The classic 80's science fiction series "The Tripods" arrives on DVD that is set in the distant future of 2089 A.D. but ironically looks more like 18th century England. This tranquel setting is soon crushed in the opening episode when the Tripods make their entrance.

The Tripods revolves around a 14-year old boy named Will Parker whose best friend has been "capped" by the Tripods in order to make him a human slave for these stranger creatures. Will decides  to join a gang of other teenagers whose cappings have failed and they have been labelled as outcasts.

The 13 episodes of the Tripods features Will recruiting and joining other "free" people as they journey across Europe. Unlike traditional science fiction series that revolve around space exploration, this series was actually quite unique and has a feel reminiscent like the Planet of the Apes.

The timeless appeal of the story can certainly be explained therefore, but can a low-budget BBC serial of such an epic stand up to a modern-day viewing? The answer is surprisingly well, and many sequences transcend their origins both in a visual sense and as drama.