Customer Reviews
Brilliance in Manifest 
2008-06-14
Science-fiction has never reached this level of perfection until now. Acting, writing, production values, all climaxing to the absolute panicle in television viewing. If you do not have this complete series in your collection you will forever regret it.
Battlestar Galactica Season 2.5 2008-05-27
As I live in New Zealand, we got a full - version Season 2.0 which has the entire Season 2 episodes (both the U.S. 2.0 and U.S. 2.5 combined.) But our full 2.0 version comes without the deleted scenes of 2.5, only those of the U.S 2.0; or the first half of season 2.0 from our perspective, and only the regular, unextended version of the episode "Pegasus". So, from the New Zealand fan perspective, Battlestar Galactica 2.5 is really not essential to the casual fan; but is certainly essential to the completist or very dedicated fan who wants all original material. The release is high quality. The acting and storylines of this new Battlestar Galactica (all of its' Seasons, spinoffs and material) is always slick and tense. Early Season 2.0 saw the stabilisation of the power struggle between Commander Adama and President Roslin which began late in Season 1, and the reuniting of the scattered fleet after the shattering impact of the Cylon assasination attempt upon Commander Adama (the Season 1 cliffhanger event) and subsequent allout Cylon attack and boarding of Galactica by the Cylon fleet in the opening episodes. Season 2.5 opens with a strong and united Colonial fleet and Galactica firmly but fairly under the Adama-Roslin rule. All that changes in the opening 10 minutes of the first episode when the Battlestar Pegasus turns up. The three - part opening sees a deadly power - struggle between both Battlestars for the title of Fleet Commander and a magnificent three on two mothership confrontation between Galactica and Pegasus vs two Cylon Baseships and their ominous Resurrection Ship. The assasination of Admiral Kain by the Cylons is all that settles the internal power struggle, clearly cementing Adama as Fleet Commander. After this volatile period, the fleet settles into a comparatively quiet time from external threats, having attained the plateau of relative safety with the destruction of Resurrection, and addition of the fearsome dreadnaught, like a big bully, a second Battlestar - Pegasus to the fleet. You get the feeling that the Cylons are possibly scared to tangle with the Pegasus. The only time they do of their picking, they used a trap; luring the Pegasus away from the relative safety of the fleet and Galactica, three Baseships were involved and they had the element of surprise in the episode "The Captains' Hand". The post - Admiral Cain colonial fleet saw Season 2.5 undertake episodes about internal struggles and issues, and an everchanging leadership of Pegasus. Ultimately, Adama Snr appoints his son, Lee Adama (Apollo) who had already made it as high as "Major", as Commander of Pegasus. The final phase of the series leads into a third powerstruggle for Season 2 - a presidential election between the encumbant, Laura Roslin, and her Vice - President, Dr. Gaius Baltar. This Baltar wins on a single issue - he promises permanant settlement of the Colonial Fleet on the newly discovered planet of New Caprica. This single event fundamentally alters the shape of the series, setting up for an almost telegraphed "I told you so" cliffhanger of Season 2 of the almost inevitable Cylon discovery and full scale invasion of New Caprica. After a brief standoff with the two Battlestars, caught very much unprepared, the Battlestars and small contingent of the ships of the fleet that remained in orbit with them jump away, leaving the vast majority of ships and people helplessly caught on the surface to be humbled under Cylon invasion and control after President Baltar surrenders. These catacalysmic events critically shape early Season 3, which of course begins on the surface of New Caprica with Colnel Tigh in charge of the resistance forces, and Baltar a mere puppet ruler under Cylon control, while Adamas Snr and Jnr prepare to retake New Caprica with the two Battlestars. The consequences of this scenerio unfolding fundamentally changes the whole series post - New Caprica. This is a cliffhanger with far more far - reaching consequences then the Season 1 cliffhanger. This single event is probably the biggest series landmark next to the destruction of the colonies in the Pilot Episode; for both the Humans and Cylons alike. The deleted scenes are actually very worthwhile, containing some cool scenes - unlike most deleted scenes in films and series which are obvious as to why they were cut. The main attraction for a New Zealand or other overseas buyer is the extended version of the episode "Pegasus". While this episode sadly doesn't contain any significant new material, this version features subtly extended scenes making a less rushed feel to the interactions in certain parts of the episode. Overall, Battlestar Galactica 2.5 is really not essential to the casual fan in New Zealand, as we have the aforementioned Season 2.0 which covers most of Season 2; but is certainly essential to the completist or very dedicated New Zealand fan who wants all original material. But to any American fan it is a vital part of the series, and both neccessary and worthwhile. Season 2 has one other significant spinoff: Razor - (the untold story of Battlestar Pegasus - which is highly recommended.)
