|
The complete chronological release of all 22 episodes of season
one of Stargate SG-1 has been a long time in arriving
in the UK. And now they are available in widescreen anamorphic
format as a five DVD disc collectible boxset. But was the
wait worth while?
The
first thing to note about this long overdue release is that
the picture quality is well below par - in places looking
not much better than a video copy. Then there is the added
frustration of not a single extra in sight. This wouldn't
have been quiet so obvious if MGM hadn't spoiled us with seasons
five and six of the series which had great picture quality
and a fantastic collection of extras.
There
is also another problem which makes me think that MGM really
didn't take any care over this collection. On almost every
episode there were a few scenes where the action appeared
to be very jerky. This normally happened when there was a
lot of action on screen or someone moved quickly and led me
to the conclusion that these discs are nothing more than poor
quality transfers from the US discs - where the frame rate
is different.
The
episodes themselves are entertaining, but I noticed that the
episodes that have previously been available in the UK on
DVD are not as good quality on this collection and this I
find inexcusable.
Children
of the Gods was the feature length episode that started
it all off and rewatching it it is obvious that David Arnold's
score borrowed from the movie really helps to provide a darker
atmosphere. I'd also forgotten how much Michael Shanks looked
like James Spader - there were a couple of scenes where you
could almost believe Shanks was Spader.
Rewatching
the episodes I also noticed how conveniently the writers forgot
about Jackson's allergies - they are used here and again in
a later episode, but purely as a plot device to explain why
Jackson doesn't succumb to an illness.
Cor-Ai
is an episode worth rewatching. It's not original, every sci-fi
show has used the story of one of its main characters being
put on trial in an alien world, but there are some great lines.
Included is a scene were O'Neil and Carter and trying to convince
Hammond that they must remove Teal'c from the planet using
force. To which Hammond states: "The United States is
not in the business of interfering in other peoples affairs."
To which O'Neil simply replies: "Since when, sir?"
Season
one is a lot slower in pace than following years (the show
really only takes off in year three) but there are some worthwhile
episode in here.
It's
just a shame that the picture quality is so poor and a few
extras would have been welcomed. Still at £50 what more
do you want?
Darren
Rea
Buy
this item online
We
compare prices online so you get the cheapest
deal!
(Please note all prices exclude P&P - although
Streets Online charge a flat £1 fee regardless
of the number of items ordered). Click on the
logo of the desired store below to purchase
this item.
|
|
|
£39.99
(Amazon.co.uk) |
| |
|
|
|
£43.99
(Blackstar.co.uk) |
| |
|
|
|
£43.99
(Streetsonline.co.uk) |
All prices correct at time of going to press.
|
|
