Review of Galaxy Quest

Introduction

NB. This review is for the DTS version of this disc.

Galaxy Quest manages to walk the finest line between making fun of the Star Trek ‘culture’ without treading on the toes of those who might include themselves in such things. The numerous ‘in jokes’ especially aimed at fan conventions are hilarious, but the film still manage to prove that it is laughing with the fans, rather than at them. Alan Rickman once again steals the show as the world-weary Shakespearean actor typecast as the stoical alien, and his frustration at the use of his infamous punchline “by Grabthaars hammer” has the audience in stitches. Tim Allen pulls off an extremely convincing and sympathetic rendition of Bill Shatner, with the receding hair and expanding waistline overcome his enthusiasm for his role. Rounding off the cast, Sigourney Weaver cuts a mesmorising swathe sporting blonde hair, and Daryl Mitchell plays the ex-child prodigy helmsman superbly.

Video

The video quality of this NTSC disc is crispness itself, and the very embodiment of reference standard. From the opening of the title, it is clear that this is going to be an experience of the highest order. Black levels are deep and rich, while colours are strong and vibrant without being overt. Witness the red dust planet where the crew search for a new Duranium sphere – the picture has such detail and clarity that it draws the viewer further into the experience of the film. The superb presentation of black levels and contrast are of course particularly important during scenes set in space, and sure enough, all such scenes are crisp and clear.

For a science fiction comedy, Galaxy Quest puts a number of ‘serious’ fanchises to shame with the quality of the special effects. Scenes which show the ship externally, and especially the hilarious exit from spacedock have a tangibility and grandeur about them which rank in my opinion with the best.

Audio

On entering this disc, the viewer is given the choice between DTS and Dolby Surround bitstreams. Nonetheless, the scored menus are still in Pro Logic only, and it is not until the main attraction has started that the amp switches over and the full aural delight begins. The sound throughout on this disc can be simply described as stunning. Anyone wishing to test new equipment or demonstrate their home cinema to friends need only arm themselves with this disc (and a copy of Saving Private Ryan DTS) to ensure themselves that they have shown the best.

The wonderful score by David Newman echos sci-fi greats, and the comedy comes through in the use of the music. Every single sound effect is clear and defined, and steering around the soundstage is first rate. Vocals are at all times locked to the appropriate speaker, and the general soundstage is all-enveloping. What the audio on this disc (and indeed all DTS discs I have tested) does so supremely well is control and define the sounds which are brought to the viewer. For example, when the ship is damaged and drifting, the stuttering hiss of the ship passes smoothly from rear to front with the movement of the shot, and the sound is rich and believable. It is not just the crashing booms or the thundering music that sounds superb, but the tiny details such as cutlery on a plate, or footsteps.

Subwoofer owners will also rejoice at Galaxy Quest as a justification that their money is well spent. The engines of the ship thrum with a deep roll of bass, and during the space battles, the low-end audio will rattle not only your own, but probably your neighbours’ windows. The music is underpinned by solid bass that provides a solid foundation without intruding.

Features

This DTS disc carries identical extra features to its Dolby Digital cousin. Although not entirely a Special Edition, the Galaxy Quest disc offers a pleasing range of additional material to pad out the background to the presentation. A collection of deleted scenes give a few answers to continuity questions arising from the film, and most were in my mind strong enough to remain in place but for the apparent timing issues. One such scene does not have the effects shots in their final form, and this provides an interesting insight to such matters.

A short documentary includes interviews with cast and crew members, and offers a reasonably interesting watch without being compelling. The disc also carries easter egg additional interviews with the cast which can be accessed through additional buttons on the cast and crew biographies page.

Finally, there is a very brief menu function called “Omega 13” which is themed to an occurrence in the film and cannot therefore be accessed until the film has been watched. I won’t reveal the secret here, but as long as you don’t raise your expectations too high, it should put a smile on your face.

Conclusion

Galaxy Quest was something of a sleeper hit. Without the usual hype, it enjoyed a respectable showing at the theatres, and the Region 1 disc was available very close to the UK cinema release date. If the quality of the film came as any surprise, the breathtaking excellence of the disc was an even more welcome surprise. While the Dolby Digital disc presented this highly entertaining film excellently, the DTS rendition rises to another plain. The superb picture is supported by sound of the highest fidelity, and this disc should be in the collection of anyone wishing to obtain the best from their DTS-enabled home cinema equipment.

This disc has audio and video of the highest order. If it is not clear already, if you have ever loved Star Trek, or any sci-fi film, or found yourself at a fan convention, or alternatively want to show your equipment to it’s finest potential, then you must own this disc. It’s as simple as that.