62 opiniones
After many years of war, the humans from the Twelve Colonies are near to celebrate an armistice with the evil Cylon. Out of the blue, the Cylons betray the pact and destroy the Colonies and the entire fleet except the Battlestar Galactica. Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) summons the survivors from the Colonies to follow him in a journey to the planet Earth. However they are short of water, supplies and fuel and they head to the planet Carillon to replenish the fleet and get the supplies. Adama's son, the warrior Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch), and his partners Lieutenants Starbuck (Dirk Benedict) and Boomer (Herbert Jefferson Jr.) destroy the mines left by the Cylons and they reach the planet. They are welcomed by the inhabitants and find the paradise. Meanwhile the human leader Sire Uri (Ray Milland) wants to destroy their arms and live in the Cylon Empire despite the contempt of Adama. Sire Uri decides to give medals to Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer for their bravery on Carillon and invites the warriors to come to the party. However Adama believes that it is a trap for the Galactica. What can he do?
"Battlestar Galactica" is a cult sci-fi for people of my generation. I was one of the big fans of the movie and the series in the 70's and 80's, and it was delightful to see this movie again, indeed a travel in time. It is impressive that almost forty years later, the special effects and sets of the Galactica are still great. Impressive how beautiful Jane Seymor is in this film. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Galactica: Astronave de Combate" ("Battlestar Galactica")
"Battlestar Galactica" is a cult sci-fi for people of my generation. I was one of the big fans of the movie and the series in the 70's and 80's, and it was delightful to see this movie again, indeed a travel in time. It is impressive that almost forty years later, the special effects and sets of the Galactica are still great. Impressive how beautiful Jane Seymor is in this film. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Galactica: Astronave de Combate" ("Battlestar Galactica")
- claudio_carvalho
- 6 jul 2015
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President Adar with his counsel Count Baltar (John Colicos) are with the fleet preparing to sign a peace treaty with the Cylon Alliance. Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch) is out on patrol with his green younger brother Zac in place of Lieutenant Starbuck (Dirk Benedict). They are ambushed by Cylon fighters. With signals jammed and treacherous advise from the traitor Baltar, the President orders the fleet to stand down. Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) nevertheless orders a battle drill. When the fleet is attacked, his Battlestar Galactica is the sole survivor. Meanwhile, the twelve colonies are devastated by a Cylon sneak attack. Adama gathers a fleet of survivors to journey to the legendary thirteenth colony Earth of unknown location.
Coming one year after Star Wars, there were some complaints of copying and even a lawsuit or two. This is certainly inferior to Star Wars and there are elements copied from the movie. However, it's also undeniable this is one of the best TV sci-fi series of that era. It's also not a complete copy. There are plenty of compelling original ideas such as the twelve colonies, the designs from the spacecrafts to the Egyptian-like helmets, and also the music. Some of it seems cheesy compared to modern TV. The writing can be melodramatic but it must be compared to writing during that time. The Battlestar Galactica series is an important sign post for the sci-fi genre on TV despite its later deterioration. This pilot movie is a great setup for that series.
Coming one year after Star Wars, there were some complaints of copying and even a lawsuit or two. This is certainly inferior to Star Wars and there are elements copied from the movie. However, it's also undeniable this is one of the best TV sci-fi series of that era. It's also not a complete copy. There are plenty of compelling original ideas such as the twelve colonies, the designs from the spacecrafts to the Egyptian-like helmets, and also the music. Some of it seems cheesy compared to modern TV. The writing can be melodramatic but it must be compared to writing during that time. The Battlestar Galactica series is an important sign post for the sci-fi genre on TV despite its later deterioration. This pilot movie is a great setup for that series.
- SnoopyStyle
- 23 jul 2016
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As remembering 'Battlestar' from the viewpoint of a youngster in the late 70s - early 80s, I would give it a 9/10.
Viewing 'Battlestar' from the viewpoint of a near 30 male in the year 2000, I give it 7/10. (I have all 24 episodes on tape)
The special effects were near the late 70's level of "Star Wars", and that is truly saying something considering this was a made for TV movie / weekly series. Sure, the stories were uneven. However, to put that in perspective, they rode the gambit from the morality plays of Star Trek (TOS) to the character stories of Star Trek (TNG).
The backstory involved the last known group of 'humans'. After they were given a 'Pearl Harbor' job by the alien bad guys and nearly wiped out, they went in search of a long lost colony. This colony was located on a planet called 'Earth'.
This was really a revolutionary show. It took the best 'good vs evil' elements of Star Wars and combined them with the 'every show is a lesson' elements of Star Trek (TOS). If you weren't contemplating the human nature element of the story, you were involved in the characters.
Unfortunately, you were rarely concerned about both of those within the same episode. In my opinion, this is the only major flaw of the series, it was somewhat unbalanced from show to show. This is somewhat understandable from a series that was wrought with network politics and never made it past 25 episodes. Nevertheless, this is a series that would be very much enjoyed by any true sci-fi fan.
If you don't know the history of the show by now... ABC canned it, despite well above average ratings. The brass felt the show was too expensive. What could have been one of the great sci-fi TV series of all time was done after 24 episodes.
I place 'Battlestar' behind only Star Trek (TOS) as the best sci-fi TV series of all time.
Viewing 'Battlestar' from the viewpoint of a near 30 male in the year 2000, I give it 7/10. (I have all 24 episodes on tape)
The special effects were near the late 70's level of "Star Wars", and that is truly saying something considering this was a made for TV movie / weekly series. Sure, the stories were uneven. However, to put that in perspective, they rode the gambit from the morality plays of Star Trek (TOS) to the character stories of Star Trek (TNG).
The backstory involved the last known group of 'humans'. After they were given a 'Pearl Harbor' job by the alien bad guys and nearly wiped out, they went in search of a long lost colony. This colony was located on a planet called 'Earth'.
This was really a revolutionary show. It took the best 'good vs evil' elements of Star Wars and combined them with the 'every show is a lesson' elements of Star Trek (TOS). If you weren't contemplating the human nature element of the story, you were involved in the characters.
