Truly, one of my favorite films at the time, I’m glad to say, it’s back to that status after catching it once again in the format it deserves. Revisiting the film, I chose to explore the “Extended” version over the “Theatrical” and was left immediately surprised and pleased with an alternate opening and various new scenes throughout the film. For those who have seen “Stargate” I’d suggest this route, for those who haven’t, watch it as it was, then try the extended offering.

I’m sure most know what the story concerns but let’s reminisce a little. James Spader stars as Dr. Daniel Jackson, an Egypologist who’s lost everything he owns standing up for his beliefs. After a lecture, he’s given the opportunity that proves he’s not alone in his theories when Catherine Langford (Viveca Lindfors), the aged daughter of an archeologist, unveils her father’s discoveries. With the aid of Jackson, the stuck team of scientists finds the last symbol out of seven needed to open the Stargate.

Under the command of Colonel Jonathan ‘Jack’ O’Neil (Kurt Russell), an unstable soldier who has tragically lost his son, the small group of men crosses over into a point in the Kalium Galaxy. Jackson’s part of the group after claiming to be able to be able to decipher the symbols on the receiving side but drops fellow squad members a bomb when he can’t, leaving them enraged. After being dragged along by a domestic cow of sorts, they discover a primitive civilization under the command of an alien force and are left fighting for their lives and preventing an attack on their home world.

It’s a fun, adventurous ride worthy of exploring and if you’re in love with the journey, as so many are, Blu-ray is the only way to go.

Bonus Features:

Plenty to delve into in here. Here’s what to expect:

-          Stargate: History Made –A wonderful three part feature broken down into:

1. Stargate: Deciphering the Gate: Concepts and Casting  - “I had the first idea for ‘Stargate’ in film school. That was like 1980 or so,” Roland Emmerich says. “But I could never do that movie because it was just too big.” Writer/Producer Dean Devlin follows up with “He had told me about this project he had wanted to do since college called ‘Necropol’ and it had to do with a spaceship buried underneath the great pyramid. Filmmakers talk about casting, getting Kurt Russell and James Spader . There’s also feedback from Mili Avital (Sha’uri) and Erick Avari (Kasuf).
2. Opening the Gate: The Making of the Movie – Filmmakers talk about making the movie in Yuma, Arizona with other 120 degrees in the shade. “There is some CG in the movie, but for the most part, we had to do things real,” says Dean Devlin. Patrick Tatopoulos, creature effects supervisor who recently directed “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” talks about his first time working with Roland Emmerich and more.
3. Passing Through the Gate: The Legacy – What the film means to folks and its impact. “We had done one film before which was called ‘Universal Soldier,’ and we just wanted to do better than that,” opens Dean Devlin. Feedback comes in from “Stargate” fan Craig Owen who talks about his experience the first time he saw “Stargate” and the impact it had on him. Mili Avital says “It just got to people. It’s a sci-fi adventure that has substance,” says Mili Avital. More fans give feedback like Eric Hindes.

These are just some of the features. Fans can also look forward to including a Stargate Ultimate Knowledge Pip (Extended Cut Only), a Master of Stargate: Interactive Trivia Challenge, a featurette called “Is There a Stargate?” as well as a making of documentary, a gag reel, the original theatrical trailer and Lionsgate previews.

Go get your copy today, you’ll love it.