DVD review (region 1) (Also Blu-ray)
Starring Robert Carlyle, Brian J. Smith, David Blue, Alaina Huffman, Lou Diamond Phillips
Release date Out now

The opening adventures of the crew of the Destiny...

If you've been put off by the intricate universe built up over 15 seasons of Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis, then this opening half of Stargate Universe's premiere season is the perfect place to jump onto the bandwagon. Its only links to the original 1994 movie are the Gate itself and some brief appearances by Jack O'Neill, while the nature of the format means that the majority of threats faced are new.

Inevitably, comparisons have been made with Star Trek: Voyager and the 21st Century Battlestar Galactica, but while the earlier show resolved the majority of its internal conflicts quickly, the reluctant crew of the Destiny remain at loggerheads. The visual style of Galactica certainly informs SGU's cinematography, as does its forays into self-examination by the main characters.

The DVD set allows you to watch an extended version of the opening story, although fans will already be familiar with the extra material from Jim Swallow's novelisation. There are commentaries on every episode, of varying interest, but as with the earlier Stargate DVDs, it's advisable to watch the episodes through to the end before starting to listen to them, as there are spoilers. The actor interviews are informative but not vital.

The "kinos" (footage from the manopticon-type cameras) pick up some loose ends from the stories, and will be new to the majority of viewers. There's also an extended version of Stargate 101 – a guide to the show, presented in character by Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson, which is very useful in explaining the backstory if you're so inclined.

Sadly lacking from the DVD set is the interactive version of the Destiny contained on the Blu-ray set, although it will be interesting to see if the makers confine themselves to the explanations given in that, or revise it if necessary for story purposes. Paul Simpson

VERDICT: 7/10
A good start to a very different Stargate show.

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