Ultimate science fiction cult comes to home cinema for the first time: this space adventure has made history

Commander McLane and his crew report back – and how! “Orion space patrol“ is celebrating its big comeback in home theater. And it will be better than ever.

Because EuroVideo Medien not only brings back the legendary space adventure, but also makes the ultimate science fiction classic from German television history shine in unprecedented splendor. The series will be released as a complete set as a standard edition on December 7, 2023 DVD* and as a media book edition Bluray* – and also celebrates its premiere in 4K!

All versions not only include all seven 1966 episodes in full length, but the collection also combines the TV format for the first time with the producer’s cut “Return to the Cinema,” which hit theaters in 2003. DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray contain the content fully restored in 4K – and differ only in the resolution (SD, HD, Ultra HD). As a bonus, there are interviews with the cast and crew, impressions of the cinema premiere, a look behind the scenes and more.

“Space Patrol Orion”: the full load of science fiction cult

“Space Patrol – The Fantastic Adventures of the Spaceship Orion”, as the series was originally called, is the first and best-known German science fiction series – and is the result of a courageous attempt by ARD to enter new TV territory. And the risk paid off: the adventures of commander Cliff McLane (Dietmar Schönherr) and his crew were the topic of conversation at the time – and thanks to the attractive time slot on Saturday evening (after the Tagesschau) they captivated an audience of millions in front of their television sets.

The format achieved viewing figures of up to 56 percent, unthinkable by today’s standards, and was broadcast a total of twenty times on various German TV channels around the turn of the millennium – but still ended quickly after just seven episodes. Because despite the enormous success, not only the enormous production costs proved to be a decisive factor, international sales also proved difficult. In retrospect, it is obvious that it was not possible to market “Raum Patrol Orion” in the US: at the time – the series made its debut in September 1966 – color television had already been introduced there, which made it possible because the German black and white Hit didn’t exactly make it any easier to get my foot in the door.

However, that does not alter the fact that the series has been revered as a cult for almost six decades – which was also recognized by Netflix a few years ago, adding the format to the program in 2020. However, this is no longer available for the red “N”. But on ARD Plus – and soon in brand new picture and sound quality on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray.

That’s what “Space Patrol Orion” is about

In the distant future of the year 3000, it is up to a space fleet to protect humanity from dangers from the universe – and after all, they come in all shapes and sizes. But Captain McLane and his crew are not afraid of the alien invaders and boldly embark on their adventurous missions.