The show has been through an AI-upscaling process.
Gerry Anderson’s Space Precinct is being granted a new lease of life on streaming, thanks to BritBox and ITVX.
The show, which first aired in 1994, has previously only ever been shown in standard definition. However, all 24 episodes have enjoyed an AI-upscale from the original master DigiBeta tapes by ITV Content Services, bringing the show into high definition for the first time.
Space Precinct
Space Precinct sees a veteran New York cop transfer to a new precinct – the Demeter City Police Department on the planet Altor – as he discovers that a life of crime is not a purely human pursuit.
Ted Shackelford stars as Lieutenant Patrick Brogan, alongside Rob Youngblood and Simone Bendix as fellow officers who try their best to maintain law and order amongst the melting pot of different alien races.
If you want to know more, there’s a brilliant primer here thanks to the official Gerry Anderson website.
At the time, Space Precinct was the most expensive live action show to date.
It attracted some high-profile guest stars including Frances Barber, Ray Winstone, Maryam D’Abo, Nickolas Grace and Steven Berkoff. Several episodes directed by James Bond director John Glen.
Idris Elba
The show may also feature Idris Elba’s TV debut playing a Pizza Delivery Man in the episode ‘Double Duty.’
Well, it’s either that or his turn as a parachute instructor on the sitcom 2point4 Children!
Space Precinct lands at BritBox (via ITVX Premium), in HD, on Thursday 13th April 2023.
If you fancy looking at the difference between SD to HD, there’s a comparison video here.