Battlestar Galactica 2005 by Quicksand

I watched MOST of what NBC rebroadcast the other night, and I don't recall noticing anything missing. More likely, since Sci-Fi just runs an obscene amount of commercials these days (or so it seems), NBC just ran shorter commercial breaks, because who's really watching TV at 8pm on a Saturday night? (I mean, other than MY lame ass?)

Anyway, it's possible stuff was cut out, I just didn't notice anything. I'll be sure and watch Sci-Fi again next week, or at least tape the thing.......... so's I can fast forward through that obscene amount of commercials.

(qs)

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Sunday, January 9, 2005 6:58 PM

CREVANREAVER

Quicksand, they cut tons of stuff. Here's a list.

the kissing sequence with Six and the officer aboard the space station at the beginning;
all references to the mechanical Cylons (from the picture of one of TOS machines the officer views to a full-scale Cylon replica and a Cylon basestar in the Museum);
the walk through of the Galactica as Adama is going over his speech (anywhere from 4-5 minutes chopped right there);
Roslin finding out she has cancer;
Roslin talking to Billy & then crying in the bathroom as their ship heads towards the Galactica;
the baby killing sequence;
Billy getting lost aboard the Galactica;
Adama's speech;
Apollo protecting colonial one from the cylon attack;
They shortened the jump to Ragnar sequence....where it shows the wierd camara zoome effect and Cally says "I hate this part";
They cut out Tigh's "It's been twenty-something years" bit. They jumped straight from the "three days at best speed" to "Col. Tigh, please plot the jump." And they left out Adama's "taking command of the fleet" part.

That's just what I can remember.

A three hour broadcast has 45 minutes worth of commercials. Since the uncut version of Battlestar Galactica in its entirety without commercials is exactly three hours, that means they cut out at least 45 minutes for the NBC version.

And since the broadcast ended at 10:56 PM, they actually cut out more.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 3:09 AM

EST120

i saw most of it too. i missed the first hour but i was able to figure out what was going on. i have to say, you do not see many movies/shows where the humans are getting pounded and do not mount some kind of comeback (like independence day or other "alien" type of movies"). the scene where the convoy has to leave behind the 40+ ships that cannot travel at light speed and you hear all the captains pleading with the other ships to help them. it gave me chills a little bit.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 3:23 AM

EVILTOBZ

Quote:
Originally posted by CrevanReaver:
...Roslin finding out she has cancer...

and that's the scene where you get to see serenity do a fly-by, so anyone on this forum should have noticed that bit missing :b

---------------------------------------------
eviltobz - that's lowercase gorram it!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:23 AM

SNEAKER98

I've got the BSG 03 dvd right here beside me ;) I've seen the first 10 episodes (there'll be an eleventh up for download sometime tonight), and I'm absolutely in love. I've never had a show that I've wanted to watch this bad on a weekly basis.

But, because I like it, it will get canned. Though it may have a chance since it doesn't start with an 'F' (futurama, family guy, firefly)

"I do the job... and then I get paid. Go run your little world."
-Malcolm Reynolds

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:27 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

For those interested Sci Fi is reairing the mini series on Tue, 1/11 @ 9pm EST. I will be watching it again to get ready for the series premiere on the 21st.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Meet Up:
http://firefly.meetup.com/9/boards/

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:31 AM

PURPLEBELLY

Quote:
Originally posted by Quicksand:
... I'd go even money on a fistfight between Starbuck and Jayne.

Crewman Specialist Cally could take Jayne

Select to view spoiler:

Is that a spoiler? I dunno ...

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 6:31 AM

HERO

Quote:
Originally posted by Quicksand:
And yet, somehow, this freakin' ruled.

I consider myself a loyalist to the old series. Never the less I gave the new series a fair viewing.

I was on the fence until "To all colonial units. Cylon attack under way. This is no drill." It gave me chills, and I was hooked.

Promote the hell of of Galactica. If it turns into a hit, the other networks might go looking for another edgy sci-fi show with similar special effects. I happen to know where they can find one...

