The final chapters of Battlestar Galactica are now available for fans to own on DVD, in the season 4.5 boxed set. The aired adventures along with fifteen hours of bonus content and three extended episodes not seen on television should be a pleasure for those completing their set of a legendary series in the world of science fiction.
Anything that can be said about Battlestar Galactica is insignificant beside the power and complexity of the groundbreaking series. When it was first announced, those who were familiar with the somewhat campy 1970’s incarnation of the story wondered at how it could be translated to a serious 21st century drama.
It surpassed our wildest dreams in terms of reality and compelling stories. The citizens of Caprica struggling to save the remains of their civilization mirrored the pioneers of the old West, or the explorers of new lands, ever seeking a home. Their experiences were a mix of good and bad, people who meant well but fell short of the mark, or even those who had hidden agendas in their manipulation of the population.
In short, there was much to identify with in the series, and questions were raised as to origins, purposes, and just what is important in life. As in our world, it was not always easy to discern who the good guys were, and evil might be masked or simply another point of view that was misunderstood.
If anything, Battlestar Galactica not only entertained audiences, it made us think and assess our current positions.
To tell any of the final plot seems like cheating. If you have seen the series, you already know what happens, and if you have not yet watched it to the conclusion, to talk much about it would either seem nonsensical, or definitely a spoiler. Battlestar is a series that should be watched and discussed.
There was much about it that generated emails and phone calls among friends, and lively arguments and conjectures, what or who are Cylons, how does the political atmosphere among the refugees mirror problems we face in our own world, what is the true nature of prejudice, and are the elements of good and evil simply perceptions based on a person’s experience. All of this and more awaits the viewer of Battlestar Galactica.
This final half of the final season is presented on four discs with a wealth of special features. Along with the aired episodes are three extended versions of stories that are fascinating in their detailed exploration of subject matter.
Disc One has two episodes, with podcasts and commentary by executive Producer Ronald D. Moore. Special features include deleted scenes, Behind the scenes featurettes “Evolution of a Cue” exploring the music in the series and a synopsis of the series so far in “What the Frak is Going On With Battlestar Galactica?” There is also the extended episode of “A Disquiet Follows My Soul” with commentary.
Disc Two contains four episodes with podcasts, deleted scenes and a featurette “And They Have A Plan.” Disc Three has two episodes with podcast commentary, and deleted scenes. There is a behind the scenes featurette “The Journey Ends: The Arrival”, David Eick’s video blogs, and Islanded in a Stream of Stars unaired extended episode with commentary by star and episode director Edward James Olmos.
The final disc has the final three episode arc deciding the fates of many of the characters. Included as special features are deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette “A Look Back” and finally the unaired extended episode of “Daybreak.”
It is difficult to say goodbye to this element of the story, but with the promise of prequels to come in Caprica, this chapter in the story becomes even more important.
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4.5 is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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