Masters of Science Fiction DVD Giveaway
On 5 August, the complete critically acclaimed Masters of Science Fiction anthology series will be released on DVD as a 2-disc set. The Masters of Science Fiction DVD contains the entire series—including the world premiere of the two episodes that were never aired! Originally broadcast last year on ABC, Masters of Science Fiction adapted short stories from some of the genre’s greatest practitioners, including Robert A. Heinlein, Harlan Ellison, Robert Sheckley, and John Kessel. Mark Dawidziak of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote: “I’ve seen what may be the best futuristic anthology series since the glory days of The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. It’s called Masters of Science Fiction.” SFScope, too, was entranced by the shows, and you can read our reviews on these pages: “A Clean Escape”, “The Awakening”, “Jerry Was a Man”, and “The Discarded”.
Now, in partnership with Big Honcho Media, SFScope is giving away ten copies of the $29.97 DVD set. To enter for your chance to win the DVD of what we called “good, intelligent science fiction television”, simply comment on a recent article on the site (anonymous comments, though always accepted, may cause your entry to be ignored—make sure you give us your e-mail address when you comment, so we can contact you if you win). If you really don’t have anything to say, click the “Contact Us” link at the top of any page, and send us an e-mail saying that you want to be entered to win the Masters of Science Fiction DVD. We’ll randomly pick two winners from all the comments and e-mails we receive by Friday 7 August, another two winners on 14 August, and then three winners on 21 August, and the final three on 28 August. Comment as many times as you like (though only one entry per person will be taken each week); if you’re e-mailing, one per week is sufficient.
In addition to the four aired episodes, the two unaired episodes, which are on the DVD, are:
“Watchbird”, based on a story by Robert Sheckley, written by J. Michael Straczynski and Sam Egan, directed by Harold Becker, and starring Sean Astin and James Cromwell.
“Little Brother”, based on a story by and written by Walter Mosley, directed by Damell Martin, and starring Clifton Collins, Jr. and Kimberly Elise.
For even more info on the series, hosted by Stephen Hawking, see http://www.mastersofscifi.com/site/.






Great! Was going to buy this, now I’ll hold off in the hope of getting it for free. Thanks!
Thanks and good luck
Missed this on ABC, but from the reviews it sounds like some quality television. I’ll hope to win. Otherwise, 30 bucks seems like a pretty good price point.
This looks really nice, would to love to win it, please feel free to contact me with a prize.
Don
I found out about this DVD series right after Comic-Con. Woo hoo! Keeping the Sci-Fi Jonesing going!
Woohoo! I’ll wait to buy this, see if I win.
I saw “The Awakening” on TV a couple of nights ago and really enjoyed it. Not heard of this series before – just lucky channel hopping.
This looks terrific and I’m reccomending it for purchase at my library. I’d love to win a set for myself too.
This is great a chance at some great scifi TV, for free
Science Fiction is the speculative theology and ethical reflection of our age. Masters of SF promises a great deal of awesomeness. I want it. Please?
A chance of finding quality TV is great! Is there anywhere I can go to read a synopsis of a bit or two?
I spent months wondering when the final two episodes were going to air. They had them listed on the official TV website, and just never got them on air.
Of course, they didn’t really handle the publicity for the show worth a darn anyway; most people didn’t even know it was on until after it aired.
But, I’m sure gonna get the DVD set!
I’m looking forward to entering the contest, if only to watch the segment with Sam Waterston, which reminded me of an old TWILIGHT ZONE episode (in spirit, not in plot)
Here’s a haiku to convince you to pick me
Futurists, seers, stars
They took me to worlds unseen
Where will I go next?
nevinmartell (at) earthlink (dot) net
I’ve never heard of this DVD, but it looks interesting. I hope I win!
I just visited the site, what an amazing set of stories this is. I would definitely love to win a copy of this, and I’m glad I ran across SFScope!
Hey! I’m stoked to check these out… AFTER I WIN THEM. MUHAHAHAHAHA.
Exciting! Caught part of it, but now I will finally be able to watch the whole thing
This show was great but i missed the last episode so I hope i win
I assume that a comment on this article counts? I’ve watched a couple of these episodes already and they are really quite good.
Sounds very interesting! What’s Stephen Hawking’s involvement, does he just introduce the programmes or was he actively involved – did he write his own scripts, for example?
I really need something to fill the gap left by Battlestar Galactica and this looks great. Plus! there is an episode by J. Michael Straczynski. Please enter me in the giveaway.
malundy(at)gmail.com
I live in Rome and am sci-fi starved. Help me please!
Very cool. I am one of the folks who didn’t find out about the series until after it had run. Whether or not I win, I’ll be sure to pick it up.
