With the news that there will be a second SGU season, Stargate fans have even more to celebrate as they add this three disc set of season one to their Stargate collection. In addition to being a fan favorite, this set is the perfect introduction to the latest adventures in the Stargate family.
As always, quality production, performances and storylines make Stargate Universe top notch science fiction entertainment.
The resident scientist and I are fans of good science fiction. Through the years we have enjoyed the various chapters in the Stargate story, and we were cautiously optimistic about this latest adventure.
Dropping the “cautiously” during the first episode, we are happy to say that Stargate is alive and well, albeit in a strange new place. In the new adventure, a mixed group of Earth’s scientists, military personnel and civilians are on another planet working on the Icarus Project, when a surprise attack forces them to flee through the planet’s stargate. Having dialed the elusive ninth chevron they are uncertain of their destination, but hopeful of a possible route home.
They land on the aptly named “Destiny” a ship built by the ancients that has been traveling in space for millions of years. They are unable to alter the course, or to dial home, and so they are forced to work together just to survive.
We love that Destiny is a Jules Verne-esque Steampunk looking vehicle. The Space Suits look like something out of 20,000 LEAUGES UNDER THE SEA, as does the massive windowed viewing room. It is pure Nautilus and a perfect setting for the group, who have difficulties defining roles and choosing leaders.
The ship is as much a character as any of the humans, and its age and mystery create challenges for a group that doesn’t have an engineering/technology team. We see the whole from the viewpoint of civilian Eli Wallace (David Blue) a brilliant young man, who has been brought into the Icarus project by the Air Force. He is on his introductory mission when he ends up as one of the refugees to the Destiny.
Top Scientist Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle) , is at odds with military top officer Col. Everett Young (Louis Ferreira) and both have problems with IOC official Camile Wray (Ming-Na). The communications stones discovered in SG-1 are put to good use, as the oddly assorted group is able to communicate with SG back on Earth, but Col. David Telford (Lou Diamond Phillips) is not at all happy that Col.
Young is the military leader of the unplanned expedition. Guest appearances by known and loved SG personnel are another bonus of the series.
SGU 1.0 DVD is on three discs with a number of good extras. First there is the extended version of the season opener (or pilot) “Air.” This has additional scenes that explore Destiny, and connections among the people as they adjust to the situation. The “Stargate 101: Presented by Dr. Daniel Jackson” gives a recap of Stargate knowledge in a training film format, what Eli had to watch as part of his introduction to the program.
Kinos are small orb shaped objects that serve as recorders, discovered by Eli on Destiny, and viewers are given a selection of the Kino diaries with 5 entries only available on this DVD.
Audio commentaries are included for all episodes, with cast and producers participating. In all, it is another excellent adventure to add to the Stargate collection.
Visit the DVD database for more information.
Your Talkback on this Story