Galaxy Quest (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

( Max score: 100 )

86

Film Synopsis:

For four years, the courageous crew of the NSEA Protector -- "Commander Peter Qunicy Taggart" (Tim Allen), "Lt. Tawny Madison" (Sigourney Weaver) and "Dr. Lazarus" (Alan Rickman) -- set off on thrilling and often dangerous missions in space...and then their series was canceled! Now, twenty years later, aliens under attack have mistaken the Galaxy Quest television transmissions for "historical documents" and beamed up the crew of has-been actors to save the universe. With no script, no director and no clue, the actors must turn in the performances of their lives in this hilarious adventure.

My Take:

Galaxy Quest is a fun sci-fi comedy/spoof about a group of actors that spent 4 years on a popular Star Trek style TV show called Galaxy Quest. 17 years after the show's cancellation their type cast status has relegated them to conventions, and personal appearances to open stores etc. The show's star Jason Nesmith (Allen) seems to be the fan favorite and generally garners the majority of attention and special appearance requests. This and his large ego don't especially sit well with the rest of the crew but as a group they remain close. While signing autographs at a recent convention Jason is approached by a costumed group claiming to be Thermians from another planet. They request that Jason, the commander of the NSEA Protector, accompany them to help with their plight against an evil space warlord named Sarris. Jason believing it to be just another request for a special appearance goes along with it only to find himself unknowingly transported into space aboard a starship built as an exact replica of the one from the Galaxy Quest TV show. He and the Thermians are confronted by Sarris and Jason, still believing that what he is seeing is simply well done special effects, attacks Sarris catching him by surprise and temporarily subduing him. It is later revealed that the Thermians are able to intercept TV shows broadcast from earth and refer to them as earth's historical documents, believing them to be real. To better their race they model themselves using the Galaxy Quest show as an example. Afterward Jason discovers the truth, returns home and tries to convince the rest of the cast about what happened. Initially they ignore his outlandish story. The Thermians show up once again requesting the help of the original crew. This time they are all (plus 1) transported aboard the NSEA Protector and are unwittingly placed in the middle of a genocidal war between the Thermians and Sarris. Slowly the crew comes to the realization that what they are seeing is real and that as actors they are in no way equipped to deal with itor are they??

Being a sci-fi, comedy and Trek fan I was naturally drawn to and curious about Galaxy Quest. I didn't get around to catching it during its theatrical run but picked it up as a blind buy when it was released on DVD (can't believe its been over 9 years now!). I was instantly hooked and have sat through multiple viewings always finding myself laughing at and enjoying the same moments. It's a well written and light hearted parody that features great casting, deft humor, and enough action to give it a bit of an edge. It's great to finally see it come to Blu-ray.

Parental Guide:

The rating is for some action violence, mild language, and sensuality.

Audio: 84

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Video: 88

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Galaxy quest comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 33 mbps and lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 channel audio that has an average bitrate of 3 mbps.

I own Galaxy quest on DVD and always found its quality to be pleasing which gave me high hopes for this Blu-ray presentation. I wasn't disappointed as high definition detail is noteworthy, with firmly resolved images that exhibit definitive sharpness and two dimensional depth. Colors are beautifully rendered with revealing delineation, tonal warmth, and vivid textures. Contrast is strong which enlivens colors and enriches sequences containing both light and dark elements. This is readily apparent during the sequences that take place aboard the NSEA Protector as well as the shots of outer space. Fleshtones appear descriptive with discernible complexional variety that brings out the finest gradations in the differing complexional types among the cast. Blacks are a solid shade of deep black with good dynamic range and gradational highlights. This is a great looking catalog release from Paramount that easily bests the DVD and results in an excellent presentation on Blu-ray Disc.

The lossless audio soundtrack renders clear, well articulated dialogue, and appreciable depth and dimension. The recorded elements are dynamically enriching which provides full bodied sound and robust bass response. This film doesn't rely on heavy use of surround sound to deliver its message but it does effectively use the entire soundstage when appropriate. The mix excels at reproducing sounds at the right levels and accurately placing them within the sound field. Detail is rendered with aplomb which attenuates slight environmental cues and augmented the subtle texture of voices and sound effects.

Bonus Features:

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• Galactopedia - interactive feature containing film info about people, technology, locations and more
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• Historical documents: The story of Galaxy quest - 18 minute featurette
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• Never give up, never surrender: The intrepid crew of the NSEA Protector - 23 minute featurette
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• By Grabthar's hammer, what amazing effects - 7 minute featurette
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• Alien school: Creating the Thermian race - 5 minute featurette
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• Actors in space - 6 minute featurette
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• Sigourney Weaver raps - 2 minutes
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• 8 deleted scenes with select introduction
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• Thermian audio track
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• (HD) Theatrical trailer

Final Thoughts:

Galaxy Quest is one of my favorite parody's and is a film that for me never loses its comedic edge. I looked forward to its release on Blu-ray Disc and Paramount didn't disappoint with this entertaining and great looking high definition audio/video presentation. If you're a fan this is a highly recommended purchase. If you have never had the chance to see Galax Quest I can't think of a better way to experience it for the first time.