Any visualization of Heinlein and Ellison is gonna be worth watching if only to see how bad they screw it up. I’d enjoy a copy.
WOW… this looks amazing. Like D Ascencio, it would make a terrific follow up to last week’s Comic-con!
Quite an impressive collection of original authors, writers, directors, and cast! I’m looking forward to seeing all of them.
Such a good series. Crossing my fingers on this one.
I suppose it might come to Europe in a few dozen years, so I hope I win it, otherwise I might have to ask a friend to smuggle it in a crate of illegal drugs or some other easily shipped items…
thatedguy: Yes, a comment here counts. But look around, you may find more you’re interested in.
Simon Powell: Good question about Hawking’s involvement. As far as I know, he was just hired talent to do the voice-over introductions. I’ll check with those more in the know and get back to you.
–Ian, aka the Editor
I haven’t seen the series but it sounds great!
hi – please consider me for the giveaway – love your site…
im in! those 22 missing episodes are calling.
Did anyone say Robert Sheckley? Damn hard to find in Bangalore city, the author is!
I’ve been trying to find Sheckley ever since I saw him mentioned as a Douglas Adams inspiration.
I only got to see the Heinlein episode when it aired, which was good. Glad the short lived series is on dvd now. As for the network execs who killed the series -#@#$#@%$%$#&%$- if you know what I mean.
very cool
This looks great. I’m sorry I missed then when they were on TV. I hope that I win one.
I’d love to win this! Those 4 episodes are still stuck in my head; I can’t wait to see the other 2!
However, is the contest open to residents of Canada? Or US only?
Wow this looks awesome! I will be back for more comments and to check out your site
Looks good
This is a wonderful idea. I will be looking for this in the stores.
I live under a TV-less rock and had no idea this existed. Thank you internet for keeping me informed!
Great series – I hope to win the DVD set. It will be especially interesting to see the never before aired episodes
Forgot this was on ABC….sounds really interesting.
Did I win?
Wow, this looks pretty good! The series site is pretty slick too. Hopefully, I will win a copy!
I had no idea there were unaired eps, can’t wait!
Wow. I haven’t had a television of my own since 1966.
But as I verge on retirement, this might convince me to get one.
I’ve heard that most programs are in color now!
One way or the other … definitely have to own it.
I like those series a lot and and I would love to win!
I loved the series. Unfortunately, only three episodes aired in my area. The one I really wanted to see, “The Departed”, wasn’t aired. Instead a movie about Ray Charles was shown in its place. If I win, I’ll get to see the other half of the series for free.
Here’s a surprise–a network had a high quality show that had the potential to reach a small but enthusiastic audience. And then they scheduled it on Saturday nights and didn’t promote it. Surprisingly, it ended up getting cancelled. Feh…and the networks wonder why they’re losing to cable?
I’ve been looking forward to this DVD set for a while, the stories are from some of the best authors of science fiction literature.
This was an amazing series .. glad to hear that it’s being released finally
I’ve been looking forward to this DVD set for a while, the stories are from some of the best authors of science fiction literature. I’d love to win a copy.
Gimme gimme please.
I found this on boingboing.net, along with countless others. Now the deluge of comments!
I totally missed this when it was on television. Maybe I’ll luck out and win the DVD so I can see it. Unfortunately, I was unconscious for 3 weeks in the hospital last year and it happened to be right at the time this was broadcast.
Awesome! Most of my wife’s family will probably get together to watch this! Free would be awesome.
I missed the series when it was aired last year, and was hoping it would come out on DVD. Gotta check Netflix!
A contest you say? Awesome, sign me up!
I am definitely going to recommend that my library purchase this.
It is good to see this series being released as a complete set as I was not able to catch the shows when they originally aired. Being packaged together as a series makes this a great gift idea and allows for this quality storytelling to be appreciated by an expanded audience.
Cool series. Thanks for the update. I hope to win?
I liked “Jerry Was A Man”, but as with most TV SF the design was more notable than the performances. I wonder when we’ll start getting those variables balanced by means other than the “distressed/dystopic” future option.
Missed this one TV–I didn’t even realize it was airing until after it was pulled!
Awesome!!! I want to win! I’ll play it for my future children!!
I doubt they will air this here in Argentina anytme soon.
Cool, I only got to see two episodes of this on TV before it got cancelled, now I can see the rest!
Haven’t heard of this series (since I don’t have cable). Sounds great!
Is the competition open to those outside of the US?
Never saw this series on television, but the list of contributors looks impressive. Can’t wait to see this one!
Woah.. I just heard of this series via Boing Boing (http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/01/masters-of-science-f.html). It sounds amazing!
Wow, what a giveaway.
And what a DVD!
I missed this (having no tv at school) and was afraid I’d never get a second chance on it.
