MGM Studios DVD presents

Stargate SG-1: Season 6 (2002-2003)

Hu'rak: No matter what you have endured, you've never experienced the likes of what Anubis is capable of.
Jack O'Neill: You ended that sentence with a preposition, bastard. - Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Adamthwaite

Stars: Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Corin Nemec, Don S. Davis
Other Stars: Teryl Rothery, Tony Amendola, Carmen Argenziano, Tom McBeath, John de Lancie, Vince Crestejo, Colin Cunningham, Dean Stockwell
Director: Varies

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (suitable for television audiences)
Run Time: 16h:08m:00s
Release Date: 2004-03-02
Genre: television

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
A	A	A-	A-	A

 

DVD Review

Entering its sixth season, Stargate SG-1 switched from Showtime to the Sci-Fi Network and faced the serious possibility this would be its final year. The series’ popularity was still very high, but the concept arose that the characters’ stories had run their course. Corin Nemec’s Jonas Quinn joined the cast to replace Michael Shanks’ Daniel Jackson, and the team dynamic might not work as well with this new addition. The previous year’s episodes were solid, but they offered few standouts and too many forgettable entries. Could this classic science-fiction show rebound and match its previous high standards?

Remarkably, this season includes a collection of wonderful tales that rank among the best of the show’s entire run. Nemec surprised me by making Jonas a fascinating individual much different from his beloved predecessor. His desire for acceptance and difficulties gaining the others’ trust lead to some excellent character interaction among the group. Shanks returns several times as Jackson to help his friends, and those episodes offer a refreshing dramatic weight. Richard Dean Anderson yields a bit more to Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge, which lessens his character a bit but gives the others an excellent opportunity to enhance their roles. The usual talented guest stars also appear, including Tony Amendola (Bra’tac), Carmen Argenziano (Jacob/Selmak), John de Lancie (Simmons), Tom McBeath (Maybourne), and Ronny Cox (Senator Kinsey).

The trend of more Earth-based stories continues with these 22 episodes, and several tales, especially the mediocre Nightwalkers, descend a bit too much into X-Files territory. However, most entries provide unique experiences that build on the series’ considerable history. Past events and characters are constantly referenced, but new viewers are still able to follow the current plots. Many ongoing storylines conclude here, which reinforces the feeling of this season being the last one. The creators decide the ultimate fate of the Replicators, Colonel Simmons, Maybourne, and the people of Abydos, but they leave the door open for future tales. Originally, a feature film was going to follow the events of the finale Full Circle, but these plans were changed. Stargate SG-1 returned in the summer of 2003 for a seventh season, and an eighth season will follow this July. The following episode descriptions should give you an idea of the diverse topics covered during this outstanding season:


Redemption Part 1
Written By: Robert C. Cooper
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: Tony Amendola as Bra’tac, David Hewlett as Dr. McKay, Garry Chalk as Colonel Chekov, Neil Denis as Rya’c, David Palffy as Anubis
Commentary: Director Martin Wood and Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor

The season begins roughly for Teal’c, who discovers that his wife has died unexpectedly on Chulak. Also, his son Rya’c despises him for bringing about her hard life through his betrayal of Apophis. While Teal’c attempts to reconcile with his son, Carter discovers an anomaly in the Stargate that may actually represent a devious attack from the Goa’uld Anubis. When the magnitude of this threat becomes apparent, both parties must scramble to save Earth. This energetic tale also presents the X-302, a high-powered ship capable of hyperspace travel. The numerous storylines don’t leave tremendous room for character interaction, but Christopher Judge does an excellent job interacting with his troubled son. SG-1 also receives their first look at the black-robed Anubis, who will haunt them for the next few years.

