The Invaders

Does anybody know if the 1967/1968 series THE INVADERS will be released on a DVD box in the future ?
On EBay there are often VHS tapes for sale. Often the whole 43 episodes. I´m not sure if I should buy them or wait of a DVD release.

Best wishes,

CHRIS

Bring on the DVDs!!!

^
Right On!!

"How does a nightmare begin? For David Vincent, architect, returning home from a business trip, it begins at a few minutes past four on a lost Tuesday morning, looking for a shortcut which he never found. It began with a welcoming sign that gave hope of black coffee. It began with a closed, deserted diner, and a man too long without sleep to continue his journey. In the weeks to come, David Vincent would go back to how it all began...many times!"--Opening narration from the premiere episode of THE INVADERS (ABC-TV entitled "Beachhead" (10/01/1967) teleplay by George Eckstein from a submitted script by Anthony Wilson and directed by Joseph Sargent.

"Twenty-five years before THE X-FILES posited that aliens are already among us and up to no good. David Vincent began his lonely two-year quest to save the world. Alternately pursuer and pursued, openly unhappy about his role as a modern-day Paul Revere, and often pessimistic about his chances of success, Vincent proved a far more complex hero than 1960s television audiences were used to, and the perfect centerpiece of a SF series more downbeat and realistic than any that had preceded it. Using subterfuge to infiltrate human society, the aliens relied on humans' natural skepticism toward 'crackpots' like David Vincent to protect them from anyone who stumbled onto their existence and tried to blow the whistle on their invasion plan."--Stephen Bowie, SF Television Historian.

"It's an oft-repeated statement that KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER served as the inspiration for THE X-FILES, but Chris Carter's cult tv series owes a lot to Larry Cohen's 1967-68 series THE INVADERS. Carter should be thankful for THE INVADERS' mood, atmosphere, persistent paranoia, and not least, the alien conspiracies that abound in Earth's society without the knowledge of the general public. Although he's credited with creating the concept of the series, what's not so well known is that Cohen actually had no participation in the making of the series. Cohen left THE INVADERS in executive producer Quinn Martin's capable hands and departed, occupying himself with other projects. Martin's series focused on the life-changing events for architect David Vincent (actor Roy Thinnes), as he stumbled across the starkly cold and sober realization that extraterrestrial aliens were among us, and were preparing for an invasion of our planet. THE INVADERS lasted for two seasons and detailed the adventures of Vincent as he wandered throughout the United States, trying to penetrate the aliens' agenda on Earth. Frequently, he tried convincing important people that he's not crazy and that THE INVADERS are real and alive on the planet. Eventually, a group of 'believers' joined him in the crusade including a billionaire who helped on the financial side of things. But THE INVADERS went off the air, as many series do, without a resolution."--Frank Garcia, SF Television Historian.

"THE INVADERS was no kiddie SF outing like LOST IN SPACE. In fact, it was so unrelentingly serious, it made STAR TREK, which had a season's jump on THE INVADERS, look like CAPTAIN VIDEO. Where STAR TREK had fun amid its moralizing, THE INVADERS was a bleak, uncompromising examination of an obsessive hero trapped in a world-wide conspiracy. THE INVADERS was cancelled after two seasons. ABC-TV had a problem with it. It was too sophisticated for a SF show and too wild for the audience that enjoyed THE FUGITIVE."--Will Murray, Entertainment Media Writer and Interviewer, Author (DOC SAVAGE, THE SHADOW).

THE INVADERS! Did someone here mention THE INVADERS?

Ya! When are we going to see this superb, brilliant, exemplary, magnificent, fantastic, amazing and cool 1960s SF tv series masterpiece finally released on DVD?

Does making a request in this particular discussion forum really help any?

Anyhow you have my undying support.

Bring on THE INVADERS starring ROY THINNES!

"How does a nightmare end? Not here in the forgotten town of Kinney...perhaps in Bakersfield. Perhaps at some undiscovered beachhead in another state...or another continent. Perhaps for David Vincent it will never end!"--Closing narration from "Beachhead."

Jeff T.

