Galaxy Quest: Deluxe Edition – DVD Review

Film, Reviews, Top Story

galaxyquest

When Galaxy Quest was first released in 2000 it didn’t interest me and I didn’t want to see. I managed to avoid seeing the film until now when my editor forced it into my hand. After having seen the film I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to give it a chance because I’ll be damned if it isn’t a really funny film.

Jason Nesmith, Gwen DeMarco, Alexander Dane, Fred Kwan and Tommy Webber were all stars of the hit TV show Galaxy Quest almost 20 years ago. Now they travel the convention circuit riding the coat tails of their former glory. That is until real aliens come down and take Jason back up to space to help them win a war. It turns out these aliens are the biggest Galaxy Quest fans of all, only they think it’s real! They think the episodes of the show are “historical documents” and have based all of their technology and society on what they’ve seen there. Jason is excited by this idea and convinces his fellow washed up actors to join him in space to have a real adventure.

Quest is a film that works on multiple levels. First off it is a hilarious parody of Star Trek and the Trekkies who obsess over it yet it does so in a way that those who are poked fun at can still enjoy it. On top of that it manages to be an exciting science fiction adventure. So the film is what it’s making fun of and delivers in both cases.

There are many wonderful in jokes for Trek fans to laugh at like Jason (who is obviously Captain Kirk) doing unnecessary rolls and losing his shirt. There is also Guy Fleegman (Sam Rockwell), the actor who died in one episode of the show and is convinced through the whole movie that he is going to die in real life, because that is his role. There are also great lines where the film seems to fold in on itself like when DeMarco says, “Whoever wrote this episode should die!” after working her way through a unnecessarily dangerous hallway.

This film also works because the great acting and the fantastic characters. Tim Allen plays Jason, the Captain, and a dead ringer for Shatner’s Kirk. Sigourney Weaver plays DeMarco, the cute blond who repeats what the computer says, a wonderful 180 degree spin on her bad ass Ripley character from the Alien films. Alan Rickman plays Dane, the logical alien who, as an actor, never takes off his fake alien head. Tony Shalhoub is Kwan, the even keeled engineer. Justin Long plays a dorky fanboy of the show who helps save the day from Earth and Enrico Colantoni plays the Mathesar, the leader of the strange aliens seeking there help.

This film works in every way that it attempts to work and is sure to make you laugh and thrill you at the same time. It is enjoyable for Star Trek fans and non Star Trek fans alike which is pretty much everyone. Unless you really hate science fiction, I highly recommend checking this film out.

The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. This is fantastic transfer of the film. It looks and sounds great!

Historical Documents: The Story Of Galaxy Quest: (18 min.) From conception to casting of the film, this a pretty good look at how the film came to be. Great interviews with cast and crew and all around entertaining.

Never Give Up. Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew Of The NSEA Protector: (23 min.) As you might guess this piece focuses on the actors in the film and how their characters were developed. Also very entertaining interviews with all the cast.

By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects: (7 min.) This talks about the special effects of the film. The most interesting part is when they talk about the shaking set that was built for the ship, which really hurt some of the actors.

Actors In Space: (6 min.) This one is a little unnecessary. It talks about the actors play the actors and what that was like.

Alien School: Creating The Thermian Race: (5 min.) This piece talks about how actor Enrico Colantoni invented the way the aliens speak during his audition and had all the other actors playing aliens emulate him.

Sigourney Weaver Raps: (2 min.) Just what it sounds like. Weaver raps a happy birthday song for a friend. Kind of funny, kind of terrifying.

Deleted Scenes: (28 min.) You get 8 of these. They are okay, mostly it makes sense why they were cut, but not so bad that they aren’t worth your time.

Thermian Audio Track: Yup, you too can sit through the entire film listening to it with this dolphinesque Thermian Language track. Kind of annoying, kind of hilarious for a few seconds.

Trailer

Not only is this a very funny action packed film, but this Deluxe Edition is loaded with great special features too. I liked it way more than I thought I would and I imagine you will too. Very recommended.

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Paramount presents Galaxy Quest: Deluxe Edition. Directed by Dean Parisot. Written by David Howard and Robert Gordon. Starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell and Justin Long. Running time: 101minutes. Rated PG for some action violence, mild language and sensuality. Released on DVD: May 12, 2009. Available at Amazon.com.

Mike Noyes received his Masters Degree in Film from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. A few of his short films can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mikebnoyes. He recently published his first novel which you can buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Days-Years-Mike-Noyes-ebook/dp/B07D48NT6B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528774538&sr=8-1&keywords=seven+days+seven+years