Dark Skies: The Declassified Complete Series

Dark Skies, the audacious NBC series that lasted just one season (1996–97), created an incredible alternate universe in which 20th-century history was reinterpreted through the framework of a government conspiracy to cover up an alien invasion. Francis Powers? He wasn't spying on Russia, but rather involved in an aerial dogfight with a UFO. The JFK assassination? The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show? The Vietnam War? Each is revealed to be a pivotal event in the hidden battle being waged against members of the Hive—hostile creatures that “powerful people” don't want Americans to know about. But John Loengard (Eric Close), an idealistic congressional aide, stumbles onto the truth, and together with girlfriend Kim Sayers (Megan Ward) becomes embroiled in the campaign being waged by Majestic 12, “the most secret organization you've never heard of.” John is one of those “public has a right to know” kind of guys, but Captain Bach (J.T. Walsh) will stop at nothing to ensure that doesn't happen. It's a kick to see such 1960s icons as Jim Morrison, Timothy Leary, and John Lennon figure in the action, and the series also benefits from its meticulous period re-creation and above-average special effects. DVD extras include cast and crew audio commentaries, an excellent three-part retrospective documentary, the international version of the feature-length pilot (directed by Tobe Hooper), and original promos. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)