Unfortunately, you were rarely concerned about both of those within the same episode. In my opinion, this is the only major flaw of the series, it was somewhat unbalanced from show to show. This is somewhat understandable from a series that was wrought with network politics and never made it past 25 episodes. Nevertheless, this is a series that would be very much enjoyed by any true sci-fi fan.
If you don't know the history of the show by now... ABC canned it, despite well above average ratings. The brass felt the show was too expensive. What could have been one of the great sci-fi TV series of all time was done after 24 episodes.
I place 'Battlestar' behind only Star Trek (TOS) as the best sci-fi TV series of all time.
- nunyerbiz
- 26 nov 2000
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Although it is a little bit of a dated script and obviously copies off of Star Wars (don't those starfighters look an awful lot like X-wings), Battlestar Gallactica is worth a watch if you're a science fiction geek. If you've seen the new version before, you'll be amazed at how different the old version really is. In the old series, action, jokes, and flirting are much more common. The new version relies on political events and characters.
Although this 1978 version of the film moves a little slowly in places, there are the fascinating space battles. The dialog between the characters and some of the comedy is a little dated, however. I would recommend it if you're a fan of this genre.
Although this 1978 version of the film moves a little slowly in places, there are the fascinating space battles. The dialog between the characters and some of the comedy is a little dated, however. I would recommend it if you're a fan of this genre.
- rebeljenn
- 12 nov 2005
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Give the people who made "Battlestar Galactica" credit, it took a lot to make what they did. The concept was good, a war between humans and "cyborgs" (although they seem more like simple robots) to survive, as the humans flee in a collected fleet trying to find the lost colonies of humanity, namely Earth.
That would have been a novel idea for a theatrical movie, and for a TV show it was outer limits. The special effects were (by 1978 standards) top notch, the set design was good, and they even tried to create a different system of measures, since I think even in Star Trek they refer to things by minutes, hours, and years.
What let the movie (and later series) down was the same limits that affected most of seventies television. Schlocky dialogue, storylines sticking on personal and relationship problems, and somebody had the bright idea to put in a kid and a robot dog to go with him. If the series had been made today, or had simply been let free to explore ideas rather than stick to the "conventions" expected of series television, it might have been great. Instead, it's hardly remembered today.
That would have been a novel idea for a theatrical movie, and for a TV show it was outer limits. The special effects were (by 1978 standards) top notch, the set design was good, and they even tried to create a different system of measures, since I think even in Star Trek they refer to things by minutes, hours, and years.
What let the movie (and later series) down was the same limits that affected most of seventies television. Schlocky dialogue, storylines sticking on personal and relationship problems, and somebody had the bright idea to put in a kid and a robot dog to go with him. If the series had been made today, or had simply been let free to explore ideas rather than stick to the "conventions" expected of series television, it might have been great. Instead, it's hardly remembered today.
- Scott-8
- 24 dic 1998
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This is one of my favorite sci-fi shows, but I certainly recognize its flaws.
The Good:
* the concept
---> I liked the historical context of the 12 tribes of Kobol, the Pearl Harbor-like attack, the "ragtag fugitive fleet" seeking Earth. This really framed the series well.
---> The look of the Ceylon base ships and the bat-wing Ceylon fighters was terrific. I also liked the look of the battlestars and Colonial vipers. The command center of the battlestar seemed believable.
* the casting:
---> Lorne Greene as Adama brings a commanding screen presence
---> Richard Hatch as Apollo is well-cast and believable as a leader/captain of a fighter wing
---> Dirk Benedict as Starbuck the amiable sarcastic sidekick
---> John Colicos as Baltar oozed evil with perfection
---> other minor cast members like Herbert Jefferson Jr as Boomer and Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh were very well cast too
---> I thought the three most visible female characters were all good, though not standout. Maren Jensen, Laurette Spang, and Anne Lockhart just also happened to be beautiful too.
---> visiting cast members like:
-------> Lloyd Bridges as Commander Cain was truly memorable
-------> Patrick McNee as Count Iblis was also highly memorable
-------> Ray Milland and Fred Astaire were good guest stars too
* the costumes
---> I liked the Colonial Warrior uniforms - they still have a style to them today. I liked the Warrior helmets with their Egyptian-like motif.
---> The Ceylon warriors with their shiny armor, had a great look to them too. The red strobe they used for vision was a great menacing concept.
* some episodes with great plot lines
---> the return of Commander Cain and the Pegasus stands out
---> I thought the visit to the "home" planet of Kobol, with its Egyptian motifs, was terrific. This is part of the pilot's introductory three episodes.
---> I also liked the encounter with the Ship of Lights and Count Iblis - this was especially well done.
* the music - I still like the theme song to Battlestar Galactica
* the behavior of the Ceylons was entertaining. "By your command" spoken in a tinny voice was a favorite.
The Bad:
* some cheesy special effects (by today's standards)
---> ...and reuse of the same special effects
---> why was Count Iblis' crash site off-color in one moment, and clear blue the next?
* quite a lot of cheesy cringe-inducing dialogue
* the little kid Boxie and his robot dog
* some of the episodes had really horrible plot lines, especially later in the series
---> the Lost Warrior where the kids attack the Ceylon outpost
---> why did Baltar return to the human fleet again?
The Ugly:
* the original show was cancelled after one season
* Galactica 1980, the follow-on show in which the battlestar finds earth, was pretty horrible
All in all, I am willing to forgive Battlestar Galactica's flaws and remember with fondness its strengths.
Rick
The Good:
* the concept
---> I liked the historical context of the 12 tribes of Kobol, the Pearl Harbor-like attack, the "ragtag fugitive fleet" seeking Earth. This really framed the series well.
---> The look of the Ceylon base ships and the bat-wing Ceylon fighters was terrific. I also liked the look of the battlestars and Colonial vipers. The command center of the battlestar seemed believable.
