UltraViolet Brit Channel 4 mini-series; vampires = 4D STS

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This is a fabulous little series from Channel 4 in the UK back in 1998. The basic premise is the well-worn vampires vs. humans, but there is oh so much more to this series' take on that theme. Only 6 episodes were ever made, but the creator (Joe Ahearne) when interviewed said that he had gotten his message across, and there was no need for further episodes.

A few items I jotted down while watching:

* there is a consistent & repeated use of "V" (Roman numeral 5) throughout --- to the extent I felt that someone was blatantly trying to get a message across. Let's see, a quick recap: we have V (the miniseries), V for Vendetta, and now this. The "V" in the Ultraviolet name is highlighted at every opportunity. Also, the vampires are not actually called vampires, instead they are referred to as Force V (Force 5).

* instead of the usual battles between the vampires, the idea in this series is that the Force V denizens are trying to preserve humans because they represent food to them. There is a statement made that humans are, "...batteries, a food supply..." to Force V. Hints of the Matrix? Indeed, except that this series preceded the Matrix by a year.

* there is also a subtext to the human batteries/food supply theme, that Force V must work via genetic manipulation of the human populace to achieve their aims. This also bleeds over at times into illnesses and pandemics.

* the statement is made a number of times that Force V has a different concept of time; that they in fact operate "...outside of time..."

* In episode 2, there are comments made that Force V cannot force you to join them. Rather, they "... are big on free will..." and have to use tricks and finding out what you want to then use it against you, in order to get humans to do what they want. Not all humans are recruited; many are manipulated via other methods.

* the very title, "Ultraviolet", lends itself towards a "blue pill" type context.

* the Force V creatures also state that, "... they are source of all religions..." They further state that they will, "... never give us (humans) up..."

All in all, I was highly impressed and I would suggest that this series is a good way to hone your skills towards dissecting themes & messages in movies. The feel is like the old X-Files series. I strongly suspect the creator had 'assistance' of some sort in pulling this series together. Hard to find in the US; it is much easier if you are in the UK or have a PAL DVD player.
 
this really intrigued me, so I went off to amazon to have a look, and one thing that stuck out in the synopsis was this:

amazon said:
It's transmitted via a bite to the neck, but at no point in the series is the word "vampire" used. Instead, in the second episode ("In Nomine Patris") the nickname "Leech" is introduced. We learn that it was this disease, these "Leeches", that were responsible for the Fire of London, and that one in 20 people are already infected.
one in 20? so thats in the ballpark of lobaczewski's 6%. and loboczewski's studies weren't even in the public domain at the time this was made (AFAIK), in fact they hardly are now. interesting!

I'm impressed this was out before the matrix too.
I might take a look.
 
I am happy to send the DVD (Region 1, NTSC) set along to the next person interested FOC, with the proviso that they reciprocate for the next person down the line.

So who's first ... ??
 
alchemy said:
Hard to find in the US; it is much easier if you are in the UK or have a PAL DVD player.

This very intriguing and entertaining series is now available on youtube. First episode -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmypScXo7w&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fresults%3Fsearch_query%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26oq%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26gs_l%3Dyoutube-reduced.12...15301.27396.0.34271.13.13.0.0.0.0.237.1668.5j7j1.13.0...0.0...1ac.2j1.Yaw3yFjj6pE&has_verified=1

Competent and sometimes compelling acting from all involved with an economic and effective script. A definite thumbs up for this one.
 
treesparrow said:
This very intriguing and entertaining series is now available on youtube. First episode -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmypScXo7w&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fresults%3Fsearch_query%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26oq%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26gs_l%3Dyoutube-reduced.12...15301.27396.0.34271.13.13.0.0.0.0.237.1668.5j7j1.13.0...0.0...1ac.2j1.Yaw3yFjj6pE&has_verified=1

Competent and sometimes compelling acting from all involved with an economic and effective script. A definite thumbs up for this one.
unfortunately not available in my country :(
 
H.E. said:
treesparrow said:
This very intriguing and entertaining series is now available on youtube. First episode -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmypScXo7w&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fresults%3Fsearch_query%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26oq%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26gs_l%3Dyoutube-reduced.12...15301.27396.0.34271.13.13.0.0.0.0.237.1668.5j7j1.13.0...0.0...1ac.2j1.Yaw3yFjj6pE&has_verified=1

Competent and sometimes compelling acting from all involved with an economic and effective script. A definite thumbs up for this one.
unfortunately not available in my country :(
I have the same problem here in germany.
 
Pashalis said:
H.E. said:
treesparrow said:
This very intriguing and entertaining series is now available on youtube. First episode -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmypScXo7w&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fresults%3Fsearch_query%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26oq%3Dultraviolet%2Bepisode%2Bone%26gs_l%3Dyoutube-reduced.12...15301.27396.0.34271.13.13.0.0.0.0.237.1668.5j7j1.13.0...0.0...1ac.2j1.Yaw3yFjj6pE&has_verified=1

Competent and sometimes compelling acting from all involved with an economic and effective script. A definite thumbs up for this one.
unfortunately not available in my country :(
I have the same problem here in germany.
Maybe available for you here?
http://www.veoh.com/watch/v6327060Qfgpj65n?h1=Ultraviolet+Ep.1+-+Habeas+Corpus
edit -oops sorry to raise your hopes - it's a trailer only :(
 
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