DVD Review : 'Battlestar Galactica' Season One

Season One of "Battlestar Galactica" (Universal Home Video) has recently been released on DVD in one of the best sets ever created. All thirteen episodes of the series are included, along with the miniseries that launched this new version of the show. The five disc set is also packed with a collection of bonus materials that is stacked with information about the cast, crew, and everything else Galactica. At first glance, one would think Battlestar Galactica to be nothing more than a show about science fiction. After watching a few minutes, one learns so much more. While the show takes place in space, the true focus of the series is human drama. The characters are well written, the plots developed and refined, creating one of the finest shows on television. Science fiction fan or not, I dare anyone to be able to resist the overall quality of this series.

The cast includes Edward James Olmos, playing the role of military Commander William Adama, the man in charge of keeping everyone on the run from the evil Cylon empire. Mary McDonnell plays President Laura Roslin, who finds strength while being ill. Katee Sackhoff is featured as Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace. In the original series, the role of Starbuck was played by a man. Sackhoff plays the role tough, and her character isn’t one for small talk. Jamie Barber is Captain Lee “Apollo” Adama, the son of the commander. Grace Park is cast as Lieutenant Sharon “Boomer” Valerii, a member of the crew that may or may not be a Cylon. Rounding out the cast are Jim Callis, as the brilliant but crazy Dr. Gaius Baltar and the object of his desires, the beautiful Number Six, played by actress Tricia Helfer.

There is not a bad episode in the entire batch that makes up the season one set. Each episode excels thanks to intelligent writing, great performances, and storylines that enhance the overall plot of the series. The first episode of the series, “33,” discusses why a space jump is needed every thirty-three minutes to avoid a Cylon attack. There lies the genius of the series. The characters can never stand still; they can never relax, as they know they need to take action ever thirty three minutes in order to stay alive. “Six Degrees of Separation” deals with Number Six appearing as a human, forcing Adama to decide whether her information can be trusted. The season one two part finale, “Kobol’s Last Gleaming” could be the best two episodes of the season. A civil war breaks out between the fleet, a Cylon base needs to be destroyed, and it sets up season two perfectly.

The bonus materials included on this five disc set are truly from another galaxy. The bonus collection stands alone from the episodes and could make up an entirely additional DVD release. Yes, it is that good. Every aspect of the show is covered and the collection is mind blowing. The Sketches and Art segment shows the extremely detailed drawings used to create the vision of the show. Watching the show come to life from the artwork and designs is breath taking. Not one, not two, but forty-six, yes, forty-six Deleted Scenes are also included, many focusing on Baltar and the beautiful figment of his imagination, Number Six. There is a great deleted scene between Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell, which shows the mastery of their acting abilities. The Series Lowdown features interviews from the entire cast and crew. They talk about their goals for the series, going from mini series to series, the visual effects, and cast members answer emails from fans of the show. The Commentary bonus feature is nothing short of phenomenal. If you enjoy commentary, do not worry, as the miniseries and the first episode of the series comes complete with commentary from Executive Producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick and Director Michael Rymer. Moore and Eick return for two more episodes and Moore also comments on another six. Wait, it gets better. A staggering eight Behind the Scenes Featurettes are also included, which go above and beyond what any viewer could want. They include:

-From Miniseries to Series – The cast discusses the transition and the documentary style in which the show is filmed.

-Change is Good, Now They’re Babes – Why is the character of Starbuck portrayed by a woman in the new series and Boomer’s internal conflict of being a Cylon.

-The Cylon Centurion – The history and development of the Cylon character from the original series to the current series.

- Future/Past Technology – Making past technology effective in the future, helping to achieve the goal of making Galactica run by people, and not machines.

-The Doctor is Out (of his Mind) – A segment on Baltar and his need to fulfill his desires. Is there really something in his brain creating his visions of Number Six?

-Production – How to make a show, shot on digital video, not look like a show shot on digital video.

-Visual Effects- Members of the effects team discuss trying not to create a sci-fi look, as they are more concerned with the effects blending with the human aspects of the show.

-Epilogue - Talking about the concern of alienating fans of the original series, while trying to keep some elements and approaching them in a new manner.

Season One of Battlestar Galactica is must own for anyone who appreciates entertainment that challenges and surprises the audience. The show is character driven drama at the highest level. All television should strive to be this good.