The best of the series so far 2008-05-19
THe development of the plot in this part of season 2 cannot be missed. If you miss this, you won't understand season 3. The story of the Pegasus and the lead-in to BSG Razor is here. Unbelievable!
Got some problems with this show 
2008-04-14
Okay, I have to say I love the show but I am only giving it 3 stars. One person or a group or writers for this show needs to be fired! I just watched part of the episode where Galatica reunits with Pegasus. There is a sceen with Sharon vary nearly being raped. This sceen goes past anything I have ever witnessed. It is an outrage to see for the second time, something so vial to be aired on this show. The first vial sceen goes back to Dr. Baltar decompressing in his lab. That too was just plain pornographic material. Explain how this garbage is getting put into the show. The show is awesome without this. What can we normal people out there do to get this kind of garbage removed. To boycott the show is not the answer. We need to get the TV and movie industry to hear that we don't want this. I can't let my son watch a moment of this show. What was once a family TV show is now rated R or worse. What has happened to our society that movie makers think we want this? I want to go back to the good days when we could all sit down and enjoy a TV show together.
BSG seasons 1 thru 3 - good warm up for the FINAL season ... 2008-04-12
I've seen each and every episode on the Sci-Fi channel, plus the extras online. I bought seasons 1 thru 3, plus the "Razor" and the "Miniseries".
WOW! Can't leave the couch! Watching this series WITHOUT commercials is a true gift! Already into the 4th (and final) season, and can't wait for the DVD set!!!!
BTW - did you know that BSG won a "Peabody" award for their writing? W2G BSG!!!!
If you're a sci fi fan, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
If you're NOT a sci-fi fan, then GET ON THE BANDWAGON and watch the BEST dramatic (sci-fi) series EVER on TV.
I kid you NOT. This show ROCKS!!!!
Battlestar Galactica Season 2.5 2008-04-09
The $25 Million Breakaway Hit Returnsto DVD in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound! DVD Exclusive - Extended MidseasonCliffhanger Episode PegasusOver 10 Hours of Bonus Content!System Requirements:Running Time: 190 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 025192983320 Manufacturer No: 29833
What the Frak is Battlestar Galactica? 2008-04-04
Developed by sci-fi veteran, Ronald D. Moore, not only is Battlestar Galactica the best show on television these days, it is television at its frakin' best. The sci-fi epic chronicles the journey of the last surviving humans from the Twelve Colonies of Kobol after the nuclear annihilation of their home planet (Caprica) by the Cylons (an alien Empire of machines intent on destroying the "inferior" human race) in their search for a new home (the mythical and long-lost thirteenth colony, Earth). The survivors (approximately 50,000 in all) are led by President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos) in a fleet of ships with the Battlestar Galactica, a old submarine-like battleship ("The Bucket"), at the Fleet's command. Season Two of BSG opens with the Cylons (now evolved into human form) still in relentless pursuit of the Galactica and its "ragtag fleet" of survivors as Commander William Adama recovers from his injuries, and ends with a cliffhanger involving an unexpected message. Sharon's pregnancy becomes the central story, while a rebellious peace faction threatens Roslin's presidency.
