The best sci-fi show on television keeps getting better. MGM has also shown an attempt to improve the DVD releases with each subsequent season. This was Showtime’s final year of hosting Stargate SG-1. I will be interested to see if the cinematic quality holds up with the release of season 6 which was taken over by the Sci-Fi Channel. The stories are bigger in season 5 and the f/x continue to amaze. With seasons 4 and 5 SG-1 had reached its peak.
Synopsis
Col. Jack O’ Neal (Anderson) heads the group. Archaeologist Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) is the expert on the cultures of the Stargate folks. Maj. Samantha Carter (Tapping) is a scientist with the Air Force who specializes in the physics of the thing. The team is rounded out by Teal’C (Christopher Judge), an alien with an enemy parasite inside of him.
Audio
Once again the Dolby Digital 5.1 track blows away most TV productions. Mix aggressiveness varies from episode to episode. In all episodes the dialogue is always crystal clear. The brilliant score always leaves me humming after each viewing. Highs and lows often reach impressive levels.
Video
Stargate SG-1 is once again presented in the HDTV standard widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Colors are always solid and quite often dynamic. A few episodes exhibit a great amount of grain. It appears that dark interiors show this minor flaw most. Blacks are otherwise very deep and true.
Special Features
Finally MGM has upped the ante again on bonus materials…
EVERY EPISODE in season five has a commentary. This time the first cast member, Christopher Judge, was added to the commentary list. Martin Wood is by far the most prolific on these tracks.
The best features yet for Stargate DVD sets is the series of video diaries carried by Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Michael Shanks. They are as funny as the show can often be.
“Inside The Tomb” director/producer Peter DeLuise uses the episode The Tomb to provide a set visit to the show. All I can say is: WOW. I wanna play on those sets.
Finally, a tribute to the character of Daniel Jackson celebrates his days with the team. Shanks did not do season 6 of the series. He would return again in season 7.
Final Thoughts
It is very hard to stop watching this show. I can’t seem to pop in a disc for just one episode. Stargate SG-1 has everything good sci-fi has always required: cast/character chemistry, brilliant f/x that don’t overtake the story, thought-provoking writing, and filmatic production values. It reminds me so much of Star Trek when it was at its best, I find myself mumbling “What. No phasers?”