* the casting:
---> Lorne Greene as Adama brings a commanding screen presence
---> Richard Hatch as Apollo is well-cast and believable as a leader/captain of a fighter wing
---> Dirk Benedict as Starbuck the amiable sarcastic sidekick
---> John Colicos as Baltar oozed evil with perfection
---> other minor cast members like Herbert Jefferson Jr as Boomer and Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh were very well cast too
---> I thought the three most visible female characters were all good, though not standout. Maren Jensen, Laurette Spang, and Anne Lockhart just also happened to be beautiful too.
---> visiting cast members like:
-------> Lloyd Bridges as Commander Cain was truly memorable
-------> Patrick McNee as Count Iblis was also highly memorable
-------> Ray Milland and Fred Astaire were good guest stars too
* the costumes
---> I liked the Colonial Warrior uniforms - they still have a style to them today. I liked the Warrior helmets with their Egyptian-like motif.
---> The Ceylon warriors with their shiny armor, had a great look to them too. The red strobe they used for vision was a great menacing concept.
* some episodes with great plot lines
---> the return of Commander Cain and the Pegasus stands out
---> I thought the visit to the "home" planet of Kobol, with its Egyptian motifs, was terrific. This is part of the pilot's introductory three episodes.
---> I also liked the encounter with the Ship of Lights and Count Iblis - this was especially well done.
* the music - I still like the theme song to Battlestar Galactica
* the behavior of the Ceylons was entertaining. "By your command" spoken in a tinny voice was a favorite.
The Bad:
* some cheesy special effects (by today's standards)
---> ...and reuse of the same special effects
---> why was Count Iblis' crash site off-color in one moment, and clear blue the next?
* quite a lot of cheesy cringe-inducing dialogue
* the little kid Boxie and his robot dog
* some of the episodes had really horrible plot lines, especially later in the series
---> the Lost Warrior where the kids attack the Ceylon outpost
---> why did Baltar return to the human fleet again?
The Ugly:
* the original show was cancelled after one season
* Galactica 1980, the follow-on show in which the battlestar finds earth, was pretty horrible
All in all, I am willing to forgive Battlestar Galactica's flaws and remember with fondness its strengths.
Rick
- ebk3402
- 19 abr 2005
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Having just seen a "restored" theatrical print a couple of months ago and now having seen the new DVD, I can say that it is virtually flawless. The subtlety of color makes many sequences appear almost three dimensional (especially on the Galactica). They appear to have removed most of the annoying matte lines from some scenes, although a few garbage mattes are visible. Some scenes that were almost unviewable blurs on the VHS have been restored to almost crystal clarity. Also visible are occasional film scratches, but it is far superior to anything I have seen since the 70's theatrical release in "Sensurround" or however they spelled it.
If you are a Galactica nut or even a fan, you will cherish this in your collection.
P.S. I don't work for Universal!
If you are a Galactica nut or even a fan, you will cherish this in your collection.
P.S. I don't work for Universal!
- rlcsljo
- 23 oct 2003
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The early episodes of the short-lived series were adapted into this feature film, which tells, in capable style, of people living in the distant future. They are at war with mechanical villains called the Cylons, who renege on a supposed deal for peace. Many of the humans' military forces and colonized planets are decimated, with one Battlestar remaining: the Galactica. It's up to the intrepid Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) and his troops to relocate all the survivors - if they can find any place suitable.
Apparently axed by ABC because it was, at the time, very expensive to produce, there certainly was some potential in the character-building and world-building done here. Clearly, this series was borne out of inspiration from "Star Wars", but it's reasonably interesting and pretty entertaining on its own terms. It benefits from a highly engaging cast: Richard Hatch as Apollo, Dirk Benedict as Starbuck, Herbert Jefferson Jr. as Boomer, Maren Jensen as Athena, Tony Swartz as Jolly, Noah Hathaway as Boxey, and Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh, with a variety of familiar faces in guest star roles. Of these performers, Ray Milland was a particular favourite for this viewer because he's clearly having some fun playing a slimy opportunist.
Decent production values and action sequences help to keep "Battlestar Galactica" quite watchable, as well as a fair amount of humour (Starbuck likes to gamble, and develops an interest in an otherworldly musical act). It does get mildly precious when it creates a robotic "daggit" (or dog) on which Boxey can dote, but at least this particular character doesn't get *that* much screen time.
The Cylons are pretty cool villains, icy and remote and answering to an insidious being called The Imperious Leader (voiced by an uncredited Patrick Macnee). They do provide the right amount of menace. Producer John Dykstra continued here to utilize the same sort of special effects technology that he pioneered on "Star Wars"; the effects are variable, but effective overall.
The theme music by Stu Phillips is rousing enough to ensure a good time, and the story is, overall, enjoyable enough for this viewer to want to give the series a look.
As everybody knows, this was followed by an updated TV series (and TV movies) in the early 21st century.
Seven out of 10.
Apparently axed by ABC because it was, at the time, very expensive to produce, there certainly was some potential in the character-building and world-building done here. Clearly, this series was borne out of inspiration from "Star Wars", but it's reasonably interesting and pretty entertaining on its own terms. It benefits from a highly engaging cast: Richard Hatch as Apollo, Dirk Benedict as Starbuck, Herbert Jefferson Jr. as Boomer, Maren Jensen as Athena, Tony Swartz as Jolly, Noah Hathaway as Boxey, and Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh, with a variety of familiar faces in guest star roles. Of these performers, Ray Milland was a particular favourite for this viewer because he's clearly having some fun playing a slimy opportunist.
Decent production values and action sequences help to keep "Battlestar Galactica" quite watchable, as well as a fair amount of humour (Starbuck likes to gamble, and develops an interest in an otherworldly musical act). It does get mildly precious when it creates a robotic "daggit" (or dog) on which Boxey can dote, but at least this particular character doesn't get *that* much screen time.
The Cylons are pretty cool villains, icy and remote and answering to an insidious being called The Imperious Leader (voiced by an uncredited Patrick Macnee). They do provide the right amount of menace. Producer John Dykstra continued here to utilize the same sort of special effects technology that he pioneered on "Star Wars"; the effects are variable, but effective overall.
