DVDpedia : TV Series : Title : B

Theatrical: 2003

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: TV Series / Sci-Fi

Duration: 756

Summary: "Battlestar Galactica"'s Edward James Olmos wasn't kidding when he said "the series is even better than the miniseries." As developed by sci-fi TV veteran Ronald D. Moore, the "reimagined" "BG" is exactly what it claims to be: a drama for grown-ups in a science-fiction setting. The mature intelligence of the series is its greatest asset, from the tenuous respect between Galactica's militarily principled commander Adama (Olmos) and politically astute President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) to the barely suppressed passion between ace Viper pilot "Apollo" (a.k.a. Adama's son Lee, played by Jamie Bamber) and the brashly insubordinate Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff), whose multifaceted character is just one of many first-season highlights. Picking up where the miniseries ended (it's included here, sparing the need for separate purchase), season 1 opens with the riveting, Hugo Award-winning episode "33," in which Galactica and the "ragtag fleet" of colonial survivors begin their quest for the legendary 13th colony planet Earth, while being pursued with clockwork regularity by the Cylons, who've now occupied the colonial planet of Caprica. The fleet's hard-fought survival forms (1) the primary side of the series' three-part structure, shared with (2) the apparent psychosis of Dr. Gaius Baltar (James Callis) whose every thought and move are monitored by various incarnations of Number Six (Tricia Helfer), the seemingly omniscient Cylon ultravixen who follows a master plan somehow connected to (3) the Caprican survival ordeal of crash-landed pilots "Helo" (Tahmoh Penikett) and "Boomer" (Grace Park), whose simultaneous presence on Galactica is further evidence that 12 multicopied models of Cylons, in human form, are gathering their forces.
With remarkably consistent quality, each of these 13 episodes deepens the dynamics of these fascinating characters and suspenseful situations. While "BG" relies on finely nuanced performances, solid direction, and satisfying personal and political drama to build its strong emotional foundation, the action/adventure elements are equally impressive, especially in "The Hand of God," a pivotal episode in which the show's dazzling visual effects get a particularly impressive showcase. Original "BG" series star Richard Hatch appears in two politically charged episodes (he's a better actor now, too), and with the threat of civil war among the fleet, season 1 ends with an exceptional cliffhanger that's totally unexpected while connecting the plot threads of all preceding episodes. To the credit of everyone involved, this is frackin' good television.
DVD features
The fifth disc in "Battlestar Galactica"'s season 1 set is highlighted by eight comprehensive featurettes covering all aspects of the series, from its miniseries origins to standard surveys of production design, visual effects, and particulars of plot and character. For hardcore fans and anyone interested in TV production, nine out of 13 episodes, plus the disc 1 miniseries, are accompanied by intelligent and informative commentary originally provided as "BG" website podcasts, mostly by series developer and writer Ronald D. Moore, who provides tantalizing clues about developments in season 2. The "Series Lowdown" is a cast-and-crew promotional program originally broadcast to attract SciFi Channel viewers who were initially reluctant to embrace a "reimagined" "Battlestar Galactica". The strategy worked: First-season ratings left no doubt that the new "BG" was as good as--and in many ways better than--the original. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: TV Series / Sci-Fi