"Nothin but the rain."

H

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 6:55 AM

GWYNETHH

I watched the SCI FI channel version last spring, the SKYTEL 1 4 hr version and NBCs High Def version. NBC did hack a lot of detail to fit it into 3hrs. A lot of motivation and charactorization was removed to leave room for the "shoot em up" stuff. But thanks to NBC more people may watch the SCIFI networks showing this week. The full 4hrs is supposed to be on Wed night SCIFI and episode 1 is to be on Friday.

ps SKYTEL is up to episode 11 this week. #10 was great.

Are You Asking me to Dance?

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 6:59 AM

HERO

Quote:
Originally posted by gwynethh:
The full 4hrs is supposed to be on Wed night SCIFI and episode 1 is to be on Friday.

I couldna wait. I bought the DVD from Amazon.com the last week of December. Watched it over New Years.

H

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 8:52 AM

FIREFLYGAL

I gave the "new Galactica" a chance, it made me want to puke. To even compare it to Firefly is the highest insult to Firefly, I have heard. But that's my opinion.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 9:04 AM

KASUO

Quote:
Originally posted by PurpleBelly:
Crewman Specialist Cally could take Jayne

Am I the only one who thinks Cally is cute, and Dualla (Dee) is just amazing?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 9:53 AM

PURPLEBELLY

Quote:
Originally posted by kasuo:
Am I the only one who thinks Cally is cute, and Dualla (Dee) is just amazing?

I didn't mean to imply that Cally isn't cute.
Just that she's cute, and could rip Jayne apart

Select to view spoiler:

probably ears first

and then celebrate by getting legless

Select to view spoiler:

probably on her own hooch

All between keeping those vipers space-worthy and adoring the Chief.
My kind of fantasy

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by CrevanReaver:

That's just what I can remember.

Okay, okay, so my memory's not great, but you missed my point about NBC running fewer commercials in the breaks than the Sci-Fi channel. I don't have documentation of this, but that's what it felt like.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sneaker98:
But, because I like it, it will get canned. )

Umm..... no, Sneaker... it'll get canned because you're downloading the series and not watching it broadcast on TV.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:09 PM

SNEAKER98

Quote:
Originally posted by fireflygal:
I gave the "new Galactica" a chance, it made me want to puke. To even compare it to Firefly is the highest insult to Firefly, I have heard. But that's my opinion.

The only folks I see hating the new Galactica is those who loved the old version. I can understand that, as I'd be pretty mad if someone remade Firefly down the line.

Quote:
Originally posted by Quicksand:
Quote:
Originally posted by sneaker98:
But, because I like it, it will get canned. )

Umm..... no, Sneaker... it'll get canned because you're downloading the series and not watching it broadcast on TV.

You don't think the cable boys monitor everyone's tv 24/7, do you? I don't have a nielsens (sp?) box, so all I can do is spread the word. Besides, I've done my part and purchased the BSG 03 DVD.

Oh, I forgot to add, I'm also going to rewatch the shows when they air on Space (Canadian sci-fi network) this coming Friday, the 15th. It's just that good

"I do the job... and then I get paid. Go run your little world."
-Malcolm Reynolds

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 4:21 PM

VETERAN

Don't squat with your spurs on.

Quote:
Originally posted by sneaker98:
But, because I like it, it will get canned. Though it may have a chance since it doesn't start with an 'F' (futurama, family guy, firefly)

"I do the job... and then I get paid. Go run your little world."
-Malcolm Reynolds

I know exactly how you feel.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 8:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fireflygal:
I gave the "new Galactica" a chance, it made me want to puke. To even compare it to Firefly is the highest insult to Firefly, I have heard. But that's my opinion.

Um... "you have heard?" So which is it you haven't actually seen, 'Firefly' or 'Galactica?' Either way, it kind of ruins your arguement. Did I miss something?

