Review: Prisoner: Cell Block H – The Complete Series

Ever unboxed something so massive, so iconic, it practically shakes the shelves? That was me recently, and today I’m taking you inside one of the heaviest and most impressive box sets I’ve ever laid hands on — the complete series of Prisoner: Cell Block H.

This isn’t just a collector’s dream — it’s a beast of a box set, weighing in at a hefty 7 kilograms and containing all 692 episodes of one of Australia’s most iconic TV dramas. And no, this isn’t the original metal box set released in the mid-2000s — this is the 2024 re-release, and it still packs a punch.

Let’s start with some context. To give you an idea of how big this set is, I compared it to my Blue Heelers complete series — which has 134 discs — and honestly, Prisoner makes it look tiny. And this new edition? Limited to just 500 copies, making it an absolute must-have for die-hard fans or serious collectors.

It even has an audio feature built in — when you open the box, you’re greeted with the iconic jail door slam sound effect. A brilliant touch that immediately sets the tone. And yes, I may or may not have triggered it multiple times just for fun.

Upon opening, you’re met with:

• A beautifully designed, sturdy box featuring a history of the show on the base.

• The “Inside Story” booklet, packed with behind-the-scenes photos, cast info, and blurbs about each era and season.

• 11 parts inside the box — despite the show having only eight seasons — each filled with neatly stacked DVDs.

• A total of 172 discs. That’s right — 172.

• No subtitles, unfortunately, but each disc presents the show in its original 4:3 aspect ratio, Region 4 PAL format, and with 2.0 stereo audio.

Each box part looks identical on the outside, and while special features are listed on the back, there’s no detailed episode guide — a minor letdown for those wanting to jump to their favourite storylines.

There’s even a filler “brick” inside — not a real one, of course, but a cardboard insert meant to fill space. A missed opportunity, perhaps, for more collectible booklets or memorabilia.

Credit where it’s due: Via Vision has been doing tremendous work in preserving and re-releasing classic Australian TV content. From A Country Practice to E Street, their dedication to Aussie nostalgia is unmatched — even if they still haven’t followed up The Young Doctors with more collections (ahem… hint!).

If you’re a Prisoner completist, this is an essential pickup. If you already own the older sets, maybe not a must, but it’s definitely a showstopper addition to any collection. And with only 500 of these floating around, it’s sure to become a rare piece of TV memorabilia.

This re-release may not come with all the bells and whistles (like an episode guide or fancy packaging variations), but it absolutely delivers where it counts — every single episode in one complete, beautifully presented box. Just be ready to clear some serious shelf space.