Duration: 521

Summary: "Battlestar Galactica"'s season 2.5 (i.e., the final 10 episodes of the second season, plus an extended version of episode 10) picks up where season 2.0 (the first 10 episodes) left off: "Galactica"'s giddy reunion with the "Pegasus" had taken a sour turn when Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes) went back on her word to Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) and decided to integrate the crews, moving Apollo (Jamie Bamber) and Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) to "Pegasus". The animosity, combined with an attack on Sharon (Grace Park), threatens to derail a golden opportunity for the fleet to strike the Cylons where they'll hurt, and stay hurt--their resurrection ship.
In many ways, Sharon is the central character. The attack lands Helo (Tahmoh Penikett) and the Chief (Aaron Douglas) in hot water; her impending baby remains the subject of heated debate among president Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), Commander Adama, and others; and a rebellious movement determined to force "Galactica" to give up the Cylon ends up threatening both Apollo and Starbuck and putting further strain on their already-shaky relationship. Dr. Baltar (James Callis) becomes even more intertwined with the Cylons when he discovers another version of Number Six (Tricia Helfer) on the "Pegasus", but is also in line to take over the presidency as Roslin's cancer reaches a critical stage. "Battlestar Galactica"'s inexorable dramatic arc sagged in a couple episodes during this run, but the terrific two-part season finale involving a presidential election, a glimmer of hope for humanity, and some unexpected turns of events makes for a thrilling springboard to season 3. "Battlestar" is often called the best sci-fi show on television, but that seems like damning it with faint praise; it's the best "drama" on television.
In addition to the 10 episodes, the three-DVD set has an extended version of the last episode of season 2.0, "Pegasus"; the extra 15 minutes include a longer conversation in which Cain reveals her plans to Adama. That episode has a commentary track by executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, Moore's podcast commentaries are on every other episode, Eick's "video blogs" serve as casual featurettes on series production, and there are numerous deleted scenes. "--David Horiuchi"

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: TV Series / Sci-Fi

Duration: 953

Summary: The adventure of one of television's finest dramas continues with "Battlestar Galactica: Season Three", from the immensely popular SCI FI Channel series and Peabody Award-winning "Battlestar Galactica". The Colonies' survivors have found their hopes of eluding their Cylon pursuers dashed by an invasion and occupation of their new home. As the fate of all human life hangs in the balance, friends become enemies, enemies become unexpected allies, and decisions are made that will haunt some people for the rest of their lives. Relive all 20 episodes of the season that challenges everything you thought you knew about the "Battlestar Galactica" universe. Presented in Dolby 5.1 surround sound, the 6-disc set features over 15 hours of extensive special features, including the DVD exclusive extended version of the episode "Unfinished Business" containing 25 additional minutes of never-before-seen footage.

Bonus Features

Disc One
DELETED SCENES from episodes "Occupation", "Precipice", "Exodus"
Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentaries

Disc Two
DELETED SCENES from episodes "Collaborators", "Torn" and "A Measure of Salvation"
"Battlestar Galactica"- The Resistance Webisodes
David Eick's Video Blogs for episodes "Testimonials", "Who Dies", "Prosthetics", "Lucy and David" and "Introducing Bulldog"
Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentaries for episodes "Collaborators", "Torn" and "A Measure of Salvation"

Disc Three
DELETED SCENES from episode "Hero"
"Hero" Commentary with Executive Producer David Eick
David Eick's Video Blogs for episodes "Characters", "Adama on Adama" and "On the Road"
Episode 6 Read Through
Steve McNutt Gets a Video Blog
"The Soldier's Code: Leave No Man Behind"
Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentary for episode "Hero"
"Unfinished Business with Grace Park and Tahmoh Penikett"

Disc Four
DELETED SCENES from episodes "The Passage", "The Eye of Jupiter", "Rapture" and "Taking a Break from All Your Worries"
Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentaries for "The Passage", "The Eye of Jupiter", "Rapture" and "Taking a Break from all Your Worries"

Disc Five
DELETED SCENES from episodes "The Woman King", "A Day in the Life", "Dirty Hands" and "Maelstrom"
Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentaries for "The Woman King", "A Day in the Life", "Dirty Hands" and "Maelstrom"

Disc Six
DELETED SCENES from episodes "The Son Also Rises" and "Crossroads Parts 1 and 2"
Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentaries - "The Son Also Rises (with actor Mark Shappard and writer Michael Angeli)" and "Crossroads Parts 1 and 2"
David Eick's Video Blog for episode "Takin' A Break From All Your Worries" "On the Road: Part 2", "Some Guy Named Colin", "Building a Better Show", "Katee's Scrapbook"

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: TV Series / Sci-Fi

Duration: 953

Summary: Limited edition gift set includes exclusive packaging, dog tags, and character profile book!