The theme music by Stu Phillips is rousing enough to ensure a good time, and the story is, overall, enjoyable enough for this viewer to want to give the series a look.
As everybody knows, this was followed by an updated TV series (and TV movies) in the early 21st century.
Seven out of 10.
- Hey_Sweden
- 21 may 2019
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That's right, one of a kind. When I first watched this show back a couple of years ago, it just caught me like no other had ever done before. The characters, the settings, the stories, all just magnificent.
One thing a lot of people pick on is the writing. I, myself, do not have a problem with it at all. In fact, I find that the stories make this show one of the most unique sci-fi's ever done. The 12 Colonies of Man all decimated by the Cylon Empire and the struggle of the refugees to survive, all escaping in some 220 refugee ships all being protected by the Galactica herself in search of the planet earth. And let's not forget the other memorable stories, such as the discovery of Commander Cain & the Battlestar Pegasus and when the Galactica found Kobol and discovered some of the origins of men. There's also the stories involving the Ship of Lights, Terra, and other ships from within the rag-tag fleet.
Another highlight of the show is the characters, especially Adama, Apollo, and Starbuck. One could say that Adama was the father figure, the wisest of the group. Then there's Apollo, just one of them good ole boys. And then we have Starbuck, probably the most memorable character from the entire series. And let's not forget the others: Boomer, Jolly, Athena, Cassiopeia, Boxey, Muffit, and last, but definitely not least, Baltar. Yes, this menacing figure is probably the 2nd most memorable face in the series.
And let's not forget the Cylons. These guys were probably one of the biggest money makers of the series back then. Menacing and powerful, they will stop at nothing until the destruction of the human race is complete.
One of the biggest highlights of this production is the music. Who can forget the opening theme? No doubt one of the greatest in all of sci-fi. We also have the Cylon music, very dark and menacing. In this production, Stu Phillips was a genius and he should definitely be commended.
Now, the special effects are something to be admired as well. Created by Star Wars' own John Dykstra, the effects in Battlestar Galactica greatly outshined the rest at that time. Though, the biggest drawback is the constant reuse of special effects footage over and over and over and over again. But it was done to save money, so it's understandable.
Another memorable aspect of the show are the ships themselves. The Galactica, herself, is a huge and powerful vessel, while retaining a charm that few other ships can keep. Probably the most popular ship was the Colonial Viper. While they may resemble the X-Wing Starfighters of Star Wars, the Vipers are unique and special in their own way. Probably the most unique ship in the show was the Cylon Raider. Bat-like in appearance, it was a fierce competitor for the Viper. Then there's the Cylon Basestar, just plain menacing is all that can be said about it. Then there are the other ships: The Rising Star, The Colonial Movers ship, The Celestra, The Prison Barge, The Livery ship, The Gemini Freighter, etc. They all were memorable in their own way.
This show is VERY underrated. A work of art, in my very honest opinion. I give it a 10/10. Extremely brilliant.
One thing a lot of people pick on is the writing. I, myself, do not have a problem with it at all. In fact, I find that the stories make this show one of the most unique sci-fi's ever done. The 12 Colonies of Man all decimated by the Cylon Empire and the struggle of the refugees to survive, all escaping in some 220 refugee ships all being protected by the Galactica herself in search of the planet earth. And let's not forget the other memorable stories, such as the discovery of Commander Cain & the Battlestar Pegasus and when the Galactica found Kobol and discovered some of the origins of men. There's also the stories involving the Ship of Lights, Terra, and other ships from within the rag-tag fleet.
Another highlight of the show is the characters, especially Adama, Apollo, and Starbuck. One could say that Adama was the father figure, the wisest of the group. Then there's Apollo, just one of them good ole boys. And then we have Starbuck, probably the most memorable character from the entire series. And let's not forget the others: Boomer, Jolly, Athena, Cassiopeia, Boxey, Muffit, and last, but definitely not least, Baltar. Yes, this menacing figure is probably the 2nd most memorable face in the series.
And let's not forget the Cylons. These guys were probably one of the biggest money makers of the series back then. Menacing and powerful, they will stop at nothing until the destruction of the human race is complete.
One of the biggest highlights of this production is the music. Who can forget the opening theme? No doubt one of the greatest in all of sci-fi. We also have the Cylon music, very dark and menacing. In this production, Stu Phillips was a genius and he should definitely be commended.
Now, the special effects are something to be admired as well. Created by Star Wars' own John Dykstra, the effects in Battlestar Galactica greatly outshined the rest at that time. Though, the biggest drawback is the constant reuse of special effects footage over and over and over and over again. But it was done to save money, so it's understandable.
Another memorable aspect of the show are the ships themselves. The Galactica, herself, is a huge and powerful vessel, while retaining a charm that few other ships can keep. Probably the most popular ship was the Colonial Viper. While they may resemble the X-Wing Starfighters of Star Wars, the Vipers are unique and special in their own way. Probably the most unique ship in the show was the Cylon Raider. Bat-like in appearance, it was a fierce competitor for the Viper. Then there's the Cylon Basestar, just plain menacing is all that can be said about it. Then there are the other ships: The Rising Star, The Colonial Movers ship, The Celestra, The Prison Barge, The Livery ship, The Gemini Freighter, etc. They all were memorable in their own way.
This show is VERY underrated. A work of art, in my very honest opinion. I give it a 10/10. Extremely brilliant.
