Blu-ray review (region 2)
Directed by Roland Emmerich
Starring Kurt Russell, James Spader, Jaye Davidson
Release date Out now

An artefact discovered in Egypt becomes the key to interstellar travel...

If your only exposure to the Stargate mythology has been the most recent incarnation of the franchise, Stargate Universe, you'll find much that is familiar, and as much that feels jarringly wrong about the original movie from 1994. As creators Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich point out (regularly!), they have nothing to do with the TV series, although the first spin-off show, SG-1, is remarkably faithful to their concepts.

The new Blu-ray offers the chance to watch the Extended Edition of the feature, which adds a few useful character moments, as well as a prologue featuring Ra's arrival on Earth. In this version, it's an enjoyable romp, immeasurably improved by David Arnold's score.

Blu-ray technology allows the use of Picture in Picture, with the creators popping up to explain various points – although annoyingly, this isn't toggled, so you have to watch the film through with the "ultimate knowledge" rather than being able to switch to it in an interesting scene. There's also a director’s commentary, which is informative, although inevitably overlapping with the Picture in Picture material.

The other extras include previously released making-of material, examination of the "reality" behind the concept, and archive footage (B-roll, gag reel, trailers). The Making History piece tries to place the film in context of the franchise it spawned, but the creators' disdain for the TV shows comes across a little too strongly. Paul Simpson

VERDICT: 7/10
A strong package backing up an OK genre movie that probably wouldn't be as well-remembered if not for its TV sequels.