They've traveled millions of miles and defied relentless attackers, but nothing will prepare the human race for what lies ahead as "Battlestar Galactica 4.0" arrives on DVD! In ten gripping episodes, relive each pivotal moment as the civil war amongst the Cylons escalates and the quest for Earth continues. Loaded with riveting bonus features, this 4-disc set includes the unrated, extended version of "Battlestar Galactica: Razor" that never aired on television. Presented uninerrupted and in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, it's the epic phenomenon that critics call "a truly great show!" (Mary McNamara, "Los Angeles Times")

Special features include an unrated extended version of "Battlestar Galactica: Razor", many behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and more!

Theatrical: 2000

Studio: BBC Warner

Genre: TV Series / Comedy

Duration: 346

Summary: "It's not big and it's not a train. It's just funny." "Big Train" steams out of the comedy tunnel as realism meets utter stupidity in a cavalcade of daft sketches performed by high-quality actors in stunning costumes and vast sets reminiscent of the worst excesses of DW Griffith. There are also lots of sketches in offices. Along the way we meet shy policemen, pop stars chasing jockeys, a duck in danger, hens in armed combat, a confused Transport Minister, highly charged sexual politics and casual, though necessary, violence.
DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Cast & Crew commentary
Biographies:Cast & crew bios
Deleted Scenes
Other:Material from:'Geht's Noch', the German version of Big Train
Photo gallery
Audio Commentary:Cast & crew commentary
Biographies:Cast & crew bios
Deleted Scenes
Photo gallery

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: BBC

Genre: TV Series / Comedy

Duration: 30

Summary: I'd already purchased the first three when this came out, but I got it anyway. There are five discs for four series, with series four comprising two discs, but really, the only thing I can see different is the box; there are no bonuses, unless you count the box.



Series one and two flow into each other quite well with recurring characters such as the yelling promoters of Utoxeter (Daaaaamn!!!) and Tony and Control of MI5, but it seems Fry and Laurie had not expected to continue on to three and four, and so came up with conclusions for many of their regular sketches. Holding this thought, series three has a very different air. For instance, there are more musical segments (like my favorite "Kickin' Ass"), and Mr Music playing out each episode while Stephen Fry mixed a strange (often frightening) concoction. I thought they had found their groove in this series... Only to lose it in series four.



Word is that the series was moved to BBC1, and Fry and Laurie lost much of their creative freedoms. For example, they now had guest stars, such as Caroline Quentin (Men Behaving Badly) and Robert Daws (Jeeves and Wooster), who didn't really play any vital roles. Hugh Laurie did a musical segment in each episode, all of which were wonderful and helped the series like a crutch. While series four was awkward, it still had its moments (usually having nothing to do with the guest stars). Why seven episodes had to be broken into two discs, I don't know.



While series one and two were united by recurring characters, series three and four were connected by Mr Music. But what made this programme "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" (besides Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, duh) were the vox pops between sketches.



This is definitely a must-have for fans of Fry and Laurie.

Theatrical: 2000

Studio: Channel 4 DVD

Genre: TV Series / Comedy

Duration: 426

Summary: One of the few genuinely outstanding British comedy shows of the past decade, "Black Books" unites excellent comedic performances, very funny scripts, and plenty of rewatch value.
The concept is simple enough. Bernard (expertly played by Dylan Moran) runs a bookshop. The only problems are he can't stand people, hates customers, and would far prefer to be barking out cutting remarks and drinking wine. Still, it's after drinking much of the aforementioned wine that he offers Manny (Bill Bailey, again in terrific form) a job. Manny accepts, and finds his daily life involves taking abuse from Bernard, while remaining strangely and resolutely upbeat. Fran (Tamsin Greig) meanwhile also likes her wine, and finds herself stuck between the two of them, with a few odd encounters of her own thrown in too.
So far nothing particularly out of the ordinary, right? Well, mix in some of the creative force behind "Father Ted", combine those aforementioned performances, and simmer to the point where episode after episode garners a cocktail of sniggers and belly laughs, and you have something really rather special. Like many of the best shows, the curtain has come down on "Black Books" after only three series. But the long-lasting legacy are episodes that are set to be enjoyed for a long, long time to come. --"Simon Brew"