Review of Stargate SG1: Volume 6

Introduction

For anybody not familiar with Stargate SG-1, it is a US TV Sci-Fi series based on the film Stargate, a surprise hit from 1994. Basically a circular device has been found which when operated activates a wormhole between planets allowing people to travel huge distances in a matter of seconds. The series builds on the plot of the film by following a team as they explore the galaxy for the benefit of mankind etc etc. It also helps to have seen the previous 5 volumes are the viewer is introduced to species and characters that have been encountered before - however for those like myself who are new to this it is easy to pick up.

Video

The picture is presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen. The picture quality is good throughout with well-defined colours and no obvious compression problems. Strangely some grain appears in only one scene in one episode – the same as Volume 5, however image is stable and the special effects look good. The last episode on the disk has some battle scenes within the base the “plasma” type blasts are well defined and are quite nice. The menus are identical to the previous volume(s) and are clear and well presented.

Audio

The soundtrack is again Dolby Digital 4.0 (Pro-Logic) – a 5.1 mix would have been fantastic during the shootouts and flypasts but being a TV series aimed at the home audience it is not to be.

There’s more action from the rear speakers than in Volume 5, and the sound is clear throughout and dialogue is set at an appropriate level to be heard above the effects. Other than the Stargate theme, there is little in the way of music during the episodes.

Features

The only "extra" on offer is Episode selection with a choice of eight scene selections per episode.

Conclusion

I enjoyed this DVD. As usual compilations of TV Series do not include any extras and have a Pro-Logic soundtrack but the picture and content is good.

Having sat down and watched Volumes 5 and 6 over the last three days, I now want to see the previous 4 volumes to catch up. Stargate SG-1 is rare amongst TV series based on films – it is actually quite good!