Loved the show - though I found Thinnes to be a bit a cold fish. Ah the music, the throbbing sound effect, the glowing, yeah it brings back great memories...

I want THE INVADERS on DVD so badly, I can taste it! Mmmmmmmm, martian-y...

"Alfred Ryder tired to convince me that he was really an alien. He stayed in character on the set. Roy Thinnes was rather quiet like David Janssen was from THE FUGITIVE. QM Productions has a thing for these good-looking brooding types. Roy was larger-than-life to me but acted down-to-earth something I didn't often experience with series stars".--Pat Cardi, Actor ("The Peacemaker").

Speaking of Roy Thinnes in the TV Guide magazine (dated the week of August lst - 07th, 2004) feature article "The 25 Top SF Legends" David Vincent (Roy Thinnes) placed an impressive sixth place.

Still a further testament to the series' well-deserved renown.

Jeff T.

Bring on The Invaders and its communist invasion subtext. Loved the show

Well? Is there anyone on this discussion forum who can alert Paramount Pictures-Viacom International about the interest expressed here for a possible DVD release of THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) tv series starring Roy Thinnes?

While you're at it I'd also like to know just why THE INVADERS doesn't seem to be currently available as a tv syndication property in North America either.

Incidentally the original unaired extended version of THE INVADERS' pilot episode entitled "Beachhead" (10/01/1967) was actually 75 minutes in length and was publicly screened only once at the Museum of Modern Art's SF film retrospective in 1969.

Would it be possible for Paramount to include both the ABC-TV Primetime hour-long version of "Beachhead" and the unaired 75 minute version in such an INVADERS collection?

Jeff T.

I actually knew someone who knew a guy who had a copy of the 75 minute pilot. Unfortunately it was in the days before VHS so he had sold it before we could get it transfered. I always wondered if it really did exist but now this confirms it. Just wonder where it resides these days.

Possible? Yes. Likely? No (this is Paramount we're talking about).

Because what are the chances that anyone involved in one of these releases knows about the existence of something like that. There was a thread I started a while back, asking why studios don't involve people who are experts on a given show. This is exactly the type of thing I was talking about. These people are not fans nor are they collectors. They don't know about things like unaired pilots and the like and by never looking beyond their four walls to seek out experts on a show, they never find out. That, plus the merger mania that has taken just about every syndicated show and put it under Paramount, leaves a company with 30+ year old and more product that they have no knowledge of whatsoever. What is someone at Paramount going to know about some show from the 60s that was syndicated by Worldvision or Republic for all of those years and that they just acquired a couple of years ago?

I'm certainly not one to put all my eggs in one basket and it's time to drum-up more support for a DVD release of THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) tv series starring (the incomparable) Roy Thinnes.

Once again the most important point is: WILL ANYONE HERE WHO HAS (ACTUAL) CONTACT WITH THE REPS AT PARAMOUNT PICTURES-VIACOM INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION ASK ABOUT THE CURRENT DISPOSITION OF THE INVADERS AS A TV SYNDICATION PROPERTY AND AS A POTENTIAL DVD RELEASE? PLEASE!

Otherwise what's the real good of lobbying for a particular tv series on this specific discussion forum? Who outside of the registered forum members here will even know about any of the requests and inquiries being made?

When it comes to some of the other tv series those who have (actual) contact with the company executive decision makers are certainly opinionated enough. Well it's high-time that somebody here also stood by and lent their support to THE INVADERS which is certainly one of the finest (and most popular) SF tv series ever produced.

Come on Paramount just what's the (infernal) holdup anyway?

And no this discussion thread isn't going to disappear either!

Jeff T.

I think this would do well as great SciFi always sells. However quality has little to do with releases. Paramount owns too much product. Honestly, while many of us love this show, do you really think that a company that is first getting around to putting out the Andy Griffith Show will be doing The Invaders any time soon? I want the show too but they haven't even done far more popular shows yet like the Brady Bunch, Mission Impossible, The Fugitive and many more. I feel we will see it someday but I'm afraid its going to be a long wait. Unless someone like Image or Shout Factory licenses it. You want to be proactive, contact them and see if you can drum up interest. If not, I have a feeling we'll be waiting a long time.

