THE PRISONER
released on
POLYGRAM VVL
The Prisoner two-part boxed set was released in the UK by VVL, a subsidiary of Polygram, on June 1st 1998. Part One (catalogue 0569403) contained episodes 1-8 plus merchandise while Part Two (catalogue 0569463) had episodes 9-16 plus Fallout and a documentary.

VVL claimed that the series had been digitally remastered and was probably therefore a PAL conversion of the NTSC remastered set which had been done for Columbia House in the USA a little time before. Despite the conversion, picture quality was excellent, which is more than can be said for the shoddy UK packaging and artwork.

The boxed set came with various bits and pieces of promotional material, including a Prisoner bottle opener. A bottle opener? Oh yes, very Prisonerish that one. Very meaningful. Very deep. Probably a job lot left over from the Prisoner Christmas crackers. Typical of the thought (ie: lack of) that went into the release generally.

You might notice that the major photo is in monochrome and is actually a still from 'Danger Man'. Different programme guys! Also the familiar Prisoner typeface or logo wasn't used, and there are mistakes in the montage of quotes behind the Danger Man photo.
"We've gone for a retro-cool packaging"
Nick Woodward, Marketing Manager of VVL was quoted as saying, " . . . the release will also attract existing hardcore fans who may go for the new look. It's not in the normal Prisoner typeface. We've gone for a retro-cool packaging."

"Retro-cool" eh? - I didn't realise that "incompetent" was spelt that way! Or maybe it's code for "We don't know anything about The Prisoner, we don't WANT to know anything about The Prisoner, we just want to get it out as cheaply as possible. Nobody's going to notice, are they?" Ah well, water under the bridge as they say.
Detail from the dealer promo card

"I am not a number, I am a free man!" The most acclaimed cult series of all time is being re-released on video in a distinctive collector's box set.

Digitally restored, the complete mindˇboggling TV series will be available in two parts.

Part One includes episodes 1-8, plus a free No.6 bottle opener and a set of 4 exclusive Prisoner collector cards.

Part Two includes episodes 9-16, plus a free video of the last ever episode and The Prisoner Companion - a documentary exploring many of the unanswered questions posed by the series "Who is Number 1? Whose side are you on? Where is The Village?°

Released on the 1st June to celebrate 30 years of the Prisoner, supplemented by a range of official Prisoner merchandise, including mugs, keyrings, postcards, wallets and casual bags.

Marketing campaign to include advertising in specialist press and major PR support with reviews, competitions and special features in male style press, radio and TV.

Most of the marketing and merchandise didn't happen. There were a few articles here and there, some poorish postcards and a bit of merchandise went out through the specialist shops. Great work, fellas. Just don't give up your day jobs, OK?
CHANNEL 5 VIDEO RELEASE
 THE VIDEO GUIDE CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
 CARLTON DVD AND VHS RELEASE