Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series [DVD] [2004] [UK Import]

Surely in the running to be the best television series of the past decade, the stunning revival of Battlestar Galactica is perhaps only nudged out of first place by The Wire. But it’s a tight-run race, and across the four seasons in this collected box set, there’s some of the best science fiction television of all time. Sadly, the fact that it’s a science fiction show on the exterior is likely to put some off Battlestar Galactica. It really shouldn’t. The writers superbly weave in politics, religion, action, and excellent character work, bringing together an outstanding company of actors. Edwards James Olmos and Mary McDonnell are the stand-outs, but there are so many performances of note, it’s hard to highlight too many more. It goes without saying, of course, that the majority of science fiction enthusiasts will be blown away by many of the collected episodes here. And, bluntly, it’s a real treat to watch them in high definition. While perhaps the earlier episodes of Battlestar Galactica don’t look quite as striking as the later instalments, this is still a show with high production values that gleam in high definition. Cinematically shot and engrossing right through to its challenging ending, Battlestar Galactica is quality television, and it’s never looked better than it does on Blu-ray. --Jon Foster