THE HISTORY OF BSG: Battlestar Galactica is a "re-imagining" of 1978 television series. In 2003, a four-hour Sci Fi Channel Miniseries became the pilot of the 2004 television series, which premiered on Sky One in the UK and Ireland in 2004, and then on the Sci Fi Channel in the U.S. in 2005. Season One seamlessly picks up where the Miniseries ended, and based on the success of the 13-episodes of Season One, the Sci-Fi Channel ordered a full 20-episode second season in 2005. The fourth (and final) season of BSG will begin on April 4, 2008.
THE THREE-PART STRUCTURE OF BSG. BSG involves three equally-fascinating, intertwined storylines: (1) the Colonial survivors' quest for Earth; (2) the possible psychosis of Dr. Gaius Baltar (James Callis), whose every thought and interraction is closely scrutinized by a beautiful Cylon incarnation (Tricia Helfer) (one wonders, is she real or Baltar's fantasy?), and (3) the Caprican Resistance efforts of crash-landed pilots Helo (Tahmoh Penikett), Boomer (Grace Park), and others. Ultimately, BSG is a lesson in the value of human love.
THE APPEAL OF BSG: BSG transcends the sci-fi genre, which is what makes it so appealing to both young and old, male and female viewers, alike. Critics have referred to the show as a "space opera." It is an intelligent drama that confronts cutting-edge issues, set in Deep Space. In that respect, BSG is a departure from other science fiction shows like Star Trek. In BSG, traditional male roles have been reversed. Military leaders such as President Laura Roslin and unconventional Viper fighter pilots such Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) and Boomer are played by actresses. The alien Cylons have evolved out of "flawed" humanity. Most of the show's human characters struggle with personal issues: dysfunctional relationships, alcoholism, smoking, and a variety of possible mental illnesses. Cylon blood is resistant to human disease. The show resonates with post-9/11 moral and ethical issues: terrorism, sleeper cells, suicide bombers, the torture of prisoners, the erosion of civil liberties, and conflicting religious beliefs.
BSG SEASON 2.5 DVD: BSG Season 2.5 includes the last 10 episodes (201-210) of Season Two:
211 Resurrection Ship, Part 1
212 Resurrection Ship, Part 2
213 Epiphanies
214 Black Market
215 Scar
216 Sacrifice
217 The Captain's Hand
218 Downloaded
219 Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 1
220 Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 2
SHOULD YOU BUY THIS DVD SET? There is one very good reason to buy this set. In addition to the 10 episodes, this set has an extended version of the last episode of season 2.0, "Pegasus." But, they also say patience is a virtue. I recommend waiting for the release of the Miniseries/Seasons 1-4 box set, if you can.
G. Merritt
Plot holes, plot holes everywhere 2008-04-01
I was knocked out by the original miniseries and by most of season 1. The first few episodes of season 2 as they finished off most of the story arcs from season 1 were also pretty good. The rest of season 2 was disappointing. There were a couple of real clinkers (did anyone like the Cylon filming the documentary episode?) and the series got noticeably darker and the main characters became less appealing. A realistic approach, I suppose, but, hey guys, this is supposed to be entertainment. You can't expect viewers to stick with you for five years unless the main characters are more appealing than these folks turned out to be. But my real gripe with this series is the number of cavernous plot holes. Here is a list off the top of my head, starting with the most glaring and then a few others:
1. Why isn't the Pegasus (and its fighters) vulnerable to the Cylon's logic bombs? The miniseries makes a big deal over Galactica surviving only because its computers were somehow not linked together and because it relied on other antique technology. Other battlestars and fighters were destroyed in the Cylon attack because they were susceptible to logic bombs. This idea comes up again in a season 1 episode where the Galactica has to temporarily link its computers and has only about 10 minutes to perform a calculation and jump to another star system before the effects of a logic bomb destroys it. All of this is forgotten when the Pegasus appears. The story is that the Pegasus escaped the initial Cylon invasion be jumping before it was destroyed. Ok, but since then it has apparently been routinely fighting Cylon ships. Why haven't the Cylons used their logic bombs on the Pegasus? The producers could have dealt with this by telling us that the Pegasus's computers were configured like the Galatica's (although that would be a little lame because Galatica is supposed to have been unique), but apparently they couldn't be bothered. Who cares about continuity?
