Movies/TV/Games: BLU-RAY REVIEW: Stargate Universe 1.0

First part of first season of newest Stargate TV series hits home video...

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If you're a fan of sci-fi on TV, you're no doubt a fan of Stargate. The first Stargate TV series - Stargate: SG-1 - recently became the longest running U.S. sci-fi series in TV history, renewed by SyFy Channel for its 10th season. Likewise, the franchise has generated two spin-offs - Stargate: Atlantis and the new Stargate Universe - which have become fan-favorites as well.

The first 10 episodes of Stargate Universe recent hit home video on DVD and Blu-ray and is sure to impress fans of the previous SG series, though much of the new show's setting seem a bit too familiar...at least it will if you were a fan of SyFy's previous hit TV series Battlestar Galactica. While this might make some wonder if SG's creators and writers are running out of ideas, it only take a look at the impressive characters and the story's development over these 10 episodes to realize that there's something exciting, fun and entertaining to be found in Stargate Universe.

Stargate Universe is - at its core - a survival tale. Approx. 80 various military and civilians find themselves aboard the Destiny, a ship created by the Ancients which has been cruising the galaxy - and beyond - for thousands of years. With little hope to return home and no way to control where the Destiny goes or how long it stays in one place, the men and women of SG:U must band together in order to live.

With an impressive cast that includes Robert Carlyle, Justin Louis, Ming-Na, Jamil Walker Smith, Alaina Huffman, and David Blue, Stargate Universe (like previous SG series before it) features a wide variety of character types - from soldiers and doctors to nerdy gamers and government-types - which ensure viewers from all walks will find at least one character they can relate with. It's really these characters in these first 10 episodes which make the series worth watching. As we learn about these characters and their strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and goals, we find ourselves with an emotional attachment to them, hoping they'll achieve their impossible goal of returning home to Earth...but longing for more suspense, adventure, and excitement as they voyage to places unknown.

The special features on the 2-disc Blu-ray set include an extended version of the pilot episode "Air," numerous cast interviews, various cast and producer commentaries on each episode (some more insightful and engaging than others), an informative and in-depth "Destiny Star Map Log" which allows fans to chart the galaxy with the crew and enjoy a variety of behind-the-scenes featurettes (including an insightful and somewhat humorous Stargate 101 documentary presented by SG-1 character Dr. Daniel Jackson), and over 20 minutes of video diaries from the Destiny's "Kino" video devices.

While not featuring as much behind-the-scenes info as some SG discs, most fans will be thankful for the commentaries and numerous featurettes (including over 40 minutes of content exclusive to Blu-ray). For fans of Stargate who haven't been watching Stargate Universe, this is a great place to start. While the story seems familiar (especially to those who watched Battlestar Galactica), there's a lot more to Stargate Universe to explore and I for one and excited to find out where the Destiny is heading...

- Jess C. Horsley