Battlestar Galactica: Season 1 DVD Review:

Devastated by a surprise attack by the Cylons, the last surviving Battlestar, Galactica gathers together the survivors in any spaceship that will fly and starts to run. Relentlessly pursued, the Convoy has only one hope, to reach the fabled 13th colony, located on a shining planet called Earth.

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The Convoy of refugees is attacked exactly thirty-three minutes after every FTL (Faster Than Light) jump, leading many to believe there is a traitor in their midst.

Water

Boomer (Park) wakes up in a storage locker soaking wet and carrying a bag with a bomb in it. Moments later, several explosions rip through the Battlestar Galactica bleeding her of 60% of her water. Now the crew struggles to find another source of water before riots threaten to destroy the convoy.

Bastille Day

Lee ‘Apollo’ Adama (Bamber) has an idea to use prisoners to collect a new supply of water from underground on an icy moon, but the leader of a group of insurgents uses the opportunity to take some of the ship's officer’s hostage.

Act of Contrition

When an accident causes the death of twenty of Galactica's fighter pilots on the hangar deck, Lt. Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace (Sackhoff) must train a new squad, bringing back painful memories for her and Lee Adama.

You Can't Go Home Again

When Starbuck goes missing under enemy fire, Apollo and Commander Adama (Olmos) stir up resentment by using too many of the Galactica's scanty resources in their attempts to find her.

Litmus

When an attack by some of the new humanoid Cylons reveals their existence, a tribunal is convened to determine if any more of them are hiding among the crew of the Galactica.

Six Degrees Of Separation

Baltar (Callis) has an argument with Number Six (Helfer) over the existence of only one true god that leads her to disappear from his life. Soon after he is called to the bridge where he sees her standing there. He initially tries to pretend that he does not see her as is generally the case but soon learns that this Cylon is calling herself Ms Godfrey. She accuses Baltar of being the traitor responsible for the failure of the Colonial Defences. She provides proof in the form of a disc that once analysed will prove that he was responsible.

Flesh and Bone

Starbuck has a crisis of conscience when she is ordered to torture a Cylon prisoner to find out where a bomb has been hidden somewhere in the fleet.

Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down

Col. Tigh's (Hogan) estranged wife turns up on the Galactica, asking for reconciliation but while the XO might think see survived the attack, Commander Adama and President Roslin (McDonnell) think she could be a Cylon.

The Hand Of God

As fuel supplies run dangerously low, Commander Adama decides to launch an attack on a Cylon base and steal their fuel.

Colonial Day

Tom Zarek (Hatch) has himself nominated for the role of Vice President, as an assassin is located on board the Cloud Nine Luxury liner. As tensions flare the cruel hand of politics leads to murder, and the election of the most unlikely Vice President.

Kobol's Last Gleaming (Part 1 & 2)

On a routine scouting mission, a raptor discovers a planet that matches the description of Earth. On further investigation it is revealed to be Kobol, the fabled birthplace of mankind and home of the Gods. President Roslin and the religious representatives of the fleet see it as a sign that will point them to Earth but Commander Adama decides to air on the side of caution.

For years fans of the original series from 1978 had been clambering of a remake or continuation of the story of a rag-tag fugitive fleet on a lonely quest to find a shining planet, known as Earth. Now their wish has been granted but they could have never expected anything like this.

After setting the story going in the brilliant mini series, the first season hits the airwaves running. The original premise of the Cylon’s launching an audacious surprise attack on the Twelve Colonies and Galactica leading a convoy of survivors on a lonely quest to find Earth was still the main theme but those fans expecting the cheesy, 70s style of the original series where shocked to find in its place one of the most intelligent science fiction programmes to hit television in a very long time. The new ‘Battlestar Galactica’ is a completely different entity.

This is a show that highlights the dangers of been on the run from Cylon tyranny. The programme is about survival and the decisions and consequences that come with that. Here we have a military presence, the guardians of the fleet and the only thing keeping the Cylon’s from finding and destroying them. We also have a civilian presence, in the form of the President of the Colonies, whose office oversees the interests of the survivors. These themes were presence in the original series but in the new version, these factors are a lot more prevalent. We now have two types of approach and views, one military and one political, leading to conflict and debate that sees an uneasy alliance between the two governing factions.

There is also a third element that makes the show completely different from the 1978 series, as the Cylon’s now look human. Unbeknownst to the saviours, the Cylon’s have evolved to the point that they can recreate the human form exactly. A synthetic Cylon that is undetectable by the human eye or medical science can infiltrate the fleet and cause as much havoc as you could possibly imagine. As a viewer we see their nefarious plans unfold, as we know from the pilot, there are only a few Human models. President Roslin and Commander Adama don’t know this however, meaning anyone could be a Cylon agent. This raises a level of paranoia and suspicion that is a tremendous plot device.