I would like to see this show on DVD too. This show clearly had an influence on FIRST WAVE (another show I want to see on DVD).

The Invaders is certainly a must-have, not only for a sci-fan but for all those who appreciate a well written tv. show.

Scary at times (great fun!) but highly entertainment. Hope we don´t have to whait too long before it´s finally released.

"I think this would do well as great SciFi always sells."--Mark To.

Here I am perpetuating a discussion thread initiated by someone else...but it's for a great cause!

Mark's observation (posted above) is precisely why Paramount Pictures-Viacom International Television should give priority consideration to a DVD release of THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) tv and not relegate it as just another tv property to be held in inventory for future consideration.

I'm sure that most (prospective) customers of a DVD collection of THE INVADERS wouldn't consider buying THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW (CBS 1960-68) so to indiscriminately lumping the two together and marketing them for a generic classic tv market would be poor judgement and THE INVADERS has to primarily be targeted at the enormous and lucrative SF market.

Whether there are other tv series in the Paramount Pictures television library for consideration is irrelevant and what really counts is the worldwide SF market out there that is primed and ready for such a momentuous DVD release.

So what's holding you up Paramount?

Also relying upon the Paramount Pictures executives to come to a decision about a DVD release of THE INVADERS may prove to be fruitless and a disappointment for the tv series' anxious fans. There's no proof that THE INVADERS is even currently under such consideration and this is precisely why the company has to be apprised of the interest in such a premium.

So I reiterate (once again) is there anyone here in this discussion forum that can contact Paramount and make some inquiries about the possibility of a DVD collection and its current status a tv syndication property?

Lastly, does making such DVD requests in The Home Theater Discussion Forum do any real good?

Jeff T.

It's been reported that the current tv syndicated episodes of THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) starring Roy Thinnes airing in the U.K. now bear the Paramount Pictures - Viacom International Television logo instead of the previous Worldvision Enterprises trademark at the end of the segments (after the closing title credits) which is a strong indicator that Paramount has finally gotten around to distributing this classic 1960s SF tv series once again...at least abroad since the distribution company acquired this Quinn Martin produced television property in the late 1990s and hopefully Paramount Pictures will also commence making THE INVADERS available for the tv syndication market in North America (the U.S. and Canada) as well if not in a DVD release.

Contrary to previous reports the entire run of all 43 hour long colour episodes will be shown in the U.K. and in the wake of all this evidence that's now come to light it (certainly) doesn't sound like the SF tv series is being aired just to fulfill a previous outstanding contract with Worldvision Enterprises the former series copyright owner-distributor.

Jeff T.

Paramount also now holds the syndication rights to Combat, for example, but that DVD came from Image with the masters provided by (I believe) Disney since it was an ABC show. There's no telling where the DVD will come from on some of these shows.

Yeah, but will any of the US cable stations actually buy the show?

I'd love to see The Invaders and a lot of other old TV on the cable/satellite channels, but the programmers have (generally) gone to the dogs for the past 5-6 years. Stations that used to be havens for old TV (TBS, Sci-Fi Channel, USA Network, Family Channel, for example) are now almost exclusively airing content only from the 1990s on up. There is extreme prejudice against anything that programmers don't think will appeal to 18 year olds. That is why it seems over half of the cable stations, in addition to local independent stations, are airing Friends and Raymond reruns. Used to be that all these recent network shows only turned up on local independent stations. Now, people like TBS are getting in on the act, too.

I think we're more likely to see DVDs of The Invaders than reruns (unless it's on a small niche channel like Good Life which most people, satellite customers included, can't even receive.

After holding off for 2 years I've decided to transfer my tapes of the Invaders to DVD. I was hoping that we would eventually see a DVD release, especially considering the popularity of SciFi. But several factors have led me to this decision:

1 - The major studios seem to not be concerning themselves with niche titles. Unlike the music industry, which creates separate divisions and labels to market things that appeal to smaller audiences, the television industry appears to not be going in that direction.

