Format: NTSC , Language: English , Studio: DreamWorks
Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, the ten-episode, 20-hour miniseries Taken was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by cable TV's Sci-Fi Network, ultimately costing 40 million dollars -- a price that proved well worth it. Steven Spielberg delivers a tour-de-force epic on a scale few "made-for-T.V." movies have ever reached. Taken, is a multi-generation story of three families, and their experiences with other-worldly beings. Covering a period from 1947 to the present, the story focused on three different families, each of whom was profoundly affected by extraterrestrial visitation. The story is narrated by Allie Keys (Dakota Fanning), a "hybrid" child of the present day, whose story determined the outcome of the final episodes. Boasting impressive computer-generated special effects and eye-popping facial makeup,
The story is broken up into 10 episodes:
1.) "Beyond the Sky", set in 1947, the first episode introduces the audience to three families whose lives will be forever changed by alien abduction, goverment cover-ups, and a series of events is put into motion that will effect future generations of these families for years to come.
2.) "Jacob and Jesse", set in the early 50's, these two boys are introduced to the series. Jacob, a boy who is half alien/half human, is sought out by the military for his unique abilities. Jesse, the son of an abductee is taken for the first time.
3.) "High Hopes", set in the late 50's, the story continues with Owen Crawford, top officer behind the military's investigation into the U.F.O phenomenon, attempts to capture Jacob, and fails. Later, he is approached by Jesse Keys and discovers that both Jesse and his father have an alien implant in their brain.
4.) "Acid Test" Owen's sons learn of their father's involvement with the military cover up of extra-terrestrial contact when they discover the remains of the crashed ship in a safe within the father's office.
5.) "Maintenance" Eric Crawford takes over his father's work when Owen dies suddenly of a heart attack. He continues his father's search for Jacob Clarke and Jesse Keys, the latter of whom disappeared from inside a military bunker during one of his abduction incidents.
6.) "Charlie and Lisa" Charlie, the son of Jesse, and Lisa, daughter of Jacob, are brought together by their alien abductors, and Lisa conceives a child, a little girl with extraordinary powers.
7.) "God's Equation" Charlie and Lisa learn about their daughter Allie's powers while trapped in a dangerous situation. Mary Crawford, grand-daughter of Owen Crawford, learns of the little girl and begins to make plans to take her.
8.) "Dropping the Dishes" General Bears kidnaps Allie in an attempt to lure the aliens to him. Realizing that Allie is an alien/human hybrid, and knowing that the aliens protect their own, he beleives they will come for her.
9.) "John" Charlie and Lisa conspire to save Allie from the military, and in so-doing, they learn of their daughter's immense and amazing powers.
10.) "Taken" Allie learns who she really is-an alien/human hybrid, and she is forced to make the most difficult decision of her life, a choice that will forever change her life and that of her family.
The series combines state-of-the-art special effects with a story that is both compelling, entertaining, and high spirited. The story plays a little like an elaborate X-Files Episode, and not without good cause....the material is certainly similar. However, it is treated with a level of intelligence that really captures the imagination of the audience. Taken won the 2003 Emmy for best mini-series, an accomplishment well earned by the cast and crew of this enjoyable and massive film.
THIS IS A GREAT PURCHASE, AND A MUST HAVE FOR ANYBODY INTERESTED IN THE SCI FI GENRE
Check Out my other Auctions
