Amazon.co.uk Review
Battlestar Galactica's Edward James Olmos wasn't kidding when he said "the series is even better than the miniseries." As developed by sci-fi TV veteran Ronald D. Moore, the "reimagined" BG is exactly what it claims to be: a drama for grown-ups in a science-fiction setting. The mature intelligence of the series is its greatest asset, from the tenuous respect between Galactica's militarily principled commander Adama (Olmos) and politically astute, cancer-stricken colonial President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) to the barely suppressed passion between ace Viper pilot "Apollo" (a.k.a. Adama's son Lee, played by Jamie Bamber) and the brashly insubordinate Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff), whose multifaceted character is just one of many first-season highlights. Picking up where the miniseries ended, season 1 opens with the riveting, Hugo Award-winning episode "33," in which Galactica and the "ragtag fleet" of colonial survivors begin their quest for the legendary 13th colony planet Earth, while being pursued with clockwork regularity by the Cylons, who've now occupied the colonial planet of Caprica. The fleet's hard-fought survival forms (1) the primary side of the series' three-part structure, shared with (2) the apparent psychosis of Dr. Gaius Baltar (James Callis) whose every thought and move are monitored by various incarnations Number Six (Tricia Helfer), the seemingly omniscient Cylon ultravixen who follows a master plan somehow connected to (3) the Caprican survival ordeal of crash-landed pilots "Helo" (Tahmoh Penikett) and soon-to-be-pregnant "Boomer" (Grace Park), whose simultaneous presence on Galactica is further evidence that 12 multicopied models of Cylons, in human form, are gathering their forces.

With remarkably consistent quality, each of these 13 episodes deepens the dynamics of these fascinating characters and suspenseful situations. While BG relies on finely nuanced performances, solid direction, and satisfying personal and political drama to build its strong emotional foundation, the action/adventure elements are equally impressive, especially in "The Hand of God," a pivotal episode in which the show's dazzling visual effects get a particularly impressive showcase. Original BG series star Richard Hatch appears in two politically charged episodes (he's a better actor now, too), and with the threat of civil war among the fleet, season 1 ends with an exceptional cliffhanger that's totally unexpected while connecting the plot threads of all preceding episodes. To the credit of everyone involved, this is really good television.

DVD Description
Edgier and racier than its predecessor, Battlestar Galactica 2004 is a complete re-imagining of the 1970s series – upping the ante on the action, adventure and drama that made the original so popular. The groundbreaking story of man versus machine remains, but this time, the Cylon robot is no longer a recognisable enemy… it can move among man. With the 12 colonies of man virtually destroyed in the climax of a hundred-year war with the Cylon empire, President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) gather up the few humans left on the twelve worlds and embark on a journey to find the mythical planet Earth, the supposed thirteenth colony of mankind. Battlestar Galactica 2004 gives new life to the stories and ideas that were at the heart of the original series, with a compelling plot, breathtaking special effects and riveting, action-packed adventure, speaking to both long-time fans and a new generation of admirers! Also includes the Mini Series.

Special Features:
U-Control: The Oracle (interactive guide using graphics and Picture in Picture – feature length experience with updated events throughout episodes)
Picture in Picture: Behind the Scenes of the Miniseries Parts 1 & 2
My Scenes
Ronald D. Moore Intro
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes
Behind The Scenes Featurettes
Sketches And Art
Are You A Cylon Personality Quiz
Synopsis
Human beings built the android Cylons to work as servants for them, only to have the robots rebel and disappear into space. A generation later, however, the Cylons returned to destroy their former masters, and succeeded in eliminating the 12 worlds that mankind inhabited. Luckily, one group of people has managed to escape the genocide; lead by Commander William Adama, on board the massive space ship called Battlestar Galactica. But the struggle isn't over, as the ruthless Cylons continue to pursue the ship and the last surviving members of the human race. This vision of 'Battlestar Galactica' features darker tones and CGI special effects, and shares with other science fiction sagas a warning about the misuse of advanced technology.