Galaxy Quest Blu-ray Review

Galaxy Quest 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Video Review:

The "Galaxy Quest" 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray employs the same video encode as the 2009 release, delivering a solid yet visually unremarkable transfer. The 2.35:1 framed image maintains cleanliness and an overall impressive appearance, although certain introductory scenes—specifically at the convention—appear somewhat hazy and soft. Clarity markedly improves once the protagonist ascends to the Protector II spaceship. Color presentation is adequate, with moderate saturation levels that avoid over-vividness. The transfer exhibits minimal artifacting, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Issues such as minor aliasing, particularly noticeable around Missi Pyle's entrance during the transport sequence, and slight digital noise are present but not sufficient to detract significantly from the overall experience.

While the transfer doesn't break new ground in video quality, it holds up remarkably well considering its decade-old origin. Stability is one of the transfer’s strong points, providing consistent visual fidelity throughout. It should be noted that the colors, although not exceptionally vivid, deliver a solid presence which complements the overall aesthetic of the film. Despite minimal technical hiccups like aliasing and digital noise, the Blu-ray offers a respectable visual performance that will satisfy fans of this cult classic.

The 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track included in the Blu-ray presentation of "Galaxy Quest" is a faithful port from its previous decade-old release. Initially, the audio mix gives precedence to the front channels, especially prominent during the movie’s opening sequences. However, once the narrative transitions to its interstellar setting, the sound design dynamically expands. The constant barrage of laser blasts and space "swooshes" robustly engage the surround channels, providing an immersive experience. Although the bass response is somewhat restrained compared to recent sci-fi offerings, it still delivers notable impact during key moments such as the rock monster encounter and the climactic confrontation with Sarris.

The audio engineering in this version is commendable, striking an effective balance across the various elements of the film. While it may not match the intensity of contemporary heavy-duty action and science fiction mixes, it succeeds in capturing the essence of the original cinematic experience. The spatial distribution and clarity of effects ensure a satisfying auditory journey that complements the visual spectacle. For enthusiasts seeking a timeless experience, this mix maintains a solid performance throughout, albeit without the heightened aggression found in newer releases.

The supplemental features of the "Galaxy Quest" Blu-Ray are an exceptional addition, providing substantial depth to the film’s universe and production. The extras delve into various production aspects and showcase interviews that reveal the creative nuances behind the film. Notably, "Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest" and "Never Give Up, Never Surrender" offer extensive insights into the making of the film and the performances of the illustrious cast. Additionally, "By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects" thoroughly explores the special effects work by ILM and Stan Winston. These features are presented with high-quality visuals and audio, catering to both film enthusiasts and technical aficionados. However, the overall presentation of the SteelBook is quite busy on the outside with a more minimalist inner design, catering to divergent aesthetic preferences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Galactopedia: On-screen information about characters, ships, aliens, and more.
• Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest: Cast and filmmakers discuss how the film came together.
• Never Give Up, Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector: Celebrates the incredibly talented cast.
• By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects: Explores the effects by ILM and Stan Winston.
• Alien School—Creating the Thermian Race: Actor Enrico Colantoni’s process of developing the voice and manner of an alien race.
• Actors in Space: Delves into the psyche of the cast.
• Sigourney Weaver Raps: Needs no further explanation.
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer

"Galaxy Quest," directed by Dean Parisot, remains as compelling and entertaining now as it did upon its release two decades ago. This quintessential sci-fi comedy brilliantly lampoons the "Star Trek" series while cleverly paying homage to it. The film excels due to its clever writing, which deftly navigates classic sci-fi tropes with a wit that resonates with both casual viewers and die-hard sci-fi enthusiasts. The storyline follows the washed-up cast of a canceled sci-fi show, "Galaxy Quest," who inadvertently become real-life heroes for an alien race. The script masterfully balances humor with genuine tension, creating a narrative that is both deeply engaging and wildly amusing.

