Sci-Fi Storm

Stargate SG-1 concluded its 10th and final season with a lot of unanswered questions: The Ori were still a threat, and what happened with the “anti-Ori” weapon sent to their galaxy was unknown, and what happened to Adria, the Orici (Human-Ori hybrid, and daughter to Vala), who was attempting to ascend? And what of Merlin’s weapon? We finally get those answers in Stargate: The Ark of Truth, which comes to DVD on March 11th. Read More for a review.

Note: Review is based on a review screener copy that may not represent the final product. Notably the packaging was not available for the review.

The official synopsis: This thrilling feature-length film picks up where “Stargate SG-1,” left off, thrusting the Stargate team – Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), Vala (Claudia Black), Teal’c (Christopher Judge), Sam (Amanda Tapping) and Cam (Ben Browder) – into their most exciting adventure yet. In search of an Ancient artifact they hope can defeat the oppressive Ori, the team learns that the Ori are set to launch a final assault on Earth and a double-crossing I.O. operative is aboard the Odyssey!

My own synopsis: While SG-1 is trying to locate the Ark of Truth, which is believed to be a “weapon” that can be used against the Ori, within the Ori galaxy, an IOA committee member overseeing the operation creates a replicator on board the Odyssey. In the meantime, a Prior visits the SGC with an important message for the survival of the human race.

The feature itself is a satisfying conclusion to the pending storylines left when Season 10 ended. It did not feel like it had the scope of a special feature film, but simply a two-part episode of the normal production, albeit with some better sets and some spectacular location shots, notably some mountain shots with Teal’c. But it did bring to a conclusion the main storyline, which was the struggle against the Ori. I think most every Stargate fan will enjoy this.

I do feel that this was literally two separate episode scripts merged together. The struggles with the replicators on board the Odyssey seemed very separate and distinct from the search for the Ark. The replicators themselves seemed to have little to do with the progression of the story, other than to give some of the cast something to deal with. The premise is that the IOA decided that they would be a good weapon against the Ori, but there was no reason to create it on the ship first.

And I’d like to know why these battleships never seem to have a proper command crew! SG-1 shouldn’t need to be taking specific positions of the crew, and the bridge shouldn’t be abandoned – do these ships really only have a complement of 10-20 people?

The replicator skeleton left me waiting for an Army of Darkness reference from Cam…alas, it never came.

At the actual climax of the story, we actually get a more direct good vs. evil, angel vs. devil symbolism with the fight between the fire-enrobed Adria and the “vision of light?” Morgan LeFay.

Ironically, there seems to be no lead-in for the next movie, Stargate: Continuum. It appears that the storyline there will stand alone.

The DVD itself opens with an ad for Season 10, some shots of filming in Arctic conditions for the upcoming Stargate: Continuum, a trailer for the upcoming MMO game, Stargate Worlds, and a trailer for Wargames: The Dead Code.

The menus are static (although they may not be the final product), with the main menu accompanied by some of the theme music.

Special Features:

Audio Commentary Track: WDP Robert C. Cooper, Chritopher Judge and Director of Photography Peter Woeste.

“Stargate: The Road Taken” Prelude – This is clips from previous episodes that show the events leading up to the beginning of the film. This can also be viewed along with the film from the main menu, and serves as a great refresher.

“Stargate: The Ark of Truth” at Comic-Con: Q&A session.
Gary Jones – Master Sergeant Walter Harriman – who is quite funny – introduces the rest of the guests and acts as MC – Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Martin Wood, Robert Cooper. Makes me really wish I was able to go as I had hoped.

“Uncovering the Ark of Truth”: Interviews with the cast and crew about bringing about the conclusion of the storylines and working together, along with the typical “Making of…” bits.

Plus trailers for Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem and In the Name of the King – A Dungeon Siege Tale.

All in all, if there was no further adventures for SG-1, this would be a fitting end, tying up the loose ends. We know more is coming, but we can now also look towards something fresh featuring our wormhole-travelling band of friends.