(qs)

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Monday, January 10, 2005 9:50 PM

I remember the original Battlestar Galactica, and it's ultra lamo sequel series BSG 1980, and I remember great sets, above average SPFX, cool models, a great cast, and terrible stories! The pilot was very well done (with the exception of the side trip to the casino planet where bugs were eating the guests), but most of the episodes were obviously written by TV writers that had no experience writing science fiction. Most of the episodes seemed like old western scripts that had been given some "spacy" dialog (and I don't mean that in a cool Sci-fi/Western Firefly sort of way). The rare exception to this rule, was a good two parter called "The Living Legend". That two parter will be broadcast tuesday on the Sci-fi channel as part of a three day marathon of the original series. Set your Tivos/DVRs or VCRs if you want to catch one of the rare gems from the original Battlestar Galactica.

Fans of the original series probably won't like the new version, but if the series mantains the scope and caliber of the mini-series, or better yet, exceeds it, Battlestar has the potential to be one of the best science fiction series on TV. Lets face it, with the exception of the two Stargate series, and Andromedia and Enterprise barely limping along, there isn't much new sci-fi on TV anymore!

My band of friends (all Browncoats) will be having a premere party for BSG friday night.

I'd given some thought to movin' off the edge -- not an ideal location -- thinkin' a place in the middle.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 12:21 AM

FAHQ

Quote:
Originally posted by Quicksand:
Quote:
Originally posted by sneaker98:
But, because I like it, it will get canned. )

Umm..... no, Sneaker... it'll get canned because you're downloading the series and not watching it broadcast on TV.

And we all know that "they" have ways of knowing what we all watch on broadcast TV............

"My days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 6:41 AM

CYBERSNARK

Quote:
Originally posted by sneaker98:
Oh, I forgot to add, I'm also going to rewatch the shows when they air on Space (Canadian sci-fi network) this coming Friday, the 15th. It's just that good

The 15th is Saturday (I just ran and checked). I'm glad 'cause there's nothing on Saturday nights, whereas Friday would put it up against YTV's animé block and Enterprise.

Oh, and Andromeda is not "limping along." It's ending this season in the US (about three seasons too late, IMHO). It ended last season in Canada, so I couldn't watch S5 if I wanted to.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 8:50 AM

SNEAKER98

Quote:
Originally posted by Cybersnark:
Quote:
Originally posted by sneaker98:
Oh, I forgot to add, I'm also going to rewatch the shows when they air on Space (Canadian sci-fi network) this coming Friday, the 15th. It's just that good
The 15th is Saturday (I just ran and checked). I'm glad 'cause there's nothing on Saturday nights, whereas Friday would put it up against YTV's animé block and Enterprise.

Is it saturday? That works just as well! I'll be watching, without a doubt.

"I do the job... and then I get paid. Go run your little world."
-Malcolm Reynolds

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 9:07 AM

FIREFLYGAL

Quote:
Originally posted by Quicksand:
Quote:
Originally posted by fireflygal:
I gave the "new Galactica" a chance, it made me want to puke. To even compare it to Firefly is the highest insult to Firefly, I have heard. But that's my opinion.

Um... "you have heard?" So which is it you haven't actually seen, 'Firefly' or 'Galactica?' Either way, it kind of ruins your arguement. Did I miss something?

(qs)

Yes, Quicksand, I think you have a problem with your brain being missing

What I said was comparing "BG" to Firefly is the biggest insult to Firefly I have ever heard. I believe I may have misplaced a comma, my apologies. I also stated I watched "BG" and gave it a chance and I've certainly watched every episode of Firefly, so now that I've corrected my grammar, my opinion that the "new Battlestar Galactica" makes me sick still stands. And yes, I suppose I have a place in my heart for the original but to even call this new abomination Battlestar Galactica just because they use the same names is rude ( to say the least). Had they called it something else perhaps I would have liked it but they didn't.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 12:53 PM

Fellow Browncoats:

Thanks for the heads up. I had seen the promo and thought, 'That looks pretty good', then spaced it out, 'til y'all mentioned it. I'll be watching tonight on SciFi at 8:00PM, mostly because of E.J. Olmos, whom I have admired since "Zoot Suit". 'Suit' was kind of a lame movie, but Olmos' performance (as the embodied spirit of Latino cultural heritage) was brilliant. Since then: "Stand and Deliver", and his turn as Gaff in "Bladerunner" shine. I also liked him in the under-funded "Talent for the Game".

