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Babylon 5: The Gathering [1993]


RRP: £19.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

"The Gathering", the feature-length pilot episode for Babylon 5, still ranks amongst the best of introductions to any TV science fiction show. In 1993 there was just nothing else to compare with its wall-to-wall CGI effects backed up by eye-popping architectural and interior production design, costumes, alien make-up and hairstyles. A couple of flat performances let down an otherwise intriguingly cast ensemble, but these problems would vanish in the series. Here, character introduction and development was refreshingly left to fend for itself within an elaborate narrative structure that kicked-off several plot threads at once. Creator Michael Straczynski ambitiously starts proceedings with a multi-layered mystery concerned with the nature and destiny of the soul. Political shenanigans, trigger-happy action stereotypes and wavering physics linger in the viewer's memory, but the tantalising tale told by smooth Commander Sinclair (Michael O'Hare) about the "hole in his mind" makes the strongest impression. Considering how convoluted the show's mysteries would become, "The Gathering" remains an essential starting point.

On the DVD: Babylon 5: The Gathering is presented here in its 1998 Special Edition version. However, nowhere on the packaging is this stated. In fact, the back-cover credits are incorrect: apart from anything else, this version features a new score by Christopher Franke and not Stewart Copeland's original. Special effects and sound quality are also superior to the original version, even if still only presented in 1.33:1 ratio and two-channel Dolby.--Paul Tonks


The not so great pilot for a great show
Review date: 2008-04-13 Rating: 8 out of 10

Babylon 5 is one of my all-time favourite shows and although this pilot episode for the series is nowhere near as good as the show itself, it is still enjoyable. As the alien ambassadors gather on Babylon 5 the Vorlon representative Kosh is the target of an assassination attempt and the stations commander Jeffrey Sinclair is implicated.

Although not nearly as good as the series itself, this pilot does include some of the things that made Babylon 5 so good, such as an interesting plot and generally good writing. On the downside much of the CGI effects used here are rather poor and some of the acting on display is truly atrocious. There are a few changes between here and the series proper, with three of the characters being replaced and some of the alien makeup being changed and refined but generally this pilot does set up the series well. Although this pilot isn't a very good advert for the series itself it is still a good show and is definitely a must see for anyone who is a fan of the series.

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Reviews


Interesting, but not quite what Amazon says it is
Review date: 2007-10-03 Rating: 6 out of 10

This makes an interesting 90 minutes viewing especially to one who is pretty new to the Babylon 5 saga. I saw 2 or 3 episodes when it originally ran but have now decided to explore further. I agree with fellow reviewers who state there are several wooden performances here. Overall it's ok and I hope as I proceed further it gets lot better as I have been informed.

One point though. In the description on Amazon.co.uk this is supposedly a special edition, touched up in the late 90's. I would advise Amazon to look again as the product I received today is the original version with the original music score by Stewart Copeland NOT Christopher Franke. The sleeve says this and the film itself complies with this too.

"Sooner or later, everyone comes to Babylon 5..."
Review date: 2006-03-03 Rating: 6 out of 10

Watching "The Gathering" when it first came out, one would have delighted in a fantastic science fiction adventure, with mystery and intrigue, all far more darker than standard "Star Trek" style TV sci-fi. Watching it now, it can be a distressing experience, being so different to the B5 we grew to know and love over the years. G'Kar is particularly harsh, a far cry from the revered leader against oppression he would become; and friend to everyone Delenn, a character known for her deep Spiritual beliefs, and roots in the Minbari religious caste, is seen here as an untrusting, suspicious acing alien who gains sadistic pleasure from the torture of others. Then there are the characters originally intended to be regulars who dissapear before the series started - Dr Benjaimin Kyle, First Officer Laurel Takeshima, and of course resident telepath Lyta Alexander.
Don't get me wrong, "The Gathering" is still a great TV movie, and it's not completely unlike the series - Sinclair and Garibaldi are instantly likeable here, their strong friendship and individual humanity ensure they become characters the audience can relate to, amongst the cacophony of strange aliens.
I give it only 3 stars for two main reasons, firstly, it is a "shadow" of what it would become, and because this DVD release is very poor, at least the Region 1 version has a commentary!
At the end of the day though, this is still an essential release for anyone interested in Babylon 5.

Get the real thing instead
Review date: 2003-08-19 Rating: 4 out of 10

Babylon 5 was not aired in my country. Looking at reviews at Amazon I decided to buy the series on DVD. Currently I'm watching 2nd season and I'm absolutely hooked. Then I decided to buy the pilot episode "The Gathering" thinking that it may be interesting. Well, I couldn't find anything interesting (except Delen's outrageous makeup :). Get the series instead!

And so it began....
Review date: 2002-12-10 Rating: 8 out of 10

...Presented in its original full frame aspect ration, "The Gathering" is an introduction to the space station Babylon 5. When the last of the major races sends an ambassador to this port, someone tries to assassinate him. Things really heat up after station commander Jeffery Sinclair is accused of the crime, and our last best hope for peace just might become the starting point for another war.

It's interesting to watch this movie as a fan of the series. It seems slow, many of the human characters didn't make it back when the series started, and the special effects aren't up to par. But I've used it to hook several friends on the show recently, and each time I'm amazed at the groundwork that was laid down and the story arcs that were introduced at this early date.

Unfortunately, Warner decided to test the DVD market for Babylon 5 with a product that features no extras. Commentaries and bloopers would make my day. Still, I found the picture and sound quality to be good.

While this isn't the best the series has to offer, its must watching for all fans and good background to new comers. Enjoy it for what it is and press on to season 1.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Jerry Doyle
Mira Furlan
Tamlyn Tomita
Michael O'Hare
Blaire Baron

Creators:
Michael O'Hare (Primary Contributor)
Tamlyn Tomita (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900163965
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2002-04-08
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1993-02-22
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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