This fast-paced opener deserves 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Redemption Part 2
Written By: Robert C. Cooper
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: Tony Amendola as Bra’tac, David Hewlett as Dr. McKay, Garry Chalk as Colonel Chekov, Neil Denis as Rya’c
Commentary: Director Martin Wood and Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor

This conclusion to the season opener presents dire straits for our heroes, who may have to sacrifice the Stargate to save the planet from utter destruction. That Anubis is one crafty Goa’uld, and his latest weapon may be too much for even Carter and the arrogant Dr. McKay to handle. Meanwhile, Rya’c attempts a daring rescue of Teal’c and Bra’tac to prove his mettle in battle by saving them. This ambitious finale brings a few big changes to SG-1, including the addition of Jonas Quinn, who replaces Daniel Jackson on the team. Newcomer Corin Nemec brings a unique approach to the series, and his arrival should provide new opportunities for character interaction.

This tense conclusion also earns 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Descent
Written By: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Carmen Argenziano as Jacob/Selmak, Colin Cunningham as Major Davis
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise, Director of Photography Peter Woeste, and Actor Gary Jones

SG-1 investigates a mysterious Goa’uld vessel that appears abandoned and is orbiting directly above Earth. However, all is not as it seems, and the result is one of the year’s most intriguing episodes. While the massive ship drifts towards Earth, SG-1, Jacob, and even Major Davis must find some method to avoid plummeting to their deaths. Meanwhile, Jonas Quinn strives to prove himself to a skeptical O’Neill, even if it involves diving into an extremely dangerous situation. Can his quick thinking save the day? This classic episode takes an apparently simple premise and converts it into a captivating situation.

Will the citizens of Earth notice a giant ship crashing into the surface? 4.5 out of 5 Stargates go to this action-packed entry.





Frozen
Written By: Robert C. Cooper
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: Venus Terzo as Dr. Francine Michaels, Bruce Harwood as Dr. Osbourne, Paul Perri as Dr. Woods, Dorian Harewood as Thoran, Ona Grauer as Ayiana
Commentary: Director Martin Wood and Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor

In Season One’s Solitudes, O’Neill and Carter nearly froze to death in Antarctica after accidentally traveling through a second Earth Stargate. Five years later, the permanent site there is ready to shut down if nothing new is discovered. However, a stunning discovery of a preserved human much older than anything recorded changes everything. SG-1 travels to the base and discovers that Ayiana (the frozen woman) is alive and possesses surprising healing powers. Unfortunately, she also carries a deadly virus that could bring an end to everyone at the base. This episode offers an intriguing premise, but it moves very slowly and never becomes compelling. The conclusion does include a major surprise that will play a major role in O’Neill’s upcoming traumatic experiences in Abyss.

Wow, those actors looked very cold. This solid episode earns 3 out of 5 Stargates.





Nightwalkers
Written By: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Blu Nankuma as Sheriff Knox, Vincent Gale as Agent Cross, Peter Anderson as Flemming
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise and Director of Photography Peter Woeste

Teal’c, Carter, and Jonas travel to the small town of Steveston, Oregon, to investigate the death of Dr. Flemming and some strange happenings. The problems appear to stem from Immunitech Research, formerly owned by Adrian Conrad, who became a Goa’uld in Season Five’s Desperate Measures. Could the townspeople actually be Goa’ulds without their conscious knowledge? This episode reminds me a lot of a mediocre X Files episode, and while it does include some Stargate conventions, it still falls short of being anything too exciting. The story includes some nice quirks, especially from Jonas, but never becomes more than just passing entertainment.

This episode rates 2 out of 5 Stargates.





Abyss
Written By: Brad Wright
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: Dorian Harewood as Thoran, Cliff Simon as Baal, Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson
Commentary: Actor Christopher Judge, Director Martin Wood and Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor

O’Neill faces possibly his most dire predicament when he’s captured by the Goa’uld Baal and tortured repeatedly for information. The System Lord kills him in nasty ways and revives him with the sarcophagus, a tactic that will eventually destroy O’Neill’s soul. Daniel Jackson appears to comfort his old friend, but the rules for ascended beings prohibit him from providing escape. What a bummer. Circumstances that I won’t reveal have made O’Neill’s location a secret to the SGC, and the Tok’ra can provide little assistance. Daniel offers Jack the chance to ascend, but he retains hope that a chance for escape will appear. This tense episode is the best of the season and one of my all-time series favorites. Anderson and Shanks have never been better, and Cliff Simon provides the perfect smooth menace as Baal. I also enjoyed the fortress’ gravity technology, which is a unique and ingenious device.