I admire the level of commitment Olmos brings to his roles. So, I'll be watching the movie tonight, with an open mind and expecting something good.

Respectfully,

zoid
_________________________________________________

"Burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me." The Ballad of Serenity

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 1:25 PM

NIKNAK

I've been watching it on Sky One in the UK. Its pretty good but I don't mind much if I miss an episode. I have seen the original but don't really compare the two because they are so completely different.

Actually I think I might have preferred the 3 hour version of the two part, 4 hour pilot. I remember that it seemed a bit long and slow moving.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 4:32 AM

Well, 'coats:

After watching the first 2 hours of Battlestar Galactica last night, I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. I somehow managed to miss the scene with the Serenity flyby (drat), but the CG was so reminiscent of Firefly I decided to do a little further research. Of course, as has undoubtedly been pointed out before, IMDB lists Joel Ashman of ZOIC Studios as one of the digital compositors. I found more at http://www.zoicstudios.com/# , from which:

Quote:
Zoic Studios helped the Sci-Fi Channel re-imagine the original Battlestar Galactica series. We created 400+ shots, in a two night mini-series, bringing the Cylons, Vipers and Battlestars back to life. Continuing the tradition of high detail, photoreal quality set-extensions, planets and space ships, Zoic was again nominated for a 2004 Emmy Award.

(Read NVidia's article on the company at http://www.nvidia.com/object/zoic.html , and at CGWorld http://tinyurl.com/4tdrx for a complete listing of tools used by ZOIC for Firefly.)

On the whole, I'd have to say there was very little I could find wrong with the 2-hour installment. The space battles were at least very good, playing more like naval battles than Star Trek ever managed to capture (especially recent movies). Planetary bombardments were effective, though I'd have like to have seen Cylon ground troops; perhaps not enough money in the budget?

I thought the acting was good in the main roles, credible in the secondaries. Some of the minor roles were maybe a bit flawed, but whaddya want for scale? Costumes were less than perfect, which cannot help but take the viewer's mind off the play. Having said that, both these observations were likewise true of Firefly.

One major difference between BG and FF, though, is the dialogue. FF is clearly superior -- to every other show on TV -- in this regard, due to the genius of Joss Whedon. It's going to be tough for BG to come close to the depth of characterization FF had, too, but ditto the reasoning: Who else is Joss? Nothing can serve as a better example of JW's skills than this juxtaposition between Battlestar Galactica and the Firefly pilot, 'Serenity, Parts 1 & 2': The two properties are fairly similar in production qualities (BG actually looks a bit more 'expensive'), so the only deciding factor is in the creative department. Joss Whedon and Firefly take the prize, like the Colts versus the Broncos this past weekend: It's over by halftime. Peyton Manning is the Joss Whedon of football. (Ouch! ...bit my tongue!)

Having said that -- that there is only one Joss Whedon -- Battlestar Galactica was engaging and entertaining, and I plan on watching it regularly. In addition, Stargate: Atlantis looks to have had a money infusion and a production quality upgrade. Perhaps with a little less 'running around through the fringe of the woods while smoke bombs go off', I might be able to stand Colonel MacGyver better. I'll be giving that one another look this season, too.

As a final thought, SciFi may be spending more across the board on its programming. Vivendi-Universal appears to be sinking more cash into the channel, perhaps reasoning that F*x, WB and their ilk are failing to step into a fairly large ratings gap below the Big 3. With proper programming, an 'enhanced basic' cable channel might grab a large share of the advertising revenues this gap represents. Could "Firefly: Serenity 1 & 2" show this summer on SciFi?

Could Firefly the Series return to TV, sooner rather than later?

