The Show
For unknown but certainly cheesy reasons, Fox decided to release the first season of the sci-fi spin-off, Stargate Universe, in two parts. The inaugural season was a total of 20 episodes, so it would make sense that Stargate Universe: 1.5 covers the second half of the season. SGU 1.0 includes the first half of the season (not covered in this review).
It should also be noted that SGU: 1.5 comes packaged with a nifty little box (folded in half!), which allows you to pop in both 1.0 and 1.5 for safekeeping. Is that a slap in the face or something?
Bitterness aside, if you're going to buy one part of the season, this is the one to get. We're not sure why you'd do that, but this is where things start getting good. The first half of the season spent time getting us acquainted with the crew destined to float around the atmosphere on an old bucket named Destiny. This part kicks off with an alien attack. Can a sci-fi show get better than that?
Well, maybe. The aliens are cool looking, when you actually see them. However, SGU 1.5 has a lot more to do with dialogue than evil (or friendly) space creatures. At times, you might not feel like you know what's going on. It's like a slightly soapier, outer space version of Lost. That said, sci-fi fans should be pleased when Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) gets all medieval in the first episode of this half.
The bottom line: If you want to get attached to your space crew, then pull yourself up a seat and get ready to be sucked in -- and not in an alien sort of way. Syfy put together a pretty stellar acting crew, so even when the action subsides, you know you're going to get a good show.
The Picture
SGU 1.5 doesn't offer a fantasy filled with bright colors. However, this set does provide a super-sharp, stunning image throughout its 438 minutes. The 1.78:1 transfer is dark in tone and in the actual image. Since those blacks are pretty much the backbone of the Stargate backdrop, it's a good thing they made them look so gorgeous. Sci-fi fans will also appreciate the nice details, from the filth in and outside of the Destiny to the graying scruff on Robert Carlyle's withered face.
The Sound
Matching the image to a tee, this DTS-HD Master Audio track does not miss a beat -- or a click or a chirp. The show can be slow at times, but this track keeps busy between ambient sounds and the show's powerful score. The dialogue, while sometimes as low as a whisper, is always crystal clear. Also, when the action happens, you will feel it. There are some super bass-filled moments that come through with a wallop. Your fingers won't be gripping the seat too often, but this entire set does deliver pretty stellar sound, and manages to use every available speaker for the bulk of it.
The Extras
Stargate fans will be extremely happy with the selection of special features on this 3-disc set, even if the navigation is a bit goofy. All three discs feature "Destiny SML" and the "Kino Video Diaries," both of which have "interactive" navigation. "Destiny SML" is where the meat is, with over an hour of shorts that cover a lot of ground, from designing the aliens to cast interviews to behind-the-scenes peeks. Viewers can flip through those featurettes using a star map. The Kino is a little orb you can guide through 20 minutes of character confessions. The menus themselves are cutesy, but really serve no point. Just hit the Play All option and enjoy.
It's also worth noting that every episode has its own commentary, offering opinions and antics from varying cast and crew members.
Final Thoughts
Some may like their sci-fi with a little more sparkle. The adventures of Stargate Universe: 1.5 Blu-ray may be a little slow-paced and dark, but they do feature a great cast. The stellar Blu-ray release might garner a few extra fans -- assuming they aren't turned off by having to purchase the first season in two separate sets.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
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