Galaxy Quest 4K UHD Review
The cult sci-fi comedy hits 4K.
Written by Bob Gordon and David Howard, 1999’s “Galaxy Quest” is a parody of “Star Trek” and its fandom. The film revolves around the cast of the fictional titular sci-fi TV series “Galaxy Quest” which has been off the air for years, but has a devoted fanbase. The cast regularly appear at conventions and events even though they don’t get along with the show’s star Jason Nesmith. One day real aliens (Thermians) approach Jason believing that he is not an actor but an actual Captain and that the Galaxy Quest show is historical truth. Moreover, the Thermians have created their whole society based around the show’s concepts. The Thermians need Jason and his crew’s help as the villainous Sarris is threatening them. Sarris seeks out the mysterious Omega 13 device which was featured on the TV show. Can the band of actors actually help the Thermians or are they out of their depth?
Back in 1999 I attended an advanced screening of “Galaxy Quest.” As a longtime “Star Trek” fan the film seemed very much up my alley, but the script ultimately fell short for me. It was like watching a movie that believes it’s more clever than it really is. It was a case of the execution not living up to the project’s great potential. I was curious to see if my opinion of the film had changed at all upon revisiting the film 25 years later, but alas no. I realize the film is a beloved cult classic comedy, but the humor simply never lands for me. There’s no question that the cast is great (more on that in a bit), the premise is wholly original, the direction by Dean Parisot is solid, and the production values, costumes, and effects are first rate, but the comedy is never as funny as it could have been. To me, it feels like the writers are simply pointing out the obvious and overexplaining bits as they poke fun at the Enterprise, Red Shirts, fandom, William Shatner, Deanna Troi, and the transporter. It’s too on the nose.
Going back to the ensemble cast, they keep the movie afloat. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman may be the stars, but there’s also several would be stars here like Sam Rockwell, Tony Shaloub, Justin Long, Enrico Colantoni, and a young Rainn Wilson. Tim Allen really does a commendable job guiding and grounding the project. Rockwell and Colantoni are the true scene stealers here.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1, 1.85:1 and 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? This is one of the more impressive catalogue title upgrades I have seen as of late. The shift in aspect ratios works well on 4K and the colors really pop here.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the music to the explosions, this track takes you on quite the audio journey.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Theatrical trailer
* “Filmmaker Focus With Director Dean Parisot”- A brand new interview.
* 8 deleted scenes.
* “Thermian Audio Track”- The entire movie in Thermian.
* “Sigourney Weaver Raps”- A recorded rap video.
* “Historical Documents: The Story Of Galaxy Quest”- A featurette on how the story for the film came about.
* “Never Give Up, Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew Of The NSEA Protector” covers the cast and characters.
* “By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects”- A behind-the-scenes look at the practical and digital special effects.
* “Alien School: Creating The Thermian Race” is all about how Enrico and the cast brought the aliens to life.
* “Actors In Space”- A featurette on the acting profession and the characters.
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