Critically,

zoid

P.S.
Starting a new thread over something else I found out about, while searching on ZOIC...
_________________________________________________

"Burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me." The Ballad of Serenity

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 6:19 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

I watched the 1st half of the mini series again last night to refresh myself as it has been a year since it aired here in the States. I remembered pretty much all of it, but there were a few small things I did not recall.

I will watch the 2nd half of the mini series tonight after "Lost".

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Meet Up:
http://firefly.meetup.com/9/boards/

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 7:56 AM

PIZMOBEACH

... fully loaded, safety off...

Thanks for the article links - very interesting, I love the behind the screen, "how'd they do that?" reporting. I confess I almost shed a tear though when I read in the Computer Graphics World December, 2002 article:
"Firefly, which is scheduled for a 13-week run, is currently being considered for a second-seasonal renewal."

That guy, working electric, he never drank with us!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 8:35 AM

SNIPER

I'm excited for the series, although I don't have SciFi. I'm getting someone to tape it for me.

However, if anyone wants some major spoilers, go to SkyOne.co.uk, they got it first and have summaries of all the episodes aired in Britian thus far.

The show looks brilliant, and probably some of the best scifi that I've seen. It's serious, dark and exciting.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 9:11 AM

REEQUEEN

I'm really glad my son made me watch this last night. True, I was gorked out of my eyeballs on pain meds, so my judgement may have been slightly off, but I thought it was actually quite brilliant for television.

Barring Firefly and all things Joss-related, of course.

It was groovy, it made me remember the original with much more fondness than I had been fostering (and I mention why in another thread), and why I watched The A Team (Dirk Benedict). I'm glad they didn't copy the template precisely, it would've been anachronistic.

I love Mary McDonnell - loved her in Independence Day, loved her in Grand Canyon. Although she's basically playing the same character as she did in Independence Day, doesn't make me love her less.

Yeah, some of the stuff is cheesy, but that's part of why I enjoy some of the stuff.

"You mean they have the internet on computers now?" Homer

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 10:06 AM

WASTEOID

I am Crying Fowl!! I watch the 3 hr. showing of the New show Battlestar Galactica, and I Cry Fowl!!!I Quickly noticed A Familiar Hand held camera work and Zoom in Space shot's and Lept to my FT and Yelled FIREFLY DID IT FIRST! ! ! ! I Know that people have to run a buisness and make a Livly Hood,That's why I don't Blame them , But if the viewer's of BSG Viewed Firefly they would say that BSG was First I would say to them Look at the copyright date 10-02 so that is ........FACE! ! ! ! !.HeLL I know the Pilot was made before The Clone War's I believe that's what I got on the Featurette on the DVD.So to Joss Whedon I salute YOU and your Bold ness in Filming the shot's off center and the so called Cheesy Zoom-in's.I Know That SERENITY the Movie will kick the Whole World into a new FRESH way of Enjoying Movie's again,and again ... The off Center Way Of enjoying MOVIES and TV Show's The WAY JOSS WHEDON intened for US the Viewing Public to Enjoy now and Forever! ! Again I Salute You!

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 10:29 AM

MANOFSTEEL25

Yeah I saw BG '03 first before discovering FF on DVD. But what's odd is that in December '03 I HATED that docu-style with the effects shots. It felt like a bad gimmick, very repeptivie, same kinda lazy zoom for every freakin' space shot and it got old to me. It didn't put me in the action- granted.... BG had some real space battles and FF usually didn't- maybe the odd chase but that's it.

When I saw the same style on Firefly a mere 7 months later I LOVED it. And I don't know why exactly. Maybe it's because it seems to fit FF more... maybe it's because while it's the same docu-style it's not the same style of shot repeated everytime- they vary it up and sometimes give you a nice effects shot and other times give you a real shaky shot.

Regardless FF did it first and they did it beter. I only hope the maker sof BG '05 the series- watched FF closely and tried to do better this time around.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 2:00 PM

WaSteOid and manofsteel25:

As I pointed out above, ZOIC Studios -- who have been with Joss for years and years -- are responsible for the zoom-pulling, lens-flared, jiggle cam CGI shots. They developed these techniques for Firefly, then applied them to Battlestar Galactica when they got that gig.

