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Battlestar Galactica: Season One [2004] (REGION 1) (NTSC)


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Subversive, mature and taut...
Review date: 2008-07-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

Most people would be slightly weary of the idea of a new and re-invigorated version of the spectacle Science Fiction Drama series Battlestar Galactica (1978-1980) being up to the year in which the series became 'Galactica 1980', which lead to its thoroughly trashed downfall, was a bit of a surprise that a network had decided to re-fashion the show with a more updated and far more interesting story. Many fans would, should insist that this is a re-imagining not an intrinsic remake of a cheesy lovable, and to use a pun for a modern show, "That 70's Show". Many of the sci-fi fan-boys, and girls, were in need of a successful sci-fi drama series that had the ability to keep fresh interest and action with drama to top.

The show comes from that concept of a 2003 mini-series, a somewhat thorough and enjoyable close to 3 hr pilot. The principal point, machines are made by man, evolved, rebelled, and a war began.

Sci-fi rubbed off on this show, and it pays to respect it with homage's. With elements from novelist Philip K. Dick from his earlier works of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" now known as the film adaptation "Blade Runner" along with the dark twisted parallel of the humanoid Cylons, and that mirrored `skinjob' reference. It also manages to match the dark allegory of P. K Dick' "Valis" a unique exploration of plethora's and universal metaphysics.

The virtuous and glamoured imagery bears the likeness of Kubrick' "2001: A Space Odyssey" with cross-cut scenes of Baseships in the sunlight of a nearby star, with a score to match. The score itself is very cinematic, in that it mixes and mingles with the imagery of the show to great exertion; continuously trying new techniques and new ways to give the eye candy. The score feels very dark, operatic and at the same time very tautly tense; it again has mirrored Vangelis' score in "Blade Runner" with the deep drum sound to hard hitting acoustics.

Battlestar Galactica is the best character drama that has the real dexterity of raw emotion; the acting shapes plot and vice versa. The characters are flawed and they should be, the situation creates the drama and evidently shapes the characters actions. It perhaps is the only show to bludgeon the scene with taut and well crafted dialogue and sharpest whit, measured writing that current shows like LOST and Heroes could benefit from. The dialogued scenes are spot on quality, the actors all themselves have unique range; perhaps currently the best acting troupe on TV. They have unique ability to play different parts of their personas during the course of a single episode, and still bring a sense of morality, logic and whit to the role; very much unlike a "space opera".

The acting troupe has characters including Edward James Almos' brilliant depiction of Commander/Admiral Adama; easily being a favourite. His slightly depressed attitude yet experience make him capable, if not slightly down heartened. His display as a commander of the pride of the fleet does show why he is the best person to have control of a superior vessel. He is quick to think, act and knowing what the cost is with the troubles of his confounded life. Two other characters change form and gender, the two now female, where the Galactica predecessor had two male characters, (when fans should not complain) Katee Sackhoff as Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace, is born into the role of a hard-headed female Viper pilot. As well as the other female candidate played by Grace Park nicknamed 'Boomer'.

One thing this show does well is giving the most unexpected outcome possible, real credit to the writers that show they have a lot of grenades to go certain ways and that their bold spontaneity will either be accepted or rejected by audiences. The writers of this show are very clever, in that you might think they plan out the show years in advance a la "Babylon 5" or "Lost" however you could not be more wrong. The show is written by boldly engaging the big issues currently on TV. You wonder how does a rag-tag fleet survive in the most logical and pragmatic way, scripted to show you that the real evidence of this is present in stories inspired by recent history and current events.

Truth is that many aspects of futuristic life may well be reflected on the current stand stead of today's socio-political and ethical conflict, that's if we decide to create robots that want to kill us. The themes themselves also reflect the big issues: drama, love, personal betrayal, post-9/11 parables, death, rape, murder, greed, religious extremism, depravity and also the antonyms when the situation lightens up (there is humour). In addition, unremittingly keeps putting forth the notion of what is exactly human. It's about genocide, war and the abyss after the precipice.

The special effects are not the only thing that shows high production value, it would put some of the current Trek franchise to shame. Everything is luscious, from the pure spot-on script and unexpected plots to the character actions and the big explosions going on outside.

The imagery splits from sporadic to perpetual, the effects are full of ardour CGI and digital FX, 'in the mind of the pilot/documentary' shot sequences. The new breed of improved and scary Terminator influenced Cylon centurions and human-looking Cylon infiltrators who's brutal degradation towards mankind reflects the worst parts of humanity. Is it pure hate, spite, jealousy or maybe because they have found a god to kill for; sound familiar? Moreover, what you have been waiting for, yes it does have graphic scenes of a sexual nature, but it's not for everyone.

Verdict:

The World is over. The Fight has just begun. 10/10.

