Babylon 5: The Complete Series Blu-ray Review
“Babylon 5” is one of the best TV series ever made.
Starting in the year 2258 after the human and Minbari war, the story focuses on the characters that inhabit the Babylon 5 space station including Commander Sinclair (later replaced by Captain Sheridan), Dr. Franklin, Lt. Commander Susan Ivanova, Chief Of Security Michael Garibaldi, Ambassador Delenn (a Minbari-human hybrid), Talia Winters and Lyta Alexander (Psi-Corps Telepaths), Londo Mollari (Centauri Ambassador), G’Kar (Narn Ambassador), Lennier (Aid to Delenn), Vir (Aid to Londo), and Zack Allan (Security Force Sgt.). While there are plenty of stand-alone stories, the 5 season spanning series contains numerous major story arcs involving tensions between the Centauri and Narn (which eventually boil over), xenophobia, the Earth Alliance, Psi-Corps, Captain Sheridan taking command of Babylon 5, the mysterious Vorlons, the Shadows (the main villains), Technomages, the Mars colony seeking independence, Sheridan and Delenn developing romantic feelings for one another, Nightwatch, the mystery of Babylon 4, The Shadow War, the Rangers, Minbari Civil War, President Clark and Earthforce, and the formation of a new Alliance.
1993’s “Babylon 5” was ahead of its time to say the least. Before “The Sopranos,” “Lost,” and “The Shield” took serialized TV to the next level, “Babylon 5” was already breaking new ground in serialized television with rich season spanning stories, CGI special effects, a big ensemble cast of characters, and some of the best world building ever put to television. Creator J. Michael Straczynski (who also wrote a large majority of the episodes) crafted a space opera that felt like a series of novels. The characters were full of life, the stakes were high, the stories were epic, and above all else, the series tackled so many subjects that still resonate today such as religion, politics, war, racism, corruption, etc. It’s as if he saw the future.
Admittedly, season 1 is a bit rough around the edges. The hit-and-miss season tries to find its footing all while setting up the characters and digging into the ambitious world building. The final third of season 1 really kicks into gear and from there on out it’s smooth sailing. Seasons 2-4 are where the show really hits its stride as Captain Sheridan enters the picture. The plotlines involving the Centauri-Narn War and The Shadow War are particularly enthralling. There’s certainly no shortage of conflicts and tensions within this series. There’s never a wasted moment even in stand-alone stories. Everything has a purpose. Season 5, while riveting, feels a bit rushed as it wraps up many of the dangling threads. The series really could and should have gone on longer, but luckily it never wore out its welcome (a problem for many other shows).
In terms of the cast, there’s so many great characters and performances in this series. The aforementioned Captain Sheridan (played by “Tron” himself Bruce Boxleitner) really transformed the series as a whole. Peter Jurasik frequently steals the series as the loudmouth Centauri Londo. Andreas Katsulas is brilliant as G’Kar. His chemistry with Jurasik is dynamic. Mira Furlan (who was also in “Lost”) is note perfect as Delenn. Jerry Doyle brings humor and complexity to Michael Garibaldi. Walter Koenig of “Star Trek” fame only appears a few times, but is entirely memorable as Psi-Corps Officer Alfred Bester. Claudia Christian is a bit stiff at first but really warms up to the role as Susan Ivanova. Really, the list goes on and on of noteworthy performances and characters.
“Babylon 5” may not receive the attention that other sci-fi series get in this day and age, but it has a devoted fanbase for a reason. It’s an original, sophisticated, and expertly told sci-fi saga. It’s one of the best sci-fi series of all time and one of the best TV series of all time.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? It’s a treat that HD masters even exist for this show to be honest. Never thought it would happen. The transfers are definitely a cut above the DVD and broadcast releases. The CGI may look dated and the picture quality is a little fuzzy, but the image quality is sharper to be sure.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The audio quality is a big improvement here. The score really shines bright.
Extras:
The lack of extra features here is disappointing to be sure. None of the extras from the DVD releases are present here. The only bonus features include the pilot movie “The Gathering” and a trailer for “Babylon 5: The Road Home.” It’s puzzling as to why the other 4 movies “In The Beginning,” “Thirdspace,” “River Of Souls,” and “The Legend Of The Rangers” are not included. “Babylon 5: The Lost Tales” and “Babylon 5: The Road Home” are also noticeably absent. It’s understandable why “Call To Arms” isn’t here though as that is the pilot for the spin-off series “Crusade.”
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