Battlestar Gallactica - Series 1 Vol.1 (DVD 2005)

Battlestar Galactica is one of those shows that you either love or hate. There seems to be little middle ground here, compounded by the established fanbase of the original series that was not pleased with a Galactica series that differed so much from the original. But what came to pass with the Galactica miniseries and with Season 1 was a drama about the human existence that stands apart from the sci-fi genre. The fact that it happens to be set on board the last battlestar Galactica, as humanity flees from its children, the Cylons, is just an added bonus to a fantastic adventure.

Religion, war, life, death, politics, love, loss, the nature of patriotism, and the struggle between government and the military are all themes that resonate throughout Battlestar Galactica. As a dramatic series, the first season far outshines the old Galactica series, where bad episodes overwhelmingly outweighed the good. In the new Galactica, dramatic arcs last through the whole season, and constantly confound and twist the viewer. The best part of the series is that it philosophically challenges the viewer to think about the larger issues, to challenge the mind to debate the status quo, and has great relevance to the issues in today's headlines.

I would argue, and many would disagree, that the changes that were made were, on the whole, for the best. With the Cylons being created by man, and then turning against them, the whole issue of slavery, science, and playing god in the labortory are exposed for debate. Having Cylons appear Human, adds additional layers of the true nature of mankind. Are we at heart good or evil? Plus it adds to the dramatic nature of the series, since literally, anyone could be a Cylon.

Special effects are based mostly in reality and CGI is used well. The Cylon basestars and raiders look incredible, and the combat scenes are much better. Visually and storywise, the new Galactica is far superior to the old, even though I still have a fondness for the original.