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Reviews


Amazing!!!
Review date: 2008-05-31 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is one of the best shows on TV right now, according to many media outlets. "A Breakaway Hit!" -TV Guide and "The Best Show on Television." -Newsday are but two examples of the rave reviews it has received. If you are a sci-fi fan, this is a must-see show. If you aren't a sci-fi fan, you should still consider checking this out. Even though it's in space and has killer robots, it is more human than most other drama shows on TV today. So say we all.

This box set includes the miniseries that re-launched this show and returned it to TV for the first time since the 1970's. It has the 4-hour miniseries and the 13 episodes from the first season. It stars Edward James Olmos as Commander Adama Captain of the Battlestar Galactica, and Mary McDonnell as the newly invested president of the 12 colonies of man. She was formerly the secretary of education.

The Cylon's had not been heard from in years. Then in one day they attack and destroy nearly all human life in attacks on all planets and most military assets. Now with the war against the Cylon robots lost, the Battlestar Galactica crew speed toward the fabled 13th colony on a long lost planet, called Earth. Galactica Commander Adama and President Laura Roslin face waning supplies, crushed morale, ... and the credible threat Cylons aboard the ship. Cylons that look like humans now not just shiny machines.

Humanity's children have come home and they are trying to destroy their creators.

Some of the amazing cast are:
Edward James Olmos as Commander William Adama
Mary McDonnell as Laura Roslin
Katee Sackhoff as Lt. Kara "Starbuck" Thrace
Jamie Bamber as Captain Lee "Apollo" Adama
James Callis as Dr. Gaius Baltar Vice President
Tricia Helfer as Number Six
Grace Park as Lt. Sharon "Boomer" Valerii
Richard Hatch as Tom Zarek (The original Apollo)
Tahmoh Penikett as Lt. Karl C. "Helo" Agathon
Michael Hogan as Col. Saul Tigh
Aaron Douglas as CPO Galen "Chief" Tyrol
Alessandro Juliani as Lt. Felix Gaeta
Kandyse McClure as P02 Anastasia Dualla
Paul Campbell as Billy Keikeya

This cast works so well together, that after the miniseries they rewrote parts of the series to give the "Chief" a much larger role.

This series will draw you in and capture your imagination. It is full of religious symbols and images. There are visions, prophecies, and sacred scrolls. It is a drama of the most intense nature. Check it out, you will watch the DVD's over and over again.

The best Sci-fi series since Babylon 5.

So Say We All!

Galactico a go go!
Review date: 2006-03-29 Rating: 10 out of 10

I'm a sci-fi fan, but above all a movie fan, BAttlestar Galactica stands alone as a fantastic drama, forget the setting, its the storylines, acting and the way this series is shot that has moved the sci-fi genre well and truly into the next century. This is the only thing I will rush home to see on Tv, when was the last time Tv was this gripping and addictive?
For too long sci-fi has targeted the lowest common denominator intelligence wise, but with Galactica we get gritty, and intelligent scripts that asks many questions about humanity. If Star Trek want to know where they went wrong with Enterprise, they need look no further than here.
The Fx are top notch, the cinematography too. Don't lump this in with the likes of Firefly, Star Trek, Babylon 5. it belongs with the like's of 24 etc...
Have your faith in sci-fi restored, watch this, you won't regret it!

A superb retelling of a classic SF series
Review date: 2005-10-13 Rating: 10 out of 10

Simply put, the new Battlestar is probably the best SF show on TV at the moment. The only other series that come close are Babylon 5 and abruptly cancelled Firefly. The new Battlestar is hard edged, gritty, dark, and truly aimed at a more mature viewer than the original 70s show, which really was aimed at kids and young teens. The characters in the new show are much more believable and interesting, the scripts are engaging, and the special effects are well executed, but do not run the show. There is no Trek Technobabble which provide convenient solutions to problems - instead the characters have to muddle through in a uniquely human way.

This is a series that will go far. It is far superior to every incarnation of Star Trek, and certainly the equal of Babylon 5. Buy it - you won't regret it.

As per the Region 2 reviews, but why more on this one?!
Review date: 2005-09-23 Rating: 10 out of 10

I am not going to go over how good I believe this series is, it is simply good drama with top notch performances by the whole cast without exception. However, I am a little annoyed that the only extras on the region 2 release were a few deleted scenes that you could view on the website, this release has soooo much more with commentaries and other extras, in fact a whole extra disc. This is ok, if you have lots of money and can buy the set again and also have a TV that is compatible (NTSC). A little un-fair! But, if you have lots of money and have not seen this cracking series yet, go buy it, it is NOTHING like the original 70`s series.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Mary McDonnell
Jamie Bamber
James Callis
Tricia Helfer
Edward James Olmos

Creators:
Edward James Olmos (Primary Contributor)
Mary McDonnell (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
EAN: 9781417054060
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 1417054069
Number of items: 5
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC,
Release date: 2005-09-20
Universal product code (UPC): 025192792823
Number of discs: 5
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 1
Running time: 756 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005-01-14
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)

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