1990: The Complete Collection [DVD]

Although this vintage piece will be lost on those who don't remember the Britain of the 1970s, for those who remember the social and political turmoil of the pre-Thatcher era this is a masterpiece of dystopian future drama. Written in the mid 70s and set in 1990, Britain's industrial and economic woes have brought about the suspension of democratic and legal norms. The giant trades unions collaborate with bureaucrats to implement a system public control in which free speech and travel abroad are restricted, basic foodstuffs and fuel are strictly rationed and only privileged members of the elite are able to purchase luxuries and imported foreign goods. Dissidents are closely monitored by secret police and are imprisoned in Adult Rehabilitation Centres where their brains are scrambled . What I find so enthralling about the whole scenario is that it is all based closely on the actual realities of life in the Eastern Bloc countries before the fall of communism. The two series narrate the battle of journalist Kyle's battle against the Public Control Department, actor Edward Woodward excels in the role - this must be one of his finest.

Long before the internet, long before mobile phone, they were still watching you.It's funny to look at it now, but in that series everybody had ID cards and papers, the Unions ruled the workplace and people were actually being smuggled out of the country. Meetings with more than a certain number of people were forbidden. Those who disagreed were "Re-educated".Into this scenario comes Our Hero, a journalist, who along with similar minded friends aims to change the system and make life more bearable for people.The series on its own merits is well worth a watch.

Although a low budget show, it has an excellent storyline with a great cast. It’s a chilling reminder about how Governments can insidiously take away our accepted freedoms. I see it happening here in Scotland.

This show was brilliant. Insightful and applicable to what is potentially happening to our nations today. Not just in the west but think how we are recklessly hurling headlong towards this dystopian/ totalitarian structure of unaccountable shadowy officials, rampant poverty, poor education. What we are witnessing in China today should send shivers down occidental spines! Though the show was made 45 years ago, now with such advances in technology today, it is all the more sobering. Edward Woodward excellent as the protagonist really giving weight to the role. Not to be missed. Please watch!

This 1970's British TV series explores the alt.history of a shadowy bureaucracy that micromanages society. Surveillance monitoring is depicted and its consequences. Edward Woodward as a savvy media personality is well done

I watched an episode of this on a very old VHS and enjoyed it so I had to order this set of series one and two plus it was cheaper than getting the series one at a time. it is a 70's drama very loosely based on 1984.

Great dystopian drama-thriller, from the late 70s. May hit many themes that are well trodden by today's standards, but still delivers some nice story lines, and as cliched as it might be to say, does seem quite prophetic where many current governmental initiatives are concerned.

1984+6, an interesting drama , filmed in the 1970s but set in 1990. A Big Brother(1984) style future. The always excellent Edward Woodward heads the cast and us the linchpin around which the stories revolve. Not quite Callan standard but good drama nonetheless. Recommended