- Captain Spyro
- 27 ene 2004
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In a distant galaxy, after a long and costly war, a truce is being implemented between humans and a race of machines known as "Cylons". As a goodwill gesture the leaders of humanity order the entire fleet to assemble at a predetermined location to show their appreciation. It's at this time that the Cylons double-cross the humans and launch a two-pronged surprise assault: the first against the exposed fleet and the second upon the defenseless home planets. Both are extremely successful except that one battlestar remains operational-the Battlestar Galactica-and it's this battlestar that manages to return to the devastated home planets long enough to organize an evacuation utilizing assorted space vessels prior to a devastating second strike by the Cylons. Having barely made their escape, the question then becomes whether this make-shift flotilla can evade hostile Cylon task forces long enough to reach their destination-Earth. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this pilot program for a television series was quite good for its time. Unfortunately, it hasn't aged well and there are a couple of flaws in it which are quite noticeable. For example, in a subsequent surprise attack later in the movie the same radar graphic is used which depicts two "Vipers" being chased by Cylon fighters exactly like the scenario involving "Captain Apollo" (Richard Hatch) and his younger brother "Lieutenant Zac" (Rick Springfield). Likewise, the series also contains a few scenes which are reused as well. Even so this was a good pilot for a good television series and despite the fact that it is quite dated I still find it enjoyable even today. Accordingly, I rate it as slightly above average.
- Uriah43
- 7 may 2015
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I quite enjoyed this film, so at first it may seem strange that I only gave it 5 stars, but there is an explanation for that. The story is original and intriguing, and the special effects are good with great model work and vector based computer graphics. You get more than two hours of worth while space adventure, but there are a couple of things that makes me to deduct a star or two.
Many of the special effects scenes, while gorgeous, are reused more than once in the film, which is sometimes a bit of a distraction. Especially a couple of times where whats taking place in the story does not match the reused effects scene. Also, as this is essentially a TV-show tie-in, the movie ends somewhat abrupt leaving a bit of an empty feeling if you do not plan on watching the show. It can definitely be watched on its own though, and it is possible to look past the things i mentioned here, but my rating here has to be fair and comparable to other movies in the genre. The obvious comparison is Star Wars which came out the year before, and Battlestar Galactica the movie is definitely not near that level overall.
I would recommend any sci-fi fan to watch Battlestar Galactica.
I would recommend any sci-fi fan to watch Battlestar Galactica.
- zumo-16908
- 3 jun 2018
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Battlestar Galactica did have a heavy impact on my childhood. I remember all of my friends trying to rebuild Battlestars and Vipers in various designs out of our LEGO space edition tiles. And how much fun it was to blast the other's ships into pieces! LEGO must have earned millions through us. Never ever has there been another spacecraft as illustrious in design as the Galactica (forget Star Trek's clumsy saucers). Unfortunately, the special effects appeared a little simple, because they were persistently reused. And YES, another commentator was right: Maren Jenson is THE reason to watch the show! Of course, there are one or two things about the story which are quite dubious. For one, the praised military leadership being better than a civilian one is a little hard-core cold-war belief. And in the series, those partially overemphasized religious elements sometimes got a little annoying in the otherwise splendid science-fantasy plot. But after all, those elements formed a heterogeneous mix promoting tolerance and gave the show its uniqueness. Definitely worth watching!
- andre-71
- 4 dic 2000
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For a television movie that set up a series afterward, Battlestar Galactica was really very entertaining. There is no doubt at all that it is a no-holds barred knock-off of Star Wars. nonetheless it has an interesting plot, enjoyable characters played by enjoyable if not great actors, some top-notch special effects for its day(and some truly horrendous ones as well), and a great score. A war between robots and humans breaks out as a human betrays his people for power. Soon the survivors of a vanquished group of human colonies make their way back to Earth to find their "mythical" sister in race. Lorne Greene plays the chief leader wonderfully and his role gives this film much of its credibility. Actors Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict are playfully acceptable and we get the likes of ray Milland, Lew Ayres, Patrick Macnee(voice very menacing), the always affable Wilfred Hyde-White, Terry Carter, and others who all enhance this production. The film end so a series can take off and though I watched it as a kid I don't remember that all that well. It appears I am not missing much. This tele-film; however, is generally well-made and very fun to sit back and enjoy. There are some detractors of course like some corny situations, dialog, and characters. The boy with the robot dog is so nauseatingly unpleasant.
- BaronBl00d
- 25 sep 2009
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The above statement, from the patriarchal Commander Adama (Lorne Green) sums up this show quite nicely. Adama has to lead the last survivors of humanity from the Twelve Colonies of Kobol to a long-lost mythic planet called Earth, home of the 13th Tribe, after the colonies are attacked by the robotic and clumsy Cylons, who strafe a city or two and kill at least one dog.
The first part of Adama's statement is fair enough. Clearly another solar system would be located beyond your own solar system. Oh, but it's also in a different galaxy? You might as well say that the restaurant you're trying to find is "Just down the street, in another country". I wonder if the writers knew what they were talking about.
"Galactica" is full of moments like this. The Vipers, the little fighter planes our heroes fly into battle, have enormous fiery exhaust trails, implying constant acceleration, the effect of which would be to reduce our heroes to strawberry jam. (The Vipers themselves look like hastily cobbled-together knock-offs of the X-wings from "Star Wars"). Their cockpits even have a little instrument on the dashboard telling the pilot which way is "up" -- in space.
The villains of the show are the infamous Cylons, renowned in the realm of televised science fiction as the dumbest, clumsiest, and most ridiculous-looking villains ever. It's to be expected that they can't shoot, but these chrome-plated robots can barely walk. According to Lorne Green, the Cylons are just plain evil, but I'm not sure "evil robots" is all that meaningful, although I did have an evil calculator once. I'm never quite sure whether the Cylons had an organic counterpart who created them, but it doesn't really matter.
In many ways this show is a shallow imitation of "Star Wars," and this can be seen in the cast of characters. Particularly Starbuck (Dirk Benedict), who tries so hard to be Han Solo, but only comes off as petulant, sexist, and rather pathetic. Apollo is the noble, Luke Skywalker hero type, and as such doesn't have a personality. Starbuck has a faithful black sidekick, Boomer, who seems to be much more competent than Starbuck. Adama also has a faithful black sidekick, called Colonel Tigh, who at one point is reduced to picking up everyone's laundry. Take that, Civil Rights Movement!
