Review of Stargate SG1: Volume 33

Introduction

Stargate SG-1 is a US Science Fiction series (largely populated with Canadians), which spun off from the 1994 film Stargate. Earth scientists/military types have discovered a Stargate, which allows them to travel between planets instantly, through the familiar sci-fi wormhole.

The series has now been running for 7 seasons, and now follows the escapades of 4 intrepid explorers as they explore new worlds through the Stargate. This DVD contains the second block of 4 episodes from season 7, and here`s what you get:-

Revisions

Our team arrive on planet P3X-289 (which has a largely toxic atmosphere). However, they find an inhabitable area protected by a forcefield, and decide to investigate. The residents are all linked to a central computer system by a "Seven of Nine" style implant, and is there more to the central computer than meets the eye?

Fans might not forgive me for this, but this episode is a classic piece of Star Trek, it just so happens to be called Stargate SG-1.

Lifeboat

Another classic sci-fi episode here, involving the standard bodyswap/host invades human gambit. Our team discover a ship whose crew are in suspended animation, but before they can discover more they are knocked out by a power surge. This causes several beings to enter one of our team, and naturally only one person knows how to get them out. But he is of course reluctant to do so as this may just involve killing his comrades in the process. Will they work out a solution?

Not my favourite episode on the disc, but worth watching.

Enemy Mine

Featuring another X Files cast off in the form of Steven Williams (who played the mysterious Mr X). The other cast off is regular cast member Don S. Davis who played Scully`s father.

This time we have another spin on a classic. Humans are surveying a planet with a view to mining an important ore. The locals don`t take kindly to this. The military wish to use their usual brute force and ignorance approach, but our heroes (well one and a bit of them) want to go in and negotiate.

A bit predictable and hackneyed this one, and you`ll probably have seen it done better on other shows.

Space Race

This is one of those "one-off" episodes where a previous character returns and the writers decide to muck about and have a bit of fun.

The bit that you can ignore is that the SG-1 team is negotiating with the Hebridans about swapping some technologies. The main story is that Carter volunteers to help Warrick (a pilot rescued in an earlier story) win a race. The prize is a lucrative contract (a change from a big cup and some champers).

The race doesn`t go to plan (a bit of good old fashioned sabotage), but will our team triumph? In between we get some hilarious "TV coverage" from the alien planet, full of amusing product placement and advertisements.

A fun little distraction from the main mythology of the programme.

Video

A 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer greets us here, and it is excellent all the way through (as with all of the other releases of the series). Colours are good, blacks are black and everything looks just fine.

The show has a reasonable budget which means there`s a good mix of computer generated effects, studio sets and locations. It all looks pretty convincing.

Audio

A DD5.1 soundtrack is on offer here (a bonus for a TV programme), and it works pretty well. It`s largely based on the front 3 channels, but there are a few good surround effects (atmospheric noises, laser fire etc.) which make there way to the rear speakers. Dialogue is always clean and crisp (even if some of it is alien).

Features

A nice little selection of extras, as featured on all of the other releases of the show. First up are 2 more instalments in the "SG-1: Director`s Series" bringing us some insight into directing an episode along with interviews and behind the scenes footage.

You also get commentaries on each episode featuring various directors, producers, cast and other crew members. If you`re into the show then you`ll want to have a listen to these.

To round off we get photo galleries and trailers.

Conclusion

If you`ve been collecting Stargate SG-1 then you`ll probably want to add this one to your collection. It`s not really something for a casual fan, as if you`re going to have one disc in your collection, then you`ll soon be wanting more.

It`s an interesting foray into another sci-fi universe even if that universe is quite similar to those that you`ve met in Star Trek and many others. An enjoyable set of episodes, very well presented on DVD. Good transfer and sound are backed up with some quality extras to give you good value. It must be expensive if you`re trying to collect them all though!

Space Race was my favourite episode here, as I was laughing so much at the "TV coverage" featured.