Stargate : Children Of The Gods (The Final Cut)

Review by David Woodward

Stargate SG1 was a long running television series starting in 1997 and spanning ten seasons based on an original 1994 theatrical movie Stargate. 

The series generated a cult following for whom the producers have continued to provide new product, including several Direct-to-DVD movies and a spin-off series.

I remember being impressed with this series when it first aired and particularly enjoyed Richard Dean Anderson’s cynical interpretation of his character, Jack O’Neill, and the self-deprecating approach it took to the series concept in several episodes.

I started to lose a bit of interest two thirds of the way through the series’ run as it lost some key characters and deviated from what seemed to be the main premise of the show.

Nevertheless, the ten seasons of Stargate SG1 and its companion products have proved to be insufficient for the ‘faithful’.

In an attempt to squeeze yet more interest from the highly profitable franchise, the producers have returned to its source, almost 12-years after the series first screened, with the original pilot episode “Children Of The Gods”.

By re-editing footage, adding new angles, reducing its overall length by seven minutes, inserting some scenes not seen in the original and (mainly) inserting new special effects shots, the pilot takes on a more polished (and even a theatrical) look as a Direct-to-DVD movie.

The story of the pilot picks up  one year after the original Stargate movie, by following the efforts of humans battling against an invading race of beings. 

It explains the establishment of the SG teams that would move through the star systems each week in search of a way to defeat the aliens. In particular it tells of SG1, made up of Jack O’Neill and his small but reliable team. 

The interaction between the team members is great to watch and offers up many amusing sequences. What is most impressive are the physical sets used which, in this newly edited version, are supplemented by more highly defined digital effects scenes. 

Some are less obvious, like the newly created watery event horizon of the Stargate itself - while others, like the sky fighters, look great.

The format has been re-imaged into brighter and sharper 16:9 widescreen adding yet another dimension which is clearly evident in the comparison shots shown in the special featurette.

Overall, it was great to re-visit this 128-minute version of the start of a well loved television series.

EXTRAS

There is a  seven minute featurette that briefly explains why the producers thought it was necessary to re-edit the Stargate material and explains which sequences were worked on. 

Besides the special effects work, it was interesting to hear that one of the lead actor’s vocal tracks was completely re-recorded!

A must have for Stargate fans.

Conclusion: Episodes 80% Extras: 75%