This enthralling story earns the top prize: 5 out of 5 Stargates.





Shadow Play
Written By: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Dean Stockwell as Dr. Kieran, Joel Swetow as First Minister Velis, Doug Abrahams as Commander Hale, Gillian Barber as Ambassador Dreylock
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise and Director of Photography Peter Woeste

SG-1 returns to Jonas’ home planet of when the Kelownans request their help for an impending battle with their rival nations. Events become more complicated, however, when Jonas’ mentor Dr. Kieran reveals the existence of a resistance movement. SG-1 could aid the government in battling their neighbors, but a coup could prevent a full-scale war. This talk-heavy episode includes some dull political maneuvering and never really gets off the ground. Dean Stockwell does provide a memorable performance, and it’s nice to see Jonas interacting with his former people, but it still falls a bit short of being very exciting.

This episode rates 2.5 out of 5 Stargates.





The Other Guys
Written By: Damian Kindler
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: John Billingsley as Coombs, Patrick McKenna as Jay Felger
Commentary: Actor Christopher Judge, Director Martin Wood and Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor


This light-hearted episode earns 3 out of 5 Stargates.





Allegiance
Written By: Peter DeLuise
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Carmen Argenziano as Jacob/Selmak, Tony Amendola as Bra’tac, Obi Ndefo as Rak’nor, Peter Stebbings as Malek, Link Baker as Artok, Rob Lee as Major Pierce
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise, Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor, and Actor Gary Jones

A nasty Goa’uld attack kills numerous Tok’ra and sends them scrambling through the gate to the SGC’s Alpha Site. This is also the current location for the Rebel Jaffa group, and they immediately clash. Deaths occur on both sides, but it’s unclear if a third part is attempting to sabotage the fragile alliance. Bra’tac, Jacob, and O’Neill try to discover some way to maintain the peace while searching for the perpetrator. This intriguing tale brings several of Earth’s key allies together, and the results will play a major role in the future battle against the Goa’uld. All the actors do an excellent job, and the extreme tension leads to an impressive entry.

Excellent writing from Peter DeLuise gains this episode 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Cure
Written By: Damian Kindler
Directed By: Andy Mikita
Guest Stars: Peter Stebbings as Malek, Malcolm Stewart as Dollen, Allison Hossack as Zenna Valk, Gwynyth Walsh as Kelmaa, Darryl Shuttleworth as Tagar,
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita, Writer Damian Kindler, and Director of Photography Jim Menard

SG-1 journeys off-world to Pangar, who have developed a substance known as tretonin that makes their bodies immune to all diseases. Jonas meets the attractive Zenna Valk and seems to establish a connection, but she seems them vague warnings about the tretonin. It may have troubling side effects that make its use necessary to remain alive. A closer search of the production facilities reveals its surprising origins, which involves the Tok’ra. What great secret are the Pangarans hiding? This decent story isn’t amazing by any means, but it does have large ramifications for the Jaffa in the near future. The events are interesting enough to warrant a solid recommendation.

This episode rates 3 out of 5 Stargates.





Prometheus
Written By: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed By: Peter F. Woeste
Guest Stars: Kendall Cross as Julia, John de Lancie as Frank Simmons, Bill Marchant as Adrian Conrad, George Wyner as Al Martell, Michael Shanks as the Voice of Thor
Commentary: Director Peter F. Woeste, Director of Photography Andrew D. Wilson, and Chief Lighting Technician Rick Dean

When a reporter threatens to expose their most top-secret program, the SGC must compromise and give her a tour of the facilities. Unknown even to devoted viewers, the Prometheus project (aka X-303) represents a gigantic leap forward in Earth’s space capabilities. It remains in the testing stage, but everything jumps forward when a news crew overtakes the ship and demands the release of the Goa’uld Adrian Conrad and Colonel Simmons. Carter and Jonas are trapped on board, and little hope appears for their rescue. This grand episode brings back John de Lancie in fine fashion as the devious Simmons, who provides a significant match for SG-1. The cliffhanger ending offers little hope for our heroes to make an easy return.

