Directed by Dean Parisot
Starring: Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Rockwell, Tony Shalhoub
If you missed this film when it came out in the theaters in 1999, do yourself a favor: watch it now. Galaxy Quest: Deluxe Edition was recently released by Dreamworks.
The Movie
Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) once starred in a very popular SciFi TV series Galaxy Quest in the 80’s. Well, that time is past and now he and his costars Gwen (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), Tommy Webber (Daryl Mitchell), Guy Fleegman (Sam Rockwell) and Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub) are reduced to appearing at conventions and store openings answering questions as if the ship and the adventures actually took place. Jason feels pretty good about himself but it hurts when he overhears fans making fun of him and his character Commander Peter Taggart.
At one of these conventions, he gets approached by individuals that he thinks are just people in costumes. They ask him to help him defeat their enemy. He thinks it is just fans that want him for a fan film and hastily agrees. Folks, this is where things get strange.
It isn’t long before he realizes that these costumed people are in fact actual aliens and that they want him to defeat Sarris (Robin Sachs) a scary alien hell bent on destroying the Thermians. They believe that “Galaxy Quest” was a historical document when they received it in a transmission; they are unaware that it was just a TV show.
Soon, Jason has rallied his former co-stars to try to help these helpless aliens that believe them all to be heroes and brave souls.
To just dismiss Galaxy Quest as a simple spoof of Star Trek is to discredit how wonderful this film really is. Sure, Dr. Lazarus seems influenced by Spock and Commander Taggert is influenced by Captain Kirk, but there is so much more to this film. It is, at its heart, a cleverly written and wonderfully performed Sci Fi comedy that fires on all pistons from start to finish.
Tim Allen, who is hit or miss with me, really works in this role and it is my favorite performance he has given. Alan Rickman is just fantastic, as well as Sigourney Weaver in her role.
Sam Rockwell, who is one of my favorites and I feel is one of the most underappreciated actors working in film now, does a lot with his small role. Tony Shalhoub is, as expected, wonderfully quirky.
Whether you love Star Trek or not has nothing to do with this film. Forget the word “spoof” and just enjoy this funny Sci Fi flick.
10/10
The Video
The film is presented in a widescreen transfer. The transfer is solid and the contrast levels and black levels are respectable. I did not notice any instances of grain or artifacts.
8/10
The Audio
Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, the sound is immersive and lush. This sounds fantastic and will not disappoint. It’s actually quite surprising that a film of this type sounds as good as it does.
9/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features
The film is presented in a standard Blu Ray amaray case with a cover suitable to the material presented.
Historical Document: The Story of Galaxy Quest is a featurette about the making of the film with interviews with the cast and crew giving perspectives and sharing stories.
Never Give Up, Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector is a look at how the cast performed their parts, the research they did and it seems that the cast genuinely had a good time making this film.
Alien School: Creating the Thermian Race is a look at how the Thermian aliens went from a writer’s idea to flesh on the screen. Sigourney Weaver Raps is exactly what it seems: Weaver and costars rapping.
By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects details the special effects by Stan Winston and Industrial Light and Magic.
Rounding things out is deleted scenes and original theatrical trailer.
7.5/10
Overall ( Not an Average) 7.5/10
The Review
The Movie 10/10
The Video 8/10
The Audio 9/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features 7.5/10
Overall ( Not an Average) 7.5/10