Central to the film's success is its stellar cast, including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Sam Rockwell. Each actor brings a unique dimension to their characters, parodying well-known "Star Trek" personas while imbuing them with enough originality to stand out. Tim Allen's portrayal of the narcissistic Jason Nesmith is particularly noteworthy, encapsulating the arrogance and eventual humility of a reluctant leader. Additionally, Enrico Colantoni's performance as the Thermian leader Mathesar is both hilarious and endearing, adding depth to the alien perspective.

What sets "Galaxy Quest" apart is its precise yet affectionate imitation of sci-fi conventions without veering into outright mimicry. The film constructs its own lore and character backstories, differentiating itself from its source material while making clear nods to iconic elements of the genre. It skillfully captures the essence of shows like "Star Trek," offering a meta-narrative that critiques and celebrates fandom culture simultaneously. This balance of reverence and satire makes "Galaxy Quest" an exceptional piece, solidifying its status as a near-perfect sci-fi lampoon.

Reviewer 1: "Galaxy Quest" remains a beloved classic, packed with humor and heart. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman deliver stellar performances, and the ensemble cast energizes this sci-fi parody. The 2.35:1 AVC video transfer is sharp and vibrant, doing justice to the film's visuals while the audio, particularly the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, provides an immersive experience, emphasizing both dialogue and effects with clarity. The Blu-ray disc includes notable extras but lacks new content despite the passage of time, giving us essentially a repackaged older release.

Reviewer 2: Revisiting "Galaxy Quest" through its Blu-ray release reaffirms its status as a cult classic. The transfer handles the visual elements with finesse, offering a satisfying viewing experience. Audio is robust, with true-to-source fidelity that enhances the cinematic feel. Extra features on the disc while unchanged from previous editions, are still valuable for fans. This iteration in SteelBook packaging mainly targets collectors rather than those seeking technical upgrades or additional content.

Reviewer 3: "Galaxy Quest" on Blu-ray delivers solid audio and video quality, unaltered from its original release. The disc includes the same set of extra features, which remain engaging but could have been expanded for this edition. The real appeal here is the SteelBook packaging, attractive for collectors but unnecessary for those content with older editions. Although the film continues to impress, this release offers minimal additions beyond its collectible casing.

Amalgamated Review:

"Galaxy Quest" firmly holds its place as a cherished parody in the sci-fi genre, presenting audiences with sharp humor and a stellar cast including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman. The Blu-ray edition boasts a crisp 2.35:1 AVC video transfer and an immersive English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, both of which capture the essence of the film beautifully. However, potential buyers should note that this edition does not introduce any new content; it maintains the same extras and technical specifications as its predecessor.

Specifically engineered for aficionados of collectible packaging, this release sports a SteelBook casing exclusive to Best Buy, catering primarily to dedicated collectors. Although no upgrades have been made to the visual or audio quality, nor any additional special features included, the enduring appeal of "Galaxy Quest" itself makes this Blu-ray a worthy purchase for those who have yet to add it to their collection.

Now, the one thing you’re wondering is, what is different about this release vs. the one from 10 years ago? Well, almost nothing. This is actually the SAME disc (down to the silk-screening and the production pressing date if you put the BD in a BD drive on the computer), with the same extras, same video encode, and same audio. The only real difference is that this Blu-ray is a steelbook collector’s edition packaging that is only available at Best Buy. As such, if you already have the Blu-ray release from 10 years ago and the collectible packaging doesn’t appeal to you, then you can keep what you have. But if you’re a SteelBook fan and/or have never picked up the movie before, then this is a classy-looking set that will do just fine. Either way, the movie itself is a fantastic flick and makes for a great buy.

Technical Specifications: Starring: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Daryl Mitchell, Enrico Colantoni, Missi Pyle, Justin Long, Rainn Wilson Directed by: Dean Parisot Written by: David Howard, Robert Gordon Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 AVC Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Spanish DD 5.1, Thermian DD 2.0 Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish Studio: Paramount Rated: PG Runtime: 102 minutes Blu-Ray Release Date: September 17th, 2019

Recommendation: Great Buy