Continuum: Satisfying Sci-Fi

Having not been a viewer of any incarnation of Stargate, I thought that watching the newest direct-to-DVD feature Continuum would be daunting. Instead I found one of the most satisfying science fiction stories I've seen in a long time.

I was amazed at the all-around quality of the feature. The writing, the acting and the production value, absolutely amazing. This film, budgeted at $7 million, could teach some flicks with a much higher budget a thing or two.

What happens with most time travel storylines is they get bogged down in logic -- or that lack thereof. Continuum exhibits a believability that helps draw the viewer in and won't let go.

The System Lord Ba'al devises a plan to halt the Stargate program before it starts and gets three key members of the Stargate team trapped in an alternate timeline, intent on controlling the Earth as well as the universe.

Richard Dean Anderson returns as Jack O'Neill and the director makes good use of him. Instead of seizing an opportunity to hang the picture on him, they use him to help the story along. Anderson and Beau Bridges (Major Landry) have some good scenes were you can see their minds trying to unravel to tangled tale the crew of Stargate is telling them. Both are underappreciated actors that showcase their talents in the limited screen time.

When the armies of Ba'al descend on Earth, Landry sends the SG-1 crew to a location in Antarctica to an existing stargate. In route they're diverted to Russia, where the Russians have retrieved the Stargate from the ship Achilles -- bringing the story full circle.

Final Cut: Veteran Stargate: Atlantis alums Martin Wood (director) and Brad Wright (writer) combine to weave a great stand alone story that deserves a place on any sci-fi fans DVD shelves.

3.5 out of 4 stars

Check out reviews for Shutter and Asylum

DVD Features

1. Audio commentary with Executive Producers/Writer Brad Wright and Director Martin Wood

2. The Making of Stargate:Continuum featurette

3. Stargate goes to the Arctic featurette

4. The Layman's Guide to Time Travel featurette