The destruction of the human colonies is a brief, and amazingly painless affair. A park is strafed by Cylon ships, and a small dog is killed (though the actual death is not shown, so we are left with some hope). Soon enough, our heroes have forgotten all about the genocide: Starbuck tries to get it on with two equally boring women, and Apollo enters into a creepy relationship with the little boy whose dog was maybe killed (though it might be slightly less creepy if you consider he was only trying to sleep with Jane Seymour, the boy's mother). The Cylons, meanwhile, attack again, but are destroyed because they're so utterly incompetent.
Oh yes, and there's a robot dog. I think it was actually a chimp in a robot-dog costume, but either way it's quite nauseating. The special effects are all right to start off (I like those old effects from the Seventies and Eighties, sometimes more than modern CGI), but get very repetitive very fast. I could also mention the preposterous characterization of the humans, including weak-kneed pacifists who are quickly killed, the inexplicably evil and stupid Lord Baltar (John Colicos) who betrays humanity, and the unbelievably dumb Council of Twelve, who prove that democracy just doesn't work.
The first part of Adama's statement is fair enough. Clearly another solar system would be located beyond your own solar system. Oh, but it's also in a different galaxy? You might as well say that the restaurant you're trying to find is "Just down the street, in another country". I wonder if the writers knew what they were talking about.
"Galactica" is full of moments like this. The Vipers, the little fighter planes our heroes fly into battle, have enormous fiery exhaust trails, implying constant acceleration, the effect of which would be to reduce our heroes to strawberry jam. (The Vipers themselves look like hastily cobbled-together knock-offs of the X-wings from "Star Wars"). Their cockpits even have a little instrument on the dashboard telling the pilot which way is "up" -- in space.
The villains of the show are the infamous Cylons, renowned in the realm of televised science fiction as the dumbest, clumsiest, and most ridiculous-looking villains ever. It's to be expected that they can't shoot, but these chrome-plated robots can barely walk. According to Lorne Green, the Cylons are just plain evil, but I'm not sure "evil robots" is all that meaningful, although I did have an evil calculator once. I'm never quite sure whether the Cylons had an organic counterpart who created them, but it doesn't really matter.
In many ways this show is a shallow imitation of "Star Wars," and this can be seen in the cast of characters. Particularly Starbuck (Dirk Benedict), who tries so hard to be Han Solo, but only comes off as petulant, sexist, and rather pathetic. Apollo is the noble, Luke Skywalker hero type, and as such doesn't have a personality. Starbuck has a faithful black sidekick, Boomer, who seems to be much more competent than Starbuck. Adama also has a faithful black sidekick, called Colonel Tigh, who at one point is reduced to picking up everyone's laundry. Take that, Civil Rights Movement!
The destruction of the human colonies is a brief, and amazingly painless affair. A park is strafed by Cylon ships, and a small dog is killed (though the actual death is not shown, so we are left with some hope). Soon enough, our heroes have forgotten all about the genocide: Starbuck tries to get it on with two equally boring women, and Apollo enters into a creepy relationship with the little boy whose dog was maybe killed (though it might be slightly less creepy if you consider he was only trying to sleep with Jane Seymour, the boy's mother). The Cylons, meanwhile, attack again, but are destroyed because they're so utterly incompetent.
Oh yes, and there's a robot dog. I think it was actually a chimp in a robot-dog costume, but either way it's quite nauseating. The special effects are all right to start off (I like those old effects from the Seventies and Eighties, sometimes more than modern CGI), but get very repetitive very fast. I could also mention the preposterous characterization of the humans, including weak-kneed pacifists who are quickly killed, the inexplicably evil and stupid Lord Baltar (John Colicos) who betrays humanity, and the unbelievably dumb Council of Twelve, who prove that democracy just doesn't work.
- The_Other_Snowman
- 6 mar 2007
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for over 20 years poeple have slammed BSG for not being as good as star wars.......excuse me? but sci fi series is. QUIT SLAMMING IT AND WATCH IT AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME.what you'll discover is a wonderful tale about tragedy,exodus,survival,conflict,strategy,and even romance.you'll find a group of people who are forced to draw a line in the stars and fight back when all odds are agianst them . the story is actually better than star wars. and maybe even better acted than star wars. what it fails to do is capture your immagination the way star wars did. the specail effects hold up even by todays standard. i'm going out on a limb to say that the 2 1/2 hour pilot movie is arguably the best space opera ever behind the star wars trilogy.if you love great looking space battles,good special effects, and a great story. this film is a must see.you owe it to yourself to own a copy of this movie. it is a classic treat your gonna wanna see over and over and over...and just like star wars you'll never get tired of it
- gsawyer
- 15 mar 2000
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- reillym32
- 9 ago 2008
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Straightforward and nostalgic space opera story with breathtaking space battles , grandiose sentiment and slushy romances. This is a pilot episode of the sci-fi TV series which was later released in the theatres . Humanity has reached for the stars and populated twelve planets as colonies of their home planet Kobol in a distant part of the galaxy . A reptilian race has created robots with artificial intelligence, the Cylons, that rebel against humanity and after a war agree to go their own way. Humanity, consists of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. A long time back, robot slaves were created called Cylons to do their work. The Cylons eventually revolted and a bloody war ensued ; then an armistice was signed and the Cylons left the Twelve Colonies . Later on , Cylons attack and nuking the twelve colonies , thus killing billions of humans and virtually annihilating human civilization. The only survivors under President Adar (Lew Ayres) and commanded by Adama (Lorne Greene) and Colonel Tigh (Terry Carter) were in space at the time. These survivors band together along with the only surviving warship, Battlestar Galactica, under the aegis of Commander William Adama , along with brave pilots : Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch) who's Adama's son , philander Lieutenant Starbuck (Dirk Benedict) , Lieutenant Boomer (Herbert Jefferson Jr.) and over the next seasons they set out to escape the Cylons and to find the fabled 13th Colony called Earth . After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth !. The Last Battlestar Galactica Leads a Rag Tag Fugitive Fleet on a Lonely Quest for a Shining Planet Known as...Earth !. Special ABC Space Spectacular!. The fight to save humanity rages on !. Where will you stand? Destiny is not what it seems !. The world is over !. The fight has just begun !.