If it looks similar, it's only because it's the same graphics company. And they're doing the BDM, too. Hooray for our team!

But there's really no question about who did it first, because there's no such thing as a race with only one horse...

Obviously,

zoid

P.S.
ZOIC are doing the BG series, too, I believe. I'd also heard that some of Firefly's episode directors (writers?) were going to be doing selected episodes of BG. Cujo? Joss?
_________________________________________________

"Burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me." The Ballad of Serenity

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 2:08 PM

MANOFSTEEL25

Well that makes sense. Sorry I missed that posting.

Still I don't know why I didn't like it BG and thought it worked marvelous in FF.

I guess I can blame the directors.... or the fact that I don't think the style fits BG as well.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 2:23 PM

manofsteel25:

I, on the other hand, really dug the special effects for the 4-hour BG pilot, shown the past couple of nights on SciFi (with episodic weekly installments beginning this Friday at 7 CST). I especially liked the missile shots and fighter destructions. That it reminded me so much of Firefly probably increased my enjoyment; but I thought they were very good and 'realistic'. Furthermore, I found myself hoping for space battles in the BDM; supposedly there will be, according to reports.

Guess it's different strokes for different folks...

Respectfully,

zoid
_________________________________________________

"Burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me." The Ballad of Serenity

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 2:26 PM

MANOFSTEEL25

My friend who laoned me the tapes also praised the effects work though we each had certain debate son the story and presentation.

I don't have a problem with the realism.... I just didn't think the styel of those shots were that effective or worked well in the context of BG. Granted, while I'm not a huge fan of the rogiinal BG, I do recall those effects shots and I guess I was expecting something 'in the vein of' that.

Not to knock the effects team at all. I just don't think it belongs in BG.

All that said and done I'll give the weekly series a shot.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 5:30 PM

WASTEOID

I Respect A Company To do What they Have to do to earn a Living .I was Just saying, That The Viewer's of BG will feel That any thing after the show starts airing, anything after will be copied ...and maybe not original like after SW:CW.. I guess I Feel Strongly that FF will still not get the Recegnition(srry if spelled wrong) that FF really Deserver's. It's so Damn Frustrating that the ground breaking Show's, get Smotherd by Non-Viewer's assesment and Deflate The hope's that other's Cherish....! Respect and aknowledgement to those who Broke ground on The Freshness of each Step that other Scifi or fantasy or any thing that come's to Pass....... The Only Thing I Give Thank's to all the viewer's who put their voice in E-mail , snail mail , And Protesting (without violence) their greif, in Letting the People responseable, Feel their Pain and anguish that they could just make a dicision like that without taking a chance a little longer just because their $$$ is not coming back to them fast enough to Fill their WALLET"S(HOW PETHETIC!!)Show's Like FF are BUG ZAPPED , and BG has a Lazyboy and TV TRAY with dinner and candle light, All preparred to enjoy with anticipation of a Fresh New Show to make their Time worth the Wait . With all the ad's out It just make's you think ......What if ...... ?

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 13, 2005 10:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by WaSteOid:
I am Crying Fowl!! I watch the 3 hr. showing of the New show Battlestar Galactica, and I Cry Fowl!!!I Quickly noticed A Familiar Hand held camera work and Zoom in Space shot's and Lept to my FT and Yelled FIREFLY DID IT FIRST! ! ! ! I Know that people have to run a buisness and make a Livly Hood,That's why I don't Blame them , But if the viewer's of BSG Viewed Firefly they would say that BSG was First I would say to them Look at the copyright date 10-02 so that is ........FACE! ! ! ! !.HeLL I know the Pilot was made before The Clone War's I believe that's what I got on the Featurette on the DVD.So to Joss Whedon I salute YOU and your Bold ness in Filming the shot's off center and the so called Cheesy Zoom-in's.I Know That SERENITY the Movie will kick the Whole World into a new FRESH way of Enjoying Movie's again,and again ... The off Center Way Of enjoying MOVIES and TV Show's The WAY JOSS WHEDON intened for US the Viewing Public to Enjoy now and Forever! ! Again I Salute You!