2. Does Gaius's Cylon detector work or not? When Gaius comes under pressure from Adama to develop a Cylon detector, he develops one with the help of Number 6, using a nuclear device given to him by Adama. Apparently it works, because it detects that Sharon is a Cylon. But then it either stops working or Gaius decides to pretend it doesn't work. Ok, but then why don't Adama and Laura Roslin pressure him to keep working on it, since everyone believes there are additional undetected Cylon agents in the fleet? Shouldn't this be a top priority or at least mentioned at some point? Related point: If the Cylon detector isn't working and Gaius has abandoned trying to perfect it, why doesn't Adama demand that Gaius return the nuclear device? Another related point: How is Gaius able to smuggle the nuclear device to the Number 6 in hiding when we have been told that the fleet has nuclear detectors?
3. Where does Starbuck get the yellow tape and the time to use it to spell out her name on the underside of the Cylon fighter? In the episode where Starbuck crashes on a planet and comes on a crashed Cylon fighter, she is shown to be out of oxygen when she finally figures out how to access the oxygen line in the fighter. But then how does she manage to get under the plane to spell out her name in yellow tape on the underside of the fighter? Is she supposed to make a large number of trips while holding her breath? Related point: We are later told that the Cylon fighters are living things. Is the one Starbuck finds dead? If so, how can it fly for her? If not, why doesn't it fly away?
4. Why don't the Cylons do a better job of guarding the Arrow of Apollo on Caprica? It becomes evident that the Cylons are well versed in the holy text describing the Arrow of Apollo and, apparently, believe in the truth of the text. So, it's hard to believe they don't know what the arrow is, and that they leave it unguarded in a museum for Starbuck to easily find. Related point: Is it believable that Starbuck and Helo would spend so much time arguing about what to do about Sharon, rather than getting back in the Cylon fighter and getting the heck out of there? Another related point: In the next episode, how do they all get out of the Tomb of Athena? The door closes on them and they are, apparently, transported to earth - or a vision of earth. How do they get out of the tomb? Another related point: After all the time and trouble to get the directions to earth, why is there so little mention of it - only one or two passing references - in subsequent episodes? Wouldn't this have been the dominant theme of conversation and shouldn't there be more discussion of how they can use the information from the Tomb of Athena to try to find earth?
5. How does the Pegasus get supplies in the time before it encounters Galactica? A big deal is made in early episodes about how pressed Galactica is for supplies and on how dependent it is on supplies from the civilian ships in the fleet. How then does Pegasus, which has no civilian fleet, get supplied? In fact, shouldn't there be some discussion of whether the fleet is actually producing food or other supplies? In an early episode, food is very short; subsequently, that problem is forgotten - or solved in a way that is not explained.
6. How can language, hairstyles, and so on be so similar to twenty-first century earth? The show occasionally bows to the idea that the episodes are supposed to be taking place in another time or universe, as with the pyramid game, clipping the corners off of documents, and the use of the word "frack." But how plausible is it that everything else is basically the same as in the current day United States? I might buy that the soldiers on the Galatica are called "marines," but that they should be nicknamed "jar heads"?
Ok, I have got a lot more, but I'm probably at (or beyond) the limits of anyone's willingness to read this.
Season 2.5 keeps up the excitement 2008-03-24
The end of season 2.0 left us on the brink, and season 2.5 has maintained the intensity. Highly recommended
Asian women are hot 2008-03-13
When I first tried to watch BG I wasn't impressed. I thought, what the heck are they doing? Starbuck and Boomer were males. But since being in Iraq for 10 of 15 months, i decided to get the seasons. I cannot imagine what the heck I was thinking before. The show itself is big screen quality. If they made major motion pictures of this, they would be box office hits.
It is a little disappointing that the show is only going to last 4 seasons, and it is rated as the best on cable TV. I pray and hope this to be a falsity in reality. Of course my favorite actor/actress is Grace Park (Boomer). But all in all, the whole cast has done a great job with the show.