This sensational TV epic adventure is plenty of action , impressive battles , spectacular drama and being pretty entertaining . Feature cobbled from the American TV series complete with shots and effects repeated ad nauseam. Similar in plot and costume to ¨Star Wars¨ , but at heart a traditional space western with less emphasis on droids and more on shootouts . Some good FX , but with strictly standard , ordinary performance from a popular cast . Original Battlestar Galactica series was based on an idea called "Adam's Ark" by Glen A. Larson . The movie packs a real sense of wonder and stimulating action set pieces illuminating the full-blown feats of the various protagonists and winding up in overlong battles and a stunning finale . Dealing with the known confrontation between Humans and Cyclons ; when the Cylons, resurface obliterate , attack and destroy the 12 colonies, the crew of Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth. As the adventure deals with the good guys : a group of humans , and , the bad boys : the Cyclons that quickly dominate humanity , wiping out most and forcing thousands of humans to flee in ragtag fleet through space. It offered an entertaining mix of adventure , thrills , space dogfighting and brief doses of comedy, with stories that intentionally deliver action , adventure , romance and aerial battles . It contains incredible and overwhelming array of technical visual effects designed by expert John Dykstra . "Galactica" was really re-worked from its original pilot to capitalize on the popularity of "Star Wars", and it employed the same special effects team and the same concept designer. Besides, the attractive props , atrezzo , gowns from this series were recycled for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979), which Glen A. Larson also produced. Casting was essential for the series to succeed, and Larson made an inspired choice. The valiant womanizer Dirk Benedict combined maturity with a boyish charm, and an ability to make even the most risqué remark seem unoffensive ; the brave , responsible Richard Hatch , while his father acted by Lorne Greene provided kind stability and statesman-like wisdom to the mix, and a number of gorgeous Sci-fi girls as Maren Jensen , Laurette Spang and a young Jane Seymour ; in adittion : Lew Ayres , Wilfrid Hyde-White , John Colicos, Ray Milland , Ed Begley Jr. , Rick Springfield ; furthermore , a goofy little robot , Boxey's "daggit" (a dog-like animal) "drone", or robot, was realized by having a trained chimpanzee inside the daggit-drone costume . Richard Hatch as Captain Apollo is the only actor to appear in this series and the reboot Galactica (2004) , however, in the latter, he did not reprise his role of Apollo from the original but instead played a different character. This TV pilot was professionally directed by Richard A. Colla and Alan J. Levi . Rating : 6.5/10 . It is really for genre fans
This classic series is formed by 21 episodes and there're individual episodes also available that have been exhibided on big screen . And a successful reboot : Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) : Writers: Glen A. Larson, Ronald D. Moore with Edward James Olmos , Mary McDonnel , Jamie Bamber , James Callis , Tricia Helfer , Grace Park , Katee Sackhof. In the classic series Battlestar Galactica (1978) the Cylons were created by a reptilian race. In this series (2004) , the Cylons are created by humans by means of scientific advancement . Because this series was based on the 1970's show he created, Glen A. Larson was credited as a consulting producer on every episode of the new series, ensuring that he receives a significant residual income ; however, he had no part in the production whatsoever.
This sensational TV epic adventure is plenty of action , impressive battles , spectacular drama and being pretty entertaining . Feature cobbled from the American TV series complete with shots and effects repeated ad nauseam. Similar in plot and costume to ¨Star Wars¨ , but at heart a traditional space western with less emphasis on droids and more on shootouts . Some good FX , but with strictly standard , ordinary performance from a popular cast . Original Battlestar Galactica series was based on an idea called "Adam's Ark" by Glen A. Larson . The movie packs a real sense of wonder and stimulating action set pieces illuminating the full-blown feats of the various protagonists and winding up in overlong battles and a stunning finale . Dealing with the known confrontation between Humans and Cyclons ; when the Cylons, resurface obliterate , attack and destroy the 12 colonies, the crew of Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth. As the adventure deals with the good guys : a group of humans , and , the bad boys : the Cyclons that quickly dominate humanity , wiping out most and forcing thousands of humans to flee in ragtag fleet through space. It offered an entertaining mix of adventure , thrills , space dogfighting and brief doses of comedy, with stories that intentionally deliver action , adventure , romance and aerial battles . It contains incredible and overwhelming array of technical visual effects designed by expert John Dykstra . "Galactica" was really re-worked from its original pilot to capitalize on the popularity of "Star Wars", and it employed the same special effects team and the same concept designer. Besides, the attractive props , atrezzo , gowns from this series were recycled for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979), which Glen A. Larson also produced. Casting was essential for the series to succeed, and Larson made an inspired choice. The valiant womanizer Dirk Benedict combined maturity with a boyish charm, and an ability to make even the most risqué remark seem unoffensive ; the brave , responsible Richard Hatch , while his father acted by Lorne Greene provided kind stability and statesman-like wisdom to the mix, and a number of gorgeous Sci-fi girls as Maren Jensen , Laurette Spang and a young Jane Seymour ; in adittion : Lew Ayres , Wilfrid Hyde-White , John Colicos, Ray Milland , Ed Begley Jr. , Rick Springfield ; furthermore , a goofy little robot , Boxey's "daggit" (a dog-like animal) "drone", or robot, was realized by having a trained chimpanzee inside the daggit-drone costume . Richard Hatch as Captain Apollo is the only actor to appear in this series and the reboot Galactica (2004) , however, in the latter, he did not reprise his role of Apollo from the original but instead played a different character. This TV pilot was professionally directed by Richard A. Colla and Alan J. Levi . Rating : 6.5/10 . It is really for genre fans
This classic series is formed by 21 episodes and there're individual episodes also available that have been exhibided on big screen . And a successful reboot : Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) : Writers: Glen A. Larson, Ronald D. Moore with Edward James Olmos , Mary McDonnel , Jamie Bamber , James Callis , Tricia Helfer , Grace Park , Katee Sackhof. In the classic series Battlestar Galactica (1978) the Cylons were created by a reptilian race. In this series (2004) , the Cylons are created by humans by means of scientific advancement . Because this series was based on the 1970's show he created, Glen A. Larson was credited as a consulting producer on every episode of the new series, ensuring that he receives a significant residual income ; however, he had no part in the production whatsoever.