2 - The Combat release, which took the 46:30 timesped tapes to use rather than going back to the masters. All Worldvision shows, when they created their Evergreen package in the early 80s, were mastered to tape in that form.

I have complete, unsped Invaders masters from a PBS station. While they are from 16mm prints and not in the greatest condition, at least they are in the original running time without any speeding up or trimming done. Do I think the show will eventually come out? Yes, at some point I do. But I also think that whoever does put it out, Paramount, Image, whoever, is not going to go to the expense of remastering it when they can take the 46:30 episodes from 1-inch.

"We are theorizing with reality, theorizing as to who flies UFOs and why they are here. The 'other' shows are playing with dimension of time and space while THE INVADERS takes the hundreds of news reports that we have gotten and continue to get and goes a step further in that David Vincent knows why they are here. I've always wanted to star in my own series and now that I've got one I'd go anywhere and work and work any kind of hours to make it successful."--Roy Thinnes.



Tomorrow January 10th, 2005 marks the 38th Year of the original primetime broadcast debut on the ABC Television Network of THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) starring Roy Thinnes.

As a fan of THE INVADERS myself I thought it only fitting to commemorate this auspicious celebration I have reconstructed the original TV GUIDE magazine Close-Up that appeared in the January 7th - 13th, 1967 issue announcing the premiere of this (favourite)
1960s SF tv classic.

TV GUIDE Close-Up dated Tuesday, January 10th, 1967.

8:30 P.M. E.S.T. (CH. 7, 13)

THE INVADERS - Adventure

"Beachhead" Debut - Colour.

Try to picture yourself in David Vincent's shoes. He must warn his fellow humans of an invasion from outer space. Would anyone believe you?

David's nightmarish mission begins after he sees a large, glowing UFO land in a misty backwoods clearing. Two events convince David that he's on the right track: a mysterious fire in his apartment and an unearthly couple who are posing as honeymooners.

To get proof of the invasion, David heads for the couple's home...which he finds in a modern but virtually deserted ghost town.

Joseph Sargent directed from a script by Anthony Wilson.

Series created by Quinn Martin whose other tv shows include The FBI and The Fugitive.

(60 Minutes)

David Vincent..........................Roy Thinnes

Guest Cast

Alan Landers............................James Daly

Kathy Adams............................Diane Baker

Det. Lt. Ben Holman..................J.D. Cannon

Deputy Sheriff Carver................John Milford

Aunt Sarah...............................Ellen Corby

John Brandon.............................Skip Ward

Mrs. Brandon.....................Bonnie Beecher

Mr. Kemper.........................Vaughn Taylor

THE INVADERS CLOSING TITLE THEME (Click Here).

HAPPY 38TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE INVADERS!!!!!

Jeff T.

"We hope to speak with someone at Paramount on Monday to get the story on the possible delay."--Gord Lacey.

If Gord can get in contact with Paramount Pictures then why not ask them when a DVD release of THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) starring Roy Thinnes can be expected?

Furthermore when will this classic 1960s SF tv series be made available in tv syndication in North America (the U.S. and Canada)?

Just what plans does Paramount have for THE INVADERS and when can we expect to hear something about them?

Currently THE INVADERS is airing on U.K television.

Unless this is brought to Paramount's attention (most probably) nothing will be done about making THE INVADERS available here once again.

Jeff T.

As opposed to North America (Wales and Pakistan)?

Blimey, Jeff, how many more times do you have to go on about The Invaders (sorry, THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) starring Roy Thinnes, although quite what other series it could be I don't know)? We get the message, you want it on DVD!

And instead of berating someone else who's been in contact with Paramount on a different subject, why not write (as in letter) to Paramount yourself, asking for it to be released? Nothing too fanboy-ish, not too much bold text or fancy pictures, just a nice, normal letter.

Just who is being berated here? I don't get you at all on this!

If there's an (actual) e-mail address to Paramount Pictures then if somebody will be give it to me I'll be only too glad to contact them myself.

As far as my message posts are concerned if you don't like them you don't have to read them.