This ambitious entry earns 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Unnatural Selection
Written By: Robert C. Copper and Brad Wright
Directed By: Andy Mikita
Guest Stars: Ian Buchanan as First, Patrick Currie as Fifth, Kristina Copeland as Second, Tahmoh Penikett as Third, Rebecca Robbins as Fourth, Michael Shanks as the Voice of Thor
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita and Director of Photography Jim Menard

How I’ve missed the Replicators—the bug-like machines who conquer worlds and are nearly unstoppable. O’Neill and company have stopped them in the past, but their eventual domination appears inevitable. Picking up at the end of the previous episode, SG-1 must assist the Asgard in solving yet another dilemma created by the supposedly brilliant race. Due to a time-slowing device, the Replicators have become humanoids and advanced far beyond their original form. However, one of them conveys human tendencies, which Carter tries to exploit to stop the enemy. This intriguing tale gives us another classic villain in Ian Buchanan’s first and ends with a tough moral dilemma. It’s one of the best of the year and resolves a major arc in unpredictable fashion.

Human emotions aren’t always a good thing. This story earns 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Sight Unseen
Written By: Ron Wilkerson (story) and Damian Kindler (teleplay)
Directed By: Peter F. Woeste
Guest Stars: Jody Racicot as Vernon Sharpe, Betty Linde as Mrs. Sharpe
Commentary: Director Peter F. Woeste, Director of Photography Andrew D. Wilson, and Chief Lighting Technician Rick Dean

After touching a strange alien device, Jonas starts seeing aliens roaming through the walls of the SGC. His friends initially think he’s crazy, but quickly come around when everyone observes the silly beings. When these images threaten to spread across the country, the military must quarantine a town to prevent mass hysteria. I don’t have too much to say about this episode. It sports a clever premise, but is generally tedious and drags considerably.

This dull story is the worst episode of the season. 1.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Smoke & Mirrors
Written By: Katharyn Powers (story), Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie (teleplay)
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Colin Cunningham as Major Davis, Peter Flemming as Agent Malcolm Barrett, Ronny Cox as Senator Kinsey, Jon Cuthbert as Agent Devlin
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise, Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor, and Actor Gary Jones

When Senator Kinsey is assassinated, the overwhelming evidence points to Jack O’Neill. It’s obvious that SG-1’s fearless leader hates the selfish politician, but why would he commit murder? His teammates rush to clear his name and determine how he was impersonated. These events include elements from the Season Three episode Foothold, in which aliens were able to mimic members of the SGC. This clever story provides plenty of interesting moments and once again shows the team’s dedication to each other. Especially entertaining is Teal’c ability to induce a confession without simply a menacing stare.

This complex episode gets a well-deserved 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Paradise Lost
Written By: Robert C. Cooper
Directed By: William Gereghty
Guest Stars: Tom McBeath as Harry Maybourne, Bill Dow as Dr. Lee
Commentary: Writer Robert C. Cooper and Executive Producer Michael Greenburg

Harry Maybourne appears from hiding and provides SG-1 with a possible key to a huge weapons cache for assistance in battling Anubis. Predictably, this offer is a smokescreen, but his plans are not devious this time. Maybourne simply wants to live the remainder of his life offworld away from pursuit by the government. Unfortunately, the supposed paradise has been destroyed, and O’Neill finds himself stranded with Maybourne at an unknown location. Both guys become increasingly paranoid, which could lead them to destroy the other. Meanwhile, Carter leads scientists in a frantic search for the colonel, but her frustration grows when no solution seems apparent. This top-notch episode includes some great interaction between Richard Dean Anderson and Tom McBeath and some excellent work from Amanda Tapping. Carter’s feelings for O’Neill again become evident here, which adds emotional weight to this tense story.

