Stargate Universe: SG-U 1.0

This Syfy-aired spin-off from the Stargate franchise finds a group of officers, soldiers, scientists, and civilians taking a blind jump through a mysterious gate that lands them on an ancient spaceship seven billion light-years from home. With no discernable way back after the original entry point is destroyed, their challenge lies not in alien encounters or intergalactic battles, but rather the basic needs for air, water, food, and fuel, as well as an understanding of the ship. “It's essentially on auto-pilot,” explains Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle), an arrogant scientific genius, “we're just along for the ride.” Civilian Eli Wallace (David Blue), a personable math whiz, provides background information for viewers who aren't familiar with the show's mysterious alien technology built around “Stargates” and “communications stones.” Stargate Universe doesn't serve up the same colorful action-adventure of the original series, but instead emphasizes the conflicts arising within a volatile mix of anxious, desperate, and angry folks—a shift toward dramatic darkness that has alienated some longtime fans while attracting new ones. Compiling the first 10 episodes from the 2009-10 debut season (plus an alternate extended version of the three-part story that opens the series, featuring footage not seen in the broadcast), DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and extended versions of the “Kino Video Diaries” seen in the series (the Blu-ray release adds 40-plus minutes of additional content on creating a new universe). Recommended. (S. Axmaker)