All very true, but keep in mind that the "hand held style" effects shots were done by the same company (Zoic) that did Firefly. Firefly did it first, and also didn't use sound in space (BSG justs mutes it somewhat). It's obvious to me that reps from Zoic showed the producers of BSG effects footage from their work on Firefly, and those producers knew that was a look that would work with their vision of a new Battlestar Galatica. We should be proud, not angry that they "stole" this style. It is the sincerest form of flattery! The Zoic guys even snuck in a shot of our beloved Serenity into the mini-series! It was great to see her fly again!

If you need to prove to someone that Firefly did it first, that shot of Serenity in the BSG mini-series is proof enough!

I'd given some thought to movin' off the edge -- not an ideal location -- thinkin' a place in the middle.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 14, 2005 6:59 PM

SNIPER

My Review: Battlestar Galactica 101: 33

I saw the first episode of the new Battlestar Galactica this evening, and was simply amazed at how well done it was. It's clear that this series is going to be very popular for it's well thought-out storyline, complex characters and ideological portions.
Taking place nearly a week or so after we left off with the miniseries that aired in December of 2003, and the Galactica is on the run. Every 33 minutes, they must make an FTL jump, for a Cylon Basestar arrives at their location, somehow tracking them. There are now less than 50,000 humans left of the human race after the destruction of the 12 colonies. The crew is running on no sleep at all, and everyone is tired and overworked, but they're running for their lives. Meanwhile, on Caprica, Helo, a Galactica Crewman left behind, is being persued by Cylons, and he destroys several before being captured. At the fleet, they discover that they are missing a ship, the Olympic Carrier, which carried 1300 people on board. After a jump and no cylons appear, they reappear on the ship. Most are relieved,but it quickly becomes apparent that the ship was captured and is destroyed, despite protests. Baltar is having hallucinations with Six, his Cylon lover, who tells him that the ship had Cylon agents on board. She also tells him that it's god's retribution for Baltar's athiesm.
This show rocks. Period. From this first episode, it's going above and beyond the miniseries, which had some weak points. This first episode has none. It's got a tight plot with some excellent acting, storytelling and CGI. Already, it's setting the stage for future episodes, first with Sharon aka Boomer, who is a Cylon, with Baltar/Six and religion, Apollo and Starbuck together and Apollo and his father. This show is destined for great things, and I think that it's going to be well recieved by audiances.
This episode has some paticularly harsh things about it. This show is dark, and there's little to lighten it up. From some of the first moments with pictures on the walls of Galactica of people who have been lost to the Olympic Carrier, a civilian ship, loaded down with explosives to destroy the Galactica, and the decision to destroy it, despite any civilian casualties. There are some very hard things in here, and the show doesn't flinch from it.
There's a sort of saying among some writers that I've seen in books about writing science fiction, paticularly with characters. To find the real character, you must put them through hell to find out who they really are. The crew of the Galactica are going through hell. They've just had their homes destroyed and they're running for their lives through unknown space, with the Cylons close behind. The characters snap at each other, cry and are generally exhaused, but continue onwards. The only things that are really good for them is the news that a new baby was born on one ship, and that with the destruction of the Olympic Carrier, the Cylons have stopped following.
On a technical level, this show is stunning. There is some great CGI, brought to us by the wonderful Zoic, who also did the CGI for the miniseries, Firefly, Buffy, Angel and the upcoming films A Sound of Thunder and Serenity. There are some 'stock' footage shots, with various dog fights and combat landings, but the new shots are simply out of this world, wonderful. The camera movements are still documentary style, with quick zooms and rapid movement, which really enhances portions of the show.
The acting around the board has improved. There were a couple of weak moments in the miniseries, paticularly with the crew chief Tyrol, who has several ackward moments during the series. However, Apollo, Starbuck, Adama, Tigh and the rest of the crew all do a wonderful job acting their parts.
Part one was followed by the Episode 102: Water. I only caught the first couple minutes, and the thing that I really noticed was the care and abstractness to the camera movements as Boomer wakes up soaking, unsure of what just happened, and when she finds a bomb in her backpack. More when I see that episode.
I can tell you one thing though, this is probably going to be one of the best science fiction television shows ever.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Saturday, January 15, 2005 5:04 AM