Another memorable appearance from Maybourne helps this episode gain 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Metamorphosis
Written By: Jacqueline Samuda and James Tichenor
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Jaqueline Samuda as Nirrti, Alex Zahara as Eggar, Dion Johnstone as Wodan
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise and Visual Effects Supervisor James Tichenor

Despite her physical attributes, Nirrti has never been one of my favorite Goa’uld enemies. She does conduct some crazy genetic experiments and lacks the bragging nature of the other leaders, but the stories also seem a bit slow. This entry finds her using an advanced machine in hopes of creating the perfect human host. Sadly, this machine also has the nasty side effect of destroying its subjects. Carter and Jonas both enter the machine, and could meet their end if a cure isn’t found. Nirrti holds little sympathy for her subjects because they assist her lofty personal aims. Can SG-1 escape from this prison and stop her before she destroys them? This tale offers an interesting premise but lags a bit at times, which leads to only a mediocre experience.

This episode receives 2.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Disclosure
Written By: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed By: William Gereghty
Guest Stars: Ronny Cox as Senator Kinsey, Colin Cunningham as Major Davis, Garry Chalk as Colonel Chekov, Michael Shanks as Voice of Thor
Commentary: Actor Don S. Davis, Writer Joseph Mallozzi, and Writer Paul Mullie

I understand the need for clips shows, but I still severely dislike them. They do provide an overview for viewers unfamiliar with earlier moments of the series, but also are generally pointless for devout fans. This episode does include a significant moment: the disclosure of the Stargate’s existence to several other major countries. We also have yet another appearance from the devious Senator Kinsey, who tries to steal power from General Hammond. The entire episode pretty much takes place in one room, which does save money for the producers, but it also keeps everything stale. This episode does set things up for the finale and seventh season, so it does at least provide worth in that regard.

This dull clips show earns 2 out of 5 Stargates.





Forsaken
Written By: Damian Kindler
Directed By: Andy Mikita
Guest Stars: Dion Johnstone as Warrick, Rob Lee as Major Pierce
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita and Writer Damian Kindler

SG-1 discovers a stranded vessel that surprisingly holds a technologically superior group of humans. All may not be what it seems, however. Strange aliens attack the gang, and each person is acting rather oddly. The girl basically throws herself at Jonas, and the leader is quickly smitten with Carter. But are they genuine. The aliens don’t get too much screen time, but we do meet them again in Season Seven’s Space Race. This one-off episode provides an enjoyable ride and gets a solid recommendation.

This solid episode receives 3 out of 5 Stargates.





The Changeling
Written By: Christopher Judge
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: Tony Amendola as Bra’tac, Carmen Argenziano as Jacob Carter, Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson, Musetta Vander as Shauna
Commentary: Actor/Writer Christopher Judge and Director Martin Wood

In the season’s most creative episode, Teal’c drifts between two realities—his usual life at the SGC and an alternate one as normal human being on Earth. His dreams include the entire SG-1 team as firefighters, with everyone playing a similar role. Daniel Jackson even appears as a psychologist, and his former love (Musetta Vander) shows up as his wife. Both worlds seem surprisingly real, and Teal’c begins having trouble distinguishing between the two. What is really happening to our Jaffa friend? The ultimate result will play a pivotal role in the character’s future. This compelling episode tackles alternate realties in effective fashion with numerous inventive moments. Christopher Judge tackles both writing and editing duties, and he gets a rare chance to shine as the lead player.

This strong episode gets a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Memento
Written By: Damian Kindler
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Robert Foxworth as President Ashwan, Ingrid Kavelaars as Major Erin Gant
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise and Writer Damian Kindler

SG-1 boards the Prometheus for its maiden voyage into hyperspace, but they still have a long way to go technologically, and difficulties ensue. Luckily, a planet does reside nearby, but its inhabitants may not take too kindly to the intrusion. Plus, this world may not even have a Stargate. Will SG-1 and the Prometheus crew be stranded on this planet forever? This mediocre episode has the usual collection of friends and foes, and nothing too amazing happens. However, the production is top-notch as usual, and the story does move fairly quickly.

This episode rates 2.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Prophecy
Written By: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed By: William Waring
Guest Stars: None
Commentary: Director William Waring, Director of Photography Peter Woeste, and Chief Lighting Technician Rick Dean

In Metamorphosis, Jonas Quinn did not experience the same dire symptoms as the other humans placed inside the machine. However, its effects may be harming him now and could kill him. Surgery should occur to save him, but the machine also generated another side effect: Jonas can see into the future. Corin Nemec wonderfully plays Jonas’ desire to prove himself to SG-1 and willingness to sacrifice his own well-being to save their lives. This episode is a fitting send-off for a remarkable character who will depart the team early in the seventh season.

