G. Wells’ Invisible Man is solid DVD release that is sure to please fans of the series with its first rate audio/video presentation.

For more information about H.G. Wells’ Invisible Man and other titles released by Dark Sky Films visit their website.