Y’know, if it weren’t for us Canuckleheads, there wouldn’t be any modern sci-fi Tv! See: Regenesis, new Outer Limits, Andromeda, Sliders, middle Twilight Zone, Ray Bradbury’s & Kurt Vonnegut’s shows, Fear Itself, 4400, Eureka… there are more, and maybe even better, but that’s off the top of my head (and my dvd shelf)
So you Mercans owe us! jk
I can has dvd?
I was actually wondering when this was going to be made available on DVD. Because of a growing SF addiction, I recently purchased Firefly: The Complete Series and Serenity, as well as Silent Hill (I know, I know…I’m running behind).
I saw one episode of The Masters… and it was very cool! Would love to have the whole series.
count me in.
It’ll be great to see the un-aired segments.
Have been waiting for this for what seems like forever!
Excellent.
I actually liked this series, I wish it had ran longer.
Wait, I thought Stephen Hawking was real and not SF?
WTF? SF?
it’s about time, someone should have put this together years ago.
I completely missed this series when it aired, much to my consternation. Will almost certainly buy the DVD.
Comment on an article, like this one?
I’d love some free science fiction DVD goodness.
Sweet! Loved the series, but I missed a few episodes when my Verizon FiOS DVR went belly-up.
Finally a chance to see the unaired episodes!
…sends positive energy for my entry to be picked…
I was a big fan of the Masters of Horror series, but somehow completely missed this one. Good thing they’re giving it the DVD treatment.
This looks great! It would be even better if I can get it for free! PLEASE!
Sounds good…
I had great hopes for “Masters Of Science Fiction”, but on the whole I was disappointed by the way the stories were adapted for television. Only because in several cases, the adaptation showed that the writers involved didn’t really understand the story.
“The Discarded” however, was well done, and J. Michael Straczynski knows SF very well, so I’m sad that the Sheckley story wasn’t shown, and as for Mosley, that guy can WRITE!.
So, I’ll definitely buy it if I don’t win it.
–Jerry
Best TV series in the last 10 years IMHO.
Loved the series! I was hoping they would do more.
I never heard of this series, only Masters of Horror.
I wonder what’s next, Masters of Romance Comedy?
I enjoyed the article “Marvel to adapt Stephen King’s The Stand to graphic novel”. The Stand is my all-time favorite book and I look forward to seeing the graphic novel in September
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
Fingers crossed
I WIN
I’ve been a science and science fiction junkie for a number of years now. It would be great to win a copy.
I hope there’s another season or more episodes coming.
Looks cool will have to check it out! And this site has potential, going to browse a bit now…
Sounds like a great series!
This looks like great stuff!
This sounds like a good DVD collection. never even heard of it before. This must have come out will I was working an oddball shift.
I didn’t even know this show existed. Even if I don’t win, I’ll probably pick it up.
why did I not hear of this series before?
I would love love love to win this dvd.
It was a great series, too bad it didn’t get more attention and they didn’t show all 6 episodes.
Sounds fantastic! I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this before. Would love to be entered for a chance to win …
So fantastic…..looks like a great bundle. I hope I get to win a copy!!
Papa needs some brand new views (esp. with Battlestar on hiatus).
Ah, this is already on my list of things to buy, but if I win this one, I’ll give one as a gift to someone else. Great series!
It’s generous of you to offer the givaway. Thanks!
i’ve been a science fiction fan since i was about 10 (almost 25 years now), and now i’m actually a scientist (and write science fiction in my spare time).
if it wasn’t for commercials, i’d probably have managed to catch this on television (which i don’t watch, for said reason). as it is, i watch a lot of dvds, and i’d love to catch this sometime. i suppose if i don’t win it, i’ll just have to rent it. c’est la vie.
I’m interested in this–it is nominated for a Saturn & has had a credible cast (in addition to Hawking & Waterston, I note William B. Davis, Elisabeth Röhm, Malcolm McDowell, Anne Heche, John Hurt, Brian Dennehy, and others).
I would love to win. Sounds like some great science fiction.
What a generous thing to do. Props!
Cool beans!
Sounds pretty interesting, and like another poster said, can’t believe I never heard of it.
Loved the few episodes I caught, would love to see the rest.
Some words may be lost in the time it takes to come up with them. We are here now and we will again tomorrow. Science Fiction; the truth behind the present.
I would love to see the un-aired segments.
Gotta love the good stuff. Great comp – thanks.
RE:”send us an e-mail saying that you want to be entered to win the Masters of Science Fiction DVD.”
Yes please! And I will donate it to our local public library for all the other SciFi fans!
I would really like to win this DVD. I enjoyed reading the recent article on the mothership, and being able to travel to the edge of space. Very interesting.