Nemec’s impressive performance earns this episode 3.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Full Circle
Written By: Robert C. Cooper
Directed By: Martin Wood
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson, Alexis Cruz as Skaara, David Palffy as Anubis
Commentary: Director Martin Wood and Director of Photography Jim Menard

The entire season has been building towards this moment: a direct conflict with Anubis and his apparently unstoppable technology. Daniel Jackson appears to Jack in an elevator and tells him about a key artifact called the Eye of Ra. This item will give Anubis an extremely powerful weapon, and it’s located on Abydos, the site of the feature film. SG-1 races to capture the eye before the nasty Goa’uld, but their actions may not aver t the destruction of Skaara and the people of Abydos. This quick, energetic story was originally designed to lead into a feature film, but plans changed when the series returned for a seventh season. It has an aura of finality while leaving numerous doors open for future episodes. What will be the ultimate fate of Daniel Jackson? Devoted viewers know the answer, but others should anxiously await the Season Seven DVD release.

This episode concludes another wonderful season in stunning fashion; it deserves 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.







Rating for Style: A
Rating for Substance: A

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.78:1 - Widescreen
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	yes

Image Transfer Review: Once again, MGM has given Stargate SG-1 the top-notch DVD treatment, and this is definitely apparent with the solid visual transfers. The 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen picture seems to get better each year, and this release offers some very impressive shots. From the giant Goa'uld weapon in Redemption to the pyramid of Abydos in Full Circle, the visuals are remarkable. A minor amount of grain does appear intermittently, but nothing distracts much from the overall presentation.

Image Transfer Grade: A-
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
Dolby Digital 5.1	English	yes

Audio Transfer Review: The wide, booming audio of the wormhole blasting from the Stargate always sounds great, and this collection is no exception. Both the weapon effects during battles and the emotional score spring effectively from all the speakers. Coming from a television series, the audio does fall slightly below the premier film transfers, but it still provides a memorable experience.

Audio Transfer Grade: A- 

Disc Extras

Static menu
Scene Access with 110 cues and remote access
1 Documentaries
11 Featurette(s)
22 Feature/Episode commentaries by cast and crew with one for each episode (see descriptions)
Packaging: Box Set
Picture Disc
6 Discs
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: dual

Extras Review: MGM has once again upped the ante for Stargate SG-1 on DVD and improved the extra features over the previous season. Commentaries appear for all 22 episodes and provide a tremendous amount of information about the series. Each track usually features the director and director of photography, and the cast and writers make intermittent appearances. Frequent directors Martin Wood and Peter DeLuise often appear and can make even the duller moments interesting. I still would love to hear something from Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks about their acting experiences. The only cast members on this set are Christopher Judge, Don S. Davis, and Gary Jones. Judge actually speaks on three shows, and his laid-back demeanor works especially well here. His discussion of The Changeling with Wood is one of the best of the collection.

Fans looking for behind-the-scenes footage should be very satisifed with this release. Twelve featurettes focus on individual episodes and provide about ten minutes of worthwhile backstage footage. As part of the Directors' Series, these pieces give small cameras to the directors and allow them to pretty much do whatever they want. The early discs are especially heavy with featurettes, but they must have lost interest as the series progressed. The final two discs include only two of them, for Metamorphosis and Full Circle. An ambitious task for Season Seven would be to include these features for all 22 episodes. However, it's difficult to complain about segments rarely viewed on television series DVDs.

Extras Grade: A
 

Final Comments

Stargate SG-1 continues to retain a strong following after nearly seven full seasons of adventures. The series respects its audience and continues to move its characters in unique directions. The sixth season is easily one of the best yet and includes numerous classic episodes. Devoted science-fiction fans and viewers who simply enjoy the depth of good television should definitely check out this impressive DVD collection.

Dan Heaton 2004-03-17