TRAGICSTORY

Quote:
Originally posted by WaSteOid:
I am Crying Fowl!! I watch the 3 hr. showing of the New show Battlestar Galactica, and I Cry Fowl!!!I Quickly noticed A Familiar Hand held camera work and Zoom in Space shot's and Lept to my FT and Yelled FIREFLY DID IT FIRST! ! ! ! I Know that people have to run a buisness and make a Livly Hood,That's why I don't Blame them , But if the viewer's of BSG Viewed Firefly they would say that BSG was First I would say to them Look at the copyright date 10-02 so that is ........FACE! ! ! ! !.HeLL I know the Pilot was made before The Clone War's I believe that's what I got on the Featurette on the DVD.So to Joss Whedon I salute YOU and your Bold ness in Filming the shot's off center and the so called Cheesy Zoom-in's.I Know That SERENITY the Movie will kick the Whole World into a new FRESH way of Enjoying Movie's again,and again ... The off Center Way Of enjoying MOVIES and TV Show's The WAY JOSS WHEDON intened for US the Viewing Public to Enjoy now and Forever! ! Again I Salute You!

Actually I wouldn't cry foul for the reason mentioned above AND another one. The shaky camera, late zooms, odd pans really gives the feel of being awake for 135 hours straight and being strained to the end of your limits. Obviously I kept expecting to see Serenity and the crew, but once I got that out of my head, I could really see how effective that style of shot was.

-----------
"Societies are supported by human activity, therefore they are constantly threatened by the human facts of self-intrest and stupidity." --Peter Berger

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Saturday, January 15, 2005 5:00 PM

MRPLASTIC

Quote:
Originally posted by TragicStory:

Actually I wouldn't cry foul for the reason mentioned above AND another one. The shaky camera, late zooms, odd pans really gives the feel of being awake for 135 hours straight and being strained to the end of your limits. Obviously I kept expecting to see Serenity and the crew, but once I got that out of my head, I could really see how effective that style of shot was.

This style also fits in well if you take the view of much of the material being military documentary footage, a la the Army Film Corps in WWII (see e.g. Saving Private Ryan).

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Saturday, January 15, 2005 7:43 PM

I agree with Sniper. I found the first episode (33) amazing television.

The second episode (Water) was a little less tense and exciting, but developed the human looking Cylons and their motivations. The Six in Baltar's head is obviously on the side of the Cylons, but her feelings for Baltar seem to give her conflict. Galactica's sleepr Cylon, Boomer is just starting to understand what she really is, and her new programing is in complete contrast to who she thought she was. Her "human" side seems to be winning over her Cylon programing, but it remains to be seen, how long she will be able to deny her real purpose and programing. The Sharon that Helo is working with back on Caprica, doesn't seem to have such programing conflicts, and I'm sure she's just using him to find other survivors. This new version of BSG is so much more complex and engaging than the campy original of the late 70's.

Kudo's to Zoic for some amazing effects shots in both episodes!!!

I'd given some thought to movin' off the edge -- not an ideal location -- thinkin' a place in the middle.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Saturday, January 15, 2005 8:26 PM

I gotta disagree with you there, I think Boomer #1 is just as convinced she's a human as Boomer #2. In fact, less so, because Boomer #1 (on BSG) is starting to figure it out, and Boomer #2 (on Caprica) thinks she's just all human, who came back for her friend. Of course, it's possible I'm wrong, she just has such an honest face...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Saturday, January 15, 2005 10:25 PM