Wow, i can’t believe i missed this on tv. Too bad.
Mr. Ballard was right–everything will crash before it’s time.
Wow!
I am dreaming of watching the DVD…
It was a great series, too bad they didn’t show all 6 episodes. Intelligent TV is hard to come by!
ET phone home for a copy of this.
This is great! Thanks for doing this.
That is a great opportunity to add to your scifi library, hope I win. I was going to get it, but, maybe I will win it instead.
I’m looking forward to seeing the two un-aired episodes.
Sweet! SciFi is a quark of creativity – quark me with some DVD Master juice lol
{subliminal}SFScope is the best!{/subliminal}
I’d like to win the set myself, having never heard of the series before and not even owning a television for that matter. A projector, I have though!
I’m just sorting through 6 tubes of scifi books that were given to me to see what I keep and get rid of!
Cool Stuff…crosses fingers in hope of the slim chance of winning!
militant dilettante wants sf schwag sil vous please.
I wish I knew of this before!
I missed these when they were on TV…winning this would be cool…
Oh, this sounds interesting. Can’t wait.
“The Discarded” was very good, the others maybe not quite as much. But overall, I thought it was a decent series.
Wish I could afford this set. I’ll hope for winning, and then request my local library picks it up.
Sweet, I was waiting for this to show up on DVD.
I Hope 2 win
Wow, I love this series.
Great site great contest
Fantastic news. I was looking to watch these again, and was happy to learn there are 2 episodes they never had shown. Thanks for the giveaway!
This looks like a classy show, hopefully more speculative than what SFC usually calls “science fiction”. I look forward to catching up especially with the unaired episodes. Thanks for the review!
This looks like a great informative and indepth exploration of the subject of Science Fiction many of us love so much. One thing I feel is a misnomer to this subject is calling it “Science Fiction”. Look at the Sci-Fi of the 1960′s much of it is now a fact of reality! Cell Phones, Tasers etc. I excitedly await the release of this DVD set!
Budog.
Since I never think of ABC for my science fiction fix I missed these when they were broadcast. Nice that they will be available on DVD. Looks like an excellent selection of stories.
Outstanding. There’s very little serious video _about_ SF, much less _of_ SF.
wonderful!
looks fantastic!
Love sci-fi. This would be awesome to win.
It was such a shame that the network didn’t give this series a chance to succeed. It had the highest quality of writing, acting and production values of any genre series in years (and yes, I include BSG on the list of less successful series in these categories). The DVD release is great, but I’m bummed that they had to choose two of the stronger stories to hold out as DVD extras, rather than let us see them broadcast.
The show was incredible.
Good stuff, quite a line-up. This has promise, if nothing else.
So do we have to post every week to be eligible for the drawing every week?
This set looks great. Let it be me.
Did I win!?
Hello Ian! Sorry you weren’t able to make Denvention. Do you need someone to put out flyers at Gaylaxicon?
Definitely! Thanks for the offer. I’ll e-mail you this evening.
–Ian
P.S. – If anyone else going to a convention (or some other gathering that might draw an interested crowd) and interested in distributing SFScope flyers, we would greatly appreciate it. Please use the “Contact Us” link on the top of the page.
Wow, a great offer! I hope I win…
Why is it that attempts at classy little sci-fi experiments like this never quite get the attention, financial success, and longevity that “masters of horror” and similar do? Does horror just have that much bigger a fan base? (Or does it cross-over into the mainstream more smoothly?) Is Sci-fi just that much easier to get wrong? (Not that there’s isn’t plenty crappy horror out there, of course.) Is it because, to quote David Foster Wallace, “people tend to be extremely similar in their vulgar and prurient and dumb interests and wildly different in their refined and aesthetic and noble interests”? (I realise that equating scifi to “refined and noble” and horror to “vulgar and prurient” is controversial, to say the least.)
You make some interesting points, Djibril (and I like the Wallace quote). Perhaps horror actually has the same trouble as science fiction; to wit, the “successful” stuff we see on tv and in the movies isn’t necessarily the “best” or most “refined and noble.” The best horror, like the best science fiction, is probably way too cerebral to translate well into a visual medium that needs to reach more people (by orders of magnitude) to be a financial success. With the lesser horror (as with the lesser science fiction), it’s easy to show buckets of blood (or spaceships and ray guns), but much harder to show the psychological, thoughtful aspects of what’s really happening.
Or maybe it’s just that we have minority tastes….
Will there be a list of winners?
Pat, we’ve been naming the winners in each week’s succeeding article. See this article, this one, and this one.
WOW – didnt know of this series before I “netzapped” into your (magnificent) site!
I hold off my order for this DVD intil end of the competition, maybe I will get lucky in the final draw on the 28th?
Kind regards
Knud