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The One Game - The Complete Series [1988]
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The show captured society's interest in games at exactly the right time. First there's the Arthurian context, which visually struck a chord with a decade of Dungeons and Dragons fans. Then there's the constant reference to the new dawn of computer games, which everyone was excited about going into the 90s. But Nick is embroiled in a theory of Reality Gaming that turns everything on its head. He doesn't know who of his friends or colleagues may be in on the game, and since it begins with the sting of a £2 million theft, he's prepared to make sacrifices along the way. Changes in fashion and technology can't detract from what remains a cracking good yarn, well told and well played. On the DVD: The One Game arrives on disc superbly packaged. The attractive box contains an informative booklet relating the show's place in TV history. Unfortunately there's nothing at all in the way of extras on the disc itself--a disappointment, which, like the 4:3 ratio and stereo sound, is only to be expected for an all-but forgotten gem. --Paul Tonks
RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £8.87 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
The 1988 Carlton mini-movie The One Game is the perfect definition of cult TV. Originally shown as four Saturday night instalments, it was a success with audiences and critics alike at the time and remains an extremely original piece of television. On the surface, the story is as simple: an ex-business partner exacts a very personal revenge. The game being played by Magnus (an almost unrecognisable Patrick Malahide) upon the arrogant Nick (Stephen Dillon) makes the tale far more interesting, however. If the premise sounds a little familiar, that's because the 1997 Michael Douglas movie The Game has striking similarities.
One Game to rule them all...
Review date: 2007-03-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
Can't believe it's 19 years since I first saw this little gem. Haunting soundtrack, an enigmatic performance by Patrick Malahide and a story influenced by Arthurian legend, The Prisoner & The Avengers.
Yes, it's a bit dated, firmly set in the 80s but it's the kind of drama that isn't made anymore. And ITV made it! Not a cop show, nor a hospital drama - it's refreshing to see something a little bit different.
Watch out for "Green Wing's" Pippa Haywood, "Taggart's" Alex Norton & in the show's only hammy role - "Quatermass" Andrew Keir.
Then again, Keir isn't that bad when you consider the show's influences...
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Reviews
Fabulous series, and a personal resonance
Review date: 2004-03-28 Rating: 10 out of 10
Ahhh... Nick Thorne is Sir Lancelot I guess, but he just doesn't know it! It's very strange watching this, as there are parallels to my own life in it. The continaul battle with The Unworthy to rescue his life and loves back is one that resonates with me.
King Arthur meets Virgin:The Movie is the best way of describing this series. It is clear that Nick Thorne is Richard Branson, and Magnus is Mike Oldfield. Pastiches aside, the story is a truly engrossing modern medieval fantasy, the kind of inspiring and enchanting story we are starving to hear in our moden material world.
The fabulous original theme music, Saylon Dola is hauntingly beautiful and has been covered wonderfully on Russel Watson's recent album The Voice.
What I am at a loss to understand though, is why after producing such an exquisite package and booklet, there are no extras whatsoever on the disc - which seems incomprehensible for such an important and original production.
A series years ahead of its time ....
Review date: 2003-08-20 Rating: 10 out of 10
Like the reviewer above, I too was a teenager when this was first broadcast and remember avidly watching every episode of this excellent series.
I was always amazed that it was never repeated; granted it is very typically 80's (flash cars, converted warehouse flats, HUGE laptop computers etc) but that really doesn't detract from the nub of the matter which is that this was a series years ahead of its time.
If you enjoy surrealism, Arthurian mysticism and plain old magic then give this DVD a go.
If you remember it from the its first broadcast and you recall the 80's with nostalgia and good memories, you'll enjoy it hugely.
Fantastic story, full of depth and occult overtones
Review date: 2003-07-31 Rating: 10 out of 10
I remember watching this in the 80s (when I was about 15) and being very impressed and being disappointed that it was never repeated. I had always wanted to watch it in one go rather tahn weekly. Now at last I have and it is still really really good.
It has many levels, the corporate scam, the returning nemesis etc, however its really story is that of Nick Thorn an arrogant millionaire, and his journey through adversity of his own making in an Arthurian sense. Very deep, very exciting and a most haunting soundtrack.
If you see nothing else this decade, see this.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Patrick Malahide
Andrew Keir
Stephen Dillane
Pippa Haywood
Director(s):
Recording label: Contender Entertainment Group
Manufacturer: Contender Entertainment Group
EAN: 5030305620035
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2003-07-28
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 195 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1988
Language: English (Original Language)