Review of Stargate SG1: Volume 37

Introduction

Stargate SG-1 is a US Science Fiction series (still largely populated with Canadians and Macgyver), 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 (about to enter its 8th, and with a new spin-off show lined up), and now follows the escapades of 4 intrepid explorers as they explore new worlds through the Stargate. This DVD contains the the final 2 episodes from season 7, a 2 parter called Lost City.

Ah, once again, it`s time for that sci-fi staple, the 2-parter. Time to roll out a big story and expand the mythology of the show (or in this case set up a whole new spin off show). The script for the final 2 episodes of the season was apparently based on the script for the sequel to the original film.

Anubis will attack Earth in 3 days time, so Jack accesses the knowledge of the Ancients (at great risk to himself). The team discover the Lost City, but it turns out not to be the real Lost City, just an outpost (bad luck chaps!) Whilst this is going on, a huge battle is raging as Anubis begins the attack on Earth. Can our heroes save us once more?

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 (the new spin-off show looks even better).

Audio

A DD5.1 soundtrack is on offer here (always 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 and not subtitled).

Features

A nice little selection of extras, as featured on all of the other releases of the show. Another instalment in the "SG-1: Director`s Series" brings us some insight into directing an episode, and there`s also "Inside Lost City", a behind the scenes look at the last episodes of this season.

Also included here is a 20 minute preview of the new Stargate Atlantis spin off, which gives you some idea of what to expect from the new show (basically the same show, but one where the production team have learnt lessons from making the first show).

You also get commentaries on the episodes featuring various crew members and you`ll probably want to have a listen to these.

To round off we get photo galleries and trailers. Look out for the Easter Egg on your travels.

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. This particular set certainly does plenty of groundwork for the new Stargate Atlantis spin off too (seems like an evil marketing ploy to me, maybe I`m just overly cynical).....

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! It`s also a bit annoying that they didn`t lower the RRP as you only get 2 episodes instead of 4!