Keeping an eye on the technical specifications, the English DTS-HD 5.1 tracks that both episodes sport are lively, and always clear. Dialogue is always front and center, and there are some very nice panning effects as firefights move around the frame and spaceships fly by. I cannot say that any particular scene stands out, but do not take that as an indictment, as the sound is solid straight through.
"Rising" is the double length premiere episode, and I have to say it plays better now than it ever did. I recall when I first watched it, I was not sure I was going to like it. It was a feeling that would linger over the first handful of episodes. I couldn't quite get a handle on the characters. It turns out, the writers probably didn't either. Watching now, I can see the actors were not completely sure of how to approach the characters. They seemed tentative and the personalities were half-baked.
Anyway, this premiere benefited from the presence of Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks reprising their SG-1 roles of Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. On top of that, the premiere also has Robert Patrick playing the ranking military officer on the expedition. The presence of these three helps bring the fledgling series a little more gravitas.
We follow our new crew through the Stargate, using coordinates believed to be for the lost city of Atlantis. It turns out to be true and our intrepid team of soldiers and civilians explore the technologically advanced city built by the Ancients. Problems quickly arise on two fronts, with the discovery that the city is underwater and has a failing shield, and while searching nearby planets they find some friendly folks, but also some nasty aliens. In one fell swoop we meet new friends, meet the new big bad, called the Wraith (replacing the Go'auld), and show that this advanced city is still vulnerable. Overall, it is a decent way to start the series.
Article comments