Attack on Cloudbase - original VHS altered ending

[scififan88]

When I first saw this episode properly, I actually saw it on the movie compilation VHS. Although many fans prefer the original ending to the episode, I find that this ending is far more dramatic and should've ended the series like this (instead this was penultimate). Albeit, with a few better effects, such as using something other than the pyramid and an American Mysteron lol. Obviously the second ending was created some years after the original, but a few things get cleared up in this version. For instance the Mysteron's message is actually fully realised, whereas in the original version it is simply ignored. I.e. if it is to be assumed to have been part of Symphony's dream, then the secondary title sequence poses some confusion. Otherwise, we are to assume that the rest of Spectrum heard the threat, and although Symphony's dream saw the threat carried out, the real world hasn't been threatened yet.

Thoughts on the episode, and what version people prefer better...

[Captain Indigo]

Hi, scififan88, and welcome to the forum.

Not having been lucky enough to own the VHS, I didn't even know there was an alternate ending to 'Attack on Cloudbase': could you please clarify what makes it different to the original ending?

[hazel]

It's been a number of years since I saw that video. Thanks for the reminder!

Have to agree that Attack on Cloudbase would have made a better series finale. The added effects were somewhat naff, though - even with the technology of the time, it could have been done better. I was pretty happy with the episode as it stood. The sound effects and clouds of smoke made it clear what was happening, and I really didn't see the need for those drawn-on laser beams.

[scififan88]

Hi,
Thanks for the welcome!
Basically the original VHS merged together the pilot, Winged Assassin, Seek and Destroy, and Attack on Cloudbase into a movie compilation. The transitions were a little disjointed sometimes because the Mysteron messages were often actually played over the epsiode in question, messing up the soundtrack. Probably the best transition was between Seek and Destroy and Attack on Cloudbase, where the new editing made it appear that Symphony had been on the mission to destroy the three Mysteron Angels, and en route back to Cloudbase she is attacked. Although in the former episode she wasn't one of the three Angels on the mission, it smoothly goes unnoticed. The final episode, therefore, alters the ending, in effect the attack on Cloudbase is not a dream, and instead the Mysterons give Earth a second chance and reverse time. During the speech a pyramid shows the last few events in b/w, going in reverse, overlayed by a picture of the Earth, which is then zoomed into, before fading into the penultimate scene of the original version, where Symphony is found by Scarlet and Blue. A final shot of Cloudbase (minus the last original footage) fades into outer space before the movie compilation credits roll.
As I said in my original post, I prefer this ending, although I agree that the laser beams do appear out-of-place with the original material.
Another movie compilation, albeit more faithful, compromises The Shadow of Fear plus the Moon trilogy.
The original unedited episodes were only to feature on the re-release, though it's a shame the movie versions have never been released onto DVD.
Hope that helps!