These three elements are brilliantly brought together to provide a continuing story that is told from multiple aspects. Bringing these elements to life is an excellent ensemble cast that includes some established actors and some getting their chance at the big time. Veteran TV actor Edward James Olmos is Commander Adama, the highest-ranking military officer left and probably finest the fleet has ever seen. A role like this demands an actor that can portray authority but have the utmost respect of his fellow cast members. Olmos has this in abundance and makes an excellent leader. Mary McDonnell also has to have an heir of authority about her character. As President Roslin she is a lowly minister suddenly thrown into a position of power because she is the only ranking politician left alive after the attack. This is a role that she never really wanted but raises to, even if most people think she isn’t up to the task. The part needed a good actress to play the role and Mary McDonnell is that actress.

As well as the veteran actors, the series is also filled with some excellent up and coming talent. In one of the most controversial decisions by series developer Ronald D. Moore, Starbuck is now a woman but don’t let this put you off. Katee Sackhoff is astounding in the role and if you still had any doubts over her portrayal of the role after the mini series, then the first season will put any worries to bed. She makes the part her own and she is still the rebellious rouge you all loved but there is a bit more depth to the character that in the original series. Jamie Bamber is grows into the role of Lee ‘Apollo’ Adama. He doesn’t quite have the screen presence that Richard Hatch had in the original but over the season the character and his portrayal do get stronger. Stealing the show are the performances of James Callis and Tricia Helfer as Dr. Gaius Baltar and Number Six. As in the original, Baltar is the man who betrayed the human race to the Cylons but in this version no one knows this yet. Instead he is the chief scientific advisor to the fleet and given the task of finding out if there are any Cylon agents in the convoy. Unbeknownst to everyone else, Gaius still sees the Cylon who drew him to their cause. She might be a figment of his imagination but she is real to him and still has some influence. It is Gaius’s fall into madness and his ultimate portrayal of the human race that makes this storyline so riveting.

Add to this, good performances by Grace Park as Lieutenant Sharon 'Boomer' Valerii, Aaron Douglas as Chief Petty Officer Tyrol and Tahmoh Penikett as Lt. Karl 'Halo' Agathon and you have an excellent ensemble that really pushes the show along.

Filled with outstanding episodes from start to finish, the first season of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ is one best start to a science fiction series ever. While some shows do take a while to get going, this hits the ground running and increases the pace during the thirteen-episode run. Fans of the original may not like its serious style and gritty approach but this is intelligent science fiction that treats the audience with respect and a certain amount of intellect, unlike many shows in the genre. This is the first must watch Sci-Fi show of the new millennium.

Season Star Rating = * * * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in 16x9 Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, ‘Battlestar Galactica’ has never looked so good. The brilliant visual effects, set and production design are vividly brought to life in a crystal clear picture. The sound is also first rate, especially during the space battles when your surround sound really comes into its own.

BONUS FEATURES

Deleted Scenes (48.27 mins)

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Scenes include ‘International Main Title’, more Apollo and Starbuck, an extended briefing, a Presidential gift, a call from Commander Adama and a rousing speech by Apollo.

Water

We see more of Boomer’s realisation, planting of evidence, the Chief finding something, covering for Boomer, a subplot for Boxey, the Presidential arrival, the integration of the Chief, Adama and Roslin talk about Earth and Six and Gaius talk about women.

Act of Contrition

Apollo and Starbuck discuss new pilots and the Chief is interviewed.

You Can't Go Home Again

Six talks about the President and Adama talks to the doctor.

Litmus

Billy holds his first Press Conference, Starbuck in the hospital, the engineering crew make a still and Boomer talks about the Cylons.

Six Degrees Of Separation

The Chief tries to get the Cylon fighter working but needs Starbuck’s help.

Flesh and Bone

Starbuck finds a strange device and Gaius has some news for Boomer.

Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down

The crew talk about sex, Gaius tries it on with Starbuck and Adama finds a message.

The Hand Of God

The President’s visions increase

Colonial Day

Extended version of the electoral debate.

Kobol's Last Gleaming (Part 1)

Boomer gets in some practice, the President sickness increases and she gets new pills, Apollo talks to Starbuck, Tigh forgets his anniversary, Apollo talks to Boomer, Tigh talks about Kobol and Gaius leaves Six.

Kobol's Last Gleaming (Part 2)

The President makes a decision and Apollo gives a briefing.

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Season 1 DVD Trailer (0.37 mins)

Watch the trailer for the classic 70s TV show starring Gil Gerard.

OVERALL

Season One of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ is presented well on DVD. The episodes have never looked or sounded as good and the deleted scenes are a real bonus. The inclusion of a few commentary tracks, a making of… featurette or commentary on the deleted scenes would have been welcomed however but you can’t have everything. This should not put you off purchasing one of the best new science fictions shows in a very long time however.



Jamie Kelwick