I’ve written extensively about MGM’s releases of the series “Stargate SG-1.” I came to the series late as I was a huge fan of the movie “Stargate”, which heavily borrowed from books like “Chariots of the Gods” to create a world in which the ancient gods of Egypt were actually aliens. As much as I liked the movie, I stayed away from the TV series since I had little doubt it would pale in comparison. It wasn’t until around 2001 that a friend suggested I watch the series. After all, it had survived a few seasons on Showtime, then was picked up by the Sci Fi Channel and continued a highly successful run. I agreed that I must have been missing something so I picked up the 1st season on DVD. My wife and I have been hooked ever since. Aside from the occasional foray into cheesiness, “Stargate SG-1” proved to be a highly entertaining series.

This was not only thanks to the tremendous work of the cast, which included Richard Dean Anderson as the irascible Colonel O’Neill. I didn’t think it was possible for the writers to sustain an aura of quality in a series that pretty much took our heroes to new worlds each week via the ‘Stargate’, a device capable of creating a wormhole in which travel to distant worlds (also containing Stargates) was possible. However, the writers continued to prove me wrong for ten seasons, a couple of movies, and the five season series “Stargate: Atlantis.” (You can catch my thoughts on both here.)

A strong level of terrific writing continued to be present throughout every subsequent season of both series and I was ticked off when the first was cancelled, then again when the spin-off only had five seasons. Still, the “Stargate” universe lives on in, ironically enough… “Stargate: Universe, which premiered late last year and recently finished up its first excellent season. “Stargate Universe” takes off in a whole new direction as well as a whole new look. Where the original series’ had a kind of ‘clean’ look to them, this new series is far grittier. This overall look reminds me a lot of the updated version of “Battlestar Galactica”, which is what I believe the creators were going for.

Before I start the rest of this review, please note that I will be referring to subjects that may seem ‘alien’ to you if you have never watched any version of ‘Stargate.” I can refer you back to one of my earlier reviews for a little catch-up, which you will see a link to 2 paragraphs back. The new series takes place onboard a starship that was built by a race of ‘Ancients’ and has been roaming the universe for millions of years. Our new cast, after finding themselves caught up in the middle of a firefight, escape through a Stargate and wind up aboard the “Destiny” as it shoots through space. (Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows…) This new premise allows our cast to both travel to new adventures, yet be unable to escape back to Earth or any other planet on the main Stargate network.

The cast is made up of an interesting array for characters including, Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle), a brilliantly egomaniacal scientist, Eli Wallace (David Blue), a young computer genius who was ‘forced’ into joining the Stargate program, the chief medic, Tamara Johansen (Alaina Huffman), SG team leader Everett Young (Louis Ferreira), Chloe Armstrong, (Elyse Leveque) a Senator’s daughter, First Lieutenant Matthew Scott (Brian J. Smith and an IOA representative named Camile (Ming-Na).

Whereas the earlier editions of “Stargate” had a relatively colorful palette, this show is darker in both tone and color. Everyone seems to have a secret agenda, and trusting anyone can be deadly. Though most of the show takes place on the ship, the writers wisely took advantage of some technology that was introduced towards the final seasons of the original “Stargate.” The actors are able to utilize stone communication devices that are linked to the same on Earth and the individuals ‘swap’ minds. So the person on the ship inhabits the person on Earth and can interact with those around them, and vice versa. Sounds confusing I know… but it works and makes for some very interesting interactions. It also allows for some guest spots from “Stargate” favorites.

While this series is very different in tone, and I still miss what came before… I really do like it. It took a couple of episodes to win me over, but I’m now a fan. MGM just released the second half of the first season (1.5) on DVD and Bluray and I jumped right in so I could catch up after the mid season cliffhanger. The episodes on this set really take off and make the series a winner in my book. The Bluray allows for an incredible picture and sound, with every detail pulling you further in.

As has always been the case for “Stargate” releases, the extra features really make for a fantastic package. Every episode includes a commentary, from the funny to the sublime, there is a lot of talking going on and all of it is interesting. There is a vast array of short featurettes that gives viewers a lot to take in as far as how the show is put together, as well as little character confessions thanks to the little floating camera that is used in the show. One unusual extra is a little box that unfolds in order to hold both halves of the season as they were released in separate Bluray sets. Jury is out on whether I like this little box yet…

“Stargate Universe” definitely takes fans in a different direction, but so far I’m seeing the same excellent storytelling and character development that I’ve been used to. Looking forward to more seasons!!

Episodes:
Space
Divided
Faith
Human
Lost
Sabotage
Pain
Subversion
Incursion – Part 1
Incursion – Part 2

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Ming Na, Lou Diamond Phillips
Extras: Chatting with the Cast Featurettes; Tanked!: Elyse Levesque Goes for a Swim; Commentary on All Episodes; Kino Video Diaries; Designing a New Race; SGU Survival Instinct Game
Specifications: Widescreen (1.78:1), 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 7/27/2010
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Stargate Universe: Season 1.5 (Bluray) an A.