Try to bear that in mind!

Jeff T.

Jonathan who?


And I don't understand what you mean by "I don't get your you". But to explain, your post appeared to be berating Gord Lacey for being able to get in touch with Paramount on a different matter (you quoted him, but presumably from an unrelated thread as he's not posted to this thread) but not to mention The Invaders ("If Gord can get in contact with Paramount Pictures then why not ask them..." etc. etc.).


Don't e-mail. Write a letter. In an age of multiple e-mail addresses, e-mails probably don't get paid as much attention as a good old-fashioned letter.

A quick Google tells me that Paramount Pictures is located at 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90038. Try writing to the Head of Home Entertainment. Will he/she read it? Who knows, but if enough people who are fan of The Invaders write politely, who knows what might happen?

Okay I should have said, "I don't get you at all on this."

And as far as Gord Lacey is concerned I reiterate that no one's been berated here. I (indirectly) asked if Gord could get in contact with Paramount Pictures then to make some (important) inquiries about THE INVADERS since it seems that this tv property is now in some sort of moratorium as a viable property in both North American tv syndication and as a potential home video release.

So obviously you thought wrong.

Pertaining to the use of snail mail this happens to be the 21st Century and electronic mailing is the medium of the age not the outmoded stamped envelope. You mean people still use this?

Once again I reiterate if there's an actual e-mail address to Paramount Television I will be only too glad to contact them myself. If Paramount Pictures doesn't utilize the internet then perhaps it's high time they kept in step with the other major distribution companies.

Just what is the point of all the advanced technology that's accessible nowadays if it isn't put to any (constructive) use?

Some people respond to my message posts here pertaining to VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA or THE INVADERS with a "yawn" but frankly I can't think of anything more disinteresting than the majority of the tv series that are currently being made available on DVD.

Jeff T.

What makes this inquiry more important than any other inquiry we might make?

I really don't know why people are making some sort of argument out of this!

Technically speaking THE INVADERS is no longer available for tv syndication in North Amercia since its acquisition by Paramount Pictures in 1999 and there has to be an accountable reason why?

Is one of the online DVD news information services going to get to the bottom of this (mystery) or not? And I've asked plenty of (similar) sources to no avail.

When it comes to the major DVD distribution companies just why is that people are so (seemingly) loath to ask any questions about tv properties outside of what these outfits already have in mind for release? Why is there resistance (in this day and age) to the idea of asking questions...period! How else is one to learn anything and assertain the truth?

As far as THE INVADERS is concerned of course it's important. But I said that the questions were "important" in the light of what's happened to this classic 1960s SF tv series. You don't want to help out fine. Then I'll continue to make inquiries elsewhere.

Meanwhile the online DVD news services can continue making (all-important) progress reports on the likes of THE BRADY BUNCH, HAPPY DAYS, LAVERN AND SHIRLEY, HUCKLEBERRY HOUND and YOGI BEAR all of which absolutely nobody should go without...and you (certainly) can have it all! Making a complete laughing stock of the whole tv series on DVD industry.

Yes, yes I know these tv shows are soooooooooo popular! So much for mainstream tastes.

Now maybe THE INVADERS might not sell as well as the aforementioned 1970s sitcoms...but it will sell satisfactorily enough (read: profitably) to justify its release.

You doubt this? Then just look at how well THE INVADERS (not to mention VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA and THE TIME TUNNEL for that matter) are doing on the blackmarket of illicit DVD sales. Check out eBay where these are very high demand tv premiums.

For me when a legally issued DVD collection of THE INVADERS is (finally) made available I'm ready to buy it! In the interim I'd (really) like to know why this tv series is (currently) not available for tv syndication in North America and yet it is in the U.K.? Will this situation change in the (foreseeable) future?

Jeff T.

Jeff, write them a letter. Seriously. Yes, this is the 21st century, but when so much e-mail is spam is it any wonder that written letters are given more credence? It's the same with petitions; no-one takes any notice of online petitions because they can be easily hijacked, whereas a written one (or, even better, a concerted letter-writing campaign) will have much more impact.