- ma-cortes
- 22 may 2023
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- warbird1786
- 11 oct 2007
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I was 8 years old when the TV show first aired and this movie grazed the silver screen - that was 1978. Fast-forward to 2023 and I finally seen my childhood film again. I have to say it entertaining many years later.
Our story begins when Cylons have proposed a peace treaty with the human race. Some of the men feel this is ruse while others believe the Cylons are sincere. It was a trick, Cylons destroyed most all planet colonies and all Battlestars but one - now our truly start with Apollo, Starbuck, Adama and others trying to save what is left of the human race and find their fabled mother planet: Earth.
Interesting story and characters. Some of the effects are a little dated but they still hold up well enough to enjoy this film!
Worth watching sci-fi fans!!
7/10.
Our story begins when Cylons have proposed a peace treaty with the human race. Some of the men feel this is ruse while others believe the Cylons are sincere. It was a trick, Cylons destroyed most all planet colonies and all Battlestars but one - now our truly start with Apollo, Starbuck, Adama and others trying to save what is left of the human race and find their fabled mother planet: Earth.
Interesting story and characters. Some of the effects are a little dated but they still hold up well enough to enjoy this film!
Worth watching sci-fi fans!!
7/10.
- Tera-Jones
- 3 jul 2023
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This film, and the television series that went with it, definitely had the greatest impact on a lot of boys' childhoods in the early 80s. If like me you are unsure of whether you saw Star Wars or this first, then a mutual fondness of both arises. Today Battlestar Galactica is considered to be an example of how not to do sci-fi - despite the opening promise, with the unforgettable destruction of humanity's home and the following promise of hope still bringing tears to my eyes - the series quickly degenerated into children's television aimed at the youngest and dimmest of children everywhere. But none of that affects the promise of this opening film, which has all the elements any successful film or TV Movie could hope to employ - drama, action, loyalty, betrayal, destruction and death, loss and hope, and the most lovable of characters everywhere - right down to Boxey, who by owning Muffit, was the envy of children everywhere... (In fact it's rumoured that Annakin Skywalker's look was based on him!) So overall, I would recommend this film - it symbolises all the good that made the late 70s memorable.
- Matt-269
- 25 may 1999
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"There are those who believe, that life here began out there." These words marked the start of a new sci-fi show that featured robots, ships, bigger ships, planets, space and more robots. Yes, I remember when I got my first taste of Battlestar Galactica for the first time back in 1986 when it showed on BBC2 at 6pm. Aged only four, I knew this program would be in my life forever. My sister used to watch it just for Richard Hatch and still does! The Twelve colonies of Man have been fighting the Cylons for over a millenia. Finally having a choice for peace, the Humans take it, not knowing what lies around the corner. Only Adama's two sons, Zak and Apollo know of the empending doom from a routine recon patrol. Racing to get back to the Galactica, one of them gets blown to bits when a Cylon attack force races towards the fleet of Battlestars. If you've seen the series and the feature-lentgh movie, you know of the quality of the effects were, at that time, groundbreaking. Now, they're just pants. The actings good along with the plot. Its just those effects. That niggle aside, I still love watching both the series and the movie. Oh, don't bother watching the new one. It don't match up to the original. I mean...Starbucks..a..Woman!!
- nmk2002uk
- 24 mar 2004
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- BumpyRide
- 26 oct 2006
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Created by Glen A. Larson, the master of late-1970's TV Sci-Fi, this is the best of the spate of Star Wars clones. On the surface, it is a cheesy space-opera epic with space battles, an army of genocidal robots, a traitorous betrayal, and a desperate fight against incredible odds. Going deeper, it is both a statement about the Cold War and a conscious allegory of Mormon theology (Larson is a member of the LDS church).
I grew with this series, and idolized Starbuck and Apollo. Still today, I can watch the series premiere (which was also variously released as a TV movie, and even in theaters in Canada, Europe, and later the USA) over and over again. There are some moments of great dialogue, the effects are pretty good (even if they tend to repeat...a lot), and the story and series concept are excellent. You gotta love any series that STARTS with the near-extinction of the entire human race.
Unfortunately, when the transition was made from the original concept of several special-event TV movies to a regular series, the conventions of 70's TV took over. Forget most of the series episodes, they tend to repeat plot ideas more than "Star Trek: Voyager" re-uses the "Space Anomaly of the Week" idea. But the original movie is a true sci-fi classic.
I grew with this series, and idolized Starbuck and Apollo. Still today, I can watch the series premiere (which was also variously released as a TV movie, and even in theaters in Canada, Europe, and later the USA) over and over again. There are some moments of great dialogue, the effects are pretty good (even if they tend to repeat...a lot), and the story and series concept are excellent. You gotta love any series that STARTS with the near-extinction of the entire human race.
Unfortunately, when the transition was made from the original concept of several special-event TV movies to a regular series, the conventions of 70's TV took over. Forget most of the series episodes, they tend to repeat plot ideas more than "Star Trek: Voyager" re-uses the "Space Anomaly of the Week" idea. But the original movie is a true sci-fi classic.
- skorzeny
- 18 jun 1999
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- danwebnl
- 28 abr 2003
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I never saw the original Battlestar Galactica series, but I was able to lay my hands on this movie, which I enjoyed watching. For a movie made over 40 years ago, it was a good effort, but only a slice of the series. It however lacked real tension and the plot was underdeveloped. It was nice to see Lorne Greene again, whom I remember from his Bonanza days, way back from 1959 onwards.
Update: This movie is nothing but the first 3 of 24 episodes of the Battlestar Galactica series (1978-1979). I am now watching the series and wondered where I had seen this all before!
Update: This movie is nothing but the first 3 of 24 episodes of the Battlestar Galactica series (1978-1979). I am now watching the series and wondered where I had seen this all before!
- pietclausen
- 23 abr 2021
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